A dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions is unfolding after a reported joint US-Israel strike targeting Iran’s leadership, triggering a chain reaction of military operations across the region. Israeli forces have expanded operations into Beirut’s southern suburbs, issuing urgent evacuation warnings that sparked mass panic and traffic gridlock as thousands of civilians attempted to flee. Reports from Lebanese authorities say more than 120 people have been killed, over 680 injured and nearly 90,000 displaced since the violence intensified earlier this week. WATCH

A high-impact Israeli naval strike in Beirut has eliminated Reza Khazaei, a senior commander within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF identifies Khazaei as Chief of Staff within the Quds Force Lebanon Corps, and a central architect behind coordination between Iran and Hezbollah. Israeli officials describe him as the key liaison responsible for aligning Hezbollah’s operational needs with Iranian funding, weapons systems, and strategic resources. Military sources claim Khazaei played a decisive role in rebuilding Hezbollah’s offensive capabilities following the 2023-2024 conflict with Israel. WATCH