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Trump Reiterates US Operations in Iran Nearing End, Possible Withdrawal in 2-3 Weeks
Politicsbloombergle-mondeThe Guardian+13Al Jazeeraruvindex-hrnational-postYahoojutarnji-listTimes of Indiastraits-times+5 more8d ago16 sources

Trump Reiterates US Operations in Iran Nearing End, Possible Withdrawal in 2-3 Weeks

President Trump has repeatedly stated that US military operations in Iran are nearing an end, suggesting a withdrawal could occur within two to three weeks, regardless of a deal with Iran. These remarks come amidst Iran's denial of ongoing negotiations and calls for peace, with Trump emphasizing the lack of reason for continued US involvement.

Iran Permits Passage for 'Friendly Nations' Vessels Through Strait of Hormuz
WorldAPbloombergNYT+60economistFTle-mondeThe GuardianAl JazeeraFox Newsyle-uutisetcbc+52 more12d ago63 sources

Iran Permits Passage for 'Friendly Nations' Vessels Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has announced it will ease and expedite humanitarian aid passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and its foreign minister confirmed that Indian-flagged vessels and tankers, along with those from other 'friendly nations' like China, Iraq, Pakistan, and Russia, are permitted passage on a case-by-case basis.

Trump Extends Iran Deadline, Promotes Talks Amid Market Turmoil
PoliticsAPReutersBBC+78bloombergNYTwsjFTle-mondewapoThe GuardianNPR+70 more13d ago81 sources

Trump Extends Iran Deadline, Promotes Talks Amid Market Turmoil

US President Donald Trump has extended a deadline and promoted progress in talks with Iran, stating he is suspending attacks on Iranian energy plants. These diplomatic developments continue as military strikes persist, causing market volatility and stock drops.

Explosions and Injuries Reported in Israel from Iranian Missiles; Tehran Denies Trump's Claims
PoliticsNYTAl Jazeeratimes-uk+34tagesschaufazDWSCMPder-standardFrance 24orftelex+26 more16d ago37 sources

Explosions and Injuries Reported in Israel from Iranian Missiles; Tehran Denies Trump's Claims

Israel's multi-layered air defense systems have intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles over central Israel, including Tel Aviv, with reports of explosions and injuries, as Iran continues multiple waves of attacks on residential areas. Tehran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's claims of productive negotiations, while Israel has also targeted areas in Beirut.

Ukrainian Delegation Meets Witkoff and Kushner in Miami for Peace Talks
Politicsukrainska-pravdazdg-mdkyiv-independent17d ago3 sources

Ukrainian Delegation Meets Witkoff and Kushner in Miami for Peace Talks

A Ukrainian delegation met with Trump's envoy Witkoff and Kushner in Miami for a new round of peace negotiations, more than a month after their last meeting. Witkoff commented on efforts to narrow and resolve remaining items in their discussions, with talks expected to continue.

Iran Deploys Mines in Strait of Hormuz as US Forces Work to Clear Waterway
WorldAPReutersBBC+117bloombergNYTwsjFTle-mondewapoThe GuardianNPR+109 more28d ago120 sources

Iran Deploys Mines in Strait of Hormuz as US Forces Work to Clear Waterway

Iran has begun mining the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping chokepoint, with US naval forces actively destroying the mines. President Trump demanded Iran immediately remove all mines, warning of severe consequences. Reports estimate Iran possesses 5,000-6,000 sea mines, posing a major threat to global shipping.

Ukraine War: Negotiations, Accusations, and Casualties
Worldla-repubblica28d ago

Ukraine War: Negotiations, Accusations, and Casualties

Amid reports of potential breakthroughs in negotiations, the Kremlin accused British specialists of involvement in missile launches against Bryansk, while Ukraine's President Zelensky proposed a trilateral meeting and reported two deaths and five injuries in a Russian raid on Kharkiv.

US-Iran Negotiations in Geneva: Trump's Last Diplomatic Chance?
Politicshinduobservadorjerusalem-post1mo ago3 sources

US-Iran Negotiations in Geneva: Trump's Last Diplomatic Chance?

Delegations from the United States and Iran are set to meet in Geneva in what is being described as potentially the last diplomatic opportunity for the Trump administration, amidst Iran's preparations for war and discussions of the ayatollah's succession.

US Envoys Witkoff and Kushner Expected to Visit Kyiv in April
WorldReuterswsjThe Guardian+24tagesschauukrainska-pravdalsm-lvla-repubblicaNHK Worlddelfi-ltdelodigi24+16 more4d ago27 sources

US Envoys Witkoff and Kushner Expected to Visit Kyiv in April

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Kyiv during April, according to Ukrainian authorities. The visit aims to strengthen ties and discuss ongoing support.

