If the United States bombs an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran or kills the country’s supreme leader, it could kick off a more dangerous and unpredictable phase in the war.

US President Donald Trump’s self-imposed two-week delay to decide whether to strike Iran has sparked confusion and conjecture in Israel.

Just ask Jimmy Carter, whose White House term was forever framed by the unsuccessful attempt to rescue hostages held by Iran in 1979. That led to his defeat in 1980 by Ronald Reagan. President Donald Trump no doubt is aware of history – and perhaps irony as well – as events in Iran are again front and center at a pivotal moment early in his second stint in the White House.

By Parisa Hafezi, Crispian Balmer and Jana Choukeir DUBAI/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.

Iran has said it will not resume talks over its nuclear programme while under attack, hours after Israel's defence minister warned of a "prolonged" conflict with the Islamic Republic. Fighting raged on Friday as Iran fired a salvo of missiles at northern Israel and Israel targeted dozens of sites in Iran.

Iran said Friday it would not resume nuclear negotiations with the United States until Israel halts its attacks, as Israel's military chief warned the week-old war will be "prolonged".