TEHRAN: Iranian citizens were met with a grim reality on Sunday morning as airstrikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shrouded the capital in darkness and smoke. The targeted strikes, which hit multiple oil storage depots over the weekend, marked the first focused attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure since conflicts escalated on February 28. Residents woke up to pervasive coughing fits instead of sunlight, highlighting the dire consequences of these military actions.

The IDF stated that these facilities play a crucial role in supporting Iran's military operations, claiming the “Iranian terror regime” utilizes them to distribute fuel for military purposes. The assaults are reported to have resulted in a steep rise in global oil prices, with Brent crude rising to $114 per barrel—an increase of 23% in just one weekend. This spike not only destabilizes the Iranian economy but could also ripple through the global market.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes throughout Tehran, with flames pouring from storage tanks and oil leaking into the streets. The aftermath has been devastating, with local authorities confirming the deaths of at least four tanker drivers. Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, the governor of Tehran, acknowledged that fuel distribution was temporarily interrupted and assured residents that the situation was being addressed. “The problem is being resolved,” he stated, but the visible destruction raised serious concerns about the long-term repercussions on public health and environmental safety.

The air quality in Tehran has deteriorated drastically, with plumes of black smoke cloaking the city of ten million. Residents have reported severe respiratory issues, with one woman stating, “You can smell the burning. I can’t see the sun.” Many fear for their health as they venture outdoors, compelled to navigate a landscape transformed into one of devastation and despair. With oil infrastructures targeted, experts warn that continued airstrikes could lead to further global economic instability and exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region.