Israel and Iran continued exchanging missile attacks for a fourth consecutive day, as their intensifying conflict escalated further.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged both nations to “make a deal”, stating that U.S. military involvement remained a possibility.
Follow live updates: Iran strikes again as Israel’s capital comes under renewed missile fire.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the G7 summit in Canada, Mr. Trump reaffirmed American support for Israel’s defence but declined to confirm whether he had asked Israel to halt strikes on Iran.
“I hope a deal can be reached. It’s probably time. Sometimes they need to fight it out — we’ll see,” he said.
According to U.S. officials, Trump also rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Have the Iranians killed an American? No. Until they do, we’re not considering going after their leadership,” a senior U.S. official told Reuters.
Cities Under Fire
Both countries launched fresh daytime strikes on Sunday. Sirens and explosions were reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv later that evening, as Iran released a new barrage of missiles and drones.
In Haifa, an Iranian missile struck a residential area, injuring seven people, local police confirmed.
Israel responded by targeting over 80 sites in Tehran, including key nuclear infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the Natanz enrichment facility had been destroyed.
He also implied that Israel’s military had eliminated Iran’s intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy. Iranian state media later confirmed both deaths.
“Israel has crossed a major red line in international law,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, warning that Iran would respond proportionally unless hostilities ceased.
Rising Casualties
Israel’s attacks on Sunday also included a strike on Mashhad Airport, which it accused of being used for Iranian military refueling. Iran denied the facility was harmed.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh accused Israel of committing a war crime after an IDF strike reportedly targeted one of his ministry’s buildings.
Israel later launched additional strikes on missile facilities in western Iran.
Iran’s health ministry reported 224 deaths since Friday, with 1,200 people injured, including women and children.
With no end to the conflict in sight, Tehran opened mosques, schools, and metro stations as temporary bomb shelters. The Swiss embassy, which represents U.S. interests in Iran, announced its temporary closure.
Heavy congestion was seen at the city’s exits, and local media reported long lines at petrol stations.
Netanyahu: Iran Will Pay
On Sunday, Netanyahu visited Bat Yam, where a residential building was hit by an Iranian missile, killing at least 10 people, including children. Israel’s two-day death toll has now risen to 13.
“Iran will face serious consequences for this deliberate attack on civilians,” Netanyahu said.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu floated the possibility of regime change in Iran, accusing Tehran of aiming to destroy Israel.
This contradicted earlier statements from an IDF spokesperson, who said Israel’s operation was not intended to overthrow Iran’s government.
Trump Blocks Assassination Plan
Mr. Netanyahu refused to confirm a Reuters report that Trump had blocked Israel’s plan to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei.
Unnamed U.S. officials claimed that Israel had presented a “credible plan,” but Trump rejected it, reportedly concerned about the potential fallout.
“There are so many false reports,” Netanyahu said. “We will do what’s necessary, and I think the U.S. understands what’s in its own interest.”
U.S. Warns, Putin Offers Mediation
As tensions rose, Trump warned Iran against attacking American forces in the Middle East.
In an interview with ABC America, he said the U.S. could become militarily involved if necessary.
Trump also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had called him and offered to mediate between Iran and Israel.
“[Putin] is ready. We had a long discussion about it,” Trump said.
Posting later on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed optimism:
“We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place.”
Leaders from other nations, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also urged restraint and called for an end to hostilities.
