Early Saturday, accounts surfaced of major explosions shaking the Iranian capital, amid claims from Israel that it had conducted a preemptive strike.
Powerful Explosions and Smoke Witnessed in the Heart of Tehran
According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday. Simultaneously, two plumes of thick smoke were seen rising over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.
“The nature of explosions indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency reported, though it did not initially offer further details.
Context: Rising Strains and Recent Developments
The incident occurs against a background of severely escalated tensions in the region. Major developments leading up to this attack involve:
- American Naval Deployment: A significant buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, featuring the repositioning of aircraft carriers.
- Nuclear Talks: 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 senior US official had labeled Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and issued warnings regarding its weapons development.
- Ultimatum: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to resolve the nuclear dispute or face serious repercussions.
Iranian Response
In response to prior accusations, Iranian officials had charged the US of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. Officials rejected claims about missile development and casualty figures as unfounded.
The situation is fast-moving, with further updates anticipated as events unfold.
