Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei reportedly named potential successors while hiding in underground bunkers, with outlets identifying Habib Allah Sayari for a "basic military mission." This followed Israel's strikes on southwestern Iran, including the Ahvaz region and targets near the Isfahan nuclear facility, where Iran arrested 22 people on espionage charges.
Morning coverage emphasized Lebanese neutrality declarations, with Speaker Berri asserting Hezbollah would not enter the war despite internal government tensions over statements from Hezbollah's Qassem. European diplomatic momentum emerged as Macron announced accelerated negotiations with Tehran, contrasting with yesterday's Iranian rejection of diplomacy.
Military preparations intensified with America relocating B-2 bombers to Guam and Britain warning Lebanon of serious consequences if it intervened. Reuters reported Israel might act unilaterally without waiting for Trump's two-week deadline. Middle East Airlines canceled flights to Iraq, while Israeli forces struck Hezbollah positions in Naqoura after questioning a member.