Daily brief
Israel and Iran have exchanged direct military strikes for the first time in decades, dramatically escalating their long-running shadow conflict. Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including a petrochemical plant, and said it dismantled Iranian strategic defense systems. The strikes came after Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel. Both sides have since indicated a temporary halt to direct hostilities, but the exchanges have raised concerns about a broader regional war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will strike Iran again if attacked, rejecting what he called a new 'security equation' imposed by Iran and Hezbollah.
Iran announced a pause in its strikes on Israel, while the Israeli military said it had struck and dismantled strategic defense systems in Iran.
The Houthis said they will block Israeli sailing in the Red Sea, as Israel's army vowed to operate across Lebanon and intensify actions against Hezbollah.