★ IRAN

1. Iran Signals Nuclear Flexibility but Rejects Submission to Threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to offer “concrete proposals” for a fair nuclear agreement with the U.S., while firmly rejecting yielding to external pressure. Ahead of Tuesday’s second round of indirect talks in Geneva, Araghchi will meet IAEA Director Rafael Grossi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, reflecting ongoing technical and diplomatic efforts amid persistent disagreements over sanctions and guarantees.

2. Iran Eyes Energy, Mining, and Aircraft Deals in US Nuclear Talks

Iran is seeking a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that would provide mutual economic benefits, including potential energy, mining, and aircraft deals, ahead of a second round of talks. The negotiations aim to resolve long-standing nuclear disputes, while the U.S. positions a second aircraft carrier in the region amid preparations for possible military action if diplomacy fails.

3. Iran Oil Exports Face Mounting Pressure Under Sanctions

Iran’s oil exports dropped sharply in early 2026 as tighter US sanctions strained Tehran’s key revenue stream. Data from Kpler show Persian Gulf loadings fell 26% year-on-year, with deliveries to China declining and unsold crude accumulating at sea, while new measures from Donald Trump may increase pressure.

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★ISRAEL

4. Board of Peace Pledges Over $5 Billion for Gaza Reconstruction

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Board of Peace member states will pledge more than $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian efforts at a Thursday meeting. The board, endorsed by a UN resolution, will also deploy thousands for a U.N.-authorized stabilization force and local policing, marking the first official gathering at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.

5. Trump, Netanyahu Agree to Press Iran on Oil Exports to China

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed that the U.S. would work to reduce Iran’s oil sales to China, which accounts for over 80% of Tehran’s exports. The move comes amid ongoing nuclear talks mediated by Oman and U.S. naval deployments in the region, signaling preparation for potential prolonged military operations against Iran.

6. Israeli Arrested for Iranian-Linked Espionage Targeting Former Defense Minister

Israeli authorities arrested Fares Abu Al-Hija, a Galilee resident, for conducting intelligence-gathering missions on former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on behalf of Iranian intelligence. During interrogation, he admitted receiving payments for six operations, including photographing sensitive sites. The Shin Bet warned of a growing trend of Iranian recruitment of Israeli citizens, particularly Jewish civilians, for espionage activities.

7. IDF Gaza Strikes Kill 12, Including Senior Commander

Israel Defense Forces airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 12 people, Hamas authorities said, including a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander. The military said the strikes targeted militants after an alleged ceasefire violation and warned it would continue acting against threats.

8. IDF Airstrike Kills Four Islamic Jihad Operatives in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces struck a car carrying Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives in Majdal Anjar, eastern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, killing four, confirmed by Lebanon’s health ministry. The IDF, which rarely targets Islamic Jihad in Lebanon, cited ongoing threats from the group allied with Hezbollah. 

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★IRAQ

9. Kurdish Mediation, US Pressure Ahead of Key Shiite Meeting on Maliki

Iraq’s government formation sees rapid political moves, with Kurdish mediation and US signals aiming to resolve disputes among Shiite and Kurdish factions. The Coordination Framework will soon decide on a prime minister candidate amid disagreements over Nouri al-Maliki, while some leaders explore alternative or consensus options. Discussions also include selecting the president and finalizing ministerial agreements.

10. Iraq Loses 40% of Water Resources to Misuse

Iraq is losing about 40% of its water resources due to internal overuse, Iraq’s water advisor Turhan al-Mufti said, affecting the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and worsening shortages in central and southern regions. Authorities are tracking consumption and storing rainwater to secure future supplies amid ongoing drought and climate-change impacts on agriculture.

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★SYRIA

11. Syrian Army Seizes Shaddadi Base After US Coordination

The Syrian army took control of the Shaddadi military base in northeastern Syria following coordination with the United States, the state news agency reported. The move comes after the U.S. withdrawal from the al-Tanf base under a Washington-brokered deal integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into central Syrian institutions.

12. US Hits Over 30 Islamic State Targets in Syria

The U.S. Central Command reported conducting 10 strikes on more than 30 Islamic State targets in Syria between February 3 and 12, focusing on ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage sites, as part of ongoing efforts to degrade the group’s operational capabilities in the region.

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★TURKIYE

13. Türkiye Sends Drillship Çağrı Bey to Somalia for Offshore Exploration

Türkiye has dispatched its deep-sea drillship Çağrı Bey to Somalia for its first overseas mission, targeting the Curad-1 well in April. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar called it a “historic step” in Türkiye’s offshore strategy. With six drillships and partnerships with ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, and Repsol, Türkiye aims to expand global energy influence and reach 500,000 barrels per day by 2028.

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★YEMEN

14. US Ends Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristie Noem announced that Yemen no longer meets the criteria for Temporary Protected Status. Beneficiaries without other legal grounds have 60 days to leave voluntarily, with support via the CBP Home app. TPS for Yemen, first granted in 2015 due to ongoing conflict, had been extended multiple times, most recently in 2024.

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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.