In the early hours of Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major explosions rocking Tehran, amid claims from Israel that it had carried out a preemptive strike.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in the Heart of Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in the city on Saturday. Correspondingly, columns of dense smoke were observed rising over the centre and east of the city.
“The nature of these blasts indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, without immediately offer further details.
Background: Escalating Tensions and Prior Developments
The incident takes place against a background of sharply increased tensions in the region. Key developments leading up to this strike involve:
- US Military Buildup: A massive build-up of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of carrier strike groups.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest talks between the US and Iran on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with indications of further talks planned.
- Public Statements: Before the strike, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and issued warnings regarding its missile program.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
Reacting to prior accusations, Iranian officials had charged the United States of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. Officials dismissed claims about weapons development and protest deaths as baseless.
These developments remains fast-moving, with additional reports anticipated as the situation develops.
