The conflict between Israel and Iran - once played out in a series of proxy wars - has escalated. On Friday morning, explosions hit Tehran as Israel carried out a major attack on its nuclear capabilities. Iran threatened "severe punishment" and quickly retaliated with a wave of missiles.

Israel has said it launched Operation Rising Lion to deal a blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the strikes are essential to ‘roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival’ and that Tehran could build a nuclear weapon within a few months.

Iran’s supreme leader has denounced a proposal by the United States aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear efforts and demanded that his country retains national independence amid reports of Washington offering to become involved in Tehran’s nuclear program.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader on Wednesday criticized an initial proposal from the United States in negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, though he stopped short of entirely rejecting the idea of agreement with Washington.

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Is Alive, Security Source Tells Reuters DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is alive and is being continuously briefed about the situation ...