Early Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major blasts shaking the Iranian capital, following claims from Israel that it had carried out a preventative strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Reported in the Heart of Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in the city on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, two plumes of dense smoke were seen billowing over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.
“The type of these blasts suggests that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, without immediately provide additional information.
Context: Escalating Strains and Prior Events
This event occurs against a background of sharply increased tensions in the region. Key events leading up to this strike include:
- US Military Buildup: A massive buildup of US naval forces in the region, featuring the movement of aircraft carriers.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Recent discussions between the United States and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme concluded without a deal, with suggestions of further discussions scheduled.
- Public Statements: Before the attack, a senior US official had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued threats regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to settle the atomic standoff or confront serious repercussions.
Iranian Response
Reacting to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. They rejected claims about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.
The situation remains fast-moving, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
