Haifa and Tel Aviv struck by Iranian missiles as U.S. embassy in Israel directs government employees and families to shelter in place at home.

Israeli authorities reported the evacuation of 60 residents in Haifa, 1,300 in Petah Tikva, and 300 in Tel Aviv due to damage to buildings.

Israel’s multi-layered defences include its famous Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range surface-to-surface rockets, artillery and mortars, and David’s Sling, which intercepts short- to medium-range missiles and short-range ballistic missiles.

Israeli energy company Bazan said its Haifa oil refinery suffered pipeline and transmission line damage during Iran’s overnight missile barrage. Refining core facilities continue to operate at the site,

Israeli officials have been pushing the United States to join the fray and use its huge bunker-busting bomb to crush Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

An Israeli strike hit Iran's state broadcaster on Monday while the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog indicated extensive damage to Iran's biggest uranium enrichment plant and Iran called on the U.S. to force a ceasefire in the aerial war.

Iranian missiles damaged the US embassy in Tel Aviv, escalating tensions. Israel retaliated with strikes on Iran's energy sector, while both sides continued attacks.

Israel and Iran continued exchanging missile strikes for a third consecutive day on Sunday, ignoring international appeals to end hostilities as the conflict intensified with heavy civilian casualties on both sides.