In the early hours of Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of significant explosions shaking Tehran, amid statements from Israeli officials that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were heard in the city on Saturday. Correspondingly, two plumes of thick smoke were seen billowing over the centre and east of the city.
“The type of explosions indicates that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, though it did not immediately offer further details.
Context: Rising Strains and Prior Developments
The incident occurs against a background of sharply increased strains in the Middle East. Key developments leading up to this attack involve:
- US Military Buildup: A massive build-up of US naval forces in the Middle East, featuring the movement of carrier strike groups.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the US and Iran on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with suggestions of more discussions scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a senior US official had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued threats regarding its missile program.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to resolve the atomic standoff or confront severe consequences.
Iranian Response
In response to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had charged the US of spreading “big lies” about its defensive capabilities. Officials dismissed assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.
These developments remains fast-moving, with further updates anticipated as the situation develops.
