In the early hours of Saturday morning, reports emerged of major explosions shaking the Iranian capital, following statements from Israel that it had carried out a preemptive military action.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were audible in Tehran on Saturday. Correspondingly, columns of dense smoke were observed billowing over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The nature of explosions indicates that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, without immediately provide additional information.
Background: Escalating Strains and Recent Events
The incident takes place against a background of sharply increased strains in the Middle East. Major events leading up to this strike involve:
- US Military Buildup: A massive buildup of American warships in the region, featuring the repositioning of aircraft carriers.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest discussions between the United States and Iranian officials on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with suggestions of more discussions planned.
- Public Statements: Prior to the strike, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
In response to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had charged the United States of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials dismissed assertions about missile development and casualty figures as unfounded.
These developments is fluid, with further updates expected as events unfold.
