The United States has launched a diplomatic push across Central Europe, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio beginning a regional tour. Washington signalled a renewed alliance with Europe while urging nations to strengthen their own defence capabilities, echoing President Donald Trump’s call for Europe to shoulder more security responsibility.


US-Europe Ties: Trump Wants Europe Shore Up Its Defence 

'Green shoots' are once again poking through in the global economy. But which ones will flourish and which will turn to weeds? We decode that and more in this next report. Take a look. The absolute classic-of-the-genre “green shoots,” metaphor sprang up in US Commentary again last week. But the real question is, if the strong economy narrative is finally spilling into the long-embattled jobs market.


Key US Data: Is The US Economy Turning A Corner? 

US-Europe Ties: US Signals Alliance With Europe And Demands Change

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: Pentagon Intercepts Sanctioned Veronica III After Pursuit From Caribbean

The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered its third week as the FBI investigates a recovered glove that reportedly matches a masked suspect seen on surveillance video. Authorities confirmed one person was detained and later released in connection with the case.


Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping: FBI Probing Recovered Glove's Purported Link To Suspect On Video 

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”.


Former US President Barack Obama Says American Politics Has Become a 'Clown Show'

The United States has signalled stronger alliances with Europe while calling for strategic changes amid rising geopolitical tensions. US Senator Marco Rubio has begun his Central Europe tour to engage with regional leaders, discuss security cooperation, and strengthen diplomatic ties. The visit underscores Washington’s commitment to European partners and highlights ongoing efforts to address shared challenges in defence, trade, and international policy.


US Signals Alliance with Europe and Demands Change | Rubio Begins Central Europe Tour

The US Department of Justice has released details on redactions in the Jeffrey Epstein files, providing lawmakers with a letter outlining the types of edits made. The files continue to reveal high-profile names connected to Epstein’s global network, fueling renewed scrutiny and public interest. The disclosure raises questions about transparency and the influence of powerful individuals implicated in the documents.

DoJ Details Epstein Files Redactions, High-Profile Names Revealed In Records

President Donald Trump signals willingness to meet Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei if he seeks a diplomatic discussion. While Senators like Marco Rubio indicate Trump would agree to talks, experts question the feasibility amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and regional conflicts.

The proposed meeting highlights complex geopolitics and the challenges of negotiating with Tehran.


US vs Iran: Why a Trump-Khamenei Meeting Is Impossible? Tensions Remain High Amid Diplomatic Signals

Multiple global polls indicate a sharp rise in the perception of the United States as a security threat. Surveys show that both G7 and BRICS nations increasingly view the US as a risk, with threat perception rising notably in countries like Canada and India.

The findings highlight shifting geopolitical attitudes and growing global unease over Washington’s foreign policy direction.

America a Security Threat? Global Polls Show Rising View Of US As Risk 

Muslims across Indonesia are crowding markets ahead of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting expected to begin on February 17.
Traditionally, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation witnesses a surge in spending during this period, particularly on food and household essentials.

Indonesians Shop Amid Economic Strain

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.


Taxpayer Funds Back Coal Plants Slated for Closure 

Freshly released Epstein documents have triggered global scrutiny, with new names, including women linked to his powerful network, surfacing in the latest file dump. Royalty, politicians and close associates are back in focus as investigators and media revisit the case.


Epstein Files: Royalty, Politicians & Women Named As New Documents Surface

At the Munich Security Conference 2026, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said President Donald Trump remains “very serious” about acquiring Greenland. Frederiksen stressed that national sovereignty must be respected, noting that the people of Greenland have made clear they do not wish to become Americans.


Munich Security Conference 2026: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen Says, Trump Still Wants Greenland

The US military’s Southern Command, which oversees operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, said it had carried out its second deadly boat strike this week. 


US Strikes Second Alleged Drug Boat in a Week, Bringing Death Toll to Over 130

President Donald Trump signals possible action on mandatory voter identification, even without congressional approval, as Kristi Noem promotes a new election security bill. Republicans argue the move would strengthen election integrity ahead of the midterm polls, while critics warn of legal and political battles ahead.


