The Biden administration rallied to Israel’s side when Israel struck Iran last year in retaliation for Iranian backing for its enemies in its war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah and for an intense barrage of Iranian missiles on Israel.

The two powers have been exchanging barrages since Israel attacked Iran and killed many of the country’s top military leaders and scientists.

Israel’s foremost fear remains Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Tehran insists its nuclear programme serves peaceful energy needs.

The IDF spokesperson also confirmed it struck Yemen Saturday night, targeting a Houthi leader, but cannot confirm whether the strike was successful. There were also projectiles fired from Yemen overnight toward Israel, according to the spokesperson.

After canceling negotiations with the U.S. scheduled for Sunday, Tehran has signaled it is willing to talk.

The Iranian and Israeli strikes mark the most sustained, direct attacks ever between the two rivals. Three people were killed in Israel and at least 78 in Iran, officials said.

Experts suggest the U.S. has a strategic opportunity to leverage Iran's weakened position for a nuclear deal after Israel's targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.