On March 7 and 8, U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iranian oil facilities for the first time since the war began a week earlier, igniting large fires at four oil depots and a transfer center in Tehran and Alborz province. Nighttime skies over Tehran were filled with flames, while during the day, black smoke enveloped the city, leading to soot covering streets and cars, and leaving residents concerned about the health impacts of the resulting pollution.

The aftermath of the attacks included reports of black rain falling on the capital, with significant anxiety among the population due to long-standing drought conditions. Authorities issued warnings about possible acid rain, and many locals began to experience symptoms like sore throats and itchy eyes, which could be linked to the pollution caused by the heavy smoke from the oil fires. The black rain, likely a result of particles and soot from the smoke combining with precipitation, carries potential risks to both public health and the environment.

Scientists are warning about the environmental and health dangers associated with this phenomenon but have faced challenges in assessing the full extent of the impact. The situation highlights the intersection of military conflict, environmental degradation, and public health issues in Tehran, necessitating urgent attention from local and international authorities to mitigate the consequences of such dangerous atmospheric conditions.