Israeli forces, in coordination with the U.S., conducted airstrikes on multiple Iranian oil depots early on March 8, 2026, marking the first time such civilian energy infrastructure was targeted in the ongoing conflict. The attacks hit facilities in and around Tehran, including the Aghdasieh oil warehouse in the northeast, the Shahran oil depot in the north, the Tehran refinery in the south, and sites in Karaj to the west. Iranian state media reported at least four fatalities, including tanker drivers, and described the strikes as causing massive fires that blanketed the capital in toxic smoke and even black rainfall in surrounding areas. The Israeli military justified the operation by claiming the depots were used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for military fuel distribution.
Residents in Tehran described the scene as apocalyptic, with one telling the BBC that “night turned into day” amid the explosions and flames. Videos and satellite imagery captured huge plumes of black smoke rising over the city, with fires raging for hours. This escalation comes on the ninth day of the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began with the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Here are visuals from the strikes showing the fires and smoke over Tehran:
Concurrently, Iranian clerics announced that the Assembly of Experts has reached a majority consensus on a successor to the late Ayatollah Khamenei. Assembly member Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri stated that a “decisive and unanimous opinion” has been agreed upon, based partly on the late leader’s advice that the replacement should “be hated by the enemy.” While the name remains undisclosed publicly, sources indicate Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the former leader and a mid-ranking hardline cleric, is the frontrunner. Some obstacles, including security concerns amid the war, delay the formal announcement, expected within a day.
President Trump has weighed in, calling Mojtaba Khamenei “unacceptable” and suggesting U.S. involvement in the selection process, which Iranian clerics cited as reinforcing their choice. Israel issued a warning on X, stating it would pursue the new leader, posting in Persian: “This is a warning!”
Public reactions on X highlight the dual developments, with posts noting the strikes’ impact on Tehran and speculation on the succession. Some users criticized the war as wasteful or fake, tying it to economic gains.
Here are images related to the succession process and public displays of support for the Khamenei family:
The strikes could disrupt Iran’s oil supply, potentially affecting global markets, while the swift succession aims to stabilize the regime amid the conflict. If you need more on specific aspects, like economic impacts or updates, let me know!
