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The Iranian army shot down two Israeli fighter jets involved in Friday’s airstrikes on Iranian territory and has taken an Israeli woman pilot into custody, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency.

The Iranian army has not officially confirmed the downing of the jets, though Tasnim also reported that a separate Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was brought down in the central city of Qom.

In response, Israeli army spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee…

Iranians and Israelis woke to smoke and rubble on Sunday after the arch-rivals expanded their attacks overnight, with Israel striking Tehran’s defence ministry, and Iran unleashing a deadly barrage of missiles.

Air raid sirens and explosions were heard by AFP journalists in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early Sunday, as Israel’s military said millions of Israelis were “running for shelter” around the country.

Israel’s emergency services said at least eight people, including children, were killed in…

Israel on Saturday threatened to strike “every target of the ayatollah regime” in Iran, whose president warned of a severe response if the Israeli attacks continue, fuelling fears of an escalating conflict.

The threats came as the two longtime foes exchanged fire a day after Israel unleashed an unprecedented aerial bombing campaign, which scuppered plans for a new round of Iran-US nuclear talks Sunday.

The Israeli strikes since Friday hit military and nuclear sites in Iran, and according to…

Israel’s defence minister warned Saturday that “Tehran will burn” and its residents pay dearly if Iran continues its missile strikes against Israeli civilians.

“The Iranian dictator is turning the citizens of Iran into hostages and bringing about a reality in which they –- especially the residents of Tehran -– will pay a heavy price because of the criminal harm to Israeli civilians,” said Israel Katz.

“If (Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles toward the…

Israel targeted Iran’s air defences and missile launchers on Saturday as it pressed its bid to dismantle its arch-foe’s military capabilities, after a night of mutual attacks.

Israel’s massive strikes on Iran, which it calls an existential threat, have hit nuclear and military facilities, killed top commanders and dozens of civilians, and sought to destroy the country’s defence capabilities.

Iran has hit back with volleys of missiles that lit up the night sky over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,…