Rubio Predicts Iran War to End in Weeks; G7 Urges Civilian Protection and Hormuz Freedom
WorldAPReutersbloomberg+58NYTwsjFTle-mondeThe GuardianAl JazeeraFox Newsnzz+50 more12d ago61 sources

Rubio Predicts Iran War to End in Weeks; G7 Urges Civilian Protection and Hormuz Freedom

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has predicted the war with Iran could conclude within weeks, not months, as America anticipates Iran's response 'any moment' after strikes on nuclear and metal processing facilities. G7 foreign ministers have urged a halt to attacks on civilians in the Middle East and called on Iran to immediately restore shipping freedom in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Rubio reiterated his prediction after meeting G7 counterparts in France.

Global Markets Jitter as Middle East Uncertainty and Iran War Fears Drive Stock Dips and Oil Shocks
BusinessAPReutersBBC+44bloombergle-mondewapoThe GuardianAl Jazeeranrktimes-ukyle-uutiset+36 more15d ago47 sources

Global Markets Jitter as Middle East Uncertainty and Iran War Fears Drive Stock Dips and Oil Shocks

Global stock markets rallied and oil prices initially dropped after US President Donald Trump announced 'good discussions' with Iran, but the relief was short-lived. Markets quickly became jittery again, with US stock futures dipping and foreign outflows hitting Asian stocks amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty and Iran war oil shock fears.

Trump Lifts Iran Threat, Postpones Strikes Amid Talks; Iran Denies Negotiations
WorldReutersBBCbloomberg+58NYTwsjFTThe GuardianNPRAl JazeeraFox Newscbc+50 more16d ago61 sources

Trump Lifts Iran Threat, Postpones Strikes Amid Talks; Iran Denies Negotiations

US President Donald Trump has postponed his ultimatum to bomb Iran's electricity grid and announced a tactical pause on strikes, claiming to have begun talks with Tehran and that 'regime change' is underway. However, Iran has denied engaging in talks with the US and warned against targeting its vital infrastructure.

US and Ukrainian Officials to Hold Talks in Geneva
Politicsn1-serbiadanasmkd-mk1mo ago3 sources

US and Ukrainian Officials to Hold Talks in Geneva

US representative Witkoff announced upcoming talks between American and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on February 26, following a previous round of unproductive discussions between Ukraine, Russia, and the US.

US military buildup in Middle East as tensions with Iran rise
WorldReuterswsjtimes-uk+16yle-uutisetle-figaroder-standardobservadordnevnik-bghindustan-timescyprus-mailDawn+8 more1mo ago19 sources

US military buildup in Middle East as tensions with Iran rise

Iran and the United States are sliding rapidly towards military conflict as hopes fade for a diplomatic solution to their standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program, officials on both sides and diplomats

Witkoff on Putin: he was always open
Politicsdelfi-lt1mo ago

Witkoff on Putin: he was always open

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff stated in an interview with Fox News that Russian President Vladimir Putin was always open during all their personal meetings regarding the war in Ukraine...

Iran says US ‘more realistic’ on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz Strait
PoliticsDawn1mo ago

Iran says US ‘more realistic’ on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz Strait

Iran said on Monday that the United States’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme “has moved towards a more realistic one”, a day ahead of a second round of US-Iranian talks in Geneva. Tehran’s foreign minister arrived in Geneva for the new round of indirect negotiations with the US, as the Revolutionary Guards began military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and gas. The two sides recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month. A previous attempt at negotiations collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. “A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, the official IRNA news agency reported. According to Tehran, talks mediated by Oman will be held on Tuesday in Switzerland. Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region. The war games being conducted by the Guards, the ideological arm of the military, aim to prepare it for “potential security and military threats” in the Strait, Iranian state TV said. Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a strategic waterway through which about 20 per cent of global oil passes, as both sides ramp up pressure with talks set to resume. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday, “We’re hopeful there’s a deal”. “The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things.” Meanwhile, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, wrote on X that he was meeting in Geneva with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, “for deep technical discussion”. Grossi later confirmed the meeting on X, calling the conversation with Araghchi “in-depth” ahead of Tuesday’s “important negotiations”. Protest crackdown Araghchi is also set to hold talks with his Swiss and Omani counterparts as well as other international officials, Iran’s foreign ministry said. “I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats,” Araghchi added on X. Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House confirmed on Sunday. The latest talks follow repeated threats from Trump of military action against Tehran, first over Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, and then more recently over the country’s nuclear programme. The West fears the programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. On Friday, Trump said a change of government in Iran would be the “best thing that could happen”, as he sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to ratchet up military pressure. His remarks came before demonstrations outside Iran against its authorities swept a number of cities, including in the US, over the weekend. ‘Viable’ deal Iran’s deputy foreign minister told the BBC that Tehran would consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if Washington lifts sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy. “If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement,” said Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that any deal must involve the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran as well as Tehran’s ability to enrich more. The whereabouts of Iran’s stockpile of around 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent remains unknown, with inspectors having last seen it in June.

