United States

US and Iran begin nuclear talks in Geneva as threat of war looms

US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters.

People carry "Lion and Sun" pre-Iranian Revolution national flags as they gather near the United Nations office, as the second round of nuclear talks between U.S. and Iran takes place, in Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2026.
A member of the Lebanese military stands guard during a visit by Lebanon's prime minister to the heavily-damaged southern village of Kfar Kila, destroyed by the Israeli military, near the border with Israel on February 8, 2026.

A two-pronged approach: After US visit, Lebanon’s army eyes Hezbollah ‘disarmament’ - analysis

Iranian, American flags against backdrop of Iranian nuclear site. (illustration)

As Geneva talks with Iran, Russia open, US faces narrow path between diplomacy, force - analysis

Police stand outside the perimeter they created around the Dennis M Lynch Arena where a shooting occurred earlier today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, 2026. At least two people were killed and three wounded in a shooting at an ice rink in the northeastern US town of Pawtucket on Monday.

Shooting at Rhode Island youth hockey game leaves three people dead, three hospitalized


Editor's Notes: Iran's threats to America: Why 'America First' must address the IRGC - comment

The US must address Iran’s ongoing aggression. An "America First" policy should target Iran's IRGC and disrupt its global operations to protect American interests.

America First should understand that Iran has already launched a war on them decades ago. Iranian pro-regime supporters burn pictures of US President Donald Trump during a rally held outside the US consulate on in Istanbul, Turkey.

US transported 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran since January - WSJ

The US sent around 6,000 terminals to Iran in an unprecedented, direct attempt to deliver internet freedom to regime-stifled protestors, according to officials cited by the outlet.

Starlink logo is seen on a smartphone in front of displayed Persian flag (Illustrative).

US-led oil sales from Venezuela to bring in $5 billion in months, energy chief Wright tells NBC

Much of the oil is being refined in US refineries, and the administration of US President Donald Trump has handed over proceeds from the sales to Venezuela’s interim government, Chris Wright said.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks during the sixth meeting of the Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) in Athens, Greece, November 6, 2025. 

Senior US health official Oz invited Epstein to Valentine's Day party, documents show

An email from Oz and his wife to Jeffrey Epstein has a subject line reading "Mehmet and Liza Oz's Valentine's Day Celebration" and contains a link to a digital invitation.

Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz speaks during an event sponsored by the Action for Progress Coalition, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, US, February 2, 2026.

FBI releases description of suspect in Nancy Guthrie disappearance, raises reward for information

The suspect has been described by the FBI as a man of average build who is approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall.

 US journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron, speaks in a video message, addressing anyone who might be holding her elderly mother, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Arizona home several days ago,   released February 4, 2026.

US Senate blocks Homeland Security funding, raising likelihood of shutdown

The legislation would have provided $64.4 billion through September 30 to cover immigration enforcement and other functions handled by DHS, including airport security and disaster response.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) attends a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, February 12, 2026.

Qatar largest foreign source of gifts and contracts to US universities in 2025, over $1.1 billion

Qatar's $1.1B investment in US universities in 2025 has made it the largest foreign donor. What does this mean for academic research and national security?

 Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attends a press conference, in Doha, Qatar, October 24, 2024.

'Best air defense system': Rafael chairman discusses Israel's preparedness for possible Iran attack

When asked whether Israelis should feel reassured about interception capabilities, Steinitz reaffirmed that "Israel has the best air defense system in the world, and it is only improving."

A David's Sling interceptor launching during the Israel-Hamas war; illustrative.

Will US withdrawal from Tanf in Syria affect region? - analysis

Will a reduction in US forces in the area lead to a power vacuum? Is the new Syrian army prepared to assume the security responsibilities necessary in the desert area where Tanf is located?

US military vehicles drive in Hasaka, Syria December 6, 2024; illustrative.

Pentagon policy chief Colby calls for NATO to be based on 'partnership rather than dependency'

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not attending the meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels; instead, Colby, who holds the Pentagon's No. 3 post, is representing the US.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks with Greece's Defencee Minister Nikolaos Dendias next to US Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby as they take part in a family photo with NATO Defence Ministers at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium February 12, 2026.