In the early hours of Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major blasts shaking the Iranian capital, following claims from Israeli officials that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Reported in the Heart of Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, two plumes of thick smoke were seen billowing over central and eastern districts of the city.
“The type of these blasts indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, though it did not initially offer additional information.
Context: Escalating Tensions and Prior Events
The incident occurs against a background of sharply increased tensions in the region. Key events preceding this attack include:
- US Military Buildup: A significant buildup of US naval forces in the region, featuring the movement of carrier strike groups.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest discussions between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more discussions planned.
- Public Statements: Before the strike, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered threats regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Allegedly, a time limit of roughly two weeks had been given to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or confront serious repercussions.
Reaction from Tehran
In response to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had charged the United States of spreading “big lies” about its defensive capabilities. They rejected assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.
The situation is fluid, with further updates expected as events unfold.
