In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of major explosions shaking the Iranian capital, amid claims from Israel that it had conducted a preemptive military action.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, columns of thick smoke were observed billowing over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The type of explosions indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” a media outlet stated, without initially offer additional information.
Background: Rising Tensions and Prior Developments
This event occurs against a backdrop of severely escalated tensions in the region. Major events preceding this strike include:
- US Military Buildup: A significant buildup of American warships in the region, featuring the repositioning of carrier strike groups.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the United States and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme concluded without a deal, with indications of further discussions planned.
- Public Statements: Before the attack, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and delivered threats regarding its weapons development.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a deadline of roughly two weeks had been presented to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or face serious repercussions.
Reaction from Tehran
In response to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its defensive capabilities. Officials dismissed assertions about weapons development and protest deaths as unfounded.
These developments is fast-moving, with additional reports expected as the situation develops.
