U.S. Military Planning Targets Iranian Leaders as Protests Draw Brutal Crackdown; Hamas Cements Gaza Grip

U.S. Plans Iran Strikes as Protests Turn Deadly | Hamas Tightens Gaza Grip | VFI News

Imprisoned Iranian Protesters Are Being Tortured and Raped, Sources Say

Potential U.S. Military Strikes on Iran Could Target Specific Individuals, Pursue Regime Change

Witkoff: Trump ‘Curious’ Why Iran Hasn’t Capitulated

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U.S. Plans Iran Strikes as Protests Turn Deadly | Hamas Tightens Gaza Grip . . . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ix1Xweh4iWw

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as U.S. military planning against Iran reportedly advances, with potential options including targeted strikes and pressure for regime change. At the same time, Iranian protesters face severe crackdowns, with thousands reportedly detained and killed during nationwide unrest.

Meanwhile, Hamas is tightening its grip on Gaza, increasing skepticism about future peace efforts. Iran has also retaliated after the European Union designated the IRGC a terrorist organization, and Israel remains the world’s top target for geopolitical cyberattacks.

This update covers the latest developments involving Iran, Israel, Hamas, U.S. military strategy, nuclear negotiations, and regional security.

#Iran #Israel #MiddleEast #Hamas #Geopolitics

Iranian sources revealed on Thursday, February 20, that many protesters captured by the regime’s security forces during the nationwide anti-government uprising are being brutally tortured and sexually assaulted in prison before being killed. An eyewitness to the January massacre of demonstrators said they are most fearful for those who have been detained, describing daily gang rapes of both men and women by groups of police officers inside the jails.

An Iranian refugee who was detained and later released described being sexually assaulted at gunpoint by masked men and being turned into a “sexual slave.” Some female detainees’ bodies were returned to their families with their wombs surgically removed to conceal evidence of the abuse. One woman’s body, returned 25 days after her arrest, showed clear signs of torture and burns.

Shaghayegh Moradiannejad, an Iranian photographer who fled the country five years ago, confirmed that rape and torture have always been the regime’s method of suppressing dissent. President Trump urged Iranian protesters on January 13 to keep fighting, writing on Truth Social that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters stops. Iran’s security forces have arrested more than 50,000 people suspected of participating in the protests, with more than 7,000 reportedly killed during the nationwide crackdown. (NYP/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we cry out to You for the people of Iran who are suffering unspeakable cruelty at the hands of their own government. We pray in Yeshua’s Name that You expose the darkness of these prisons and bring the oppressors to justice. Comfort the families who have lost loved ones, and strengthen those still held captive. We ask that You move the hearts of world leaders to act swiftly and decisively in defense of the innocent, and that Your light would break through the shadow of this evil regime.”

U.S. military planning on Iran reached an advanced stage by Friday, February 20, with options including targeting specific individuals and even pursuing regime change in Tehran, if ordered by President Donald Trump. Two U.S. officials confirmed that these are among the options that have emerged in the planning phase, though they did not specify which individuals could be targeted.

Trump said on Friday, February 20, that he is “considering” a limited military strike on Iran to pressure its leaders into a nuclear deal. Last week, when asked if he wanted regime change, the president responded that it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” He also indicated on Thursday, February 19, that Tehran has no more than “10, 15 days, pretty much maximum” to reach an agreement.

A Middle Eastern source with knowledge of the negotiations said Tehran understands how close the risk of war feels and is unlikely to deliberately provoke Trump at this stage. However, the source said Iran cannot accept limitations on its short-range missile program, describing it as a firm red line set by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. There may be more flexibility on uranium enrichment parameters if sanctions relief is part of the equation. (FOX/VFI News)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2

President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News in an interview on Saturday, February 22, that Trump is “curious” as to why Iran has not yet agreed to a deal on its nuclear program. Witkoff said the president wonders why, under the amount of naval power the U.S. has deployed in the region, Iran has not come forward with a concrete proposal to disarm.

Witkoff confirmed that Trump’s red lines for Iran stipulate “zero enrichment” of uranium, adding that Iran has enriched uranium well beyond what is required for civilian purposes. The comments came as Trump has maintained a massive military presence in the Middle East, should diplomatic talks with Tehran fail.

On Friday, February 21, Trump urged Iran to negotiate a fair deal and cited a figure of 32,000 protesters killed in Iran, a number put forth by Iranian opposition groups and significantly higher than other estimates. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected reports of a U.S. demand for a permanent halt to enrichment, stating that Iran has not offered any suspension and the U.S. side has not formally asked for zero enrichment. (INN/VFI News)

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday, February 22, that it has designated the navies and air forces of all European Union member states as terrorist organizations. The move was described as a direct response to the EU’s recent decision to label Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization, which Tehran called “unlawful and unjustified.”

In a statement, the ministry said the EU’s decision “is in contradiction with the fundamental principles and rules of the United Nations Charter and international law.” Tehran added that it acted in accordance with a 2019 law under which any country that supports or complies with the U.S. decision to declare the IRGC a terrorist organization will face reciprocal action.

