2021 Photo of Massive Fire at Iranian Oil Refinery Shared as Recent Attack on Tehran
The Claim
A photo shows a massive explosion in Tehran after the attack on Israel.
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Recently, social media users circulated a photo alleging to show a massive explosion in the Iranian capital, Tehran, coinciding with the Iranian attack on Israel.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found the claim to be misleading. The photo is older than claimed.
Furthermore, no credible media source has reported a recent fire or explosion in the Iranian capital, Tehran.
Massive Fire at the Iranian Oil Refinery in 2021
The original photo dates back to June 2, 2021, showing scenes of smoke billowing due to a fire outbreak at an oil refinery south of the Iranian capital, Tehran.
According to Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh at the time, the cause of the fire was traced back to leaks from two storage tanks unrelated to the production process. In addition, Mansour Darajati, the director-general of the capital’s crisis management team, stated to Iranian state television that the incident was caused by a leak in an emergency liquefied gas pipeline.
Iran Launches Attack on Israel
The circulating claim coincided with Iran's announcement of an attack on Israel involving dozens of drones and missiles in retaliation for Israel's targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, according to a statement from the Iranian mission to the United Nations yesterday, April 13.
Israel Vows to Respond to the Iranian Attack
Israel reported that the Iron Dome successfully intercepted 99% of the Iranian attack and denied Iran's claim of destroying its military base in the Negev. Israeli officials have vowed to retaliate against the Iranian attack.
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