Blinken's visit comes as mediators intensify efforts to finalise a deal. He is scheduled to meet with top Israeli officials on Monday before travelling to Cairo on Tuesday for further discussions.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is contemplating a preemptive strike on Iran to thwart the impending assault, as reported by the Times of Israel.

US President Joe Biden has firmly rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. During a White House event celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, Biden addressed guests in the Rose Garden, where he reiterated his support for Israel amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a private meeting in Jerusalem. The meeting, initially held between the two leaders, was scheduled to expand into broader discussions involving their respective staff members.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have firmly denied the existence of a mass grave at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, dismissing allegations that it was filled with individuals killed by the Israeli military during recent operations.

In a recent development, Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz has voiced strong opposition to the decision made by the Biden administration to impose sanctions on a unit of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). This move, according to Gantz, sets a 'dangerous precedent' and sends the wrong message to shared enemies during wartime.

It reportedly occurred near Isfahan's international airport. The province has a large air base, missile production complex and nuclear sites.

While the US and UK have condemned the attack by Iran, Turkey‘s former President Erdogan blamed Netanyahu for the same. The Kremlin has called the attacks, “retaliatory measures” taken by Iran.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi issued a firm warning against actions that undermine Iran's interests, stating that they would be met with a "painful response".

Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a boiling point, with both sides issuing threats of retaliation following a recent attack by Iran. Israel’s military chief, Herzi Halevi, affirmed that the country is prepared to respond to Iran’s aggression, while Iran has warned of deploying "weapons never used before" if Israel strikes back.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US military reported intercepting over 80 drones and six ballistic missiles launched toward Israel from Iran and Yemen.

Reports say that US President Biden has made it clear to Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not take part in a counter-offensive against Iran, an option Netanyahu’s war cabinet favours after a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory, according to officials.