Iran Strikes: Black Rain, Toxic Air & Attacks on Water Supply

Tehran residents awoke Sunday to a city shrouded in toxic smoke after overnight Israeli strikes targeted several fuel depots, causing widespread fires and a phenomenon locals are calling “black rain” – oil-tainted rainfall reported dozens of miles from the blast sites. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and have raised concerns about the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Images circulating from Tehran, a sprawling metropolis of nearly 10 million people, depict thick black plumes of smoke dominating the skyline. Residents have reported difficulty breathing and a noticeable oily residue coating surfaces after the rainfall. “The rain is black, I can’t believe it, I’m seeing black rain,” Kianoosh, a 44-year-traditional engineer in Tehran, told TIME. “It’s even in Tajrish, which is miles and miles away from the oil tanks.”

The situation unfolds as the U.S. And Israel continue strikes on Iran, hitting oil storage depots and refining facilities in Tehran for the first time, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

Immediate Health Concerns and Warnings

Iran’s Red Crescent Society issued warnings to residents of Tehran and surrounding areas, stating the rainfall following the strikes could be “highly dangerous and acidic,” potentially causing “chemical burns of the skin and serious damage to the lungs.” Leila, a 27-year-old teacher in Tehran, described the air as “unbreathable,” stating, “Something like a black monster has swallowed the sky over Tehran.” She reported experiencing a headache, sore lips, and irritation in her eyes and throat after just 15 minutes in her car.

Ahmad, a 63-year-old Tehran resident, reportedly left the city due to the deteriorating air quality. Parviz, a 49-year-old university professor located about 70 miles north of Tehran, said his white car was almost completely black after the fallout.

What Was Targeted?

Iranian state media reported that the Aghdasieh oil warehouse in northeast Tehran, the Shahran oil depot north of the city, an oil refinery in the south, and an oil depot in Karaj, west of Tehran, were among the facilities struck. Israel took responsibility for the strikes, stating they targeted “several fuel storage complexes belonging to the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)]” used to distribute fuel to military entities, according to a post on X.

The Shahran oil depot was also targeted during a 12-day air campaign against Iran last June.

Escalation and Broader Regional Impact

These strikes reach amid a broader conflict sparked by the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, an event an Iranian official described to CNN as crossing “a very dangerous red line.” President Trump has indicated further strikes are planned throughout the week. The conflict has already resulted in damage to air hubs, disruption of oil shipments, and, tragically, the reported deaths of over 100 girls at an elementary school near a military base in Iran.

Beyond Iran, the conflict is rapidly expanding. The United Arab Emirates reported three deaths – nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh – caused by Iranian drones, with 58 others sustaining minor injuries. Iran launched 165 ballistic missiles at the UAE, with the country’s air defenses intercepting 152 and 13 falling into the sea, along with two cruise missiles. A total of 541 drones were launched, with 506 intercepted and 35 falling within UAE territory, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense.

Israel has also launched a major offensive against Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon’s health minister reported 394 deaths as of Sunday, including 83 children.

Attacks on Critical Infrastructure: A New Phase?

The targeting of fuel depots represents a shift in the conflict, directly impacting Iran’s civilian infrastructure and raising concerns about environmental consequences. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated on X that the attacks are “releasing hazardous materials and toxic substances into the air, poisoning civilians, devastating the environment, and endangering lives on a massive scale.”

Adding to these concerns, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the United States of attacking a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, impacting water supplies for 30 villages. Both Israel and the U.S. Military have denied responsibility.

Bahrain also accused Iran of a drone attack that caused damage to a desalination plant, further highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the region. These attacks on water supplies raise the specter of a “water war” in an already arid region heavily reliant on desalination.

What Happens Next?

The immediate future remains highly uncertain. President Trump’s warning of further escalation suggests the conflict is likely to intensify. The attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly water and fuel supplies, raise the risk of a humanitarian crisis and could draw further international condemnation. The situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, with the potential for wider regional involvement.

As of Sunday, Iran’s Red Crescent Society reported damage to approximately 10,000 civilian structures across the country, including homes, schools, and medical facilities.