Dozens of Israeli fighter jets conducted a large-scale aerial exercise near the Iranian border, in a show of military strength amid rising tensions between the two nations.
What happened
The exercise involved a flight over Syria and Iraq toward Iran, and comes after a surprise visit by the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss regional threats.
Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to overthrowing the Tehran regime, stating that Iran's goal of destroying Israel has been thwarted, but the regime remains determined to achieve its objectives.
Meanwhile, Iran has rejected US calls for new talks and has refused to move its enriched uranium out of the country, further escalating tensions in the region.
The US has also ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and their families from Saudi Arabia, due to ongoing attacks by the Houthis, although it is unclear if similar action will be taken in other Gulf States.
