330,000 Flee Tehran as Oil Prices Dive Nearly 4% Amid Isreal-Iran War
The volatile conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a new turn as over 330,000 residents fled Tehran in the past 48 hours following intensified Israeli airstrikes targeting key military and strategic sites in Iran’s capital.
The strikes—described as some of the most direct since the hostilities reignited—have triggered both a humanitarian crisis and sharp ripples across global markets.
Iranian authorities announced an emergency evacuation for vast portions of central Tehran after multiple Israeli strikes reportedly hit near or around high-value targets, including military command posts, state media headquarters, and other government-linked facilities.
Though Iran has not disclosed the full extent of the damage, visuals from Tehran show smoke columns rising above densely populated areas.
Metro stations have been overwhelmed with fleeing residents, while highways leading out of the city are jammed with vehicles.
Makeshift shelters have sprung up in suburbs and nearby towns, while the Iranian Red Crescent is said to be assisting in temporary relief.
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Entire neighborhoods are emptying,” said a Tehran-based journalist, speaking anonymously due to security concerns.
In response to the attack, oil prices initially spiked, with Brent crude climbing over 7% to surpass $74 per barrel.
Traders reacted nervously to fears of a wider Middle East war and possible disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global crude.
However, as diplomatic channels began to cautiously reopen and Iran hinted at interest in de-escalation, the market cooled. Brent crude retreated by nearly 4%, stabilizing in the $71–73 per barrel range.
Analysts cited a combination of U.S. diplomatic pressure and OPEC reassurance as key to restoring short-term investor confidence.
“The market reacted sharply to fears of escalation, but the lack of immediate retaliation and signs of restraint have helped bring prices back down,” said Lara Fujimoto, a commodities analyst with JP Securities.
The crisis has renewed concerns over regional stability and the fragility of energy markets in the face of geopolitical tensions. While the Strait of Hormuz remains operational, any further military developments could change the equation quickly.
Several oil-importing nations have already begun drawing from reserves in preparation for potential supply shocks.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll is growing. Emergency services in Tehran are stretched thin, and international observers are calling for safe corridors and humanitarian aid access as fears mount of further airstrikes.
Summary of Key Developments:
• Over 330,000 people evacuated from Tehran following Israeli strikes.
• Targets hit: military installations, state TV compound, police command centers.
• Oil prices initially surged by 7%, then fell 4% as tensions momentarily eased.
• Metro stations and suburbs overwhelmed by displaced residents.
• Strait of Hormuz remains open, but military activity continues in the Gulf.
As the world watches with concern, diplomats in Washington, Brussels, and Doha are reportedly pushing for a ceasefire. Until then, Tehran remains on edge—and global markets remain volatile.
