★ ISRAEL

1. US Deploys F-22 Jets, EC-130H Aircraft  During Iran Tensions

The U.S. has deployed F-22 stealth fighters to an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel and EC-130H Compass Call across the Middle East as part of a major military buildup amid potential conflict with Iran. The F-22s enhance air superiority, while the EC-130H can jam communications, radar, GPS, and UAVs, disrupt IRGC command centers, and relay targeting data, coinciding with ongoing nuclear talks in Geneva.

2. Modi Visits Israel to Deepen Strategic Regional Cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Israel to upgrade ties with Benjamin Netanyahu and advance the India-Middle East-Europe corridor. The trip highlights efforts to build a bloc of moderate states amid tensions with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and growing regional realignments.

3. Israel Breaks with US, Votes for Ukraine UN Resolution

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Israel voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine, breaking with the United States, which abstained. The resolution affirms Ukraine’s sovereignty, calls for civilian returns, and follows Israel’s growing pro-Ukraine support under Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

4. Israel Threatens Lebanese Airport if Hezbollah Joins US-Iran Conflict

Israeli officials have reportedly sent indirect warnings to Lebanon, stating that the country’s infrastructure—including its airport—could be targeted if Hezbollah participates in any potential US-Iran war, according to Lebanese sources cited by Reuters.

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★ IRAN

5. Trump Warns Iran’s Missiles Soon Threaten U.S. in State of the Union

Donald Trump declared in his State of the Union address that Iran, which he called “the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism,” has killed 32,000 protesters and is developing missiles capable of reaching U.S. territory. He emphasized that while he prefers diplomacy, he will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and warned that Tehran’s missile program already threatens Europe and U.S. bases overseas.

6. Iran Nears Deal with China to Buy Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles

Iran is close to purchasing Chinese CM‑302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, enhancing its strike capabilities and threatening US naval forces during rising tensions. Talks accelerated after last year’s Israel-Iran war, with senior Iranian officials visiting China. The potential sale defies UN arms restrictions and coincides with a growing U.S. naval buildup near Iran.

7. US Forces Board Third Sanctioned Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean

U.S. military forces boarded the Bertha in the Indian Ocean, accusing it of defying Iran-related sanctions while transporting 1.9 million barrels of Venezuelan crude. The operation tracked the vessel from the Caribbean after former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro’s capture, marking the third sanctioned tanker intercepted under U.S. enforcement efforts.

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★IRAQ

8. Iraq Negotiates with Iran to Resume Natural Gas Supplies

Iraq plans to send a delegation to Iran to discuss resuming natural gas shipments, aiming to secure supplies ahead of summer, said Ahmed Mousa. Gas imports had previously provided 20 million cubic meters daily, and their suspension since November has reduced electricity production by 5 GW, straining the national grid.

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★SYRIA

9. US-Mediated Talks Between Damascus and Druze Leaders in Sweida

Under Donald Trump’s mediation, the Syrian government is negotiating with Druze leaders in Sweida to ease regional tensions. The talks propose granting local authorities broad administrative and security powers while keeping the province under Damascus’s sovereignty, limiting military presence, and securing guarantees against external interference, including from Israel.

10. Coordinated Attacks Target Security Posts in Eastern Deir Ezzor

Five near-simultaneous attacks struck security checkpoints and headquarters in eastern Deir Ezzor on February 24, killing a civilian in Al-Bukamal. The Islamic State claimed two attacks in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa that left several security personnel dead. Authorities later announced the dismantling of a militant cell and ongoing security operations.

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★SUDAN

11. UN Security Council Sanctions Four Rapid Support Forces Leaders

The UN Security Council imposed sanctions on four senior Rapid Support Forces leaders—Abdelrahim Dagalo, Geddo Hamdan, Fateh Idris, and Tijani Moussa—freezing their assets and banning travel. The measures follow documented human rights violations in Sudan, amid ongoing conflict between the army and RSF that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.

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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.