The mounting destruction and death toll in the conflict between Israel and Iran is raising fears of broader escalation, with the United States caught in the conundrum of military involvement in the Middle East's most perilous confrontation since the Gulf War.

The two powers have been exchanging barrages since Israel attacked Iran and killed many of the country’s top military leaders and scientists.

Tehran said American bases in the Middle East could face reprisals if the U.S. helped repel Iranian attacks on Israel.

Iran says there was damage to its Fordow and Isfahan nuclear sites from an earlier attack as the Israeli PM vows that "more is on the way".

Iran has issued a stark warning to Britain, France and the US – if they step in to defend Israel, they will be treated as enemies. Military bases in the Middle East would be targeted, while the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea will be turned into war zones with naval vessels attacked.

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