South Caucasus seen as strategic bridge between Europe and Central Asia
The South Caucasus is increasingly being viewed not only through the lens of past conflicts but also as a strategic bridge linking Europe, the Caspian...
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.
The U.S. says it has launched strikes on Iran after alleged attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington described the action as a response to threats against civilian shipping and a breach of the ceasefire.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he did not want to engage with Tehran, calling the Iranian leadership "sick people".
NATO leaders are unveiling multi-billion-dollar arms deals in Ankara as President Donald Trump joins the summit, highlighting Europe's increased defence spending amid tensions over Russia and Iran, and following years of U.S. criticism of the alliance.
Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, has described fresh U.S. strikes on Iran as "absolutely necessary," in remarks at the start of the second day of the alliance's sumit in the Turkish capital Ankara.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June since records began in 2026, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The record-breaking month brought extreme heat, widespread disruption and thousands of excess deaths across parts of the continent.
South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld former President Yoon Suk Yeol's seven-year prison sentence in a case linked to his 2024 attempt to impose martial law.
Germany has reached an agreement with the U.S. to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles and deploy them on German territory, Chancellor Friedrich Merz told lawmakers in Berlin on Thursday.
Australia and India have finalised an agreement allowing Australian uranium exports for India's nuclear energy sector, expanding cooperation on clean energy, critical minerals and infrastructure as the two countries strengthen their strategic and economic partnership.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment