Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will continue to stand by Cuba as the Caribbean island faces sweeping US sanctions. The remarks came during a meeting with Cuba’s foreign minister, where both sides discussed potential support measures for Havana. The engagement underscores deepening diplomatic and economic coordination between Moscow and Havana amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions pressure.


Russian President Meets Cuban Foreign Minister, Discuss Support Measures for Havana | WION

Iran and Russia will conduct naval manoeuvres in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, following the latest round of talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva. A Russian Navy corvette from the Baltic Fleet has arrived at Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Tehran says that a helicopter carrier belonging to the Navy of the Russian Federation has entered Iran's southern waters as part of joint maritime cooperation and docked at the First Naval Region base of the Iranian Navy.


Putin Powerplay: Russia Joins Iran Naval Drills Near US Carrier Amid Gulf Tensions 

Iran and the United States reported progress in indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying both sides agreed on a set of “guiding principles” to form the basis of a possible deal. However, Tehran also cautioned that reaching a final agreement will take time and isn’t guaranteed soon. Talks are continuing amid broader geopolitical tensions.

Iran-US Talks Progress: Araghchi Says Guiding Principles Set, Agreement Not Imminent 

President Donald Trump has announced a $36 billion investment deal with Japan, tied to lower tariffs and strategic investments across multiple sectors.
This deal strengthens economic ties between the US and Japan, boosting trade, industry, and strategic cooperation. This video breaks down the deal, its implications, and potential benefits for both nations.

US-Japan Trade Deal: Trump Announces Japan $36B Investment Deal

As of mid-February 2026, families of political prisoners in Caracas, Venezuela, have escalated protests, including a hunger strike, to demand the immediate release of detainees still held despite an ongoing political transition following the US-led ouster of Nicolas Maduro. 


Family Members of Political Prisoners Stage Protest in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of serious “consequences” if Tehran fails to strike a nuclear deal with Washington, as negotiators prepare for a new round of talks in Geneva. Trump said he will be involved “indirectly” in the negotiations and believes Iran is interested in an agreement but cautioned that failing to reach one could carry significant repercussions.

US-Iran Talks: Trump Warns Iran of Severe Consequences Ahead of Geneva Talks 

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of serious “consequences” if Tehran fails to strike a nuclear deal with Washington, as negotiators prepare for a new round of talks in Geneva. Trump said he will be involved “indirectly” in the negotiations and believes Iran is interested in an agreement, but cautioned that failing to reach one could carry significant repercussions.

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Loom, Trump Warns Tehran of Consequences

Europe is openly debating nuclear weapons as trust in US security guarantees weakens. 
US currently maintains an estimated 100 to 130 tactical nuclear weapons in Europe as part of NATO's nuclear sharing policy. But what happens if Trump removes them? The fear is real. Now Poland wants nukes. Sweden is reconsidering disarmament. Is Europe entering a new nuclear arms race and what does it mean for global security?

Trump's Tantrums Makes Europe Nervous, Europe Scrambles for a Nuclear Backup

As talks between Tehran and Washington are set to start in Geneva tomorrow, Iran is signalling openness to reaching a nuclear deal. However, it has also conducted major naval drills and, along with its regional allies, warned of devastating retaliation. The U.S., on the other hand, has also shown a willingness to pursue diplomacy while keeping its military options open. Is this the last chance for peace, or the final countdown to a regional war?


Khamenei Offers Peace Deal, While Iran Allies Threaten Hellfire

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that Africa should unite and stand its ground to prevent being exploited for its ‘rock, soil and dust’ after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised imperialism.


Rubio's Golden Age for Western Civilisation Remark Invokes History of Colonisation

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Reacts on Rubio's Imperialism Praise

A second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States is set to take place in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Switzerland, while US representatives including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to participate.

Tehran has signalled readiness to discuss possible compromises as both sides explore a potential deal amid ongoing tensions.

US Military Preparing For Potentially Weeks-Long Iran Operation 

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has clarified his recent remark suggesting that “aliens are real”, explaining that while the topic of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) is intriguing, he has seen no concrete evidence of extraterrestrial life.
Obama made the comments amid growing public interest in UFOs and government disclosures. The former president emphasized that while space exploration and scientific inquiry continue, there is no verified proof of alien life visiting Earth.

Obama Addresses UFO Remarks: Former President Clarifies “Aliens Are Real” Comment, No Evidence Seen 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined clear red lines ahead of renewed U.S. , Iran nuclear negotiations, insisting that any future agreement must require all enriched uranium to be removed from Iran and that Tehran’s ability to enrich must be dismantled. Netanyahu’s remarks came as Iranian officials, including Abbas Araghchi, head to Geneva for the second round of talks with U.S. counterparts aimed at preventing further escalation and reaching a diplomatic deal.

Iran US Nuclear Talk: Israel Demands Complete Uranium Removal in Iran Nuclear Deal

Speaking publicly for the first time after United States President Donald Trump’s social media account depicted him and his wife Michelle as monkeys, former President Barack Obama has deplored the degradation of the country’s political discourse to a “clown show”.

