Iran warns of acidic rain in Tehran after oil depot fires

Scientists warn this rain may pollute soil and water. (Image credit: X)

• Israeli strikes on Tehran oil depots raise polluted rain worries
• Officials warn of acid rain from fuel smoke mixing with moisture
• Fires release toxic particles; environmental impact uncertain

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After Israeli strikes reportedly hit several oil depots in Tehran, Iranian officials say the city may now be facing another problem: polluted rainfall.

Authorities warned that thick smoke from the burning fuel facilities has mixed with moisture in the atmosphere, creating what they describe as acidic or contaminated rain falling over parts of the capital. The full environmental impact, they say, is still unclear.

The concern comes after dramatic scenes from Tehran over the weekend. Videos have been circulating online showing massive flames rising from what appear to be fuel storage tanks, with heavy black smoke spreading across the skyline.

Oil depot fires can release huge quantities of soot and chemical particles into the air. When fuel burns, it produces smoke containing sulphur compounds and other pollutants. As those particles drift through the atmosphere, they can eventually mix with rain clouds and fall back to the ground.

Scientists say this kind of rainfall can carry contaminants that affect soil, crops and water sources. In large cities, it can also worsen breathing problems for people already exposed to smoky air.

Iranian officials drew a comparison with the “black rain” that fell after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, when soot and debris mixed with rainfall across the devastated city. Experts note, however, that the situation in Tehran is very different because oil fires do not produce radioactive fallout.

Still, large fuel fires can cause serious environmental damage. Once oil storage tanks ignite, they are extremely difficult to extinguish. The fires can burn for many hours, sometimes days, because the fuel keeps feeding the flames.

Fire crews usually focus first on stopping the blaze from spreading to nearby tanks, which can turn a single fire into a chain reaction across an entire storage facility.

The reported strikes on oil depots suggest that energy infrastructure is becoming a bigger part of the conflict between Iran and Israel. Until recently, most attacks had focused on missile launch sites, air defence systems and other military targets.

Fuel depots, however, are closely tied to everyday life. The petrol and diesel stored there power transport, industry and electricity systems.

For people living in Tehran, the immediate worry is much simpler. With smoke still hanging over parts of the city, many residents are now wondering what exactly might be falling with the rain.