The world appears to be edging toward a new nuclear arms race even as both Washington and Moscow signal openness to fresh negotiations. US President Donald Trump has said he wants to negotiate a new arms control treaty, while Russia has indicated it is willing to discuss a fresh deal. The parallel moves highlight growing concern over the erosion of existing arms control frameworks amid rising global tensions.


World on Cusp of New Nuclear Arms Race as US, Russia Signal Talks | WION

The United States has announced new sanctions intended to curb Iran’s oil exports, targeting dozens of entities and vessels involved in trading Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. The move comes shortly after indirect talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in Oman, underscoring persistent tensions despite diplomatic engagement. According to the US Department of State, the measures are designed to disrupt Iran’s revenue from oil, which Washington says supports destabilising activities across the region.


Breaking: US Slaps Fresh Sanctions to Curb Iran Oil Exports After Talks Conclude

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the date and location of the next meeting with the United States have yet to be decided. The statement comes after recent rounds of talks, with Tehran indicating consultations are still underway before the next phase of engagement.


Breaking: Iran's Araghchi Says Date & Location of Next US Meeting Yet to Be Decided

Bangladesh is reportedly set to sign a secret agreement with the United States, with the interim government keeping the details confidential. The lack of transparency around the deal has sparked questions over its scope and implications, even as officials remain tight-lipped about the terms and timeline.


Bangladesh Set to Sign Secret Deal With US, Interim Govt Keeps Details Confidential | WION

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and a United States special envoy have met in Muscat, Oman, for indirect nuclear talks aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s foreign minister issued a firm warning that Tehran will defend itself against any “excessive demands or adventurism” by the United States, signalling a hardening stance ahead of negotiations. The talks come amid heightened military and diplomatic tensions between the two countries and broader Middle East geopolitical uncertainty.


Iran FM Araghchi Holds Nuclear Talks With US Envoy in Oman as Tehran Warns Against Excessive Demands

Hiring intentions in the United States have fallen to an all-time low as companies cut 108,435 jobs in January. The figure marks a sharp 205 percent increase from December, signalling growing caution among US firms amid economic uncertainty and cost pressures.


US Hiring Intentions Hit Record Low as Firms Cut Over 108,000 Jobs in January 

Top Iranian and US officials are meeting in Muscat as nuclear talks between Iran and the United States begin, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in attendance. The negotiations, scheduled for Friday, are part of renewed diplomatic efforts to address Tehran’s nuclear programme after months of heightened tensions, disagreements and delays over venue and format. Iran has insisted the talks focus on nuclear issues, while Washington seeks broader engagement. These discussions come as regional concerns remain high amid broader geopolitical pressures.

Iran-US Tensions: Iran FM Araghchi and US Envoy Witkoff Meet in Oman for Nuclear Talks | WION

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel signals openness to direct talks with the US amid Trump's threats to sever oil supplies, while firmly denying Cuba harbors terrorists.



Cuba Rejects Terror Label, Welcomes US Talks Despite Oil Blockade Threats

The United States has announced a $1.3 billion investment in Pakistan, focusing on rare earths and critical minerals. The move brings renewed attention to the Reko Diq copper-gold mine as Washington looks to secure strategic mineral supply chains.

US Announces $1.3 Billion Investment in Pakistan, Reko Diq Copper Gold Mine In Focus

China may be set to pay more for US Soybeans as it weighs additional purchases ahead of a planned visit by President Donald Trump in April. The move could smooth political ties, but it comes with a price.


China May Have to Pay More for US Soybeans 

U.S. President Donald Trump has dialed down his opposition to the UK’s Chagos Islands deal, approving the transfer of the key archipelago to Mauritius a month after initially resisting it. Trump described his discussions with the UK prime minister as “productive,” signaling a shift in Washington’s stance on the strategically sensitive territory.


Chagos Deal: Trump Backs UK-Mauritius Deal After Earlier Opposition, Hails ‘Productive’ Talks

As the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty expires, Washington is signaling interest in negotiating a new arms control framework with Moscow to prevent a renewed nuclear arms race. The two sides have agreed to resume regular military contacts, even as experts warn the world is entering a period of heightened nuclear uncertainty with fewer limits on warheads and delivery systems.


US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Expires: World Enters Into An Era Of Nuclear Uncertainty

President Trump adopts a wait-and-watch stance as top US envoy Steve Witkoff meets Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in Oman for pivotal nuclear talks.


Iran-U.S. Talks Kick Off in Oman, Trump Monitors Oman Talks Amid Armada Threats

The U.S. announces a massive $1.3 billion investment in Pakistan's rare earth sector, spotlighting the Reko Diq copper-gold mine amid a global scramble for critical minerals.



U.S. Drops $1.3B on Pakistan Rare Earths, Reko Diq in Spotlight 

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Muscat for a new round of nuclear talks with the United States, according to Iranian state media. The discussions, involving US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, come as Washington adopts a wait-and-watch approach while pushing for diplomatic progress without ruling out military options.


