The UK media continues its strong focus on Iran and Syria.  The Times has an editorial that refers to Iran as a ‘grave and credible threat’ to the region.  Also in the Times, a comment piece suggests Iran’s banning of exporting oil to the UK is less about economics and more to do with historic animosity between the countries.  Both the Guardian and the Independent note the IAEA inspectors returning to Tehran today.  The Telegraph reports this too and adds Iran is currently undertaking a military training drill concentrating on air defence around their nuclear sites. The Financial Times reports and that Foreign Secretary Hague’s said that nobody wants military action by Israel or anyone else but without ruling it out completely.  The Financial Times also notes the backing Syria is receiving from Russia, China and Iran.  The Telegraph reports on the Iranian warships docking in Syria. The Independent announces March 5^th as the likely date for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama to meet.  BBC online and the Telegraph monitor efforts of the Red Cross to broker a ceasefire in Syria. The Guardian publishes letters responding to their leader on Iran yesterday, including one from BICOM Head of Research & Analysis Dr. Toby Greene, arguing that the West needs to enter talks with Iran eyes wide open.

In the Israeli media most outlets note the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama in Washington, suggesting critical timing regarding Iran. Ma’ariv is of the opinion that the two leaders, despite personal animosity, are heavily reliant on one another.  Haaretz notes Israeli officials disdain at recent high profile American officials who have been critical of any Israeli attack on Iran as ‘serving Iran’s interests’. In other leading news Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom have headlines relating to the Tel Aviv municipal council voting to provide public transport on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. They also note that the Transport Ministry may overrule this decision due to objections by ultra-Orthodox leaders. Ma’ariv and Israel Hayom leads on a double killing of two men in Rishon L’tzion yesterday, thought to be crime related. Ma’ariv also reports on a leaked letter from the Attorney General to the Prime Minister reiterating that it is the Attorney General who has authority regarding the ability to determine the status of unauthorized West Bank outposts. Yediot Ahronot suggests that Prime Minister Netanyahu could find a senior position in the Likud party for his former bureau chief who recently resigned his post within the Prime Minister’s Office. Jerusalem Post covers a meeting between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas representatives in his office yesterday, looking to expedite the reconciliation process.