Despite martial law, Iranian protesters determined to battle regime
The regime’s crackdown only strengthened Iran’s protesters as the IRGC weakens. One young woman, Nazli Janparvar, wrote her will before heading out to “fight till freedom.”
Middle East
Israel assessing reports of discreet US-Iran contacts and American conditions for new nuclear deal
Trump intervenes in Iraq politics, warns Maliki comeback could repeat past mistakes
Iran executes another man accused of spying for Israel's Mossad
Trump speaks with Syria’s Sharaa to ensure peace, cooperation in eastern Syria
As Syria seeks to continue the ceasefire and also works with the US to avoid tension, as Syria’s president is also heading to Russia.
Saudi Arabia won't allow airspace to be used for military action against Iran, crown prince says
According to Saudi state news agency, SPA, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the airspace issue with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone.
Trump says US won't help Iraq if it picks Maliki as prime minister
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki would be a "very bad choice" for Iraq.
'Trump promises, does nothing': Iranians fear US may never take action against regime
“I’m angry at the world. I’m angry because nothing is happening. And because Trump promises and then does nothing, I’m angry,” Sara, a resident of Mashhad, told N12.
ISIS numbers grow as Syrian instability continues, Iraq warns
In the rare interview, al-Shatri said Iraqi intelligence estimates suggest that ISIS’s presence in Syria has grown from roughly 2,000 fighters a year ago to as many as 10,000 terrorists today.
CENTCOM announces air force readiness exercise amid growing Iran tensions
Although CENTCOM said that the "exercise is designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability," military parties have used such drills in the past as cover for launching a surprise attack.
Iranian rial reaches record low value, trading at over 1.5m IRR per USD
The Iranian rial fell to a record low of about 1.52 million per dollar on the unofficial market, deepening economic turmoil as nationwide protests continue and confidence in the regime weakens.
Kurdish women turn braids into symbol of resistance after Syria atrocities - explainer
Across global demonstrations and in thousands of videos posted online, Kurdish women and their allies have begun braiding their hair in honor of a female Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces fighter.
US, UK, France, Germany, call for ceasefire adherence in Syria, support political transition
The statement was released on January 27, two days after the STG and SDF announced they had extended a four-day ceasefire, which began on January 20, by 15 more days.
How Hamas plans to survive Phase II of Gaza ceasefire with Turkey's help - analysis
This idea would seem to be an obvious non-starter for how to proceed in Gaza, especially as Israel and the Trump administration want to see Hamas disarmed.
