The Middle East is edging closer to a region-wide conflict following a series of deadly exchanges between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel's recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and subsequent airstrikes have led to intense missile retaliation by Iran, which launched around 180 missiles at Israel, escalating tensions further. The situation has left over 2,000 people dead, displacing more than 1.2 million Lebanese as Israel continues its military operations, urging evacuations from over 70 towns in southern Lebanon. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the missile attacks on Israel as a legitimate act of defense, signaling Iran's readiness to continue its military engagements. The U.S., caught off-guard by Israel's unilateral actions, finds its leverage in the region limited, while Western powers are ramping up their military presence to deter further escalation. Amidst these developments, Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli positions and the use of controversial weaponry by Israel have drawn international concern over the potential for a broader conflict.