Israel is claiming “aerial superiority” over Iran’s capital of Tehran on the fourth day of fighting, which saw new waves of strikes between the Middle East rivals. At least five people were killed in Iranian missile attacks Monday in Israel,

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

By Ben Aris in Berlin With its long-standing good relations with both Tel Aviv and Tehran, the outbreak of war in the Middle East has put Moscow in a delicate position, but it has also been presented it with the opportunity to act as peacemaker and weaken the West’s support for Ukraine in the process.

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is likely trying to divert attention from Russia's war against Ukraine by offering to mediate in the Middle East conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan July 3,