Israel bombs Tehran's Mehrabad airport; planes ablaze, smoke billows
What's the story
Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport and other parts of the city on Saturday. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "broad-scale wave of strikes" on government targets in the Iranian capital. Eyewitness accounts cited by RT stated seeing burning planes on the tarmac and large fires and billowing smoke at the airport.
Twitter Post
Social media post on airstrikes
HOLY SH*T
— Throwback Iran (@Tarikh_Eran) March 6, 2026
This is Tehran moments ago… pic.twitter.com/GhgIka6Fwz
Escalating conflict
Airstrikes come after joint US-Israel action killed Khamenei
The airstrikes come after a joint US-Israel military action on February 28, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks across several Arab countries. The Israeli military said it had detected another round of Iranian missile fire headed toward Israel, resulting in explosions in Tel Aviv.
Imminent escalation
'Biggest bombing campaign' of the war still to come
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a major escalation in the conflict, saying "the biggest bombing campaign" of the war was still to come. The United States and Israel have repeatedly targeted Iran's military capabilities, leadership, and nuclear program. The latest developments are part of an ongoing cycle of retaliation between Israel and Iran.
International fallout
Financial markets react to airstrikes
Iran has retaliated against Israel and the Gulf countries throughout the conflict, including on the seventh day. Financial markets reacted sharply to the news of the airstrikes, with European and US stocks dropping while oil prices surged. The conflict has also widened across the region, with Israel striking Beirut, targeting Hezbollah.