U.S. and Iran edge closer to deal as tensions persist
Middle East tensions remain high as the U.S. and Iran exchange strikes while signalling progress towards a possible deal. Clashes around the Strait of...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 14th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed troops at Fort Bragg on Friday, highlighting America’s military strength as leverage in stalled nuclear talks with Iran. Trump referenced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln, stating the carriers were “ready” should diplomacy fail. U.S. officials confirmed that the move signals both preparedness for military action and continued diplomatic intent.
Diplomatic negotiations on Iran and the Ukraine-Russia conflict are set for Tuesday in Geneva. The U.S. delegation, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will meet Iranian negotiators in the morning, with Oman mediating, before joining trilateral discussions with Russia and Ukraine in the afternoon.
A severe sandstorm sweeping Gaza has intensified suffering for displaced residents living in fragile shelters. Strong winds and dust from North Africa are hitting makeshift camps, raising health concerns for those with chronic respiratory conditions. Despite a ceasefire since October 2025, Palestinians continue to face shortages of basic supplies, medical equipment, and adequate shelter, with the storm adding another layer of hardship.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych the Medal of Freedom after the athlete was disqualified from the Winter Olympics for honouring fallen Ukrainian athletes on his helmet. Zelenskyy praised Heraskevych’s stance as the “correct Ukrainian position,” highlighting the athlete’s commitment to peace, humanity, and Ukraine’s values despite the Olympic controversy.
A state of emergency has been declared in Otorohanga after torrential rain caused severe flooding, power outages, and evacuations. A man was found dead in a submerged vehicle as forecasters warned the storm could worsen, threatening Wellington and other North Island areas. Authorities reported up to 300mm of rainfall in about an hour, overwhelming flood defences, with around 80 residents evacuated and emergency centres set up to assist affected communities.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
While France hosts next week’s Group of Seven summit, businesses in neighbouring Switzerland have already begun taking precautions, with many shops in Geneva boarded up ahead of a large anti-G7 demonstration expected on Sunday.
Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix podium has been reinstated after Alpine successfully challenged his post-race penalties through a Right of Review request with the FIA.
A London court has handed down lengthy sentences to activists from campaign group Palestine Action, who raided an Israeli-owned arms company in the UK.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, has lost her London social housing flat after a UK council seized it.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Ukraine will increase military wages and expand recruitment of foreign volunteers, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday, as the armed forces face a critical personnel shortage after more than four years of war with Russia.
Poland will receive a new $4 billion loan from the United States through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, strengthening defence ties between the two NATO allies as Warsaw continues a major military modernisation drive.
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