I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
Republicans Lead Legislation to Withdraw from United Nations. On February 20, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced S.669, which would withdraw the United States from the United Nations. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced companion legislation in the House.
Senate Bill Would Ban Assistance to Violators of Human Rights and Religious Freedom. On February 20, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced S.676, which would prohibit assistance to foreign governments that violate human rights with respect to religious freedom.
Sen. Sanders Introduces Joint Resolutions of Disapproval of Weapons Sales to Israel. On February 20, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced joint resolutions of disapproval (S.J.Res.20, S.J.Res.21, S.J.Res.22, S.J.Res.23) of proposed foreign military sales to Israel.
Bipartisan Bill Seeks Additional Sanctions on Iran. On February 21, Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) announced legislation to sanction additional parties involved in Iran’s petrochemical trade.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
SFRC Heads Wrap Up Participation in Munich Security Conference. On February 20, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID) and Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released a statement following their participation in the Munich Security Conference. The statement covered threats posed by Iran, among other issues. During the conference, the two lawmakers met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Transitional Government Asaad al-Shaibani.
Congressional Delegation Visits Israel. During the week of February 17, a delegation of lawmakers visited Israel to discuss strengthening the US-Israel relationship, the Gaza ceasefire, and regional security issues.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
Trump Administration Praises Saudi Arabia for Hosting US-Russia Talks. On February 19, President Donald Trump said that negotiations between the United States and Russia to find an end to the war in Ukraine have begun in Saudi Arabia. Speaking to the press, Trump thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the talks.
Trump Administration Holds Aid to PA Security Forces. On February 19, the Washington Post reported that the Trump administration has, as part of its global freeze on foreign aid, suspended funding to the Palestinian Authority security forces, to which the United States has provided training and other support for nearly two decades.
White House Emphasizes “Maximum Pressure” on Iran. On February 19, President Trump said that the administration has restored the policy of “maximum pressure on Iran, designed to bring peace.” On February 20, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the administration will not “allow [Iran] to possess a nuclear weapon where they can hold the world hostage and where they could potentially attack Israel.”
NSA Waltz Addresses Syria Strike Developments. On February 20, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told reporters that the recent US strike in Syria against an official of the so-called Islamic State was enabled by President Trump’s overcoming of a “bureaucratic approval process” that had supposedly prevented the military from launching the strike previously.
Administration Officials Discuss Gaza Reconstruction, Ceasefire Progress. On February 20, National Security Advisor Waltz reiterated the administration’s support for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, calling it “a plan to deal with the practical reality.” On the same day, at a Saudi-sponsored investment forum in Miami, Special Envoy Steven Witkoff said that “I don’t know why anyone would want to live [in Gaza] today. It’s illogical to me.” Witkoff also stated that Gaza’s reconstruction “is not something that can be completed in five years.” He further mentioned that he and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are looking into convening real-estate executives to develop a plan for rebuilding the Strip.
On February 23, Witkoff added, “Nobody can really live there in a safe environment for probably at least 15 years…People don’t belong living there right now.” He further stated that the Trump administration will look to extend phase one of the ceasefire and expressed confidence that it would reach phase two.
Trump Says He Is “OK” if Israel Goes Back into Gaza, On February 21, President Trump said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “wants to go in” to Gaza. Trump added that he is “OK” with either Israel implementing phase two of the ceasefire or returning to war in Gaza.
Trump Softens on Plan to Relocate Palestinians. On February 21, President Trump said that Jordan and Egypt are not accepting his plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. In response, Trump claimed that he is now only recommending his plan, not forcing it. “We pay Jordan and Egypt billions of dollars a year. And I was a little surprised they’d say that, but they did…I’ll tell you, the way to do it is my plan…But I’m not forcing it. I’m just going to sit back and recommend it,” Trump stated.
2) Department of State
Secretary Rubio Meets UAE President. On February 19, Secretary Rubio met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss US-UAE economic and defense cooperation, the situations in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, and Red Sea security.
Secretary Rubio Discusses Hamas and Plans for Gaza. On February 20, Secretary Rubio said that the Trump administration will not allow Hamas to reconstitute, be militarized, or control territory, adding that “ultimately someone is going to have to go in and get rid of Hamas.” Addressing the reconstruction of Gaza, Rubio said that Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians “is the only one that’s out right now.” Rubio stated that regional officials “don’t like that plan” and encouraged them to “come up with a better plan.”
3) Department of Defense
CENTCOM Conducts Task Force Missions and Joint Exercise. On February 17 and 20, CENTCOM conducted bomber task force missions with European and Middle Eastern partner nations. From February 9-20, CENTCOM also hosted the International Maritime Exercise 2025, involving personnel from more than 30 nations and international organizations.
