Heavy bombardment lit up the skyline of Tehran and Beirut on Friday morning as the U.S. and Israel announced a “new phase” in their joint military campaign. Entering its sixth day, the conflict has shifted from initial strikes to a broad strategy of attrition and regime degradation.
The day’s most significant development came from the White House, where President Donald Trump signaled a massive, long-term ramp-up of the American military-industrial complex.
Following a meeting with the CEOs of the nation’s largest defense contractors—including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon—the President announced a directive to “quadruple production” of high-end “Exquisite Class” weaponry.
“Plants and production of many of these weapons are already under way,” the President posted on Truth Social, adding that while the U.S. maintains a “virtually unlimited supply” of medium-grade munitions, the focus is now on reaching “the highest levels of quantity” for advanced systems. Trump noted that expansion of these facilities had secretly begun three months prior to the meeting.
The administration’s hardline stance was underscored by a demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the war, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” will continue until the President determines Iran no longer poses a threat. She noted that coalition forces have already eliminated over 50 senior Iranian leaders, including the Supreme Leader.
On the ground, the humanitarian and economic toll is mounting rapidly:
- Displacement: The Norwegian Refugee Council reports that over 300,000 people have fled southern Lebanon and Beirut following Israeli evacuation orders and airstrikes.
- Energy Crisis: Global oil prices have spiked to two-year highs, with Brent crude surpassing $92. Analysts warn of a potential jump to $150 if Gulf energy exports are fully shut down.
- Regional Intelligence: Russia is confirmed to be providing intelligence on U.S. military positions to Iran, raising fears of a broader proxy conflict.
- Casualties: In Lebanon alone, health officials report 217 dead and nearly 800 wounded. In Tehran, a massive underground leadership bunker was destroyed by a strike involving 50 fighter jets.
Amid the escalation, some nations are seeking a middle ground. Sri Lanka took custody of 250 Iranian sailors after their vessel suffered engine failure, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake insisting that “no civilians should die in wars” and maintaining a policy of non-alignment.
In the U.S., the State Department is working to evacuate thousands of Americans. While the President characterized the effort as “seamless,” reports from the ground in cities like Doha suggest many citizens remain trapped due to closed airspace and a lack of clear guidance from local embassies.
READ: Iran Pounded As Trump Demands “Unconditional Surrender” On Seventh Day Of War
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