Trump Signals Action on Mandatory Voter ID, Kristi Noem Promotes Election Security Bill 

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.


Munich Security Conference 2026: Merz Urges Transatlantic Unity, Europe Rethinks US Defence Reliance

The United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to West Asia as President Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran during stalled nuclear negotiations. Trump said regime change “would be the best thing” for Iran, while the UN nuclear watchdog chief warned inspections inside the country are becoming extremely difficult.


US-Iran Tensions: US Sends Second Aircraft Carrier to West Asia; Trump Backs Iran Regime Change 

The United States has targeted a gold exchange accused of channeling funds to Hezbollah as part of its broader crackdown on terror financing networks. US authorities say the move aims to disrupt illicit financial flows used to support militant operations in the Middle East.


US Targets Gold Exchange Accused of Sending Funds to Hezbollah

A potential US attack on Iran could once again disrupt global trade routes through the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, key arteries for oil and cargo shipments. Any escalation risks ship rerouting, rising freight costs, and supply chain delays as shipping firms avoid high-risk zones.


US Attack on Iran Might Throw Rea Sea Trade into Chaos Again

The United States has finalised a reciprocal trade agreement with Taiwan, confirming a 15 per cent tariff on Taiwanese imports while securing sweeping tariff cuts and fresh purchase commitments from Taipei, according to a document released by the US Trade Representative’s office.

US-Taiwan Trade Pact Locks in 15% Tariff, Secures $85 Billion US Export Boost

As of early 2026, research indicates that U.S. consumers and importing firms bear nearly all (approx. 96%) of the burden of Donald Trump's tariffs, rather than foreign exporters. These tariffs act as a de facto consumption tax, leading to higher prices for Americans, while reducing product variety and volume. 


Who Bears The Brunt of Trump's Tariffs?

US President Donald Trump has formally repealed a landmark federal emissions finding, rolling back key climate regulations. Former President Barack Obama warned the move could weaken public health protections, while French President Emmanuel Macron rejected any trade-off between economic growth and climate action.


US President Trump Repeals Key US Climate Rules; Obama Warns of Health Risks 

NATO Defence Ministers posed for a group photo without the presence of the US counterpart, raising questions about Washington’s participation and the dynamics within the alliance. The absence comes amid ongoing debates over defence commitments, strategy, and burden-sharing among NATO members.


US Steps Back From NATO Meet; Rutte Pushes ‘Arctic Sentry’ to Counter Russia, China 

President Donald Trump has agreed to end the controversial immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota. The White House border czar confirmed that “Operation Metro Surge” has concluded, marking a shift in federal immigration strategy in the state.


Trump Ends Minnesota Immigration Crackdown as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ Concludes

US-Iran Nuclear Deal: Tensions appear to be surfacing between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Iran nuclear deal. While Netanyahu signalled concerns about conditions being created for Tehran, Trump insisted the final decision is “ultimately up to me” and warned Iran of a “very traumatic” outcome if no deal is reached.


US-Iran Tensions: Trump Warns Iran of 'Traumatic' Consequences if No Nuclear Deal Reached 

A US Marine has tragically died after falling off a vessel during a military operation in the Caribbean. Authorities are investigating the incident as search and rescue efforts were conducted immediately.


US Marine Dies After Falling Off the Vessel During Operation in the Caribbean

A recent survey shows that 73% of Israelis view US President Donald Trump as an above-average leader. The findings highlight Trump’s enduring popularity in Israel and provide insight into public opinion on US foreign policy and Middle East relations. Here’s the latest analysis from the poll.


Israel-US: Survey Finds 73% Israelis View Trump as Above Average Leader

NATO Defence Ministers Pose for Group Photo without US Counterpart 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Save America Act, clearing a key legislative hurdle. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will face debate and a crucial vote.


US House of Representatives Passes Save America Act the Bill Now Moves to the Upper House

The Pentagon is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into classified combat operations, bringing advanced algorithms closer to the military “kill chain.”

US: Pentagon pushes AI into classified combat, algorithms move closer to the kill chain

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