★IRAN

1. Oman to Host US-Iran Nuclear Talks Following Tehran’s Request

Nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, originally planned for Türkiye, will take place in Oman on Friday after Tehran requested the venue change. US envoy Steve Whitcov visited Israel to discuss security demands, including halting uranium enrichment and missile production, during regional tensions highlighted by the recent US Navy downing of an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea.

2. US Shoots Down Iranian Drone Near USS Abraham Lincoln During Rising Tensions

A US Navy F-35C shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, while Iranian forces later harassed a US-crewed merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents come as Washington and Tehran negotiate nuclear talks, with the US insisting on broader regional issues while Iran seeks bilateral nuclear-only discussions.

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★THE GULF

3. Saudi Arabia and  Türkiye Expand Strategic Cooperation in Politics, Energy, and Defense

Saudi Arabia and  Türkiye pledged to deepen political, economic, and defense ties following President Erdoğan’s visit to Riyadh. The joint statement highlighted coordination on regional crises, support for Palestinian statehood, Yemen and Sudan stability, and Syria’s territorial integrity. Economically, both nations emphasized investment, energy collaboration, and private-sector growth, while defense cooperation includes counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and joint training initiatives.

4. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States Hold Talks in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi hosts Russia-Ukraine-US talks to end the war since February 2022, after Russian strikes on energy facilities killed five and cut heating during −20°C temperatures. Kyiv rejects Moscow’s claims over Donetsk, while top military and diplomatic officials from all sides attend the negotiations.

5. UAE’s MbZ Postpones Japan Visit During Rising Regional Tensions

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has postponed his first official state visit to Japan since 1990, originally set for 8–10 February, due to regional security concerns during US-Iran tensions. The visit, aimed at strengthening the UAE-Japan strategic partnership and economic ties, will be rescheduled as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent escalation in the Gulf.

6. Petronas Signs 20-Year LNG Supply Deal with QatarEnergy

QatarEnergy will supply Petronas 2 million metric tons of LNG annually under a 20-year agreement, securing Malaysia’s energy supply during declining local reserves. Signed at LNG2026 in Doha, the deal marks the first long-term arrangement between the two countries, supporting Petronas’ growing gas demand, ongoing overseas investments, and plans for a third regasification terminal.

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★IRAQ

7. Bloomberg: US Threatens to Withhold Iraqi Oil Revenues Over Maliki

Washington has warned Iraqi officials it may restrict access to oil revenues if former PM Nouri al-Maliki is appointed again, citing his close ties to Iran. The threat comes during U.S. efforts to curb Iranian influence in Iraq, where oil accounts for 90% of the budget, and follows Trump’s public criticism of Maliki’s leadership and policies.

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★SYRIA

8. Syrian Security Forces Deploy in Qamishli, Take Over SDF Buildings

Syrian Interior Ministry forces have entered Qamishli in northern Hasakah, taking control of security buildings from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as part of a January 18 agreement. Officials described the handover as positive and a “victory for all Syrians,” marking the start of reintegrating state institutions, restoring security, and promoting development in the city and wider Hasakah province.

9. Saudi Flynas Plans to Launch Airline in Syria During Multi-Billion Dollar Investments

Saudi carrier Flynas is preparing to establish a new private airline in Syria as part of a multi-billion-dollar Saudi investment package, including projects in aviation, telecommunications, and real estate. Investments will involve executable contracts, feature a fleet of over 12 planes, and support Aleppo Airport’s development, marking the largest such initiative since US sanctions were eased in December.

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★AFRICA

10. Sisi Hosts Erdoğan to Discuss Strategic Cooperation

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday for official talks and to co-chair the second High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The leaders also attended the closing session of the Egypt-Turkey Business Forum, engaging with major business and financial stakeholders as Erdoğan’s fourth visit follows the resumption of bilateral relations in 2024.

11. Four Gunmen Assassinate Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Near Zintan

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late Libyan leader, was assassinated at his Zintan home after four armed men disabled security cameras and confronted him at close range. His political team confirmed his death without naming the perpetrators. The 2017-released Gaddafi had previously faced a death sentence, later overturned, and remained a key political figure in Libya.

12. UAE Pledges $500 Million for Sudan Humanitarian Aid

The UAE committed $500 million to a UN fund for Sudan during a Washington donor event, supporting a U.S.-led push for a truce in the ongoing civil war. Total new pledges are expected to reach $1.5 billion. The conflict has displaced millions and caused famine, with efforts underway to secure a ceasefire ahead of Ramadan starting February 17.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.