Israel’s unprecedented attacks on Iran had at their core an elusive and high-risk goal: eradicating the country’s controversial nuclear program.

DUBAI — Israel unleashed airstrikes across Iran for a third day Sunday and threatened even greater force as some Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defenses to strike buildings in the heart of the country. Planned talks on Iran’s nuclear program, which could provide an offramp, were canceled.

Israel has launched a series of strikes against Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program and other military infrastructure. Iran has launched its own strikes in retaliation.