Speaking at a mass gathering in Tabriz, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the United States, accusing it of displaying “arrogant and predatory” behavior through its threats and territorial ambitions. He claimed that Washington’s policies are driven by a “complex Zionist network” and an imperialist agenda. Khamenei asserted that the U.S. cannot tolerate Iran’s independent stance, highlighting that the nation has successfully resisted foreign oppression for 46 years. He also emphasized the importance of Iran’s strategic and ideological defense in countering Western aggression.

According to a report by the Turkish Anadolu Agency on Monday, Israeli forces launched a new military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli army entered the Old City of Nablus, conducting several house searches. After seizing a Palestinian vehicle, the troops left the area. This operation followed a military raid in the Old City of Nablus on Sunday, which resulted in 14 Palestinians being injured, including four children. Israeli military operations in this region have been ongoing since January 21, resulting in at least 55 deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, to Saudi Arabia to meet with U.S. officials. The main topics of discussion will include the restoration of Russia-U.S. relations and the potential for peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to attend. The meeting is part of preparations for a potential summit between President Trump and President Putin.

On Monday, the Director of the Immigration Department of Johor, Malaysia, Datuk Mohammad Rushdi, announced that 77 Bangladeshis were among the 105 immigrants arrested in an operation targeting illegal immigrants. The operation took place on Sunday at a workers’ housing complex. The arrests were made following complaints from the public about foreign nationals living in shared housing without proper permits or visas. In total, 329 immigration documents were checked, leading to the detention of 77 Bangladeshis, 23 Indonesians, 2 Myanmar nationals, 2 Pakistanis, and 1 Indian.

The head of the UN AIDS program has warned that millions of people could die from AIDS due to President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend US aid programs. AFP reports that the US is the world’s largest government donor of development aid. After returning to office for a second term, Trump halted these funds, causing humanitarian organizations to struggle. Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, said, "This has created a catastrophic situation in many countries." Trump's aid freeze initially suspended the "Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" for 90 days, though later, an exception was made for life-saving drugs.

A senior official has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately delaying the second phase of a hostage exchange deal for political interests. The official stated, “Every time we think Netanyahu can’t go any lower, he proves us wrong.” According to the agreement, negotiations were to begin on February 3, but Netanyahu’s government has yet to initiate talks, violating the deal. The official warned that the delay could make it impossible to finalize the exchange by the March 2 deadline.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed willingness to send British troops to Ukraine to establish lasting peace. In an article published by The Telegraph, he wrote, “A sustainable peace in Ukraine is essential to prevent future Russian aggression.” Ahead of an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris, he stated, “If necessary, we are prepared to ensure Ukraine’s security through direct troop deployment.” He further warned that any pause in war should not be an opportunity for Russia to regroup for future attacks.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking multiple Hezbollah sites in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Sunday, targeting alleged military facilities and rocket launchers. IDF stated that Hezbollah's actions violate Israel-Lebanon agreements. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency confirmed three airstrikes in the region. In another attack, Israeli forces shot and killed a woman in Houla, injuring several others. These strikes come just days before Israel’s planned full military withdrawal by February 18, sparking fears that the ceasefire may be in jeopardy.

Israel has been preventing mobile homes and heavy construction equipment from entering Gaza, violating the ceasefire agreement, according to Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation. Viral social media videos show bulldozers, road rollers, and trucks carrying caravans stuck at the Rafah border for over two weeks, awaiting Israeli approval. The agreement initially allowed the entry of 60,000 temporary shelters and 200,000 tents. Gaza’s official media has condemned the blockade as a blatant breach of the deal.

U.S. Presidential Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff, stated on Sunday that despite complexities in negotiations, the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire will definitely commence, as President Trump is keen to see its implementation. In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff mentioned productive discussions with the Israeli and Qatari prime ministers and Egypt’s intelligence chief, covering both parties’ stances and future plans. He emphasized that the ceasefire is not just about stopping the war but also includes dismantling Hamas' power in Gaza.

An investigation has revealed that Israeli forces used an elderly Palestinian man as a human shield by strapping explosives around his neck before killing him and his wife. The Israeli news website Ha-Makom reported the horrific incident, which took place in May 2023. The 80-year-old victim was threatened with death if he did not comply. The soldiers then tied explosives to his neck and used him in three separate military operations before ultimately executing him. This "mosquito strategy" has reportedly been employed by Israeli forces multiple times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fighting Iran with U.S. support. In a joint statement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he highlighted that Israel has struck Iranian activities forcefully over the past 16 months. Netanyahu expressed confidence that, under President Trump’s leadership, these efforts would continue. Echoing his stance, Rubio stated that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear capabilities, agreeing with Israel that Tehran remains a major source of instability in the Middle East.

In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the Palestinian resistance group Hamas cannot continue to exist as a military or governmental force. He emphasized that former President Donald Trump’s stance on Hamas is clear— they must be eliminated entirely. Rubio also accused Iran of being the primary instigator of instability in the Middle East, stating that Tehran supports both Hamas and Hezbollah. He further blamed Iran for the unrest in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. Netanyahu, in response, called Trump the greatest friend of Israel in the White House.

During his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern that Vladimir Putin has become the most influential member of NATO, suggesting that NATO’s decisions may shift according to his will. Prior to this, Putin set two conditions to end the war: Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership aspirations, and Ukrainian troops must withdraw from four Ukrainian regions under Russian control. Following a phone conversation with Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at accepting these conditions. In response, Zelensky proposed the creation of a new European military alliance, stating that the U.S. will no longer support Europe as it did in the past.

Officials from the United States and Russia will soon meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters. However, Ukraine has not been invited to the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Kyiv will not engage in talks with Russia without consulting its strategic partners first. The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Walz, and White House Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff. The objective of the discussions, as per McColl, is to arrange a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky to establish peace and bring an end to the conflict.