Trump’s Gaza peace plan officially entering Phase II, Witkoff announces
"We are announcing the launch of Phase Two... moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," Witkoff wrote on X/Twitter.
Middle East
After Kurdish- forces were expelled from Aleppo, Kurds fear new Syrian offensive - analysis
Armed Kurdish groups sought to cross into Iran from Iraq, sources say
Iranian Justice Minister labels 'anyone in the streets' after Jan. 8 criminals as death toll mounts
Where are the American bases in the Middle East Iran threatened it might strike? - explainer
Trump warned Iran that if it retaliated against the US, the US would respond at levels “never seen before.”
Ayandeh Bank's collapse highlights breakdown of Iran’s financial system - WSJ
Ayandeh Bank, which was run by individuals connected to the Iranian regime, failed after accumulating nearly $5 billion in losses from bad loans.
Saudi Arabia to US: Iran strikes should be targeted, rather than seeking regime change - N12
A Saudi royal source told N12 that Trump should pursue limited military strikes against Islamic Regime leaders and officials to alleviate protest repression.
US withdrawing some troops from key Middle East bases as precaution, US official says
This follows remarks by a senior Iranian official who told Reuters earlier on Wednesday that Tehran had warned neighbors hosting US troops that it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.
Has Gaza's post-Hamas government already been created, despite Phase II delays? - analysis
The future of the International Stabilization Force is also in question, as the only major success so far has been the CMCC, the US's coordination center in Kiryat Gat.
Iranians arrive in Turkey through border gate as crackdown persists
The US issues a warning for citizens to evacuate Iran as protests intensify, with many Iranians seeking refuge in Turkey, crossing the Kapikoy border gate into Van Province.
Najaf market suffers as Iranian visitors dwindle amid Iran crisis
The city in Iraq is home to one of Shi’ite Islam’s holiest shrines and has long relied on Iranian pilgrims, who have traditionally made up the largest proportion of visitors.
Iran’s protest playbook: Ignore, distract, then unleash the killings - analysis
This week is crucial in terms of the protests. Many issues are coming together at the same time as Iran’s regime seeks to ride out the challenge.
Hezbollah warns Lebanese gov't against pushing disarmament, threatens 'chaos, civil war'
Hezbollah insists that the deal only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel and has refused to relinquish its arsenal elsewhere.
Trump expected to announce Phase II of Gaza ceasefire despite conditions not being met - exclusive
This comes despite the return of all the hostages held in Gaza being a key tenet of the first phase of the ceasefire. The remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili remain in captivity.
