Erbil hotel hit by drone attack, security sources say
The drone attack, which came the same day as two other Erbil drone attacks, occured amid Kurdish concerns of being dragged into the Iran war.
Middle East
UK PM speaks with Saudi Crown Prince, leaders of France, Germany, Italy about Middle East
Israel backing Iranian Kurdish push to seize Iran border areas, sources say
US well on way toward controlling Iran airspace, says White House
Iran's underground ‘missile cities’ strategy becomes a disadvantage for regime - WSJ
The WSJ reports that Iran’s "missile cities" have become a strategic liability. Constant drone monitoring and neutralized air defenses have allowed the US and Israel to slash Iranian launches by 86%.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts divided over plans to hand power to Khamenei’s second son - report
Many experts have reportedly taken issue with “hereditary leadership." Mojtaba Khamenei has also formed close political alliances with Ahmad Vahidi, the newly appointed IRGC commander.
IRGC members in Lebanon will be arrested, deported, Lebanese information minister says
The IDF spokesperson in Arabic issued an immediate evacuation notice for all residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, instructing them to head north towards Mount Lebanon and avoid heading south.
Six Kurdish Iranian groups unite in coalition against Tehran regime - analysis
Iranian Kurdish parties form a historic coalition to coordinate efforts and safeguard Kurdish interests amid regional unrest.
More than 80,000 people flee areas in Lebanon amid fighting
More than 80,000 displaced people had registered in shelters, and there are now 399 shelters for the displaced across Lebanon. Lebanon also says 72 people have been killed in the fighting.
Iraqi feminist who saved thousands from honor killings slain by gunman outside home in Baghdad
Mohammed, who co-founded and directed the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq, was rushed to hospital where she perished from her wounds, according to local reports and Amnesty International.
The Kurdistan region of Iraq fears being dragged into Iran war - analysis
As Iran faces US and Israeli strikes, Iraq’s Kurdistan Region fears being pulled into the conflict amid drone attacks, militia activity, and growing concerns about regional escalation.
Russia accuses US and Israel of trying to drag Arab countries into wider Middle East conflict
Moscow accused the US and Israel of baiting Iran into striking Gulf allies to force them into a wider conflict. Russian President Putin offered to relay Arab concerns to Tehran.
Iranian bombers were 'minutes away' from striking US base in Qatar - report
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said later on Thursday that four additional Typhoon fighter jets would be sent to Qatar as the conflict in the Middle East escalates.
Did Iran’s Islamic regime hold its leadership council meeting in a hospital?
Images suggest Iran’s interim leadership council may have met in a Tehran hospital, possibly for safety and propaganda purposes amid ongoing conflict and heightened Israeli-US pressure.
