Here’s What Happened in the War in the Middle East on Friday

Key Points:

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. aims to achieve its objectives in Iran without deploying ground troops, anticipating the conflict to conclude within weeks despite ongoing fighting and Iran's lack of formal response to President Trump's 15-point plan.
• Iran intensified its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz by advancing a toll system and enforcing a de facto blockade, impacting global energy markets, while expanding strikes on major industrial sites within the country.
• The U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign targeted Iranian industrial and nuclear-related sites, including the Khondab Heavy Water Complex and steel plants, prompting Iranian officials to accuse Israel and the U.S. of coordinated attacks and threaten retaliatory strikes on industries linked to American or Israeli interests.
• Israel escalated its military operations against Iran and in Lebanon, with Defense Minister Israel Katz affirming a strengthened campaign against Iran and Israeli ground forces advancing in southern Lebanon toward Hezbollah strongholds, aiming to control territory up to the Litani River.
• Iran's parliament is considering legislation to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps enforcing restrictions on unauthorized vessels; the U.S. has condemned the toll plan as illegal.