Intense Israeli strikes hit Iran and Lebanon as US warns the bombardment will 'surge dramatically'

Intense Israeli airstrikes are pounding the capitals of Iran and Lebanon as the U.S. apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea in its unrelenting campaign against the Islamic Republic’s fleet of warships. Iran launched new retaliatory attacks early Friday against neighboring countries that host U.S. forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The latest strikes mark a full week of attacks affecting countries across the Middle East. The Israeli military says the fighting has destroyed most of Iran’s air defenses and missile launchers. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warns that strikes against Tehran were “about to surge dramatically.”