Trump Threatens Iran with 'One Night' Destruction, Sets Hormuz Deadline, and Reveals Pilot Rescue Details
WorldAPReutersBBC+71bloombergNYTwsjFTle-mondewapoThe GuardianNPR+63 more2d ago74 sources

Trump Threatens Iran with 'One Night' Destruction, Sets Hormuz Deadline, and Reveals Pilot Rescue Details

President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Monday, stating the country could be 'eliminated' in a single night, possibly Tuesday, as a deadline for the Strait of Hormuz loomed. During the same press conference, Trump detailed a high-risk pilot rescue mission and threatened a journalist over leaked information.

Donald Trump Seeks $152 Million to Reopen Alcatraz Prison
PoliticsBBCThe GuardianCNN+32Fox Newsfazaftonbladetberlingskele-figarolsm-lvsvenska-dagbladetrzeczpospolita+24 more4d ago35 sources

Donald Trump Seeks $152 Million to Reopen Alcatraz Prison

Donald Trump is reportedly moving forward with plans to reopen the legendary Alcatraz prison, closed decades ago, to house the most brutal criminals, with a budget request of $152 million submitted to Congress for its first phase of reopening.

Global Stocks Rally, Indian Markets Surge on Hopes for Middle East De-escalation
BusinessAPReutersBBC+65bloombergNYTwsjFTThe GuardianAl JazeeraCNNFox News+57 more8d ago68 sources

Global Stocks Rally, Indian Markets Surge on Hopes for Middle East De-escalation

Global stock markets, including major Indian indices like Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant rally, with Sensex jumping nearly 1900 points, driven by investor optimism and hopes for a swift resolution to the Middle East conflict following comments from Trump about leaving Iran soon.

Trump Reiterates 'Cuba is Next' Threat Amid US Oil Restrictions and Cuba's Latest Crisis
WorldBBCwsjFT+60wapoThe GuardianAl JazeeraCNNFox Newsnzztimes-ukyle-uutiset+52 more12d ago63 sources

Trump Reiterates 'Cuba is Next' Threat Amid US Oil Restrictions and Cuba's Latest Crisis

President Trump has publicly reiterated his threat that 'Cuba is next' for US military action while speaking at a Saudi investment conference, as US-Cuba tensions continue to rise due to restricted oil shipments, prompting Cuba to seek the Vatican's help, amidst the island's latest internal crisis.

Trump Extends Iran Ultimatum, Pauses Attacks, Seeks End to War; Israel Launches Strikes
WorldAPReutersbloomberg+57NYTwsjFTle-mondeNPRAl Jazeeranzztimes-uk+49 more12d ago60 sources

Trump Extends Iran Ultimatum, Pauses Attacks, Seeks End to War; Israel Launches Strikes

President Trump has extended his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days, paused attacks on its energy sector, and expressed a desire for a speedy end to the war, though he stated there is no cease-fire. Meanwhile, Israel launched more strikes on Iran, and markets have reacted to these developments, with oil falling, gold rising, and stocks finishing higher.

Trump's Iran Diplomacy and Delayed Strikes Lead to Market Rebound
PoliticsReutersBBCbloomberg+24wsjFTThe GuardianCNNFox Newstimes-ukcnbcaftonbladet+16 more15d ago27 sources

Trump's Iran Diplomacy and Delayed Strikes Lead to Market Rebound

President Trump continues to balance diplomacy and force in the Iran War, making statements about a 'valuable gift' from Iran, delaying strikes on Iran's infrastructure which led to Asian equities rebounding, and engaging in extensive back-channel diplomacy that influenced his policy shifts, including a call with PM Modi and China's Wang Yi pushing Iran to talk with the US, while the US and Iran remain at odds over truce talks.

