A major fire has torn through a shopping centre in Andisheh town, Tehran, Iran, killing at least eight people and injuring around 40 others.
The blaze broke out at the Arghavan shopping centre, quickly spreading through the multi-storey building as thick black smoke engulfed the structure. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as bystanders watched helplessly while firefighters battled the rapidly intensifying flames.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unclear at this stage. However, local fire officials said the building’s flammable external cladding played a key role in the rapid spread of the blaze, according to Mizan news agency.
Emergency crews worked through the scene as the fire tore through multiple levels of the complex, making rescue efforts difficult.
Officials have confirmed there is currently no evidence linking the incident to ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and the United States.
The tragedy comes amid heightened geopolitical strain, with fragile ceasefire discussions and regional security concerns continuing to unfold across the Middle East.
