Israeli airstrikes on oil facilities in Tehran on 7 March released nearly 30,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide, matching emissions from a small volcanic eruption. The plume spread across 300,000 square kilometres, reaching several Asian countries.
The strikes hit multiple oil depots and a refinery, igniting fires that burned for days. Black rain fell on the capital, and residents experienced eye and skin irritation along with breathing difficulties. Satellite data showed the sulphur dioxide plume moving over Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China.