Oman and Qatar were leading efforts to begin ceasefire talks, while mediators said Iran was open to resuming nuclear negotiations if Israel’s attacks stop.

Republicans and some Democrats offered strong support for Israel’s move, but many Democrats called for de-escalation and warned of the consequences of a broader war.

National security experts warn that Israel's attack on Iran shows why Chinese land and asset purchases in the U.S. pose a significant threat to American security.

Ali Shamkhani, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council of Iran was seriously injured but is still alive, Iran said, and the status of Dr. Abdolhamid Minouchehr, the head of nuclear engineering at Iran's Shahid Beheshti University, is yet to be confirmed.

Israel has targeted Iran’s Defence Ministry headquarters and Tehran simultaneously launched a deadly missile strike as tensions continue to mount over the conflict.The exchange of fire happened in the early hours of Sunday.