★ IRAN

1. Reports Diverge On Muscat Talks As Trump, Iran Trade Narratives

The Friday February 6, negotiation meeting in Muscat with Iran did take place, however, numerous sources reported conflicting details on whether it was direct or indirect. In his first comment, President Trump said Iran “looks like it wants to make a deal very badly,” while Iran’s foreign minister described the discussions as a “good start” and distinct from the earlier 12‑day war talks. Araghchi said the talks were a “good start” and that both sides would first consult or “hold consultations with their capitals” before deciding next steps, adding that there was an understanding to continue negotiations after those consultations. President Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper visited Abraham Lincoln after the meeting concluded. 

2. Iran Rejects Pressure As Arab Media Showcase Firepower

On Saturday February 7, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran “will not relinquish” enrichment, called missile capabilities “never negotiable,” and said Iran is not intimidated by U.S. deployments including USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, telling Al Jazeera Iran would target U.S. bases if attacked, as Arab television networks aired detailed 3D segments portraying the carrier strike group as a “war city” and outlining phased U.S. strike scenarios. (Regional broadcast video, Feb. 7.)

3. Netanyahu Visit To Washington Announced After Muscat Nuclear Talks

Israeli and international outlets report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced his hastily advanced trip to Washington on the evening of Saturday, February 7, after he concluded that Israel’s position on a potential Iran deal must be clarified directly to President Trump and senior officials, particularly regarding including limits on ballistic missiles and ending Iranian support for its regional axis, during indications of gaps between Israeli and U.S. positions following the Muscat talks.

4. Khamenei Skips Air Force Ritual, Commanders Meet Khomeini Heir

Iranian Army Air Force commanders, who have sworn annual February allegiance to the Supreme Leader since 1979, met Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini, on Sunday after Ali Khamenei did not hold the customary February 8 audience for the first time in 37 years, breaking a precedent maintained annually since 1989. During the ceremony, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi said Iran’s “finger is still on the trigger,” Army Commander Amir Hatami said forces are monitoring U.S. naval movements and are prepared to respond decisively to aggression, and Air Force Command Bahman Bahmard declared readiness to confront “any level of threats.”

5. Russia Says Uranium Transfer Proposal Remains On Table

Russian officials said Moscow’s proposal to transfer Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia remains “on the table,” while emphasizing that any decision rests with Tehran, as U.S.–Iran negotiations resume. 

6. Iran Arrests Senior Reformists Close to President During Protest Crackdown

Iranian authorities have detained top reformist figures, including Azar Mansouri, Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, and Mohsen Aminzadeh, linked to President Masoud Pezeshkian, following criticism of the government’s handling of nationwide protests. Prosecutors accused them of undermining national unity and collaborating with “Zionist and American” interests, in a broader crackdown on dissent during reports of thousands killed during demonstrations.

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★ISRAEL

7. Herzog Begins Australia Visit Honoring Bondi Terror Attack Victims

Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Australia for an official visit, first honoring victims of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah terror attack that killed 15 people. He condemned antisemitism, praised Australian efforts to combat it, met victims’ families, and stressed solidarity between Israel and Australia, during protests and heightened security surrounding his visit.

8. Israel Expands West Bank Control; Hamas Calls For Escalation

Israel’s security cabinet approved new measures to deepen control over the West Bank, including easing Jewish land purchases, expanding oversight in Areas A and B, and increasing authority over the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Rachel’s Tomb. The Palestinian Authority condemned the moves as illegal, while Hamas urged rebellion and escalation, calling on Arab and Muslim states to cut ties with Israel.

9. IDF Arrests Muslim Brotherhood-Linked Jamaa Islamiya Terrorist in Lebanon

The IDF arrested a senior Jamaa Islamiya operative in a targeted overnight raid in southern Lebanon, seizing weapons and transferring the suspect to Israel for questioning. The Muslim Brotherhood-linked group, aligned with Hamas and Hezbollah, carried out attacks against northern Israel during the war sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault.

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★IRAQ

10. Iraqi Volunteers Declare Readiness To Defend Iran

Approximately 5,000 young men in Diyala province gathered and announced their readiness to volunteer through Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces to defend Iran against potential U.S. or Israeli threats, according to Al Hadath, as Iraqi analysts warned the move could signal escalation toward Washington, while a spokesperson for the prime minister reiterated Baghdad’s policy of neutrality.

11. U.S. Approves $90 Million Military Sale to Iraq

The United States has approved a $90 million foreign military sale to Iraq to support security infrastructure, including maintenance of VACIS XPL scanning systems at border checkpoints. Iraqi officials described the deal as strengthening technical and logistical capabilities, enhancing internal security, and reflecting deepening U.S.-Iraq ties during regional challenges and ongoing political tensions in Baghdad.

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★SYRIA

12. Syrian Floods Hit Displacement Camps As Government Faces Criticism

Torrential Floods in northern Syria swept through displacement camps in Idlib countryside including Khirbat al Joz, Ain al Bayda, and Jisr al Shughur, with authorities reporting three deaths including two children, damage affecting about 300 families impacting 14 to 24 camps with dozens of families displaced, as the Syrian Civil Defense opened eight schools as temporary shelters and social media criticism pressed the Syrian government to prioritize ending recurring camp suffering, while the emergencies minister told Al Hadath the camps file is a government priority.

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★TURKIYE

13. Türkiye’s Erbakan Launches “Third Way” Alliance Against Erdoğan

Fatih Erbakan, leader of the New Welfare Party, announced his candidacy for Türkiye’s 2028 presidential election and plans to form a “Third Way” alliance with parties linked to his late father’s National Vision movement. Targeting 30–35% of undecided conservative voters, the alliance aims to offer an alternative to both Erdoğan’s ruling AKP and the main opposition CHP, during rising support for Erbakan’s party.

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★THE GULF

14. Saudi Arabia Signs Defense Cooperation Deals With Multiple Countries

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman signed defense cooperation agreements during the World Defense Show in Riyadh with South Korea, Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia, covering research and development, technology transfer, training, and expertise exchange, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of localizing defense industries and expanding international military partnerships.

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★MOROCO

15. Morocco Floods Kill Four As Storms Hit North

Moroccan authorities reported four deaths after flash floods swept a vehicle carrying five people near a river in Tetouan province, as heavy rains exceeding 90 millimeters in under two hours inundated Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, and western regions, with more than 14 dams surpassing full capacity, evacuations ordered in areas including Ksar El Kebir, and civil protection teams deployed during warnings of continued rainfall and strong winds linked to Mediterranean and Atlantic low-pressure systems.

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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.