★ IRAN
Iran Dismantles U.S.-Israeli Espionage Network in Mazandaran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced the dismantling of a U.S.-Israeli spy network operating in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran. General Siavash Moslemi stated that U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies exploit foreign nationals and frequent visitors to infiltrate Iran’s security system. Reports confirm that suspected operatives were identified and arrested during a covert intelligence operation. Iran reaffirmed its commitment to counter foreign infiltration and safeguard national security from external threats.
Iran’s Military Budget Triples, Raising Regional Conflict Concerns
Iran’s 2025 budget triples military funding, allocating 24% of daily oil exports (€11 billion) to defense, up from €4 billion in 2024. Lawmaker Ahmad Ardastani denies war preparations but suggests negotiations are off the table. IRGC commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh warned of retaliation if Iran’s nuclear sites are attacked. During U.S.-Israel tensions, Iran strengthens military readiness, fueling concerns over potential regional conflict escalation.
Iran’s Parliament Moves to Dismiss Economy Minister Over Rial Decline
Iran’s parliament initiated dismissal proceedings against Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati due to the sharp depreciation of the rial against the dollar. State television confirmed that MP Ahmad Nadari formally requested Hemmati’s removal, leading to a parliamentary hearing. Under Iranian law, the minister has ten days to appear before lawmakers, provide economic clarifications, and face a confidence vote determining his political future.
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★ SYRIA
Russia Plans High-Level Talks with Syria to Strengthen Cooperation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced upcoming high-level talks with Syria following Putin’s call with Ahmed Al-Sharaa. A Russian delegation, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, visited Syria in January, marking the first visit since Assad’s fall. Russia seeks to retain its Tartus naval base and Hmeimim airbase, while Syria considers potential treaty adjustments. Both nations aim to reinforce diplomatic, military, and economic ties, ensuring continued Russian influence in the region.
Syria’s Barrel Bomb Factory Discovered in Qasioun After Assad’s Fall
Footage from Damascus’ Qasioun Mountain reveals hundreds of rusted barrel bombs once used by Assad’s forces. These bombs, packed with explosives, were indiscriminately dropped on civilians, causing mass casualties. Their discovery follows Assad’s fall in December after a rebel offensive from Idlib. The Syrian war has killed 600,000 people and displaced 6.7 million, marking one of the century’s worst humanitarian crises. The site stands as a grim reminder of the war’s devastation.
Kurdish Forces Capture Key Iranian Militia Leader in Syria
Kurdish security forces arrested Madloul Al-Aziz, a key Iranian militia leader, in Deir ez-Zor while attempting to flee. Formerly in the Syrian opposition, he later joined Iran-backed militias, engaging in oil smuggling and corruption before losing parliamentary immunity. Separately, authorities arrested an ex-Assad intelligence officer involved in 2017 executions. Meanwhile, three Iranian-backed militia members were found executed in Al-Bukamal, triggering local protests and heightening regional security tensions.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Hamas Ready to Release All Israeli Captives in Ceasefire Deal
Hamas confirmed readiness to release all Israeli captives at once in the ceasefire’s second phase, set for March 2. Meanwhile, it will return four Israeli bodies, including Bibas family members and Oded Lifshitz, on February 22 as part of phase one. Hamas has released 33 captives, while Israel freed 1,135 Palestinian prisoners, with 502 more expected soon. The agreement seeks to finalize prisoner exchanges and de-escalate hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Trump Halts U.S. Funding for Palestinian Security Forces
U.S. President Donald Trump cut all funding for Palestinian Authority security forces as part of an 85-day international aid freeze, excluding Israel and Egypt. The move weakens Palestinian security efforts as leadership struggles with governance and post-war Gaza uncertainties. Training programs have been reduced, and alternative funding sources are being sought. A planned U.S.-Palestinian security meeting on Jenin operations was postponed, further complicating regional stability and security coordination.
Israel Faces $8 Billion Deficit Gap During IMF Scrutiny
A $8.3 billion discrepancy emerged between Israel’s Finance Ministry and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) over deficit calculations. CBS reported an 8.3% GDP deficit, while the Finance Ministry claimed 6.9%, citing different accounting methods. The IMF criticized the Finance Ministry’s approach, affirming CBS figures as the official reference. The gap stems from interest payment calculations and public sector liabilities, raising concerns over Israel’s financial transparency, economic credibility, and potential global investor confidence risks.
Israel’s Crackdown: Mass Displacement, Deadly Raids, and Rising Tensions
Israeli forces killed three Palestinians in Al-Far’a camp while raiding Tulkarem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron, injuring and arresting dozens. Since launching Operation Iron Wall on January 21, Israel has displaced over 40,100 Palestinians, marking the largest exodus since 1967. The IDF has killed 920 Palestinians, arrested 6,000, and conducted 100 airstrikes. Israel denies forced removals, but humanitarian conditions worsen, escalating tensions and raising global concerns over its military actions in occupied Palestinian territories.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah in Crisis as Syria Cracks Down on Arms Smuggling
Syrian security forces arrested a network smuggling weapons to Hezbollah in Al-Qutayfah, Damascus countryside, during tightened border controls. Following Assad’s fall in December Hezbollah lost a key arms corridor, worsening its internal crisis. Damascus rejected Iranian military presence and enforced strict airport inspections after Israeli threats. Recent clashes on the Lebanon-Syria border highlight efforts to dismantle smuggling routes, address security concerns, and strengthen border control measures against illicit arms trafficking.
