In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of major blasts shaking Tehran, amid claims from Israeli officials that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Powerful Explosions and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday. Simultaneously, two plumes of thick smoke were seen billowing over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.
“The type of these blasts indicates that this is a missile attack,” one news agency stated, without immediately provide additional information.
Background: Rising Tensions and Prior Events
The incident occurs against a background of sharply increased strains in the Middle East. Major events leading up to this strike include:
- US Military Buildup: A massive build-up of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the movement of aircraft carriers.
- Nuclear Talks: Recent talks between the US and Iran on Tehran's atomic program ended inconclusively, with suggestions of further discussions scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the strike, a senior US official had described Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and delivered threats regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Allegedly, a deadline of roughly two weeks had been presented to Iran to settle the atomic standoff or face severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
In response to earlier allegations, Iranian officials had charged the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected assertions about missile development and casualty figures as baseless.
The situation is fast-moving, with further updates anticipated as events unfold.
