New York Times

1. On the Ground in Beirut

   Our Beirut bureau chief, Christina Goldbaum, reports on the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, as Israel’s military seizes areas of southern Lebanon and carries out bombings.

2. Trump Wants a Quick Victory in Iran. But the War May Be Costly.

   The opening days of the conflict are challenging the idea that President Trump can project force abroad while safeguarding American lives and the economy.

3. Iran’s Friends Include China and Russia. But Where are They Now?

   Iran maintains ties with a range of countries, including Turkey, India, Russia and China. Yet in this war, their support is mostly rhetoric.

4. Pro-American Kurdish Forces Are Preparing Possible Iran Incursion

   The C.I.A. has given small weapons to Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq in a covert program that began before the current war.

5. Hegseth Says War Will Go On ‘Until We Decide,’ and a Tariff Refund Update

   Plus, why you should not let A.I. do your taxes.