Iran is preparing for potential Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for Western nations to withdraw from the Middle East. This statement came during Khamenei's first public appearance since he ordered a significant missile attack on Israel, which was a response to Israeli actions against Hezbollah's leadership—an armed group that Iran supports in Lebanon. During a meeting with students and scientists, Khamenei emphasized the need for the West to exit the region, highlighting the escalating tensions following the recent military exchanges. The situation remains precarious as both sides brace for further conflict in the wake of these developments.

The conflict in Lebanon has escalated as Israel launched airstrikes on areas north of Beirut, while Hezbollah targeted Tel Aviv for the first time. This intensification of hostilities has raised concerns about the widening scope of the conflict, with the death toll in Lebanon now reaching 560. Israeli forces bombed the mountainous regions north of Beirut, specifically striking Maaysra, which is located approximately 60 miles (100 km) from the border. This development has heightened fears that the ongoing assaults on southern Lebanon could extend to other regions of the country. In response to the violence, hundreds of thousands of people have fled southern Lebanon in search of safety from the Israeli attacks aimed at Hezbollah. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in aerial assaults, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.