Tehran/Jerusalem (Rajeev Sharma): The confrontation between Israel and Iran escalated sharply late Saturday after an Israeli strike hit a major fuel storage facility in the Iranian capital, sending huge flames and thick smoke into the night sky and signalling a further widening of the week-long conflict.
Footage from Tehran showed fire and smoke rising above the city after the facility was struck. The Israeli military confirmed that it had targeted fuel storage installations as part of its ongoing operations against Iran.
Iranian state media blamed the strike on joint actions by Israel and the United States, claiming the attack damaged infrastructure that supplies fuel to the capital and nearby northern regions. Observers noted that the strike marked one of the first instances in the conflict where a civilian industrial facility appeared to have been hit.
As the violence intensified, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could escalate its military campaign further if Iranian attacks continue. Trump signalled that stronger strikes may follow as the conflict unfolds.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret over the spillover of hostilities into neighbouring countries. He apologised for the impact of recent attacks on regional states, even as Iranian missiles and drones were launched toward targets across the Gulf.
Despite the conciliatory remarks, Iranian hardliners indicated that Tehran would maintain its current military strategy in the face of Israeli and US pressure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the next phase of the conflict could bring unexpected developments, promising “many surprises” as Israel presses ahead with its operations.
With attacks expanding beyond the immediate battlegrounds and diplomatic efforts yet to yield results, the conflict is increasingly raising concerns about broader instability across West Asia and potential disruptions to global energy markets.
