China and Russia have voiced strong political support for Iran amid its conflict with Israel and the United States. However, despite their backing, direct military intervention by either country appears unlikely.

Israel is planning a multi-billion shekel increase to its defense budget, which would raise the 2026 deficit target. Leaders are considering a special budget mechanism to cover part of the war costs.

Israeli sources confirmed that a strike near Tehran destroyed a site critical to Iran’s efforts to rebuild parts of its nuclear weapons program. Despite outside skepticism, officials say the facility was essential to restoring weapons development capabilities.

An analysis argues that Benjamin Netanyahu fulfilled his pledge to change the Middle East after the October 7 attack by shifting Israel from caution to aggressive initiative. The transformation, it says, reshaped both regional dynamics and Israel’s own strategic mindset.

New figures show haredi women now earn higher hourly wages than haredi men, reflecting a long-term economic shift. While gaps remain compared with the broader population, women are increasingly becoming key earners within their communities.

The Israel Defense Forces said they eliminated Abu al-Qassem Baba'iyan in Tehran, a senior military official serving under Iran's Supreme Leader. Officials described the strike as part of an ongoing campaign to weaken Iran's military leadership.

The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted the vast majority of Iranian drones and missiles launched toward the country. Officials released footage of the interceptions and pledged to defend national security.

Ukraine will send experts to the Middle East to assist United States troops and civilians. The deployment follows a request for help countering Iranian Shahed drones and will begin next week.

Israel has targeted key Iranian fuel and oil storage sites, striking at the heart of the country’s economy. Analysts warn that sustained attacks on energy infrastructure could deepen Iran’s crisis and have long-term consequences for stability.

Japan, the United States, and the Dominican Republic headlined a series of lopsided victories in recent World Baseball Classic games. Pool play continues with several key matchups scheduled before the knockout rounds begin.

A retired Lebanese security officer vanished after a land sale meeting, and his family believes he was abducted to Israel for information about a long-missing Israeli navigator. The case resurfaced after a deadly Israeli commando raid in Lebanon seeking the navigator’s remains.

Hezbollah has intensified attacks on Israeli forces near the northern border as Israel focuses much of its military power on Iran. Officials warn that without stronger intelligence and firepower in Lebanon, casualties could continue to rise.