Iran launches missiles at central and north Israel as the Israeli military carries out further strikes in Iran.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel launched an expanded assault on Iran on Sunday, with direct strikes targeting its energy industry and Defense Ministry headquarters, while Tehran unleashed a fresh barrage of missiles blamed for the deaths of four people and injuries of many others.

Iranian media reported that Israel struck the South Pars Gas Field in what would be the first attack on an Iranian energy site.

The strikes came after the Israeli military said it had carried out fresh strikes on Iran nuclear infrastructure sites.

Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.

By the time Israel’s advanced F-35 jet fighters swooped in to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leadership, a lower-tech threat had already crossed the border and was in position to clear the way.

While Israel and Iran trade attacks, Palestinians in Gaza have been struggling to find food, connect to the internet and survive airstrikes.

Israeli airstrike kills Ali Shamkhani, Iran's former Supreme National Security Council Secretary who rebuilt naval capabilities and was sanctioned by the U.S. after Soleimani's death.