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This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories. Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles against Israel in retaliation for an overnight attack.

A spokesperson for Israel's defense forces said that most fell short

or were intercepted, reportedly with the help of America. At least 40 people were being treated

for injuries in Tel Aviv and its surrounding areas, according to hospitals. Earlier, Israel conducted a fresh wave of attacks on Iran,

targeting, quote, missile launches and infrastructure. Israel Katz, the Israeli defense minister,

said Iran's strike on civilian areas, quote, crossed a red line, and that Iran would, quote, pay a very

heavy price. Meanwhile, in a video message recorded in English and Farsi, Mr. Netanyahu urged Iranians

to, quote, stand up and let your voices be heard, because Iran's regime, quote, has never been weaker.

Markets fell on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average of Stock Index, closing down by 1.8%.

The price of Brent Crude, a global benchmark, settled at around $74 a barrel, a 7% rise compared with the start of the day,

after peaking at more than $78.

Iran could disrupt the oil exports of Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia if it desires.

The price of gold, a safe haven asset, rose to near record levels.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Israel's initial attack

destroyed Iran's above-ground nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz.

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