★ IRAN

1. Oman Confirms U.S.-Iran Talks in Geneva on Thursday

Oman’s foreign minister confirmed that U.S.-Iran negotiations will take place in Geneva on Thursday, describing the talks as “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal.” Oman has been mediating discussions between the two sides amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

2. Iran Ready to Offer Nuclear Concessions if U.S. Meets Demands

Iran has signaled willingness to make concessions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief and recognition of its uranium enrichment rights. Proposals include sending half of its highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the rest, joining a regional enrichment consortium, and allowing U.S. firms as contractors in oil and gas, while rejecting missile restrictions and retaining control of resources.

3. Secret Deal Revealed: Russia Arms Iran During Israel Tensions

Iran signed a secret €500 million arms deal with Russia in December to buy thousands of advanced shoulder-launched missiles, including 500 Verba launchers and 2,500 9M336 rockets over three years. The deal aims to rebuild Iran’s air defense system destroyed in Israel’s June strikes, with the Verba capable of targeting low-flying aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

4. Khamenei Tasks Larijani With Running Iran in Anticipation of War and Out of Fear of Assassination

Ali Khamenei has tasked Ali Larijani with running Iran’s political and security affairs amid rising US threats, including potential strikes and assassination attempts. Larijani, overseeing key decisions since January 2026, coordinates military readiness, succession plans, and civil security, as Iran boosts forces, tests missiles, and prepares for possible conflict while nuclear talks with the US continue.

5. Kurdish Alliance in Iraq During to Overthrow Iran’s Regime

Iranian Kurdish groups based in Iraq formed a political alliance to topple the Islamic Republic of Iran and secure Kurdish self-determination. The coalition, including PAK, PDKI, and PJAK, supports protests inside Iran and calls for coordinated political and field action, while Kurdistan’s regional government affirmed it will not allow its territory to be used against neighboring countries.

6. IRGC Directs Hezbollah, Preparing for Possible War With Israel

Hezbollah is reportedly under the control of IRGC officers, who are rebuilding its capabilities and briefing operatives across Lebanon ahead of potential U.S.-Iran conflict. Israel and the U.S. anticipate Hezbollah, alongside Iranian-backed militias and Houthis, could strike if Iran is attacked, prompting recent IDF airstrikes to degrade the group’s military infrastructure.

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★ ISRAEL

7. Hamas Holds Internal Elections; Al-Hayya and Mashaal Lead

Hamas completed internal elections to choose a new head of its political bureau, with Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal leading the race. The winner, expected during Ramadan, will serve a one-year transitional term following the killings of senior leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.

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★IRAQ

8. Sudani Signals Withdrawal of Support for Maliki During Shiite Bloc Divisions

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s coalition, Al-Imaar wal-Tanmiyah, indicated it may withdraw backing for former PM Nouri al-Maliki, intensifying divisions within the Shiite Coordination Framework. U.S. pressure, regional concerns, and declining Sunni-Kurdish support have left Maliki’s nomination politically uncertain, prompting calls to reconsider leadership options or extend Sudani’s caretaker government.

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★SYRIA

9. U.S. Forces Begin Withdrawal From Largest Syrian Base

U.S. troops have started withdrawing from al-Qasrak base in northwest Hasakah, Syria’s largest, heading toward Iraq’s Kurdistan region in a process expected to take weeks. The coalition remains only at Kharab al-Jir base in southern Hasakah. About 1,000 troops will exit, staying ready to counter ISIS threats after Syria joined the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition.

10. ISIS Threatens Syrian President, Claims Attack on Army

ISIS announced a “new phase” of operations against Syria, targeting President Ahmad al-Sharaa and military forces. A recent attack in northern Raqqa killed one soldier and one civilian. The group urged followers worldwide to target Western and Israeli interests and called for intensified assaults using motorcycles and firearms.

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★THE GULF

11. Gulf States Hit by Trump’s Global Tariff Hike

Donald Trump imposed 15% tariffs worldwide, placing Gulf Cooperation Council states among those affected. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates—key U.S. partners—face potential trade impacts. Saudi-U.S. trade totals $42.6 billion, while Gulf exports to the U.S. reached $57.5 billion in 2024, maintaining a regional surplus.

12. Aramco Launches First Jafurah Condensate Exports Abroad

For the first time, Saudi Aramco signed deals to sell ultra-light condensate from the Jafurah gas project to major U.S. firms and an Indian refinery. The first shipment is due this month, marking regular exports from the $100 billion project central to Saudi Arabia’s gas growth strategy.

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★AFRICA

13. Chad Officially Closes Border With Sudan Over Repeated Incursions

Chad has closed its 1,400 km border with Sudan indefinitely, citing repeated incursions by armed groups amid Sudan’s ongoing war. The move blocks crossings of people and goods, follows the killing of seven Chadian soldiers, and aims to prevent spillover of conflict, after Chad hosted over 1.1 million Sudanese refugees since April 2023.

14. Egypt’s Foreign Reserves Rit Record $52.6 Billion

Egypt’s net international reserves reached $52.6 billion in January 2026, up from $33.1 billion in August 2022, covering 6.9 months of imports. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reviewed banking sector growth, rising foreign assets, record remittances, tourism revenues, and increased foreign investment in government debt with Central Bank Governor Hassan Abdullah.

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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.