Iran-Israel07 March, 20262 min read
US and Israel Bomb Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, Sparking Massive Fireball
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
US and Israeli forces struck Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, causing explosions and a massive fireball Israel said it destroyed 16 Iranian aircraft at Mehrabad, some reportedly 'loaded with weapons'
Tehran airport strikes
US and Israeli forces struck Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport on March 7. The strikes produced massive explosions and a visible fireball that was captured on footage and reported by eyewitnesses.
“Missile strikes hit Iran Saturday after President Trump warned the country could face ‘complete destruction and certain death.’ U.S. and Israeli attacks focused on Tehran regime targets — military capabilities, leadership, the nuclear program and Mehrabad International Airport, where footage showed a massive fireball and smoke.”
News outlets described the strikes as part of a broader overnight campaign that rocked Tehran and set planes ablaze on the tarmac. Coverage emphasized dramatic imagery of a burning aircraft and large plumes of smoke at the airport.
Mehrabad strike claims
Israeli authorities said the strikes specifically targeted military infrastructure at Mehrabad, claiming the destruction of multiple aircraft and facilities linked to the IRGC Quds Force and logistical networks used to arm proxy groups.
Multiple outlets reported Israel’s assertion that 16 planes or aircraft were destroyed and that targets included missile storage, command centres and academy facilities allegedly tied to weapons transfers.
U.S. strikes and threats
The strikes were coordinated with clear U.S. involvement.
“Missile strikes hit Iran Saturday after President Trump warned the country could face ‘complete destruction and certain death.’ U.S. and Israeli attacks focused on Tehran regime targets — military capabilities, leadership, the nuclear program and Mehrabad International Airport, where footage showed a massive fireball and smoke.”
They occurred amid public threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of severe consequences for Iran and signaled potential additional targets.
Coverage noted Trump's social-media posts threatening "complete destruction" or further heavy strikes.
Some reports indicated U.S. actions struck Iranian infrastructure beyond Tehran.
Mixed Iranian official responses
Iranian officials sent mixed messages in the immediate aftermath. Government leaders publicly apologised to neighbouring countries and disavowed unilateral strikes on other states. Hardline figures warned of continued attacks and Iranian officials vowed retaliation.
Coverage emphasized both President Masoud Pezeshkian's conciliatory statements and other officials' bellicose rhetoric. Some reports portrayed Tehran's chain of command and control over armed forces as uncertain.
Regional conflict impacts
The strikes and subsequent reprisals widened the conflict across the region, with reports of air‑raid sirens and interceptions of missiles and drones.
“Iran launched retaliatory strikes and there were air‑raid alerts and explosions reported over Jerusalem and Gulf cities including Dubai, Manama and near Riyadh; the UAE said it intercepted dozens of missiles and drones while Dubai Airport briefly suspended operations.”
There were reports of damage and casualties in Lebanon and Gulf cities, disruptions to civilian aviation and infrastructure, and multiple outlets documented evacuations, airport suspensions and authenticated footage showing projectiles near airports and other urban areas.
