Tehran, 28 March (H.S.):

Iran claimed Saturday that Israel attacked two of its nuclear sites amid a 29-day-old conflict in West Asia just hours after Israel warned it would intensify and broaden its military campaign against Tehran.

State news agency IRNA reported via US broadcaster PBS that a heavy-water plant and a yellowcake production facility were targeted Friday. Yellowcake is refined uranium used for nuclear fuel while heavy water serves as a moderator in reactors.

The strikes came as President Donald Trump asserted negotiations to end the war were progressing well and gave Iran a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected outright a US 15-point ceasefire proposal that included relinquishing control over the strait through which 20 percent of global oil flows – a closure that could cripple world markets.

Tehran made clear it is boycotting talks and ordered more troops deployed to the region. Trump then reiterated Friday that America could target Iranian energy plants if the waterway stays closed to all shipping by April 6.

Markets felt the heat immediately with stock indexes sliding and energy supply fears spiking. Israel's aggressive warnings and the nuclear site hits have deepened the West Asian crisis despite diplomatic bids leaving global economic and security worries at a fever pitch.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar