Footage capturing significant explosions in Rasht, Iran, has surfaced online following an evacuation order issued by Israeli authorities. BBC Verify journalist Emma Pengelly is working diligently to authenticate these videos.
One video shows the night sky illuminated by a series of explosions in the distance. This particular clip has been circulated without accompanying audio. To confirm its origin, BBC Verify compared key features—such as rivers, roads, bridges, and buildings—with satellite imagery of Rasht. The analysis verified that the footage was indeed taken in the city, with the camera facing southwest towards Sefidrood Industrial Town.
In response to escalating tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an evacuation notice for parts of Sefidrood Industrial Town, stating that operations in the area would commence ‘soon.’ Moreover, according to the Mehr news agency, which is affiliated with the Iranian government, a local official in the Gilan region has confirmed that an area of the park was impacted early this morning, and assessments of the damage are currently underway.