A debate over Tucker Carlson's claim that Israel's bombing of Lebanon is boosting Iran's standing across the Middle East — bad for Israel's image, good for Iran.

• Iran is gaining popularity in Arab countries by tying its own ceasefire to a ceasefire in Lebanon and opposing the killing of Palestinian civilians.
• Israel's destruction in Lebanon, including hitting Christian villages and Beirut, is being watched worldwide with the US seen as helping supply the weapons.
• Iran striking Israel in response to Israel attacking others is called a turning point — it could embolden Iran to act again over the West Bank or Gaza.
• The point is made that groups like Hezbollah and Hamas emerged as resistance to Israeli invasion and occupation, not out of nowhere.

Outlook: Expect Iran's regional influence to keep rising as long as the fighting in Lebanon and Gaza continues and the US stays involved.