These extraordinary images show how the power of an unprecedented dust storm swallowed Tehran, plunging Iran's capital into darkness and killing at least four people.
Many of the images of the storm's dark swell in the night sky were captured by horrified Iranians on their smartphones and thousands of them were posted to social media.
Around 30 people were injured in the swirling mass of sand from record winds that tore down trees and damaged buildings, according to AP. Iran's state IRNA news agency said winds hit 80mph (130kph).
The devastation caused a 20-vehicle pile-up on the motorway south of the capital. International flights are unable to get through to the city's airport and airplanes were diverted to central Iran, Al Jazeera said.
Those with heart or breathing problems have been told to stay indoors by the authorities.
Tehran Duststorm
(01 of09)
Open Image ModalA picture taken with a smart-phone shows a sandstorm engulfing the Iranian capital (credit:Getty Images)
(02 of09)
Open Image ModalThe storm killed at least four people (credit:AP)
(03 of09)
Open Image ModalAnd blanketed the capital in darkness (credit:AP)
(04 of09)
Open Image ModalDozens were injured and flights were disrupted (credit:AP)
(05 of09)
Open Image ModalIt also caused a chain-reaction crash involving 20 vehicles (credit:AP)
(06 of09)
Open Image ModalIranians walk amidst dust (credit:Getty Images)
(07 of09)
Open Image ModalWorkers of Tehran municipality load broken trees on a pick up at Enghelab street following the sandstorm (credit:Getty Images)
(08 of09)
Open Image ModalPeople walk past trees that felt down following the record winds (credit:Getty Images)
(09 of09)
Open Image ModalAn Afghan man walks past a broken tree following a sandstorm and record winds in downtown Tehran (credit:Getty Images)