US President Joe Biden has confirmed discussions with Israel about potential strikes on Iran's oil facilities. This comes after Iran fired over 180 missiles at Israel in response to the deaths of key leaders from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's military. Biden did not specify if the US supports the strikes but has previously opposed targeting Iran's nuclear sites. The price of Brent crude oil rose sharply after Biden’s remarks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Iran would "pay a heavy price" for the missile attack, raising concerns of further escalation in the Middle East.

Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel shortly after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei delivered a rare Friday sermon. Khamenei called for resistance against Israel, saying it would not defeat Hezbollah or Hamas. The attacks follow intense Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, killing 37 people in the last 24 hours. One strike targeted Hezbollah's likely new leader, Hashem Safieddine, though his fate is unclear. Tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran are escalating, with Israel preparing a possible retaliation against Iran. The conflict has displaced over a million people from southern Lebanon.

The Indian stock market saw heavy losses, with Sensex falling over 4,100 points in five days. The drop was driven by tensions in the Middle East and China’s new economic measures. Iran’s missile strikes on Israel and China’s stimulus package caused foreign investors to pull money from Indian stocks. In Friday's session, Sensex recovered briefly but ended 1% lower. Banking, FMCG, and auto stocks were the hardest hit, while IT stocks gained slightly. Experts advise caution, as market volatility continues with potential further drops.

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.