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

The exchange of fire comes as talks on Iran's nuclear program in Oman between the U.S. and Iran were called off.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel unleashed airstrikes across Iran for a third day Sunday and threatened even greater force as some Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defenses to strike buildings in the heart of the country. Planned talks on Iran’s nuclear program, which could provide an off-ramp, were canceled.

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.

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.

Jon Stewart is tearing into President Trump, mocking him as the country’s failed “dealmaker in chief” amid the growing conflict between Israel and Iran. “What happened with

Iran's nuclear program will be hard to dismantle, but Israel has increased the Jewish nation's superiority in missile and air defense capabilities.