Iran and Russia Hold Joint Naval Drills in Gulf of Oman
Joint naval exercises between Iran and Russia began on the morning of February 19 in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. Forces from the Iranian Army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Russia’s Navy Special Forces successfully conducted drills to rescue hijacked vessels. The exercises aim to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, enhance coordination capabilities, and demonstrate mutual attention to the current situation in the Middle East.
Trump Says He Expects to Know Within About Ten Days Whether a Deal with Iran is Possible
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on February 19 that he expects to know within the next ten days or so whether an agreement can be reached with Iran, reiterating that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons. Trump emphasized that Iran must reach a “meaningful agreement” with the U.S., or else “bad things” will happen.
Israel Resumes Land Registration Procedures in West Bank, Drawing International Condemnation
The Israeli cabinet has approved the initiation of new land registration procedures in the West Bank, the first time such a move has occurred since 1967. The decision effectively declares large swaths of land as “state land,” a move strongly opposed by Palestinian authorities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the move as a violation of international law, and the foreign ministers of eight countries issued a joint statement strongly condemning it.
U.S. Military Reportedly Ready to Strike Iran This Weekend
Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that the U.S. military is prepared to launch a military strike against Iran as early as this weekend, on February 21, though President Trump has not yet made a final decision. If carried out, the strike is likely to be a large-scale operation lasting several weeks, conducted jointly by the U.S. and Israel.
Iran Warns UN It Will Retaliate Against Any Military Aggression
In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, Iran stated that it does not seek tension or war and will not initiate conflict. In the letter, Tehran characterized recent remarks by President Trump as demonstrating a “real risk of military aggression” and emphasized that any military aggression against Iran would be met with retaliation.
US Announces Full Troop Withdrawal from Syria
Three U.S. officials have disclosed that the United States will withdraw all of its approximately 1,000 troops from Syria, ending a decade-long military presence in the country. U.S. forces have already begun withdrawing from the Tanf garrison and Al-Shaddadi base this month, and all remaining U.S. troops are expected to leave Syria within the next two months.
UN Report Expresses Concern Over Possible ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ in Gaza and West Bank
A report released by the UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over actions by Israeli authorities in Gaza and the West Bank that could amount to “ethnic cleansing.” The report noted that against a backdrop of intensified attacks and escalating forced displacement, these actions appear designed to permanently expel Palestinians from occupied territories.
Pakistan Condemns Israeli West Bank Settlement Project at UN
Speaking at a UN Security Council session, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister denounced Israel’s settlement project in the disputed West Bank as “ineffective and useless,” stating it constitutes a “clear violation of international law.” Pakistan expressed serious concern over Israel’s recent illegal decision to expand its control over the West Bank.
Continued Violations of Gaza Ceasefire Leave 603 Palestinians Dead
Data released by the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza indicates that since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 11, 2025, 603 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,600 others injured in the enclave. Local officials warn that the actual casualty figures could be higher, as rescue teams are unable to safely access many conflict zones.
Inaugural Meeting of Trump’s ‘Peace Commission’ Held in Washington
The inaugural meeting of the “Peace Commission,” founded by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was held in Washington, D.C. The commission, which aims to “end global armed conflicts,” has been met with refusal to participate from several nations, including France and Germany, sparking international concern over unilaterally dominated mechanisms.