★IRAN

1. Trump Warns Khamenei Ahead of US-Iran Talks in Muscat

US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of severe consequences if Tehran delays a nuclear deal, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed US-Iran talks set for Friday in Muscat. The discussions follow escalating threats, with both sides warning of military retaliation if leaders are targeted, during US efforts to secure a swift agreement.

2. Two Senior Iranian Diplomats Seek Asylum in Switzerland During Protests

Two high-ranking Iranian diplomats, Gholam Reza Drikhund of Vienna and Ali Reza Gharani Hamedabad at the UN in Geneva, have requested political asylum in Switzerland. Their defections, during widespread domestic protests, raise security concerns as they reportedly hold sensitive information on Iran’s intelligence networks, international dealings, and sanctions evasion, highlighting increasing pressure on Tehran.

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★ISRAEL

3. Israel Signs $130M Deal with Elbit to Upgrade CH-53K Helicopters

Israel’s Defense Ministry signed a $130 million contract with Elbit Systems to integrate Israeli command-and-control, avionics, electronic warfare, and DIRCM anti-missile systems into 12 CH-53K “Pereh” helicopters. The upgrades, part of a broader multi-year procurement program, aim to replace the aging CH-53 fleet, enhance operational capability, and strengthen domestic defense production.

4. Coalition Crisis Hits Knesset as Orthodox Parties Block Budget Vote

Israel’s coalition faced a crisis Wednesday night after ultra-Orthodox parties refused a procedural vote on splitting the Economic Arrangements Law, stalling the state budget. The dispute, linked to military conscription delays, postponed budget discussions until Monday. Negotiations continue as the coalition seeks compromise, balancing legal constraints, reform deadlines, and ultra-Orthodox demands during growing political tension.

5. Israel Assassinated Hamas Commander Bilal Abu Assi in Gaza

The Israeli military, with Shin Bet, targeted Bilal Abu Assi, a Hamas elite commander in southern Gaza, on Wednesday. The operation, cited as retaliation for last night’s breach, follows Abu Assi’s involvement in the deadly October 7 attacks on Nir Oz kibbutz and other assaults on Israeli forces. Israel said precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties.

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★THE GULF

6. Saudi Crown Prince Meets German Chancellor on Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss regional and global developments, bilateral relations, and ways to enhance cooperation, following an official reception at Al-Yamamah Palace highlighting the strength of Saudi-German ties.

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★YEMEN

7. Houthis to Strike Israel, US Ships if Iran Attacked

Israeli broadcaster KAN reported Wednesday that Israel assumes Yemen’s Houthis would attack Israel and US ships if Washington strikes Iran, citing intelligence on missile and drone movements and warnings of renewed Red and Arabian Seas attacks as US-Iran nuclear talks approach.

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★SYRIA

8. US Conducts Strikes on Islamic State Targets in Syria

The US Central Command reported five strikes in Syria from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 targeting Islamic State positions, including a weapons storage facility with 50 precision munitions. The operations aimed to degrade ISIS capabilities and were part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region, according to US military officials.

9. Russian Delegation Visits Damascus to Boost Military Cooperation

A Russian delegation, led by Deputy Defense Minister Yury Bekkerov, arrived in Damascus on Wednesday to strengthen military cooperation with Syria, meeting Chief of Staff Ali Nassan. The multi-day visit, Syria’s 14th since the fall of the previous regime, aims to enhance joint defense ties, following Russian support for President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s efforts to restore Syrian territorial unity.

10. US Forces Preparing Full Withdrawal from Al-Shaddadi Base in Syria

US troops at Al-Shaddadi base in northeastern Syria’s Hasakah province are preparing to withdraw completely within 24 hours, likely leaving Syrian territory entirely. Convoys from Iraq have entered to transport equipment, while coalition forces are dismantling positions at nearby Al-Kharab Al-Jir. The move follows increased Syrian government deployments in Hasakah and Qamishli under a gradual integration agreement with local Kurdish forces.

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★IRAQ

11. Germany Reduces Troop Presence in Northern Iraq Over Security Concerns

The German military announced Wednesday a temporary reduction of forces in Erbil, northern Iraq, citing rising regional tensions and potential US-Iran escalation. Remaining troops will continue core missions, including training Iraqi forces to prevent ISIS resurgence. The drawdown, coordinated with multinational partners, prioritizes soldier safety while maintaining essential operational capabilities.

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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.