Trump warns Iran not to retaliate against U.S. targets in the Middle East while also predicting Israel and Iran would 'soon' make a deal to end their escalating conflict.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel launched an expanded assault on Iran on Sunday, with direct strikes targeting its energy industry and Defense Ministry headquarters, while Tehran unleashed a fresh barrage of missiles blamed for the deaths of four people and injuries of many others.

Israel and Iran exchange missile attacks for a third day; nuclear sites hit, death tolls rise, airspace shut, U.S. warns Tehran against retaliation.

Israel bombarded the Iranian capital with a new wave of strikes on Sunday afternoon, as both sides warned of more to come in a conflict that is rapidly expanding in scope and intensity.

Experts have said it is likely that Iran is using the bulk of its ballistic missiles to “distract and saturate” air defences to create an opening for more advanced weapons. That missile appears to be the Shahed Haj Qassem, which was fired at Israel for the first time at the weekend.

Several people were killed when Iran fired a barrage of projectiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's surprise attack on its foe’s nuclear facilities and military leadership. Follow along for live updates,

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was long considered Iran’s first line of defense in case of a war with Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel presented Iran’s sophisticated ballistic missiles as a critical threat to Israel’s survival.

Iran conflict could open opportunities for Russia to possibly become a power broker to help end the confrontation.