Early Saturday, accounts surfaced of significant blasts shaking the Iranian capital, amid statements from Israel that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Loud Blasts and Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
As per eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were audible in the city on Saturday. Simultaneously, 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 strike involving missiles,” a media outlet reported, without initially offer further details.
Context: Escalating Strains and Prior Events
The incident occurs against a background of sharply increased strains in the region. Key events leading up to this attack include:
- US Military Buildup: A significant buildup of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of aircraft carriers.
- Nuclear Talks: Recent discussions between the United States and Iran on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with indications of more discussions planned.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a deadline of 10 to 15 days had been given to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
Reacting to earlier allegations, Iranian officials had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected assertions about missile development and casualty figures as baseless.
These developments remains fluid, with additional reports anticipated as events unfold.
