Iran strikes ‘militant bases’ in Pakistan as regional instability spreads | First Thing

Pakistan says attacks killed two children in ‘unprovoked violation’ of its airspace, adding to instability sparked by Israel-Gaza war. Plus, the parents suing US social media firms after their children’s death

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Good morning.

Iran has launched airstrikes on Pakistan territory, apparently aimed at a Sunni militant group, in the latest sign of a wave of violence rolling across the Middle East and beyond.

Are the strikes connected to what’s happening in Israel and Palestine? The Iranian reprisal attacks over the Kerman attack appear to have no direct connection with the Gaza war, but have come at a time when that conflict is already spreading instability across the region.

What else is happening in the area? The Biden administration is expected to announce plans to redesignate the Houthis as specially designated global terrorists on Wednesday, according to reports in US media. Attacks on Red Sea shipping by Houthi rebels acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, led to the US and allies carrying out airstrikes for the first time in Yemen, aimed at Houthi positions.

What else could be behind the decision? The move also could be a result of the last debate, which featured only Haley and DeSantis. Haley didn’t perform as well as expected, and DeSantis ultimately ended up beating her for second place in Iowa.