Iran has long accused Israel of targeting its nuclear program through covert operations. Israeli officials, in turn, have hinted at potential strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. This exchange of threats that has intensified amid ongoing hostilities between the two nations since Israel's attacks on Hezbollah, a long-standing ally.

Iran is willing to resolve disputes with the United Nations nuclear agency over its compliance with safeguards on its atomic programme but will not do so under pressure, Iran's foreign minister said after meeting the IAEA head on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that Iran will not negotiate under "intimidation" as he held crunch talks with the UN nuclear chief weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump takes