Shapiro served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East until January—charged with, among other things, considering scenarios in which tensions between Israel and Iran escalated into all-out war and preparing U.

Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel, killing at least three people and wounding dozens, after a series of blistering Israeli attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and its armed forces.

Follow live updates as Iran retaliates after Israel strikes nuclear facilities. Stay informed with real-time news and developments.

The two powers have been exchanging barrages since Israel attacked Iran early Friday and killed many of the country’s top military leaders and scientists.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear weapon. The United States and Iran have held five rounds of negotiations toward achieving an agreement that would limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, with a sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.

Follow the latest news after Israel launched strikes at Iran, a dramatic escalation in long-running tensions between the two countries.

By JON GAMBRELL, MELANIE LIDMAN and JULIA FRANKEL DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel’s defense minister warned Saturday that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues

Republicans and some Democrats offered strong support for Israel’s move, but many Democrats called for de-escalation and warned of the consequences of a broader war.

Israel warns "Tehran will burn" if Iran continues firing missiles, while state media say 60 people have been killed in a strike on Iran's capital.