Israel, Iran trade threats as conflict escalates

Israel on Saturday threatened to strike "every target of the Ayatollah regime" in Iran, whose president warned of a severe response if the Israeli attacks continue, fuelling fears of an escalating conflict.

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The threats came as the two longtime foes exchanged fire a day after Israel unleashed an unprecedented aerial bombing campaign, which scuppered plans for a new round of Iran-US nuclear talks Sunday.

The Israeli strikes since Friday hit military and nuclear sites in Iran, and according to officials killed dozens, including top army and Revolutionary Guards commanders as well as civilians. Iran responded with barrages of drones and missiles fired at Israel overnight.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that "the continuation of the Zionist aggression will be met with a more severe and powerful response from the Iranian armed forces."

According to a statement from his office, Pezeshkian condemned Washington's "dishonesty" for supporting Israel while the United States was engaged in nuclear talks with Iran - which mediator Oman said would no longer take place on Sunday, when a sixth round had been scheduled.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said the Israeli attacks undermined negotiations and showed Israel's "inherent hostility to diplomacy."