Powerful explosions were reported at Mehrabad International Airport, one of the main commercial airports in Tehran, as tensions rise across West Asia. Airstrikes struck the Iranian capital in the early hours of Saturday, according to state media reports, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Footage circulating on social media showed a huge fire at the airport in Tehran following the strikes. The video captured thick plumes of smoke and flames rising from the airport, one of the capital’s key aviation hubs. According to eyewitnesses cited by media outlets, a plane was seen burning on the airport’s tarmac after the explosions.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show multiple blasts and fires across different parts of the Iranian capital. The footage suggests that several areas of Tehran may have been targeted. Further details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties were not immediately available.
The explosions come after Israel announced earlier that it was launching a new wave of strikes against Iran. Also, US President Donald Trump said only Iran’s unconditional surrender would bring an end to the escalating Middle East war.
Also read: ‘Army gone, navy gone’: Trump weighs US ‘boots on the ground’ in Iran, says report
Rising aerial threats in UAE
Regional tensions have led to a surge in aerial threats across the Gulf. According to Arab News, the United Arab Emirates intercepted more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles within the past 24 hours. On Friday alone, Saudi air defences reportedly thwarted five missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base along with several drones targeting Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
The escalating hostilities have drawn widespread condemnation from international organisations, including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. During an extraordinary ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on March 1, the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirmed the right of its member states to defend their territories against what it described as Iranian aggression.