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In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of significant explosions shaking the Iranian capital, amid claims from Israeli officials that it had conducted a preventative strike.

Powerful Explosions and Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran

According to eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, columns of dense smoke were observed rising over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.

“The nature of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” one news agency reported, without immediately provide further details.

Context: Rising Tensions and Recent Developments

The incident takes place against a background of severely escalated strains in the region. Key events preceding this strike involve:

• American Naval Deployment: A significant buildup of American warships in the region, featuring the movement of carrier strike groups.
• Nuclear Talks: Latest discussions between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's atomic program ended inconclusively, with suggestions of more discussions planned.
• Official Rhetoric: Before the attack, a prominent American figure had labeled Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered threats regarding its missile program.
• Ultimatum: Allegedly, a time limit of roughly two weeks had been given to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.

Reaction from Tehran

Reacting to earlier allegations, Iranian officials had charged the US of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. Officials dismissed assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.

These developments remains fluid, with further updates anticipated as events unfold.