In a tit-for-tat escalation, Iran’s elite IRGC unleashed Kheibar Shekan missiles on Israel’s Haifa refinery Saturday night, avenging coordinated US-Israeli strikes that ravaged Tehran’s energy grid. The IRGC’s statement on Sepah News marked the assault as payback for the fiery destruction of Iranian oil depots.
Fire crews in Tehran and Alborz province continue round-the-clock efforts to extinguish blazes sparked by incoming missiles. Witnesses described a night of chaos in the capital, punctuated by deafening explosions that lit up the skyline.
The roots of this confrontation lie in the February 28 joint operation by Washington and Tel Aviv, which targeted Iranian leadership and military hubs, resulting in significant losses including relatives of Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran’s riposte involved waves of missiles and drones pounding regional enemy positions.
Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani framed the enemy actions as a divisive scheme, calling on President Trump to own up to being duped by Israel. He emphasized the enduring scar on Iran’s collective psyche.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Araghchi revealed steady dialogue with Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal, who pledged neutrality by barring use of Saudi domains for anti-Iran operations. This assurance arrives at a pivotal moment.
The refinery strike amplifies fears of broader conflict, with analysts warning of supply disruptions that could spike global energy prices. As both sides dig in, the cycle of retaliation threatens to engulf the region in prolonged instability, demanding urgent international intervention.