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In the early hours of Saturday, accounts surfaced of significant blasts rocking the Iranian capital, following statements from Israel that it had conducted a preventative strike.

Loud Blasts and Plumes of Smoke Witnessed in Central Tehran

As per eyewitness accounts, two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday. Simultaneously, columns of dense smoke were seen billowing over the centre and east of the city.

“The type of these blasts suggests that this is a strike involving missiles,” a media outlet reported, though it did not immediately offer further details.

Context: Rising Strains and Prior Developments

The incident takes place against a backdrop of sharply increased tensions in the region. Major events preceding this attack include:

• American Naval Deployment: A significant buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, including the movement of carrier strike groups.
• Diplomatic Negotiations: Latest talks between the US and Iranian officials on Tehran's atomic program concluded without a deal, with indications of further discussions scheduled.
• Official Rhetoric: Before the strike, a senior US official had described Iran as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and delivered warnings regarding its missile program.
• Ultimatum: Allegedly, a time limit of 10 to 15 days had been presented to Iran to settle the nuclear dispute or face severe consequences.

Iranian Response

In response to earlier allegations, Iranian authorities had charged the US of spreading “big lies” about its missiles programme. Officials dismissed assertions about missile development and protest deaths as unfounded.

These developments is fluid, with additional reports expected as events unfold.