United States

Iran fears US strike could break Islamic regime's grip on power by reigniting protests, sources say

"People are extremely angry," a former official said, adding a US attack could lead Iranians to rise up again. "The wall of fear has collapsed. There is no fear left."

|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Cars burn in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2026.
Syrian Interior Ministry security forces vehicles prepare to enter the city of Hasakah in northeastern Syria, following an agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces reached on January 30, in Al-hasakah, Syria, February 2, 2026.

Syrian government forces enter SDF held Hasakah after ceasefire deal

Syrian Interior Ministry forces entered Hasakah on Monday under a deal with the US-backed SDF, marking a key test of coordination after weeks of clashes.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) and US Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff (L); illustrative.

Witkoff, Araghchi to meet as Iranian general warns ‘no American will be safe’ if conflict erupts

A meeting between US and Iranian officials in Istanbul is seen as a best-case scenario, sources familiar with the plans said.

|ByLARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF, JAMES GENN
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 27, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Why Deni Avdija’s All-Star moment feels bigger than basketball in Israel - analysis

“I’m an athlete. I don’t really get into politics, because it’s not my job. I obviously stand for my country, because that’s where I’m from,” he said in an interview last month in The New York Times.

|ByHERB KEINON

With Rafah open, could Hamas-run ‘Health Ministry’ be replaced now? - analysis

Israel has appeared to be nonplussed by the committee and has not yet empowered it to work in the half of Gaza that Israel controls.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
The Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side, in Rafah, Egypt, January 29, 2026.

'ICE out': Rapper Bad Bunny uses Grammy awards speech to criticize US authorities

"We're not aliens," Bad Bunny said on stage, after being honored for his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos" with the best music urbana award. "We are humans, and we are Americans," he added.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByREUTERS
Bad Bunny accepts the Album of the Year award for "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" from Harry Styles onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ex-FIFA chief Sepp Blatter backs boycott of US World Cup over Trump policies

Sepp Blatter backed calls to boycott the US hosted World Cup, as international soccer figures raised concerns over travel bans and immigration policies under the Trump administration.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026BySHOSHANA BAKER
Joseph S. Blatter attends a press conference at the Extraordinary FIFA Executive Committee Meeting at the FIFA headquarters on July 20, 2015.

Trump must not negotiate with Iran unless the regime first meets strict preconditions - opinion

As Washington weighs talks with Tehran, former national security adviser Jacob Nagel warns that negotiations without prior dismantlement of Iran’s capabilities would repeat past strategic failures.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJACOB NAGEL
US President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 5, 2025

Secret Israel-US Pentagon talks focused on intelligence sharing as Iran tensions rise - exclusive

During a quiet visit to Washington, IDF Chief Eyal Zamir met senior US military leaders in closed-door talks tied to Iran and regional security, according to diplomatic sources.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByZVIKA KLEIN
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine in a previous meeting.

Senators seek assurance with Save the Kurds Act as Sharaa regime, SDF agree to integration deal

The Save the Kurds Act calls for snapback sanctions if the Syrian regime recommences attacks on Kurds and demands that HTS be redesignated as a terrorist organization

FEBRUARY 1, 2026ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Syrian Kurds demonstrate to demand their rights in the Syrian constitution and in support of Kurdish unity, in Qamishli, Syria February 1, 2026.

Any US action against Iran would be coordinated with Israel, Huckabee says

Huckabee said the decision on a strike had not been made, adding that President Donald Trump “hopes for the best outcome” and would pursue a deal if possible. 

FEBRUARY 1, 2026BySHIR PERETS
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee looks on during an interview with Reuters in Jerusalem, September 10, 2025.

Maryland man who tried joining IS pleads guilty to planning attacks against Jews, Israel supporters

“I’m just gonna get out in 20 years, and I’m just gonna do it here. Okay? Jihad will never stop. I’ll come, and I’ll kill you.”

FEBRUARY 1, 2026ByESTHER DAVIS
A Shia Muslim waves a giant black flag in protest against ISIS and the use of terrorism in the name of Islam during a religious procession of US Shia Muslims at Lafayette Square, outside the White House in Washington, DC on December 06, 2015.

IDF chief Eyal Zamir makes secret DC visit, talks Iran military options with US officials

Israel is concerned that the Trump administration may reach a deal with Tehran regarding freezing uranium enrichment, but without fully addressing the ballistic missile threat.

FEBRUARY 1, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
CENTCOM's Adm. Brad Cooper meets with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on January 24, 2026.

Trump’s Maliki message underscores Iraq’s growing strategic risk, won't back him as PM - analysis

Maliki was last in charge in 2014, when ISIS took over part of Iraq. He spent years in the wilderness before returning to the spotlight.

FEBRUARY 1, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US President Donald Trump walks during the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026