Iran has vowed retaliation for the deaths of Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior commander of the Quds Force, who died alongside him (Catchline)
News Desk
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran on Monday, asserting that no region in the Middle East is beyond Israel’s reach amid escalating military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a video statement delivered in English, Netanyahu addressed the Iranian populace, cautioning that their government is leading them “closer to the abyss.”
“Every passing moment, the regime is bringing you — the noble Persian people — closer to the abyss,” he stated, emphasizing that the Iranian regime is dragging the region deeper into chaos and conflict. Netanyahu urged Iranians not to allow “a small group of theocrats” to stifle their aspirations and dreams. In recent days, Israel has intensified airstrikes in Lebanon targeting the “Axis of Resistance,” which encompasses various Iran-aligned militant groups throughout the region, including those in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
This escalation followed an Israeli strike in Beirut that resulted in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, a group long supported by Iran. Iran has vowed retaliation for the deaths of Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior commander of the Quds Force, who died alongside him. In his statement, Netanyahu expressed optimism for a future where Iran is liberated, envisioning a time when both Israel and Iran could coexist peacefully and that Iran would thrive.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, indicated that the country does not plan to deploy its fighters directly against Israel, asserting that Lebanon and Palestinian groups possess the capability to defend themselves. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Hezbollah’s office in Tehran to honor Nasrallah, while Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed that Nasrallah’s death would not be in vain and called on the “Axis of Resistance” to unite in support of Hezbollah. Khamenei also claimed that Israel lacks the strength to significantly undermine Hezbollah’s position in Lebanon, warning that Lebanon would retaliate against Israeli aggression.
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Recovery efforts ramp up after Hurricane Helene leaves 100 dead
With cellphone towers down across the region, hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for, leaving many families anxious and worried about their loved ones (Catchline)
News Desk
FLORIDA: The Southeastern United States is in the midst of a massive cleanup and recovery effort following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, with the death toll nearing 100. The storm wreaked havoc across multiple states, knocking out power for millions, destroying roads and bridges, and causing severe flooding from Florida to Virginia.
According to a media tally of state and local officials, at least 90 people have died in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, and officials are concerned that more fatalities may be discovered as search and rescue operations continue. With cellphone towers down across the region, hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for, leaving many families anxious and worried about their loved ones. Damage estimates vary widely, with projections ranging from $15 billion to over $100 billion, as critical infrastructure—including water systems, communications, and transportation routes—has been significantly impacted.
The true extent of property damage and lost economic output will become clearer as officials conduct further assessments. In North Carolina, the majority of fatalities occurred in Buncombe County, where 30 people have died, according to Sheriff Quentin Miller. County Manager Avril Pinder has requested state assistance for emergency food and drinking water as streets in the city of Asheville remain submerged. “This is a devastating catastrophe of historic proportions,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, noting that many residents have never witnessed such destruction in their lives.
Search and rescue teams from 19 states, along with federal assistance, have arrived in North Carolina to aid in recovery efforts. Some roads may take months to repair, complicating the recovery process. In Flat Rock, residents are facing widespread power outages and long waits for gasoline, leading to frustration and anxiety. “Grocery stores are closed, cellphone service is out,” said resident Chip Frank, describing the dire situation as he waited for hours in line. By Sunday, approximately 2.7 million customers across the South were without power, down 40 percent from Friday.
