Iran has long accused Israel of targeting its nuclear program through covert operations. Israeli officials, in turn, have hinted at potential strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. This exchange of threats that has intensified amid ongoing hostilities between the two nations since Israel's attacks on Hezbollah, a long-standing ally.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi met Iran's top diplomat Thursday as he began crunch nuclear talks in Tehran weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. "Rafael

Iran is willing to resolve disputes with the United Nations nuclear agency over its compliance with safeguards on its atomic programme but will not do so under pressure, Iran's foreign minister said after meeting the IAEA head on Thursday.

Six Israeli soldiers have been killed after a three-hour gun battle with Hezbollah fighters who ambushed them in southern Lebanon.

The deaths on Wednesday made it one of the most lethal days for the Israeli military since it invaded Lebanon last month to battle Hezbollah fighters.

The Israeli military pounded Beirut's southern suburbs with airstrikes on Tuesday, mounting one of its heaviest daytime attacks yet on the Hezbollah-controlled area, and struck the middle of the country where more than 20 people were killed.