Early Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major explosions shaking Tehran, following claims from Israeli officials that it had carried out a preventative military action.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday. Simultaneously, columns of dense smoke were seen rising over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The type of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” a media outlet reported, though it did not initially provide additional information.
Context: Rising Strains and Recent Developments
The incident occurs against a background of severely escalated strains in the Middle East. Key developments preceding this strike include:
- US Military Buildup: A massive build-up of US naval forces in the Middle East, including the movement of aircraft carriers.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme concluded without a deal, with suggestions of further talks planned.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the strike, 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 time limit of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or confront severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
Reacting to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had charged the United States of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected claims about missile development and protest deaths as baseless.
These developments remains fluid, with additional reports anticipated as events unfold.
