The situation in the Middle East continues to escalate amid attacks and counterattacks involving several countries in the region. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli bombings this week has reached 394 dead, including 83 children.
Meanwhile, powerful explosions were reported in Tehran after airstrikes that also hit oil depots, sending huge clouds of smoke over the Iranian capital. The US Central Command has urged Iranian citizens to stay home, while accusing Tehran of using civilian areas to launch attacks.
In political developments, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts said a consensus has been reached on the successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, although the appointment process still faces several obstacles. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has warned that it may target any potential successor.
President Donald Trump has declared that Iran's new supreme leader "won't last long" without US approval.
Meanwhile, tensions have spread to the Gulf states. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two people were killed and 12 others were injured after a missile hit a residential area. Missile and drone attacks have also been reported in other countries in the region, while the conflict between Iran, Israel and their allies is raising fears of further escalation in the region.
