In the early hours of Saturday morning, reports emerged of major blasts shaking the Iranian capital, amid statements from Israeli officials that it had carried out a preventative strike.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were heard in the city on Saturday. Simultaneously, two plumes of dense smoke were observed rising over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The nature of explosions indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, without immediately provide further details.
Context: Rising Strains and Recent Events
The incident occurs against a backdrop of sharply increased strains in the region. Key events leading up to this attack involve:
- American Naval Deployment: A significant build-up of American warships in the Middle East, including the movement of carrier strike groups.
- Nuclear Talks: Recent discussions between the United States and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with indications of more discussions planned.
- Public Statements: Prior to the attack, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or confront serious repercussions.
Iranian Response
In response to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had accused the United States of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. They rejected assertions about weapons development and casualty figures as unfounded.
These developments remains fluid, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
