US military ready to strike Iran as early as Saturday, but Trump yet to make final decision - CBS
US military officials are ready to strike Iran as early as this Saturday, but Trump has not yet made a final decision.
Middle East
Iran issues NOTAM over planned rocket launches on Thursday, US FAA says
US likely to attack Iran, but Trump has not yet decided to do so, sources tell 'Post'
US strikes would aim to weaken Iran's regime, not change it, former Israel Navy chief Marom says
Turkey detains 88 in nationwide raids over alleged links to group accused of 2016 coup attempt
Turkish authorities detain 88 suspects in nationwide operation targeting alleged members of the Gülen movement, linked to the 2016 coup attempt.
US imposes visa restrictions on Iran officials, telecommunications leaders
At the end of January, the State Department confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had banned senior Iranian officials and their relatives from being in the US.
Syrian detention camp for suspected ISIS relatives nearly empty, former director says
Al-Hol, near the Iraqi border, was one of the main detention camps for relatives of suspected Islamic State fighters who were detained during the US-backed campaign against the jihadist group.
Iran’s crypto network is shielding regime from Western sanctions, experts tell ‘Post’
Snir Levi, the CEO of NOMINIS.io, explained that the regime is able to sell oil to Russia and China, be paid in cryptocurrencies, and then use them to support their proxy terror groups.
Satellite images reportedly show Iran repairing and fortifying sites amid US tensions
Meanwhile, explosions and fires were reported in Tehran and Shiraz.
US Senator Lindsey Graham visits UAE President in Abu Dhabi
Earlier in the week, social media speculation about MbZ’s health had surged after Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan postponed a planned visit to Abu Dhabi.
Syrian government focuses on attracting new economy investments, ties with Central Asia states
Syria has been receiving a number of investments in recent months, from oil and energy deals to talk of investment in train lines and airports.
Middle East nations cautious as US military presence grows near Iran - analysis
US moves Air Force and naval assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, while regional allies remain largely silent and take a cautious, wait-and-see approach.
Besieged Kobane faces humanitarian disaster amid Syrian government, SDF deadlock
Reports say Kobane's ‘roads remain closed, while food and medical supplies are barred from entry’ to an area of 600,000 people.
European Union explores possible support for new Gaza administration committee
"The EU is engaging with the newly established transitional governance structures for Gaza," the European External Action Service wrote in a document circulated to member states.
