Explosion – Massive Blast Hits Central Tehran During Quds Day Demonstration
Explosion – A powerful explosion shook central Tehran on Friday as large crowds gathered in the Iranian capital for annual Quds Day demonstrations. The blast occurred near Ferdowsi Square, an area close to Enghelab Street where pro-government supporters had assembled to take part in rallies expressing solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel.
Thick gray smoke was seen rising above the area moments after the explosion. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, demonstrators were chanting anti-Israel and anti-United States slogans when the incident took place. Footage circulating on local media platforms showed crowds reacting in panic as the smoke spread across the square.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, and there has been no immediate official statement about possible casualties or damage.
Developing Situation Near Major Demonstration Area
Ferdowsi Square is located in a central district of Tehran that frequently hosts political gatherings and public demonstrations. On Friday, thousands of participants had gathered nearby for the annual Quds Day events, which are traditionally marked by large pro-Palestinian rallies across Iran.
Witness accounts described confusion among participants after the blast, with many attempting to move away from the affected area. Emergency response teams were reportedly deployed, although details about the scale of the response remain limited.
Iranian state media initially focused on the ongoing rallies but later acknowledged the explosion near the demonstration route.
Israel Warning Issued Hours Before Explosion
Earlier in the day, Israel’s military had issued a warning related to possible operations in the area. The message was posted on the Israeli military’s Farsi-language account on the social platform X.
In the statement, the military cautioned civilians that operations could take place in the area later in the day and advised people to avoid gathering in specific locations.
The warning read that being present in those areas could put lives at risk. However, it remains unclear how widely the message reached residents of Tehran, as internet access across Iran has been heavily restricted in recent days. Many users rely on virtual private networks or other workarounds to access blocked platforms.
At this stage, no direct connection between the warning and the explosion has been confirmed.
Calls for Large Turnout at Quds Day Rallies
The explosion occurred during Quds Day, an annual event held on the last Friday of Ramadan. The day was first established in 1979 by Iran’s first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel.
A day before the rallies, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called for a strong public presence during the demonstrations. In a public message, he described the gatherings as an important symbol of national unity and resistance.
Khamenei also referenced the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, urging citizens to attend the rallies in large numbers. He emphasized that public participation would reflect the country’s determination to stand against its adversaries.
His remarks came amid rising tensions following military exchanges that reportedly began on February 28.
Sharp Statements From United States Leadership
The regional tensions were further highlighted by comments from United States President Donald Trump earlier on Friday. In a statement, Trump said that Iranian military capabilities had been severely weakened by recent attacks.
He claimed that Iran’s naval forces, air power, and missile systems had been significantly damaged and asserted that several senior leaders had been eliminated.
Trump also criticized Iran’s leadership, accusing it of supporting violence around the world for decades. His remarks reflected the heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran as the conflict continues to unfold.
Investigation Into Blast Still Underway
As of Friday evening, Iranian officials had not provided detailed information about the explosion in Tehran. The exact cause remains unknown, and authorities have not confirmed whether it was the result of a military strike, an accident, or another form of attack.
Security forces have reportedly increased their presence around key areas of the capital while investigations continue.
With tensions in the region already high, the incident has added further uncertainty to an already volatile situation in the Middle East.