In the early hours of Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major explosions shaking Tehran, following statements from Israeli officials that it had conducted a preventative military action.
Loud Blasts and Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in the city on Saturday. Correspondingly, two plumes of thick smoke were seen billowing over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The type of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, though it did not immediately provide additional information.
Background: Escalating Strains and Recent Developments
This event takes place against a backdrop of severely escalated tensions in the region. Major developments preceding this strike include:
- American Naval Deployment: A massive buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of aircraft carriers.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more talks scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a senior US official had described Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and issued warnings regarding its missile program.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Allegedly, a deadline of 10 to 15 days had been given 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 “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected claims about weapons development and protest deaths as baseless.
The situation is fast-moving, with additional reports expected as the situation develops.
