Israel unleashed airstrikes across Iran for a third day and threatened even greater force as some Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defenses to strike buildings in the heart of the country.

Iran launched multiple deadly waves of missiles and drones toward Israel into Saturday morning following Israel’s unprecedented strikes aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear program and decapitating its military leadership.

The Israeli military said it killed nine senior scientists and experts who played a role in Iran’s nuclear program in strikes Friday. Israel says Iran intends to build a nuclear weapon, and is quite close to being able to.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the mission of his lifetime. For years, the veteran leader has made the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program his top priority.

The retaliatory strikes came on Saturday, a day after Israel killed top Iranian military leaders and scientists and destroyed an aboveground nuclear enrichment plant near Natanz.

Iran conflict could open opportunities for Russia to possibly become a power broker to help end the confrontation.

Experts suggest the U.S. has a strategic opportunity to leverage Iran's weakened position for a nuclear deal after Israel's targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel on Friday night in retaliation for Israel's surprise attack early Friday. Israel struck at the heart of the Iran's nuclear program, killing several nuclear scientists as well as high-ranking military leaders, according to Israeli officials.