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In the early hours of Saturday morning, reports emerged of major explosions rocking Tehran, amid statements from Israel that it had conducted a preventative strike.

Loud Blasts and Smoke Reported in Central Tehran

According to on-the-ground reports, two powerful explosions were audible in Tehran on Saturday. Correspondingly, columns of thick smoke were observed rising over the centre and east of the city.

“The type of these blasts suggests that this is a strike involving missiles,” one news agency stated, though it did not immediately provide further details.

Context: Rising Strains and Prior Events

The incident takes place against a background of severely escalated strains in the Middle East. Key developments leading up to this attack involve:

• American Naval Deployment: A massive buildup of American warships in the Middle East, featuring the movement of aircraft carriers.
• Nuclear Talks: Latest discussions between the United States and Iran on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with indications of more talks scheduled.
• Official Rhetoric: Prior to the attack, a senior US official had described Iran as “the leading state sponsor of terrorism” and delivered threats regarding its missile program.
• Ultimatum: Reportedly, a deadline of roughly two weeks had been given to Iran to settle the atomic standoff or confront serious repercussions.

Iranian Response

Reacting to prior accusations, Iranian officials had charged the United States of spreading “falsehoods” about its missiles programme. They rejected claims about missile development and casualty figures as baseless.

These developments remains fast-moving, with additional reports expected as events unfold.