An intense wave of explosions and fires has engulfed Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran, as the broader conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States escalates into its second week. Eyewitnesses and media reports describe powerful blasts at one of the capital’s main aviation hubs, with aircraft ablaze and thick smoke rising over the city in the early hours of Saturday.
The strikes follow a fresh declaration by the Israeli military that it has launched a “broad‑scale” new round of attacks on government and strategic targets across Tehran. Iranian state media confirmed explosions in the western part of the capital and damage at the airport, although detailed casualty figures remain unavailable at this time.
Table of Contents
Airport Assault and Immediate Impact
According to multiple reports, loud detonations shook neighbourhoods surrounding Mehrabad, and social media footage showed smoke and large fires at the airport. Several planes were reportedly burning after the blasts, which appeared to have struck both aircraft and infrastructure on the tarmac.
The airport, which primarily handles domestic flights and lies close to Tehran’s urban centre, has been closed since the strikes began, and its operations are expected to remain suspended amid ongoing military activity.
Broader Conflict Context
The strikes come amid an intensifying war that has seen multiple fronts and retaliation across the Middle East. Iran has responded to earlier Israeli and US strikes with its own missile and drone attacks against Israeli and American positions in the region.
Meanwhile, US officials and Israeli leaders have reiterated that the campaign will continue until their stated objectives are met. US and allied forces have reportedly hit thousands of targets across Iran’s military, defence, and infrastructure networks since the conflict began, contributing to mounting destruction in major cities including Tehran.
Situation Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Explosions and fires at Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran |
| Date | Saturday, 7 March 2026 |
| Belligerents | Israel, United States vs Iran |
| Airport Status | Closed; aircraft and facilities damaged |
| Casualties | Not confirmed by official sources |
| Retaliation | Iran has launched strikes on US and Israeli targets in region |
Regional Repercussions
The extended conflict has spread beyond Iran’s borders, with incidents reported across multiple countries in the Middle East and Gulf region, straining air travel and prompting emergency evacuations. Regional capitals such as Doha, Beirut and Iraq’s bases have reported drone and missile activity linked to the ongoing hostilities.
International calls for de‑escalation and diplomatic efforts have increased, yet with military operations continuing unabated, the crisis appears poised to deepen, with significant humanitarian and geopolitical consequences still unfolding.