Israel Intensifies Strikes in Southern Lebanon During Ceasefire Violations
Israel conducted multiple attacks in southern Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah operative in Ayta ash-Shab and another individual while injuring two others. These strikes mark Israel’s first post-withdrawal operations under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. With seven violations today, the total breaches have reached 1,005 since the truce began. Despite an agreed withdrawal by January 26, Israel retains five strategic hilltops, escalating tensions, and worsening humanitarian conditions as Lebanese leaders push for full Israeli withdrawal.
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★IRAQ
Tehran Threatens Baghdad and Erbil with Airstrikes
Iran has escalated tensions with Baghdad and Erbil, threatening airstrikes against Iranian opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, citing security concerns. According to sources, Tehran warned Iraq that strikes would proceed if security agreements remain unfulfilled. Baghdad is applying political pressure to dissuade Tehran from carrying out its threats, highlighting regional security risks and diplomatic tensions.
Turkey and Iraq Strengthen Oil Cooperation Ahead of Export Resumption
Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ayşe Berris Akıncı met Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani in Baghdad and Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil to discuss oil cooperation and regional developments. Talks follow Iraq’s plan to resume oil exports to Turkey within a week after halting them in March 2023. Kurdistan will supply 300,000 barrels daily to Iraq’s central government for export via Turkey’s Ceyhan port, reinforcing economic and energy ties.
Iraq Reaffirms Fuel Support to Lebanon for Energy Stability
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani assured Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam of Iraq’s continued fuel support to Lebanon. They discussed strengthening ties and regional security. Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to sustaining Lebanon’s energy sector under government agreements. Lebanon emphasized expanding cooperation. A 2023 deal ensures Iraq supplies Lebanon with crude oil and Gasoil to sustain its power sector, reinforcing economic and energy stability.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Qatar Emir Meets Iranian Leaders to Discuss Regional Stability and Cooperation
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim met Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, discussing bilateral ties, unresolved financial matters, and regional stability. Sheikh Tamim stressed dialogue as key to resolving conflicts and explored economic cooperation. Both leaders emphasized a Gaza ceasefire, continued humanitarian aid, and Syria’s political process. The visit, during regional tensions, underscores Qatar’s diplomatic efforts to enhance security, foster partnerships, and address geopolitical challenges through high-level consultations.
Saudi Arabia Ranks Fifth Globally in Military Spending at $76 Billion
Saudi Arabia ranks as the world’s fifth-largest military spender, allocating nearly $76 billion. Under Vision 2030, it aims to localize 50% of defense spending, reaching 19.5% last year, up from 4% in 2018. The kingdom continues expanding its domestic defense sector to boost self-sufficiency, economic growth, and technological advancements, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while enhancing military capabilities.
Gulf Markets Drop After Trump’s Tariff Threats and Oil Supply Concerns
Most Gulf stock markets declined as investors reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats on key imports. Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and announced a 25% levy on Mexican and Canadian imports. Saudi stocks slightly rose, while Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar markets fell. Oil prices increased due to supply disruptions in the U.S. and Russia, heightening investor concerns during geopolitical tensions and ongoing economic policy shifts.
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★ EGYPT & North Africa
Egypt Signs $7 Billion Petrochemical Complex Agreement with UK Firm
Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry signed a framework agreement with UK-based Shard Capital to develop a petrochemical complex in New Alamein. The $7 billion project, in partnership with Saudi Al-Qahtani Group, aims to enhance Egypt’s energy sector. The deal was signed by Ibrahim Meki, head of Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company, and James Lewis, chairman of Shard Capital. Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi, UK Ambassador Gareth Bayley, and Al-Qahtani Group CEO Sheikh Abdulhadi Tariq Al-Qahtani attended the signing.
Moody’s Confirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating with Positive Outlook
Moody’s reaffirmed Egypt’s long-term foreign and local currency rating at Caa1, maintaining a positive outlook. The agency stated that the outlook, which has been in place since March 2024, reflects expected improvements in Egypt’s debt servicing and external position. Moody’s noted progress in fiscal and external rebalancing, aligning with previous assessments, signaling potential credit stability for Egypt’s financial landscape.
Nairobi Hosts Talks on Forming Parallel Government in Sudan
Kenya’s capital Nairobi hosted a high-level meeting involving political factions and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaders to establish a parallel Sudanese government. Sudan’s Foreign Ministry condemned Kenya’s actions, accusing it of violating international law and the UN Charter. The ministry warned that the move encourages African state divisions, undermines national sovereignty, and interferes in Sudan’s internal affairs, escalating regional diplomatic tensions.
Spain Discovers Drug Smuggling Tunnel Between Morocco and Ceuta
Spanish police uncovered a secret tunnel linking Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, suspected of drug trafficking operations. Authorities stated that the dozens-meter-long tunnel, buried 12 meters underground, was found inside an industrial warehouse in Ceuta. According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the narrow, wood-reinforced structure suggests its use for smuggling hashish between both territories.
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