Early Saturday, accounts surfaced of major blasts shaking Tehran, following statements from Israeli officials that it had carried out a preemptive strike.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in the city on Saturday. Correspondingly, columns of dense smoke were seen billowing over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.
“The type of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, though it did not initially offer additional information.
Background: Escalating Strains and Recent Events
The incident occurs against a background of severely escalated strains in the Middle East. Major events preceding this strike involve:
- American Naval Deployment: A significant buildup of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the movement of carrier strike groups.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest talks between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with suggestions of more discussions scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Prior to the attack, a prominent American figure had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued warnings regarding its missile program.
- Ultimatum: Allegedly, a deadline of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.
Iranian Response
Reacting to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had charged the US of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. Officials dismissed claims about missile development and protest deaths as baseless.
These developments is fluid, with additional reports expected as events unfold.
