1. Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution says the US is seeking to achieve its failed objectives in Syria through political means and negotiations. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also said the US has a long-term plot to dominate Western Asia. He made the remarks in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tehran.
2. Iranian and Russian presidents say they will further expand cooperation to fight terrorism. Hassan Rouhani called terrorism a threat to the whole world. Vladimir Putin stressed that Moscow alongside Tehran will continue fighting terrorists. The comments came during an MOU-signing ceremony held after the third summit of GECF in Tehran.
3. The US state department has issued a global travel alert for American citizens over increased terrorist threats. The department urged citizens to remain vigilant when in public places or using transportation. The travel alert will remain effective until February 24.
4. The United Nations has urged the world leaders to end discrimination against Syrian refugees. The world body slammed the US and European politicians who are seeking to stop the resettlement of the asylum seekers. It also said the move shows disrespect for the refugees fleeing violence.
5. The United Nations’ deputy secretary-general has blasted Israel’s illegal settlement activities and demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied territories. Addressing the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Jan Eliasson also blamed Tel Aviv’s policies for the recent escalation of violence.
6. Israeli forces have once again killed a Palestinian over an alleged knife attack in the occupied West Bank. They also detained 6 people in several Palestinian villages near the city of al-Khalil, also known as Hebron during what they called routine searches for concealed weapons.
7. Belgian authorities have charged a fourth suspect on terrorism charges related to the recent terror attacks in Paris. The suspect was arrested following a series of police raids in the country. Belgium’s Prime Minister Sharl Michel says the alert status in Brussels will remain at its highest level.
8. Myanmar's government has once again rejected calls for granting citizenship to Rohingya Muslims. The minister of information called the stateless minority as people of the Bengali origin. The one-point-three million Rohingya Muslims have faced systematic persecution despite living in Myanmar for centuries.