Obama Slams US Politics: Ex-President Obama Labels American Political Scene a ‘Clown Show’ 

U.S. military forces have intercepted and boarded the Panamanian‑flagged oil tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean, after tracking it from the Caribbean, the Pentagon said. The vessel, under U.S. sanctions and linked to Venezuelan and Iranian crude shipments, attempted to evade enforcement measures ordered by President Donald Trump in December 2025. Video released by U.S. forces shows the boarding operation, carried out without incident in international waters, as part of broader efforts to disrupt sanctioned oil flows and enforce maritime sanctions.

US Oil Blockade: Washington Intercepts Venezuela-Iran Linked Oil Tanker Veronica III

Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, has arrived in Switzerland to participate in the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States and other mediators ahead of crucial talks in Geneva.

US-Iran Talk: Netanyahu Demands All Uranium Leave Iran Ahead Geneva Talks

President Trump’s efforts to revive the US coal industry are having real financial and health consequences for communities across the country.
In parts of Michigan and beyond, ageing coal-fired power plants slated for closure are being kept open under emergency orders, as part of a push to boost coal production and power generation.

Trump Coal Push Raises Costs And Concerns

NATO’s Secretary General has explained the origin story behind the bizarre “daddy” nickname he bestowed upon Donald Trump, which the president awkwardly took ownership of last month.


NATO Secretary General Explains Why He Called Trump 'Daddy'; Blames Poor Command Of English

Special Operations Centre Alpha, part of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), destroyed half of Russia's Pantsir surface-to-air artillery and missile systems in 2025.


Kyiv Targets Russian Pantsir Systems to Utilise Long-Range Strikes

Anthropic's artificial-intelligence model Claude was used in the U.S. military's operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Claude's deployment came via Anthropic's partnership with data firm Palantir Technologies (PLTR.O), opens new tab, whose platforms are widely used by the Defense Department and federal law enforcement, the report added.

WSJ: Anthropic's Claude AI Deployed in Maduro Raid

Reuters, citing a U.S. official and three informed sources, reported that the United States and Iran are scheduled to hold a second round of nuclear negotiations on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to the report, the U.S. delegation is expected to include Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Representatives from Oman are also expected to attend as mediators.

Report: US Prepares For Weeks-Long Iran OPs

The US government has ordered a shutdown of the department of homeland security after congress failed to extend its funding before the midnight deadline. It’s the third partial lapse this session, and it could have real impacts at airports, disaster response agencies, and other critical operations.


DHS Faces Partial Shutdown After Deadline

The Indian rupee continues to trade under pressure against the US dollar in February 2026, hovering around the 90 rupees per dollar mark.


Dollar Slides Against Euro, Yen; Rupee Still Fragile

U.S. inflation cooled more than expected in January, offering some relief to American families. The government says prices are rising more slowly, though economists caution it’s too early to declare victory.


US Inflation Cools in January

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to conspiring with an Indian government official to assassinate U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta admitted to charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering, facing a maximum of 40 years in prison. 


Pannun Assassination Plot: Nikhil Gupta Admits Role; Can Face Maximum 40 Yrs in Prison

The 62nd annual Munich Security Conference is underway, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling for a stronger transatlantic partnership. European leaders are seeking to mend ties with Washington, while the British Prime Minister urged Europe to reduce its reliance on the United States for defence.


British PM Starmer Urges Europe To Reduce Its Reliance on US For Its Defences

Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States are underway amid growing concerns about a potential military confrontation. Indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, between Iranian officials and US envoys wrapped up with both sides agreeing to continue negotiations and consult their capitals on timing for the next round. Iranian officials described the discussions as positive, though no firm date has been set yet for future meetings. While both governments maintain back‑channel contact, regional tension and distrust linger, with military pressure and threats adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.

Iran and US Push for Diplomatic Talks Amid Rising War Fears in Middle East

Despite soaring military tensions and a significant U.S. naval buildup in the Middle East, the United States and Iran are engaging in cautious diplomacy and pushing for negotiations, particularly on nuclear issues. However, both sides maintain a battle-ready posture — with Tehran insisting on conditions for talks and Washington reinforcing forces to deter escalation — reflecting deep mistrust and unresolved strategic differences.


US-Iran Tensions: Iran And US press for negotiations but maintain their battle-ready posture

Police in British Columbia, Canada have identified an 18‑year‑old suspect in the deadly Tumbler Ridge school shooting, where multiple victims were killed in both a home and a school attack. Authorities say the suspect shot and killed their mother and 11‑year‑old stepbrother at a residence before opening fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, killing a teacher and several students aged 12‑13, and injuring dozens. The suspect was found dead from an apparent self‑inflicted wound at the school. The motive remains unclear as RCMP continue their investigation.


Canada school shooting: police identify 18‑year‑old suspect in Massacre

Taiwan’s president has firmly stated that the island is “not a bargaining chip” for the United States, emphasizing Taiwan’s sovereignty and strategic importance. At the same time, the president urged lawmakers to quickly approve a proposed $40 billion defence budget aimed at strengthening military readiness and deterrence capabilities. The funding boost is expected to enhance Taiwan’s security amid ongoing regional tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts say the move signals Taipei’s determination to invest in defence while reinforcing its political stance internationally.

Taiwan Says Island Not a US Bargaining Chip, Urges $40BN Defence Boost

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news