Supreme leader says Tehran not pursuing weapons of mass destruction for religious reasons, urges cooperation with UN watchdog but 'existing nuclear infrastructure' must remain

Prime minister also tells Sky News Israel 'will do what we need to do' against Iran's nuclear program, says he's trying to reach middle ground on judicial overhaul

'Firm Hand' exercises include lengthy ground combat on Lebanon front, hundreds of aircraft carrying out mock strikes 'deep in enemy territory,' cyber warfare

But former defense minister says he could back moves from the opposition, with Riyadh expected to make demands for concessions to Palestinians opposed by PM's hardline allies

Defense minister also threatens to 'send Lebanon back to the stone age' if Hezbollah goes to war against Israel, during visit to Northern Command headquarters for major drill

Top US diplomat Blinken tells AIPAC that integrating Israel in region a 'cornerstone' of White House Mideast policy, pans Israel for steps undermining Palestinians dignity

Visit by defense minister to Home Front Command comes as IDF carries out major drill simulating multifront conflict

Security cabinet meets in underground command center for mock assessment, during military's 'Firm Hand' multi-front war drill focusing on norther frontier, Iran

Iranian supreme leader says any compromise would only bring further hostility from enemies, blames recent widespread rights protests on 'thugs and villains'

Financial Times describes Robert Malley's recent talks with Amir Saeid Iravani as part of effort to engage with Tehran amid concerns its expanding nuclear program could trigger war