The U.S. State Department is evacuating non-essential personnel and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, citing rising regional tensions and concerns over a potential military conflict with Iran. The embassy will continue operations with essential staff remaining in place.

Israel Opposition Leader Yair Lapid: If war erupts with Iran, politics pauses. Full unity behind the government and the IDF.

Iraq has urged all its students in Iran to leave the country immediately.

The US State Department has just issued a Level 4 travel warning (the highest level) to its citizens regarding Lebanon.

USS Thomas Hudner is transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, heading east into the Mediterranean Sea.

Trump, via his Truth Social handle, pushed back against what he called “Fake News” reports claiming that General Daniel Caine opposes U.S. action against Iran. He said the stories are “100% incorrect,” adding that while he prefers reaching a deal with Iran, he is confident that if military action were ever taken, it would be successful. Trump emphasized that he alone makes the final decision on matters of war and peace, stating that negotiations are his priority but warning that failure to reach an agreement would have serious consequences for Iran.

"Fake News" about Daniel Canie he is referring to in his post

Meanwhile:-
Netanyahu says Israel faces ‘complex, difficult’ days amid Iran tensions

Quad supports first Open RAN rollout in Palau, strengthening secure 4G/5G connectivity and trusted digital infrastructure in the Pacific.

Pakistan has avoided default. Thirty million more Pakistanis fell below the poverty line. Both things happened at the same time.

https://brief.pk/p/pakistans-economy-stabilized-the

ABC News confirms Secretary of State Marco Rubio will brief the “Gang of Eight” later today (U.S. local time) in Washington on Iran.

According to the information available so far, 65+ people have died in the clash between the police and the cartel. These include people from both the police and the cartel.

Visuals from Mexico

Mexican Special Forces, in collaboration with US intelligence, tracked down cartel leader El Mencho through his girlfriend and carried out the operation.

In response, the police also killed many cartel members.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping issues Advisory 01/2026 after MEA warning on Iran. Indian seafarers urged to avoid travel, exercise extreme caution in Iranian waters and the Strait of Hormuz, and follow Embassy guidance amid the deteriorating security situation.