News in Brief: Tensions in the Middle East - Israel Strikes Iran

Here are the latest news highlights:

• Israel has carried out a preemptive strike against Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran and a second wave of attacks underway. A state of emergency has been declared in Israel, and airspace has been closed, with the operation presented as a joint American-Israeli initiative.

• Several roads and mountain passes in Armenia are closed or difficult to traverse due to snow and blizzard conditions. The restrictions mainly affect vehicles with trailers.

• The Prime Minister announced that funding for science will have increased nearly threefold by 2025 compared to 2017. The funds are directed towards raising salaries and acquiring new equipment.

• The Prime Minister of Slovakia stated that Ukraine is not interested in restoring oil transportation via the Druzhba pipeline. He also noted that an examination of the pipeline's condition has not been permitted.

• The former U.S. President commented on his relationship with Epstein, claiming he had no knowledge of any illegal activities. He emphasized that he did not engage in or witness any wrongdoing.