Iran-Israel War Escalates: Strikes Hit Tehran as Conflict Enters Eighth Day
The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, entering its eighth day with a new wave of strikes targeting infrastructure within Iran, including oil facilities in Tehran. The United States has also been involved in the attacks, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Recent Strikes Target Iranian Oil Infrastructure
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, large fires erupted in Tehran following attacks on oil storage depots and refinery facilities. The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for targeting oil facilities affiliated with Iran’s armed forces (PBS). Iranian state media confirmed the attacks, reporting that a depot south of Tehran was targeted by both the United States and Israel (PBS).
While one oil depot experienced significant fire and smoke, reports indicate that refinery facilities in the area sustained no damage (PBS). Another oil depot in the northwest region of Tehran was also hit, with AFP journalists witnessing the resulting blaze.
Escalation Following Initial Attacks
The current escalation follows initial attacks launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered the ongoing conflict (PBS). Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and US interests throughout the region.
International Response and Further Strikes
As of March 5, 2026, Iran had launched over 500 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,000 drones since the start of the war, with approximately 40% targeting Israel and 60% aimed at American sites (Times of Israel). Despite these attacks, as of March 5, 2026, only ten people had been killed by Iranian missile strikes in Israel (Times of Israel).
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported destroying over 300 missile launchers in continuous sorties over Iran, with attacks reportedly expanding to target underground Iranian sites (Times of Israel). Strikes have also extended beyond Iran, with reports of attacks hitting Beirut (DW) and impacting countries in the Gulf region, drawing condemnation from Middle Eastern and European governments.
Trump Demands ‘Unconditional Surrender’
US President Donald Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” stating that Iran has “lost everything” and that there are “no time limits” on US action (DW). Trump has also claimed that US arms production will “quadruple” to meet the demands of the conflict, with increased orders placed with major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and RTX (DW).
Potential for Further Escalation
The United States is considering the potential deployment of ground troops to Iran, though this would require a “very good reason” (Times Now News). The US has suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait due to escalating regional security threats (Times Now News). Ukraine has offered assistance to counter Shahed drones, following a US request (Times Now News).