In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of major blasts rocking Tehran, amid statements from Israel that it had carried out a preventative strike.
Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in the city on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, two plumes of dense smoke were observed rising over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.
“The type of these blasts indicates that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, without immediately offer further details.
Context: Escalating Tensions and Recent Events
This event takes place against a background of sharply increased strains in the region. Major events preceding this attack include:
- US Military Buildup: A massive buildup of US naval forces in the region, including the repositioning of carrier strike groups.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with indications of further discussions planned.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered threats regarding its missile program.
- Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a deadline of roughly two weeks had been presented to Iran to settle the atomic standoff or face severe consequences.
Iranian Response
Reacting to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “falsehoods” about its defensive capabilities. They dismissed assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.
These developments remains fluid, with further updates anticipated as the situation develops.