Iran’s move came three days after the Council of the EU formally added the IRGC to the bloc’s terrorist list, following a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers last month. The designation triggers restrictive measures, including the freezing of the IRGC’s funds and financial assets within EU member states. France’s decision to withdraw its longstanding opposition to the listing made the agreement possible. Tehran was outraged and summoned all EU ambassadors in the country. (INN/VFI News)

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4

Last Hanukkah, we had the profound honor of hosting Holocaust survivors at the Millennium Center for a special celebration of light, life, and remembrance. These men and women endured horrors beyond imagination—and today, many face loneliness, poverty, and ongoing insecurity. During a season that celebrates miracles and resilience, Vision for Israel was privileged to host a Hanukkah gathering filled with warmth, fellowship, music, and joy. The event provided survivors with a nourishing meal, heartfelt companionship, and the simple but powerful reminder that they are seen, valued, and deeply cherished. Laughter, songs, and shared stories filled the room as survivors came together not just for a celebration, but for connection and dignity. Especially during these challenging times in Israel, moments like these matter. They honor the courage of those who survived the darkest chapter in history and affirm our commitment to stand with them—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you to everyone who helped make this Hanukkah gathering possible. Your generosity brings light where it is needed most.

Hamas is cementing its hold over Gaza by placing loyalists in key government roles, collecting taxes, and paying salaries, an Israeli military assessment presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in late January revealed. The terror group’s continuing influence over key Gaza power structures has fueled widespread skepticism about the prospects of President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which requires Hamas to give up its weapons in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.

The Israeli military warned that Hamas is “advancing steps on the ground meant to preserve its influence and grip in the Gaza Strip ‘from the bottom up’ by means of integrating its supporters in government offices, security apparatuses, and local authorities.” Hamas has named five district governors—all with links to its armed al-Qassam Brigades—and replaced senior officials in Gaza’s economy and interior ministries, which manage taxation and security.

Hamas says it is ready to hand over administration of the enclave to a U.S.-backed committee of Palestinian technocrats headed by Ali Shaatt, but claims Israel has not yet allowed committee members to enter Gaza to assume their responsibilities. An Israeli government official dismissed any notion of a future role for Hamas as a “twisted fantasy,” stating that Hamas “is finished as a governing authority in the Gaza Strip.” The military’s assessment concluded that without Hamas disarmament, the terror group will succeed in preserving its influence and control. (TOI/VFI News)

“Heavenly Father, we lift up the people of Gaza who continue to suffer under the iron grip of Hamas. We pray in Yeshua’s Name for the dismantling of every stronghold of terror and for lasting peace in this land. Grant wisdom to the leaders involved in negotiations, and protect the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. We ask that Your truth prevail over deception, and that genuine freedom and justice come to all who dwell in this war-torn region.”

Several Arab countries on Saturday, February 22, strongly condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, calling them “absurd and provocative,” unacceptable, and contrary to international law. Huckabee made the comments during an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, released on Friday, February 21, in which he defended Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and voiced support for the idea of divine providence granting Israel control of the region.

Arguing that Israel has a biblical right to land stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers, Huckabee said it would be “fine if they took it all.” He stressed, however, that Israel is not seeking to take over the Middle East but does have a right to live in the land currently under Israeli sovereignty. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called the remarks a “violation of diplomatic norms” and “a blatant breach of international law.”

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry condemned the statements as a “flagrant departure” from the principles of international law, expressing surprise that they contradict the vision put forward by President Trump. Saudi Arabia also condemned in “the strongest terms” what it called Huckabee’s “reckless remarks,” warning that such extremist comments “threaten international peace and security.” Oman similarly condemned the remarks, describing them as an illegitimate acceptance of imposing control over Arab lands. (INN/VFI News)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” – Psalm 24:1

Israel was the most targeted country in the world for geopolitically motivated cyberattacks in 2025, with 12.2 percent of all such attacks globally directed at the country, Israeli cybersecurity firm Radware reported on Thursday, February 19, in its 2026 Global Cyber Threat report. The United States followed at 9.4 percent and Ukraine at 8.9 percent, meaning nearly one in eight ideologically motivated attacks worldwide was aimed at Israel.

The report found that Israel faced 1,881 claimed cyberattacks in 2025, mostly from pro-Iranian and anti-Israel hacktivist groups. Globally, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks soared by 168 percent compared to 2024, while malicious activity targeting websites and digital services rose by more than 120 percent. Government services were the primary target, accounting for 38.8 percent of all claimed attacks.

Cyber defense chief Yossi Karadi earlier warned that Israel needs to bolster its preparedness for what he described as a fast-approaching “cyber war.” The Shin Bet security agency and National Cyber Directorate said that in recent months, hundreds of Iranian cyberattacks targeting Israelis—including senior government and defense officials, academics, and journalists—were detected and foiled. The National Cyber Directorate saw a 55 percent increase in the number of cyberattacks year-on-year in 2025. (TOI/VFI News)

A groundbreaking new study published on Sunday, February 22, has redated the ‘Ubeidiya archaeological site in Israel’s Jordan Valley to 1.9 million years ago, making it contemporaneous with a site in Georgia long considered the earliest evidence of hominins outside Africa. The findings significantly shake up what scientists know about the earliest migrations out of the cradle of human life.

Until now, scholars believed the population at Dmanisi, Georgia, represented an earlier group than those at ‘Ubeidiya, with different anatomical features and distinct stone tools. The new study suggests that at least two distinct groups migrated out of Africa at roughly the same time, one crafting the Oldowan stone-tool tradition found at Dmanisi and another producing the more advanced Acheulian tools discovered at ‘Ubeidiya.

The Israel Antiquities Authority described the site as “a national treasure” and “the earliest prehistoric site discovered outside Africa,” stressing that it must remain accessible so visitors can experience the ancient landscapes of Israel and learn about the early humans who once lived there. The discovery reaffirms Israel’s extraordinary significance not only in the history of civilization but in the very story of humanity itself. (TOI/VFI News)

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” – Psalm 19:1

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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Iran Retaliates After EU Blacklists IRGC