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.

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

Israel claimed to operate almost freely in the skies over Iran during a third day of airstrikes on Sunday and killed more high-ranking security figures, while some Iranian missiles slipped through Israel's air defences.

Follow live updates as Iran retaliates after Israel strikes nuclear facilities. Stay informed with real-time news and developments.

Iranian state media has confirmed that Israel killed the top Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander in major airstrikes targeting

The Israeli military targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, research scientists and senior military commanders in dozens of preemptive airstrikes​.

Iranian authorities say more than 220 civilians, including 25 children, have been killed in Israeli strikes on major Iranian cities and infrastructure. Bombings have targeted northern Tehran’s Niavaran district, as well as Saadat Abad, Valiasr and Hafte Tir.

Ambassador Amir Maimon says a deal for Israel to stop targeting Iran’s nuclear program hinges on Tehran agreeing to give up its weapons ambitions.

President Trump rejected an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a senior U.S. official told USA TODAY.

By JON GAMBRELL, NATALIE MELZER and TIA GOLDENBERG DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel claimed to operate almost freely in the skies over Iran during a third day of airstrikes Sunday