An explosion reportedly occurred at a nuclear facility in Iran as President Donald Trump contemplates potential strikes on the nation, causing concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The alleged blast coincided with the arrival of a US aircraft carrier group in the region, amidst speculations of Trump mulling over launching military actions against Iran in response to the government’s crackdown on protestors. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, along with guided-missile destroyers, has demonstrated the US’s military strength to Gulf States shortly after the recent events involving the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The incident at the Parchin military complex, where the explosion took place, is significant due to its suspected involvement in Iran’s nuclear weapons program and previous airstrikes by Israel in June.

President Trump has suggested the possibility of ordering strikes on Iran following the violent suppression of protesters in Tehran. The protests erupted after previous US-led strikes severely impacted Iran’s nuclear activities and its support for militias in the region.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll from the government’s crackdown on protestors could be as high as 6,126 individuals, including protesters, government forces, children, and civilians.

Tehran officials reported a lower death toll, claiming 3,117 fatalities, including civilians, security personnel, and individuals labeled as “terrorists” by the Iranian government.

During a United Nations Security Council meeting, Iran’s ambassador emphasized that Trump’s threats of military action against Iran were clear and unambiguous. Iranian state media blamed foreign instigators for fueling the protests amid the country’s economic challenges caused by inflation and international sanctions.

The protests were triggered by a decline in Iran’s currency, the Rial, spreading nationwide and meeting harsh suppression by authorities.