In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of significant blasts rocking Tehran, amid claims from Israel that it had carried out a preemptive strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were audible in Tehran on Saturday. Correspondingly, two plumes of dense smoke were observed billowing over the centre and east of the city.
“The type of these blasts indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, though it did not initially offer additional information.
Background: Escalating Tensions and Prior Events
The incident takes place against a background of severely escalated tensions in the region. Major developments leading up to this attack involve:
- American Naval Deployment: A significant build-up of American warships in the Middle East, including the movement of aircraft carriers.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme concluded without a deal, with indications of further talks planned.
- Public Statements: Before the strike, a prominent American figure had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued threats regarding its weapons development.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or confront serious repercussions.
Reaction from Tehran
Reacting to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials dismissed assertions about weapons development and protest deaths as unfounded.
These developments is fluid, with further updates anticipated as the situation develops.
