In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of major blasts rocking the Iranian capital, amid claims from Israeli officials that it had carried out a preemptive strike.
Loud Blasts and Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
According to on-the-ground reports, two loud blasts were audible in Tehran on Saturday. Correspondingly, columns of thick smoke were seen rising over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The type of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency stated, though it did not immediately offer additional information.
Background: Rising Tensions and Recent Developments
The incident takes place against a background of severely escalated tensions in the Middle East. Major developments preceding this strike involve:
- US Military Buildup: A significant build-up of US naval forces in the Middle East, featuring the movement of aircraft carriers.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Recent talks between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's atomic program ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more talks scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a senior US official had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued warnings regarding its missile program.
- Ultimatum: Allegedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to settle the atomic standoff or face severe consequences.
Iranian Response
Reacting to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected assertions about missile development and protest deaths as baseless.
These developments remains fast-moving, with additional reports expected as events unfold.
