Live updates: Israeli strikes pound Iran, Lebanon; U.S. warns attacks will intensify

What to Know

• Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon as Iran launched new retaliatory attacks early Friday against neighboring countries that host U.S. forces as the war entered day seven.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told “NBC Nightly News” that Iran is not asking for a ceasefire and is ready for any U.S. ground invasion. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending troops to Iran, telling NBC News it would be a “waste of time.”
• Plans are being made in Iran to introduce the new supreme leader, Iranian state media reported, amid growing speculation about who will replace slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that “firepower over Iran is about to surge dramatically.”