Early Saturday morning, accounts surfaced of significant blasts shaking Tehran, amid statements from Israel that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Loud Blasts and Smoke Reported in Central Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, two plumes of thick smoke were seen 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, though it did not immediately offer further details.
Context: Rising Tensions and Recent Events
The incident takes place against a background of sharply increased strains in the region. Key developments leading up to this attack include:
- American Naval Deployment: A significant buildup of US naval forces in the region, including the repositioning of carrier strike groups.
- Nuclear Talks: Latest talks between the US and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with indications of further talks scheduled.
- Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a senior US official had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered threats regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Allegedly, a deadline of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to resolve the atomic standoff or confront severe consequences.
Reaction from Tehran
Reacting to prior accusations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. They rejected assertions about weapons development and casualty figures as baseless.
The situation remains fast-moving, with additional reports expected as events unfold.