has killed three top generals, , and a number of nuclear scientists in strikes on . The Israeli military said more than 200 fighter jets were involved in the attacks which struck around 100 targets across Iran, with Tehran launching 100 drones in retaliation.

The Israel Defence Force (IDF) says Iran's three most senior military commanders were killed in the attacks which focused on the "heart" of the country's nuclear programme, as well as ballistic missile facilities and senior military leaders. It said General Hossein Salami; Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps paramilitary force, General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri; Chief of Staff of Iran's armed forces and Major General Gholamali Rashid; Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters were all killed. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of the chiefs and said six nuclear scientists had also died.

So far, five of the six scientists have been named as Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari, Amirhossein Feqhi and Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation.

Iranian state media claims civilians, including children in Tehran, have also been killed.

Israel launched the strikes in the early hours on Friday, describing them as "pre-emptive".

An IDF spokesperson said more than "330 various munitions" had been used in the attacks.

Nations across the Middle East have condemned Israel, including Saudi Arabia which described the strikes as "blatant Israeli aggressions".

Its foreign ministry said the attacks undermine Iran's sovereignty and security and "constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms".

Prime Minister has amid fears of a full-scale conflict.

"Escalation serves no one in the region," he said.

"Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel acted alone, saying: "We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence."

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on Israel's Western backers to press for an end to the strikes.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel will face "severe punishment".

Tehran has since launched a wave of drones, which Israel says it has begun intercepting.