US and Israeli strikes on Iran are rooted in years of confrontation over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its regional influence.

Both allies argue that Iran’s expanding uranium enrichment and its missile capabilities pose a major security threat, and have repeatedly said they are prepared to use force to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

In June last year, the US and Israel carried out attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Those operations included strikes on facilities inside Iran and assassinations of senior commanders, according to reports and official statements at the time.

Iranian officials — including President Masoud Pezeshkian — insist the country will never develop nuclear weapons.

US intelligence agencies and the UN nuclear watchdog have said they have not found evidence that Iran is currently building an atomic bomb. However, Israel and some figures in the Trump administration have continued to argue that Iran is pursuing a weapons capability and that military action is necessary to stop it.