The Israeli government confirmed that they consulted with the Trump administration before launching a wave of airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 400 people. Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, has accused the U.S. of bearing full responsibility for the attacks. The strikes came after Trump's ultimatum to release all remaining hostages or face the consequences, raising questions about what more can be done to pressure Hamas. The White House has not explicitly stated that the strikes were in response to Trump's threat, but warned that "all hell" will break loose on Iran and its allied militias, including Hamas.
The Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, have launched two attacks within 24 hours on an American aircraft carrier group in the Red Sea, in response to US strikes in Yemen. The US has not yet responded to the claims. The Huthi leader has called for a march and the UN has called for a cessation of military activity in the region. This escalation raises tensions between Iran and the US, and the Huthis claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a Purim celebration at the National Police Academy, drew a comparison between the story of Purim and the current conflict between Israel and Iran. He warned that the Jewish state must be prepared to defend itself against the modern-day Persian threat, just as the Jewish people were saved from annihilation in Persia. This came in the wake of the passing of Maxine Jacobs Bally, a long-time resident of Columbus and a beacon of love and warmth for her family and friends, who passed away on Feb. 7, 2025.
During his presidency, Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, claiming it was a bad deal for the US. However, in a recent interview, Trump stated that he has written a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, expressing his hope to renegotiate the deal. The Obama-era deal, which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been gradually weakening due to European and American actions. Despite the Biden administration's efforts to negotiate a US re-entry, the deal's future remains uncertain.
Ukraine's General Staff claims to have targeted a Russian airfield with long-range drones designed by Iran, and recently received a batch of Mirage fighter jets from France to aid in their ongoing conflict with Russia. While the Russian Defence Ministry has reported downing Ukrainian drones, it did not mention the airfield specifically. This attack comes as Ukraine tries to slow the Russian army's push along the front line, with previous successful strikes on oil refineries and other facilities.
The powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck the city of Marakeh in Iran, causing significant damage and panic among residents. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency has reported that the earthquake was recorded at a depth of 5.44 km and located 66 km away from Şemdinli district in Hakkari. Warnings have been issued to not use any news, photos, or videos without proper permission from İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş.
After former President Trump revoked his Secret Service protection, former National Security Advisor John Bolton condemned the move as a sign of weakened charges against Trump. Despite past threats from Iran, Biden had granted Bolton a security detail in 2021, but Trump removed it after his inauguration. Bolton also reminded the public of the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, which likely led to the Iranian threats against him.
In a move to maintain its influence in Syria after Bashar al-Assad's ouster, Iran has opened direct communication with rebel groups within Syria's new leadership. Despite concerns over losing a key ally and facing potential pressure from the incoming US administration, Iranian officials are keen on establishing ties with those whose views align with their own in the new Syrian government. This engagement is seen as crucial to stabilizing ties and preventing further tensions in the region, as a hostile post-Assad Syria would have implications for Iranian access to the Mediterranean and their relationship with Hezbollah and Israel.
In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, rebels have captured towns just miles from Damascus, the capital of the country. With the regime's military sending reinforcements to defend the key city of Homs, the insurgents are said to be moving towards Damascus from southern Syria. Assad's allies, including Russia and Iran, have been preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving the Syrian leader increasingly isolated. This development raises concerns about the future of Assad's regime and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
In a major escalation of the ongoing war in Syria, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have seized control over the city of Daraa, near Jordan. This makes Daraa the fourth key Syrian territory to fall to the militants in the past week, destabilizing the political landscape of the country and prompting concern from neighboring countries like Iran. The insurgent offensive has also been hindered by regional conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. If the rebels continue to make gains, they could potentially cut off Damascus from the coast, a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. As a result, thousands of civilians have already fled towards the coast to escape the violence.