Tehran Explosions Rock Al-Quds Day March Amidst Escalating US-Israeli Conflict with Iran

Explosions near a pro-Palestinian Al-Quds Day march in Tehran on Friday, March 13, 2026, resulted in at least one fatality, as tensions escalate between Iran and the United States and Israel. The attacks occurred during a period of heightened conflict, with the US and Israel conducting a 14th consecutive day of strikes against Iran, and Iran retaliating with attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.

Explosions During Al-Quds Day Rally

Multiple explosions were heard around the Al-Quds Day march in Tehran, an annual event held in solidarity with Palestinians. Iranian state television reported a large explosion in Ferdowsi Square, where thousands of demonstrators had gathered. Press TV, a state media outlet, reported that one woman was killed by shrapnel as a result of a US-Israeli airstrike Al Jazeera.

Israel had reportedly warned people to clear the area shortly before the explosions, indicating a planned strike The Independent. Footage from Ferdowsi Square showed people shouting “God is the greatest” as smoke rose from the area.

Escalating Conflict and Casualties

The attacks come as the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel intensifies. Iran’s Health Ministry reported that at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured by US-Israeli attacks since February 28 Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera Arabic reported an additional airstrike near a gathering of protesters in Tehran, with the extent of casualties unclear.

International Reactions and Threats

US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, stating online, “They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them,” and proclaiming, “What a great honor it is to do so!” CBC. He also claimed that “Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.”

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to continue fighting and warned of further pain for Gulf Arab states, threatening to open “other fronts” in the conflict CBC. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacks were creating conditions for the Iranian population to potentially overthrow the government.

Regional Instability and Economic Impacts

Saudi Arabia intercepted dozens of drones entering its airspace, as Iran carries out attacks on oil-rich Gulf countries in response to the US-Israeli strikes CBC. Oil prices dropped on Friday morning after the US issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil, easing supply concerns. Brent futures fell 0.71% to $99.75 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude decreased 0.92% to $94.85 CBC.

Other Developments

• A US military KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq on Thursday, with rescue operations underway CBC.
• Turkey reported that NATO air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran towards its territory CBC.
• The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, arrived in Beirut for a “solidarity” visit to Lebanon CBC.

The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing military actions and escalating rhetoric from all sides. The international community continues to monitor the conflict closely, seeking a path towards de-escalation and a lasting resolution.