US-Iran Nuclear Talks: Trump In Wait & Watch Mode Over Iran Talks 

The New START treaty, the last major US-Russia nuclear arms control agreement, expired on February 5, 2026, lifting limits on deployed warheads and fueling fears of a renewed arms race.


New Arms Race Looms as U.S.-Russia Nuke Pact Dies 

The New START treaty-the last major US-Russia nuclear arms control agreement limiting deployed strategic warheads, missiles, and bombers-expired on February 5, 2026, ending five decades of bilateral constraints and raising fears of an unconstrained arms race.


US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Expires: Fear Grows Of New Nuclear Arms Race

While talks between U.S. and Iran are scheduled on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued yet another warning to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. However, Iran is not caving in and has unveiled a new underground missile base, showcasing its military might. Its array of ballistic missiles can pose a threat to U.S forces.


New Iran Missile System Raises Threat Level for U.S. Armada, Region Teeters on Edge of War

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal at the fastest pace among nuclear-armed states, adding about 100 warheads annually since 2023 to reach roughly 600 by early 2026, with projections of 1,000 by 2030. This buildup includes over 350 new ICBM silos, advanced missiles like the DF-31 capable of hitting the U.S., and a maturing nuclear triad of land, sea, and air delivery systems.

China is Currently Undertaking the Fastest Expansion of Its Nuclear Arsenal 

Iran and the United States have agreed to hold direct talks in Oman on Friday, February 6, 2026, amid soaring tensions, but both sides have laid out rigid red lines. The U.S. demands Iran halt uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile program, and end support for regional proxies, while Tehran insists discussions focus solely on its nuclear activities without any "dictation" or concessions on defense capabilities. 

Iran and the U.S. Agree for Talks, but Lay Out Uncompromising Conditions for Discussions

U.S. employers announced 108,435 job cuts in January 2026, the highest January total since the 2009 recession, spanning giants like Amazon, UPS, and media outlets such as The Washington Post. This surge, up 118% from January 2025, signals corporate caution amid economic uncertainty, rising costs, and policy shifts under President Trump. Hiring plans plummeted to just 5,306 roles, exacerbating a competitive job market.

U.S. Layoff Tsunami: 108K Jobs Axed in January, Worst Since '09 Crash

China has firmly rejected U.S. calls to join nuclear arms control talks with Russia, particularly following the recent expiration of the New START treaty. This development leaves the U.S. and Russia without binding limits on their nuclear arsenals for the first time in decades.


China Slams Door on US Nuclear Talks Post-New START Collapse

U.S. private sector hiring slowed sharply at the start of 2026, with employers adding just 22,000 jobs in January per ADP data-well below the expected 45,000 and December's revised 37,000.


US Private Jobs Crawl: Just 22K Added in January Slump

Russia-U.S. Nuclear Army Treaty Expires, Beijing Accelerates Nuclear Build-up 

India and the U.S. recently finalized a trade agreement reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, announced around February 2, 2026, following talks between President Trump and PM Modi. According to a report, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval played a key role in urging resumed negotiations during a discreet Washington visit, amid prior tensions over Russian oil imports.


U.S-India: Doval Pushes Trade Revival: US Cuts India Tariffs to 18% in Fresh Deal

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today that the federal agency filed an action in federal court to compel NIKE, Inc. to produce information related to allegations that the company discriminated against white workers, including as a result of NIKE’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-related 2025 Targets and other DEI-related objectives.


Nike Defends Diversity Goals Amid EEOC Probe Claims 

US President Donald Trump says he held an “excellent” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing trade, energy, Taiwan, Iran and the Ukraine war. Trump stressed his strong personal rapport with Xi as key to maintaining stable US-China relations amid tensions.


Trump-Xi phone call: Xi Jinping says US must act with prudence on arms sales to Taiwan

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that New Delhi would not be bullied by President Donald Trump or his aides, sources said. Doval signaled India’s willingness to wait out Trump’s term while urging Washington to tone down public criticism and revive trade talks.


India-US Trade Deal: India Reportedly Told US, Willing To Wait Out Trump's Term 

Iran-US nuclear talks are back on track after intense lobbying by West Asia leaders and a venue shift to Oman. Iran’s demands on location and scope had earlier threatened to derail negotiations, raising stakes for regional and global security.


Iran-US Nuclear Talks: US President Issues Latest Warning To Iran Supreme Leader 

The United States, the European Union, and Japan are stepping up coordination to secure critical minerals supply chains, signaling a major shift in global trade and industrial policy. Meeting in Washington, officials announced action plans and new partnerships aimed at reducing vulnerabilities in minerals essential for advanced manufacturing, defence and clean energy.


US, EU, Japan Agree on Action Plans for Critical Minerals 

US Job creation started in 2026 on a softer footing than many economists expected. According to the ADP National Employment Report, private employers added far fewer jobs than forecast in January, raising questions about the labour market’s strength and what it could mean ahead of the official jobs numbers.


USA: Soft Hiring Raises Labour Market Questions 

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