Damascus, Druze forces exchange prisoners after Sweida violence
The swap involved Damascus releasing 61 prisoners from the Druze factions detained in Adra Central Prison near the capital.
Middle East
Iranian delegation meets US envoys in Geneva amid nuclear program negotiations
Trump advisors prefer Israel strike Iran before US to boost support for military action - Politico
Witkoff: US demanding Iran agrees to nuclear deal that lasts indefinitely - Axios
PA paid half a billion shekels to terrorists in pay-for-slay scheme, sources reveal -exclusive
Ministers were also informed that terrorists released as part of the most recent hostage deals received a “special grant” from the Palestinian Authority.
What do we know ahead of US-Iran talks in Geneva amid tension in Middle East?
The talks are expected to determine whether there is still a path to an agreement between Tehran and Washington, or whether the likelihood of a US military strike will rise significantly.
Iran transferred $1.7b. to terror proxies through cryptocurrency service Binance last year - NYT
The crypto-currency exchange site reportedly fired or suspended at least four employees involved in the internal investigation, with the company blaming “violations of company protocol.”
US expands Iran sanctions, targets illegal petroleum 'shadow fleet,' weapon production
Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control also targeted multiple networks that enable Iran to secure the precursor materials and machinery required for ballistic missile and other weapons.
Countries issue Middle East travel advisories amid rising US-Iran tensions
The advisories range from warnings to diplomatic evacuations, with Dutch airline KLM announcing on Wednesday that it is suspending all flights to Tel Aviv as of March 1.
Geneva talks may be last chance for US, Iran to negotiate before war, ex-Israel Navy chief says
Marom said Israel and the United States appear to be nearing possible military action against Iran, and predicted unprecedented operational coordination between the IDF and the US military.
'All options remain on the table,' Iranian parliament speaker warns in threat to US
The speaker insisted that so long as the US commits to diplomacy and “respects Iran’s national dignity and mutual interests,” then Tehran would be prepared to negotiate.
'Not worried at all': Killing Khamenei would not trigger collapse of regime, Iran's Araghchi says
"Our system does not depend on individuals. It is supported by the people. So I am not worried at all. Even in the middle of war, nothing collapsed," Araghchi said.
Australia tells families of diplomats to leave Israel, Lebanon as Iran tensions rise
The Australian government has also offered voluntary departures to Australian diplomats' dependents in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar.
Iran sees 'good outlook' for talks with US as negotiating team heads to Geneva
The statement comes after Germany's foreign minister declared that Iran must end support for its proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, advising the Iranians to engage "constructively" in Geneva.
