Israel has launched a fresh round of missile strikes on Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed on Saturday morning that Israeli forces carried out the attacks. International media reports indicate that the operation was jointly executed by Israel and the United States.

According to CNN, the strikes involved coordinated military action by both countries. Al Jazeera reported that missiles hit University Street and the Jomhouri area in Tehran in the early hours of Saturday, targeting locations within the Iranian capital.

The development comes just a day after Iran and the United States held indirect discussions over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The talks were mediated by Oman in Geneva, Switzerland, with indications that negotiations were progressing.

Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, had expressed optimism on Friday, stating that outstanding issues between Iran and the United States could be resolved “amicably and comprehensively” within a few months.

Despite expectations that dialogue would continue, Saturday’s military action follows weeks of heightened U.S. military build-up in the Middle East — reportedly the largest deployment in over two decades — involving dozens of aircraft and naval vessels.

This marks the second direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran in less than a year. The first, in June last year, escalated into a 12-day conflict that resulted in hundreds of casualties and significant damage to infrastructure on both sides.

On Friday, several countries, including the United States, China and the United Kingdom, advised their citizens to leave Iran and Israel amid growing fears of a broader regional war.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. Clan Reporters will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.