In the early hours of Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major blasts rocking Tehran, amid claims from Israel that it had conducted a preventative strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Reported in the Heart of Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were audible in the city on Saturday. Simultaneously, columns of thick smoke were observed billowing over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The type of explosions indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, without immediately offer additional information.
Context: Rising Tensions and Recent Events
The incident occurs against a background of severely escalated tensions in the region. Key developments preceding this attack involve:
- US Military Buildup: A massive buildup of US naval forces in the region, including the movement of carrier strike groups.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest discussions between the United States and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme concluded without a deal, with suggestions of more discussions planned.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the strike, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a deadline of roughly two weeks had been presented to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or face serious repercussions.
Iranian Response
In response to prior accusations, Iranian officials had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its defensive capabilities. Officials dismissed assertions about missile development and protest deaths as baseless.
These developments is fluid, with additional reports anticipated as events unfold.
