In the early hours of Saturday morning, reports emerged of major explosions shaking Tehran, following statements from Israel that it had carried out a preventative strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were audible in Tehran on Saturday. Simultaneously, columns of dense smoke were seen billowing over the centre and east of the city.
“The nature of these blasts suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, without initially offer additional information.
Context: Rising Strains and Prior Events
This event occurs against a backdrop of severely escalated strains in the Middle East. Major developments leading up to this attack include:
- US Military Buildup: A massive build-up of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of aircraft carriers.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's atomic program ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more discussions planned.
- Public Statements: Before the strike, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a deadline of roughly two weeks had been presented to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or confront serious repercussions.
Iranian Response
In response to earlier allegations, Iranian officials had charged the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.
The situation is fast-moving, with additional reports anticipated as events unfold.
