On June 18, 2025, the Israeli military carried out an attack on a weapons depot in the Iranian city of Shahinshahr, located in Isfahan Province. According to local sources cited by the Tasnim news agency, a powerful explosion occurred during daylight hours, causing panic among residents. Video footage from the scene that circulated on social media showed thick orange smoke rising from the facility, indicating the possible presence of chemicals used in weapons production. The strike was the latest episode in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional war.

According to Iranian media, the blast in Shahinshahr destroyed a warehouse believed to be used to store ballistic missile components. The orange smoke seen by witnesses is typical of the combustion of substances such as nitric acid or ammonium nitrate, which are used in the missile and explosives industries. Experts interviewed by Al Jazeera note that such chemicals are often used to produce fuel for medium- and long-range missiles, making the warehouse a strategic target. The Israeli army (IDF) has not yet confirmed the attack, but has previously stated its intention to strike targets linked to Iran's military capabilities, including nuclear weapons infrastructure and missile arsenal.

The conflict, which began on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes on nuclear sites in Natanz and Karaj, has killed more than 700 people, including civilians, according to Iranian officials. Tehran responded with a series of missile attacks, firing more than 1200 rockets and drones at Israel, some of which damaged cities including Haifa. The strike on Shahinshahr, located near the key nuclear facility in Isfahan, underscored Israel’s desire to undermine Iran’s military infrastructure. According to Reuters, the attack may have been carried out using kamikaze drones, allowing for a pinpoint strike while minimizing civilian casualties.