DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel launched an expanded assault on Iran on Sunday, with direct strikes targeting its energy industry and Defense Ministry headquarters, while Tehran unleashed a fresh barrage of missiles blamed for the deaths of four people and injuries of many others.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel presented Iran’s sophisticated ballistic missiles as a critical threat to Israel’s survival.

Israel warns "Tehran will burn" if Iran continues firing missiles, while state media say 60 people have been killed in a strike on Iran's capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the operation “will continue for as many days as it takes,” while Iran has pledged to retaliate. Stavridis warned that despite

Israel targeted a major airport in the capital used for both military and civilian purposes, while Iran attacked Israel with waves of ballistic missiles.

Iran's three top military generals were killed in the attacks that also targeted nuclear and military facilities. Photo: Majid Saeedi/

Iran's foreign minister calls Israel's attacks on its nuclear programme a "declaration of war" as the IDF says it intercepted retaliatory drones launched by Tehran.

Iran has been battling an acute energy crisis for months because of gas shortages, and repairing any damage would both be costly and take significant time.