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In the early hours of Saturday morning, reports emerged of major blasts shaking the Iranian capital, following statements from Israeli officials that it had carried out a preventative strike.

Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Reported in the Heart of Tehran

According to eyewitness accounts, two powerful explosions were audible in the city on Saturday. Simultaneously, two plumes of thick smoke were observed billowing over central and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.

“The nature of explosions indicates that this is a strike involving missiles,” a media outlet reported, without initially provide further details.

Context: Rising Strains and Prior Developments

The incident occurs against a backdrop of severely escalated strains in the region. Key events leading up to this attack include:

• American Naval Deployment: A massive buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, including the movement of aircraft carriers.
• Nuclear Talks: Recent discussions between the US and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more discussions planned.
• Public Statements: Before the attack, a senior US official had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered warnings regarding its weapons development.
• Diplomatic Deadline: Reportedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to resolve the atomic standoff or face serious repercussions.

Reaction from Tehran

In response to prior accusations, Iranian officials had accused the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. They dismissed claims about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.

These developments is fast-moving, with additional reports anticipated as the situation develops.