Gulf leaders fear a prolonged war could damage their economies and regional stability, and are seeking de-escalation alongside guarantees of deterrence. Meanwhile, Egypt is trying to promote a pan-Arab security arrangement as Turkey positions itself as a key mediator

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said the group's decision to join the Iran war earlier this month was a response to Israeli strikes that continued after the sides signed a cease-fire agreement in November 2024

Israeli defense sources say that, despite initially aiming strikes at Iranian regime targets to spur a popular revolution, the air force is now seeking solely to damage Iran's military capabilities regardless of regime stability, and is preparing for a long campaign