India, March 23 -- Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel late Saturday, leaving buildings shattered and dozens injured in dual attacks not far from Israel's main nuclear research centre, while President Donald Trump warned the US will "obliterate" Iranian power plants if it doesn't fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

The developments signalled the war was moving in a dangerous new direction at the start of its fourth week. Trump - who is facing increasing pressure at home to secure the strait as oil prices soar - issued the ultimatum in a social media post while he spent the weekend at his Florida home. Trump said he's giving Iran 48 hours to open the vital waterway or face a new round of attacks.

He sa...