Officials admitted they were worried Iranian civilians would riot should energy or water infrastructure be targeted.

Iranian officials on Saturday signaled they could walk back their decision to not attend upcoming nuclear talks with the U.S., but said further negotiations were likely “meaningless”

As the attacks escalate, with fatalities and injuries reported on both sides, Israel issued the stark warning to Iran.

Israel's initial assault used warplanes and drones to hit key facilities and kill top generals and scientists.

Iran says it has built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility, ratcheting up tensions with the U.N. immediately after its atomic watchdog censured Iran for failing to comply with obligations meant to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Iran has warned it will ramp up its nuclear activities after the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s 35-member board of governors adopted a resolution Thursday declaring it in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.