A massive fire has engulfed a key oil refinery in Erbil, sending shockwaves across Iraq’s Kurdistan region and raising fresh concerns over energy security in the Gulf. The explosions, captured in dramatic videos circulating on social media, show towering flames ripping through the facility, with thick plumes of smoke visible from miles away. The incident comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with recent threats targeting Gulf energy infrastructure adding to the volatility. While the exact cause of the blasts remains unclear, the timing has intensified speculation and scrutiny around regional stability and the safety of critical oil assets. Authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the extent of damage or potential casualties.

Fresh questions are being raised around Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition after reports of US-Israeli airstrikes targeting a key Iranian compound. While early speculation suggested possible serious harm, Iranian officials have now stepped in to set the record straight. According to official statements, Mojtaba Khamenei was inside the compound at the time of the strike and sustained only a minor injury linked to the blast shockwave. Authorities have strongly pushed back against what they describe as “misleading narratives,” insisting there is no threat to his health or leadership role. However, the lack of public appearances and a flood of conflicting reports have kept speculation alive, drawing global attention to the situation. WATCH