Steve Witkoff notes progress in talks on the war in Ukraine
Worldnaftemporiki17d ago

Steve Witkoff notes progress in talks on the war in Ukraine

Πρόοδο στις συνομιλίες που διεξήχθησαν την Κυριακή για τον τερματισμό του πολέμου στην Ουκρανία διαπίστωσε ο ειδικός απεσταλμένος των ΗΠΑ Στιβ Γουίτκοφ. Πρόοδο στις συνομιλίες για τον πόλεμο στην…

US Congressman Criticizes Trump Envoy's Trust in Russia
Politicsindex-hr28d ago

US Congressman Criticizes Trump Envoy's Trust in Russia

Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu sharply criticized Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Donald Trump, after Witkoff suggested the US could trust Russia's claims about not sharing intelligence with Iran, calling him an 'idiot or compromised'.

Trump Iran airstrikes decision to be guided by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff’s advice
PoliticsThe Guardian1mo ago

Trump Iran airstrikes decision to be guided by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff’s advice

Exclusive: Trump’s decision will be driven by envoys’ judgment on whether Iran is stalling on a nuclear deal Donald Trump’s decision to order airstrikes against Iran will hinge in part on the judgment of Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, about whether Tehran is stalling over a deal to relinquish its capacity to produce nuclear weapons, according to people familiar with the matter. The president has not made a final determination on any strikes, as the administration pre...

Witkoff reiterates U.S. red lines; Pezeshkian signals optimism
Politicshindu1mo ago

Witkoff reiterates U.S. red lines; Pezeshkian signals optimism

“Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals,” Mr. Pezeshkian, a doctor-turned-moderate politician who was elected President in 2024 after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident, wrote in a social media post

Trump issues 10-day ultimatum as Iran refuses to “capitulate”
Politicsin-cyprus1mo ago

Trump issues 10-day ultimatum as Iran refuses to “capitulate”

US President Donald Trump has issued a 10-day deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran, warning that the United States will take military action if Tehran fails to “capitulate” to Washington’s demands. Special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that the President is “curious” why Iran has not yet conceded, despite a massive […]

Oil Surges On Report Warning US-Iran War Is Far Closer Than Americans Realize
Worldwsjzerohedge1mo ago2 sources

Oil Surges On Report Warning US-Iran War Is Far Closer Than Americans Realize

Oil Surges On Report Warning US-Iran War Is Far Closer Than Americans Realize Axios' Barak Ravid, a journalist very close to the Israeli government, writes Wednesday that the Trump White House is now "closer to a major war in the Middle East than most Americans realize. It could begin very soon." The sources he spoke to, which could be American or Israeli, say that such an operation would be a "massive" campaign at least weeks in sustained length. If it the campaign goes the way of Iraq or Afghanistan, or Syria, the conflict could eventually be measured in years and not just months. Further, "The sources noted it would likely be a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that's much broader in scope — and more existential for the regime — than the Israeli-led 12-day war last June, which the U.S. eventually joined to take out Iran's underground nuclear facilities." USAF/CNN All of this looks to be going down with no public or Congressional debate whatsoever: "With the attention of Congress and the public otherwise occupied, there is little public debate about what could be the most consequential U.S. military intervention in the Middle East in at least a decade," notes Axios. Both sides are citing 'progress' in the two rounds of indirect negotiations (in Oman and then Geneva) which have taken place thus far, however, there's been nothing yet in the way of specific agreement. Washington's commitment to see talks through even for weeks at this point is highly in quesiton. The following was the initial Iranian assessment of how the talks led by Witkoff and Kushner in Geneva went this week: Iran has said it has reached an understanding with the US on the main "guiding principles" to resolve their dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme. Speaking after indirect talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that work still needed to be done. The US said "progress was made". Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of mediator Oman, said the negotiations "concluded with good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues". The Iranians have asked for two weeks to hammer out a detailed proposal, with an American official stating, "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss. The Iranians said they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some of the open gaps in our positions." Given President Trump has ordered a second US carrier group to the region, along with a huge number of support aircraft, does Iran really have two weeks to spare?  Oil reaches HOD Wednesday soon on heels of Axios report, with WTI kissing $64/barrel... To some degree, the Iranians are likely buying time, knowing that a surprise, unprovoked attack could be imminent. This would be similar to the June war, but unlike that scenario this would indeed be much bigger. There's reason to believe Trump may stay restrained, however, and give negotiations time. Fear of higher oil prices could ultimately be the deciding factor here, pushing Trump to settle with Iran and not spark another completely unpredictable, likely disastrous war in the Middle East.  Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 08:36