In a dramatic escalation, Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s and Lebanon’s capitals on Friday, while the United States reportedly targeted an Iranian drone carrier in a relentless push against Iran’s naval forces.
Iran responded with fresh assaults in the region, concluding a week marked by heavy bombardment. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that the conflict was on the brink of intensifying significantly.
Early Friday, Israel’s military announced a “broad-scale wave of strikes” on Tehran, Iran’s capital. Residents described the bombardment as exceptionally forceful, causing buildings to tremble. Additionally, explosions were reported near Kermanshah, a site known for its missile installations.
Israel hits Lebanon with multiple airstrikes around Beirut
In Lebanon, Israel launched at least 11 airstrikes from late Thursday into early Friday, focusing on Beirut’s southern suburbs, leading to fires near a gas station.
The Israeli military issued an urgent warning Thursday night, advising civilians to “save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately.” In response, two hospitals evacuated their patients and staff; however, no casualties were immediately confirmed.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that the death toll has climbed to 123 since the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which began with strikes on Israel during the initial days of the conflict.
A spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, Tilak Pokharel, said on Thursday that peacekeepers had seen and heard clashes, including ground combat, in southern Lebanon as more Israeli forces have moved across the border.
