🔗 Share this article Israel Attacks Iran as Blasts Heard in the Capital Early Saturday morning, reports emerged of major explosions rocking the Iranian capital, amid claims from Israel that it had carried out a preventative strike. Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran As per on-the-ground reports, two powerful explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. Correspondingly, columns of thick smoke were seen rising over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. “The nature of these blasts suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, though it did not initially provide further details. Background: Rising Tensions and Prior Events This event occurs against a background of severely escalated strains in the region. Major developments preceding this attack include: American Naval Deployment: A significant buildup of American warships in the region, including the repositioning of aircraft carriers. Nuclear Talks: Recent talks between the US and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more discussions scheduled. Official Rhetoric: Prior to the strike, 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: Allegedly, a deadline of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to settle the atomic standoff or confront severe consequences. An American warship stationed in the Arabian Sea earlier this month. Image: US Navy Reaction from Tehran Reacting to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had accused the US of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. They dismissed assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded. The situation is fluid, with further updates anticipated as the situation develops.