In the early hours of Saturday, reports emerged of major blasts shaking Tehran, amid claims from Israeli officials that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Powerful Explosions and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were audible in the city on Saturday. Correspondingly, columns of thick smoke were observed billowing over central and eastern districts of the city.
“The type of these blasts suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency stated, though it did not initially provide further details.
Context: Rising Tensions and Prior Events
The incident takes place against a backdrop of sharply increased strains in the region. Key developments preceding this strike include:
- US Military Buildup: A significant build-up of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of carrier strike groups.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest discussions between the US and Iran on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with suggestions of further talks scheduled.
- Public Statements: Before the strike, a senior US official had described Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a deadline of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
In response to earlier allegations, Iranian officials had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. They dismissed claims about missile development and protest deaths as baseless.
These developments is fluid, with further updates anticipated as events unfold.
