Israel Raises Nationwide Alert Level, Accelerates Military Preparations
Due to indications that a joint attack against Iran may occur in the coming days, Israel has raised its nationwide alert level and is accelerating relevant military preparations. Israeli military sources reveal that Israel has been skeptical of US-Iran negotiations for weeks and has been continuously accelerating operational plans and defense deployments. If authorized by US President Donald Trump, the scale of this potential military action would exceed that of the “12-Day War” in June 2025.
Israeli Official Says Timeline for US Military Strike on Iran “Shortening”
A senior Israeli official stated that the timeline for a US military strike against Iran is “shortening.” Due to a lack of substantive progress in the latest round of US-Iran negotiations, Israeli assessments indicate that President Trump is highly likely to “approve” an attack plan in the near future. The senior Israeli official confirmed that if the US launches an attack, Israel would join the military action against Iran, with military coordination between the two countries currently at an extremely high level.
Saudi Arabia and Other Nations Announce February 18 as First Day of Ramadan
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Palestine, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon have announced February 18 as the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan in the year 1447 AH. Egypt, Turkey, Oman, Iran, Russia, and other countries have declared February 19 as the first day of Ramadan. Following the confirmation of the new moon, Muslims across Saudi Arabia began their fast at dawn on February 18, entering this holy month.
Iranian 40-Day Mourning Ceremonies Turn into Large-Scale Protests
At Tehran’s largest cemetery, Behesht-e Zahra, tens of thousands of people held “40-day” mourning ceremonies for thousands of protesters who were killed in nationwide demonstrations 40 days ago. Crowds chanted slogans including “If one person is killed, a thousand will rise up.” The mourning quickly spread to the streets, and similar anti-government sentiments emerged in cities beyond Tehran, including Mashhad and Afdannan.
Iranian Judiciary Says Riots Caused Over $62 Million in Damages
The recent riots in Iran caused over $62 million in damages to the country’s infrastructure and public property. This calculation is based on the dollar exchange rate, currently around 1.6 million Iranian rials to one US dollar. Since December 2025, protests have erupted in Iran, initially over the devaluation of the national currency, which later evolved into riots and anti-government gatherings.
Khamenei Warns US: Iranian Nation Will Not Surrender
Iran’s Supreme Leader stated emphatically that Iran will never accept any “imposed peace or war.” He said Iran will never “turn a blind eye” to any attack on its territory, and the Iranian armed forces are fully prepared. He also emphasized that anyone who understands Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history “would never speak to this country with threatening language,” because the Iranian nation will not surrender.
Riyadh Hosts “Saudi Media Forum 2026”
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Information inaugurated the “Saudi Media Forum 2026” in Riyadh under the slogan “Media in a Changing World.” This major media event brings together regional and international media professionals to discuss the role and challenges of the media industry in a rapidly changing environment.
Turkish President Erdogan Says War on Iran Would Bring Loss to Region
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that a war against Iran would not bring any benefit to anyone, and that the Middle East would only suffer losses in the event of escalation. Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey pursues a policy of building bridges and creating a foundation for peace, rather than escalating conflict. Possible military escalation could further destabilize the entire Middle East, heighten economic risks, and trigger new humanitarian crises.
Iran and Russia to Hold Joint Naval Drills
An Iranian Navy commander announced that Iran and Russia will hold joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. The drills aim to “expand joint maritime cooperation and strengthen coordination between the two navies in planning and executing joint operations,” reflecting Tehran and Moscow’s attention to the current situation in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.
UN Condemns Escalation of Israeli Operations in West Bank
The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People issued a statement strongly condemning Israel’s decision to resume land registration procedures in the occupied West Bank, along with numerous other illegal policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The statement noted that Israel’s recent significant escalation of operations in the West Bank constitutes a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions.