Israeli military says latest missiles from Iran incoming as explosions heard

Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran. Picture: Vahid Salemi/AP

The latest US-Iran talks on Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme will not take place, mediator Oman said on Saturday, as Iran launched another missile barrage a day after Israel’s blistering attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

Both Israel’s military and Iran state television announced the latest round of missiles as explosions were heard overhead in parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv.

Israel’s military quickly noted that it was currently striking “military targets” in Tehran.

Israeli security forces inspect destroyed houses that were struck by a missile fired from Iran, in Rishon Lezion, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Jordan said it has closed its airspace.

Israel’s ongoing “widespread strikes” in Tehran and elsewhere have left Iran’s surviving leadership with the difficult decision of whether to plunge deeper into conflict with Israel’s more powerful forces or seek a diplomatic route.

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said on social media the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks on Sunday “will not now take place”, adding that “diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace”.

Although the talks are off for now, “we remain committed to talks and hope the Iranians will come to the table soon”, said a senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss diplomacy.

Israel and Iran signalled more attacks are coming, despite urgent calls from world leaders to deescalate and avoid all-out war.

The attack on nuclear sites set a “dangerous precedent”, China’s foreign minister said.

The region is already on edge as Israel makes a new push to eliminate the Iranian-backed militant group Hamas in Gaza after 20 months of fighting.