Iran dismisses US 'talks' as rockets hit Israel

Iran has launched multiple waves of rockets at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in parts of the country, including Tel Aviv. Falling debris damaged homes in northern Israel, though no casualties have been reported.

The escalation follows comments by US President Donald Trump, who said he would delay for five days a threatened strike on Iranian power plants if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He cited 'productive' discussions with Iranian officials.

US sources, however, say the pause only applies to energy infrastructure. Military targets, including naval assets and missile capabilities, remain under threat.

Tehran has rejected claims that negotiations are under way, describing them as a means of manipulating the financial and oil markets. At the same time, Iran has warned it could target infrastructure belonging to US allies in the Middle East.

(reuters, est)