Marc Ginsberg, former US advisor on Middle East policy, talks about the regional impact of Israel's strikes on Iran: Does Iran strike back? Have Israel's strikes been successful? And how does Israel's conflict with Hamas play into it?

Israel’s military struck Tehran and other targets early Friday morning, raising fears of a broader war. The U.S. said it was not involved in the strikes.

A paratrooper carries the Iranian flag over the shrine of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini during the National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Gold prices climbed on Friday to their highest levels in nearly two months, and were on track for a weekly gain, after Israeli military strikes on Iran drove investors toward safe-haven assets. Spot gold was up 1.

Iran has warned it will ramp up its nuclear activities after the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s 35-member board of governors adopted a resolution Thursday declaring it in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.

The Israeli officials — Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and David Barnea, the chief of the Mossad spy agency — are expected to travel Friday. They’ll see Steve Witkoff, a top envoy of President Donald Trump.

China was deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation for regional peace and stability, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. "China opposes any infringement upon Iran's sovereignty,