Iran has delayed naming a new supreme leader as fighting with Israel and the United States intensifies across the Middle East. Lawmakers in Washington rejected an effort to curb the president's war powers, while global markets reacted sharply to the escalating conflict.

United States officials said Operation Epic Fury has severely weakened Iran's military through widespread air and naval strikes. The campaign is expanding to target missile production and command infrastructure, with leaders pledging sustained operations alongside Israel.

President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to the White House to celebrate their Major League Soccer championship. The ceremony also took place ahead of this summer's World Cup, which will be hosted in North America.

A Scottish man has been stranded in Dubai for 10 days after flight cancellations linked to regional conflict. He says airline policies have left repatriation flights departing with empty seats while passengers remain stuck in a city under attack.

A former British Broadcasting Corporation journalist told a tribunal he 'deeply regrets' social media posts that led to his dismissal. He claims his behaviour was linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and a mental health crisis, while the broadcaster says dismissal was justified.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States controls the pace of its military campaign against Iran and is prepared for a prolonged fight. He warned that Tehran is misjudging American resolve and capacity.

Egypt’s president warned the country faces a near-emergency as the Iran war fuels economic instability and inflation fears. The falling currency and threats to Suez Canal revenues have heightened concerns over the nation’s financial outlook.

Iranian ballistic missile attacks have fallen sharply since the start of the war, according to the head of United States Central Command. He said American forces have intensified strikes on Iran’s navy, sinking more than 30 vessels.

Kemi Badenoch has pledged to reinstate the two-child benefit cap to fund an expansion of Britain’s armed forces. She said the savings would boost troop numbers and help reduce the deficit amid growing pressure to increase defence spending.

The United States has asked Ukraine to help counter Iranian Shahed drones in the Middle East, citing Kyiv's battlefield expertise. Ukraine is considering sharing interceptor technology and specialists as talks over regional security and its war with Russia continue.

The House of Representatives voted 219 to 212 against a measure to curb President Donald Trump's air campaign against Iran. The decision allows the military operation to continue without new authorization from Congress.

The article draws parallels between current events involving Israel and Iran and biblical patterns found in the Book of Esther. It emphasizes themes of Shabbat, reversal, and redemption, suggesting that today’s conflict reflects a deeper historical and spiritual cycle.