Massive Explosion Near Al-Quds Day Rally in Tehran; Panic Grips Capital

According to the state-run Tasnim News Agency, the blast occurred as thousands of people gathered on the streets to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Footage shared by Tasnim on Telegram shows thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky from the blast site while protesters were chanting slogans nearby.

The explosion in such a crowded area has triggered widespread panic across the Iranian capital. While the exact number of casualties or the extent of the damage has not yet been officially confirmed, the timing of the incident is significant. Amidst the ongoing high-stakes military conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli coalition, this blast is being viewed as a major security breach. Iranian security forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.