Early Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of major blasts shaking the Iranian capital, amid claims from Israel that it had carried out a preemptive strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were audible in the city on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, columns of dense smoke were observed rising over the centre and east of the city.
“The type of these blasts indicates that this is a missile attack,” a media outlet stated, though it did not immediately provide further details.
Context: Rising Strains and Prior Developments
The incident takes place against a backdrop of severely escalated tensions in the region. Key events preceding this strike involve:
- US Military Buildup: A significant buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, including the movement of aircraft carriers.
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest talks between the United States and Iranian officials on Tehran's nuclear programme concluded without a deal, with indications of further discussions scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a prominent American figure had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a time limit of roughly two weeks had been presented to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or face serious repercussions.
Iranian Response
In response to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its defensive capabilities. They dismissed claims about weapons development and casualty figures as unfounded.
The situation remains fluid, with additional reports anticipated as events unfold.
