The intensifying conflict has heightened fears of a protracted all-out war and widespread instability in the region.

Despite stunning early successes in Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iran, a weekend of intensive bombardment and retaliation is raising questions about Israel’s exit strategy – how it can end this conflict with its ambitious goals achieved.

Iranian missiles struck Israel's Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn on Monday, killing at least eight people and destroying homes, prompting Israel's defence minister to warn that Tehran residents would "pay the price and soon".

Amid massive exchanges of strikes between Israel and Iran, photos from the ground show civilians on both sides caught up in the violence.

The deadly conflict between Israel and Iran has entered a fourth day, with both sides firing waves of missiles overnight. Follow for live updates.

Elsewhere in the statement, the IRGC claimed that Iran has “tracked and destroyed three cruise missiles, 10 drones, and dozens of hostile micro-UAVs” in areas of Iran that were attacked. “Stuck” – that’s how most people I’ve spoken to describe life right now in Iran.

Dozens of others were injured overnight across Israel, the authorities said. Israel was striking military sites in Iran and the four-day-old conflict showed no sign of slowing.

Iran launched missile strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa, causing casualties and damage, amid escalating tensions with Israel. As global leaders converge on the G7 summit, the conflict's potential to widen looms large.

The Israeli military issues an "urgent warning" to people in Tehran's District 3 that air strikes will hit "military infrastructure" in the area.

Iranian state media claimed its air defense systems downed two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and captured a pilot after Operation Rising Lion, alleging significant casualties from Israeli strikes. Israel vehemently denies these claims,