The military exchanges worsened between Israel and Iran overnight on Monday as strikes hit residential areas, killing and wounding civilians on both sides.

Spokane-born retired American diplomat Ryan Crocker anticipates the conflict between Israel and Iran only to escalate in the coming days.

The conflict, the most intense fighting between the two countries in decades, has been met in the United States with feelings of “frustration and helplessness,” as well as heartbreak.

It’s too soon to tell how exactly the current wave of Israeli strikes could transform the region, but one thing is clear: Israel’s actions have fundamentally reshaped the security landscape of the Middle East.

"This confrontation will not end with last night's limited actions and Iran's strikes will continue, and this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors," Fars reported, citing senior military officials.

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel are "over the skies of Tehran" and have killed Iran's intelligence chief. In response, Iran carries out its first-day time strikes into Israel.