In the early hours of Saturday morning, reports emerged of major explosions shaking Tehran, amid statements from Israeli officials that it had carried out a preemptive military action.
Powerful Explosions and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were audible in the city on Saturday. Simultaneously, columns of dense smoke were seen 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 initially provide additional information.
Background: Escalating Strains and Recent Events
This event occurs against a background of sharply increased tensions in the Middle East. Key developments preceding this attack include:
- US Military Buildup: A significant buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of carrier strike groups.
- Nuclear Talks: Recent discussions between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more discussions scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Prior to the attack, a senior US official had labeled 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 given to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or confront severe consequences.
Iranian Response
In response to prior accusations, Iranian officials had charged the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. They dismissed claims about missile development and casualty figures as unfounded.
These developments remains fast-moving, with additional reports expected as events unfold.
