Hundreds of civilians, mostly in Iran, have been killed by dueling airstrikes despite international pleas for de-escalation.

After mulling such action for 16 years, Israel has launched air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities – a mission fraught with peril not just for the Jewish state, but for the broader Middle East.

Iran fired a new wave of missile attacks on Israel early today killing at least five people and injuring 70, authorities in Israel have said.Explosions rocked major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa.

Israel and Iran escalate strikes, urge civilians to evacuate key areas as death toll rises. Global fears grow over a wider war as oil prices surge and diplomatic talks stall.

Tehran residents tell Newsweek the city is filled with fear and uncertainty, as old memories of past conflicts resurface alongside quiet defiance.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel claimed to operate almost freely in the skies over Iran during a third day of airstrikes Sunday and killed more high-ranking security figures, while some Iranian missiles slipped through Israel’s air defenses. Both sides threatened to launch more attacks.

That came as fresh attacks targeted Iran's energy infrastructure, including fuel supplies and a top natural gas field.