Israeli airstrikes in Beirut reportedly targeted Hashem Safieddine, cousin of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and a potential successor. U.S. media, including The New York Times, quoted Israeli officials claiming that Safieddine and other Hezbollah leaders were meeting in an underground bunker in the southern Dahieh district when the attack occurred. It remains unclear whether Safieddine was killed in the strikes, which were larger than last week's attack that killed Nasrallah. Hezbollah has not commented on the incident. The strikes follow escalating tensions as Israel faces rocket attacks from Lebanon, with 37 Lebanese deaths reported in the past 24 hours.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended Iran’s missile strikes on Israel as “legitimate” during his first public sermon in five years. Addressing thousands in Tehran, Khamenei called Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel "a rightful move" and warned that Iran would strike again if provoked. He also praised Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, as a voice for the oppressed. Khamenei urged Muslim nations to unite against Israel and the U.S., predicting that the “Zionist entity” would be uprooted. Tensions remain high, risking further escalation in the Middle East.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have issued a series of threatening emails to Greek shipping companies, warning of attacks on vessels crossing the Red Sea. The warnings, which began in May, target ships violating a Houthi-imposed transit ban by docking at Israeli ports. The Houthis, acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have carried out nearly 100 attacks on vessels since November, sinking two ships and killing four seafarers. These threats expand the risks for ships attempting to navigate the region, with significant disruptions to maritime traffic. The conflict between Yemen and Israel continues to escalate as regional tensions grow.

In an exclusive interview ahead of his memoir "Unleashed," Boris Johnson claimed that Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if Donald Trump had been president. Johnson highlighted Trump’s unpredictability, saying, “Putin wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine under Trump.” He pointed out that Trump’s foreign policy actions, including expelling Russian spies and supporting Ukraine militarily, demonstrated a tougher stance. Johnson emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s fight for democracy and recently spoke to both Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He also criticized the UK government's current direction on EU relations and the European Convention on Human Rights.            

An Israeli airstrike destroyed a crucial road near Lebanon's Masnaa border crossing with Syria, creating a 4-meter-wide crater. The route, heavily used by civilians escaping Israeli bombardments, is now blocked, affecting both people and vital goods, according to Lebanon's transport minister and the World Food Programme. Simultaneously, Israel announced the killing of Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, Hezbollah's communications head, in a targeted strike near Beirut. The Israeli military has also ordered over 30 southern Lebanese towns to evacuate immediately due to ongoing operations against Hezbollah. Civilians were urged to flee north of the Awali River for their safety.

A 17-year-old was arrested for allegedly murdering Dr. Javed Akhtar, 55, at his private nursing home in Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj. The teen, angry over the treatment cost, shot Dr. Akhtar and later posted on social media, "Kar diya 2024 mein murder." The teenager had visited the hospital with a friend for first-aid, but after receiving treatment, shot the doctor. The friend remains at large. Staff heard the gunshot and found the doctor bleeding. Police suggest the teens visited the previous night for reconnaissance, and the weapon has been recovered. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about healthcare staff safety.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led Friday prayers in Tehran, praising Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Khamenei called Nasrallah the "voice of the oppressed" and vowed more strikes against Israel if necessary. Iran had already launched 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Nasrallah’s assassination. Khamenei urged Muslims to strengthen defenses across Islamic nations, emphasizing solidarity. Thousands gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosque, displaying flags and chanting support for Hezbollah, as Nasrallah was secretly buried to avoid further Israeli attacks.

Israel removed a controversial map from its official website that incorrectly showed a part of Jammu and Kashmir as belonging to Pakistan. The map sparked a social media backlash, with users questioning Israel's support for India. Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, clarified that the map's depiction was an editor’s mistake and promptly removed. Azar thanked users for highlighting the error. The incident occurs as Israel faces a multi-front conflict in the Middle East, with mounting tensions following missile strikes and the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a rare Friday sermon, vowing to defeat Israel after recent airstrikes. Addressing thousands in Tehran, he backed Hezbollah and Hamas, describing their fight as a "jihad for al-Aqsa mosque." Khamenei praised the martyrdom of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, killed in an Israeli airstrike last week. He called Hezbollah a "blessed tree" and stated that Nasrallah’s legacy would inspire resistance against the Zionist regime. The speech highlighted the ongoing tensions, marking Khamenei's first Friday sermon in five years as threats to his life intensify.

A fresh wave of Israeli air strikes hit Beirut, Lebanon, early Friday, including a powerful explosion near the city's international airport, close to Hezbollah’s stronghold in Dahieh. Reports indicate Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah's likely successor to the recently assassinated Hassan Nasrallah, may have been a key target, though his condition remains unknown. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 37 deaths in the past 24 hours, adding to the conflict’s death toll, which now exceeds 2,000. An Israeli air strike also hit a cafe in the West Bank’s Tulkarm refugee camp, killing 18 people, including Hamas leaders.