AnewZ Morning Brief - 17 February, 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief - 17 February, 2026
Anewz

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Trump confirms ‘indirect’ role in high-stakes Geneva nuclear talks

President Donald Trump said he will be involved "indirectly" in Tuesday’s resumption of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva this week, emphasising that the talks are critical and implying that Iran is motivated to strike a deal to avoid further consequences. Against a backdrop of recent conflict and a significant American military buildup in the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Switzerland seeking a "fair and equitable" agreement, though deep mistrust remains over uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.

Geneva to host dual diplomatic push on Iran and Ukraine

In a major day for international diplomacy, Geneva is set to host two separate tracks of negotiations on Tuesday. The Iran-U.S. nuclear discussions and a trilateral meeting involving U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian officials aimed at brokering peace in Eastern Europe. A U.S. delegation featuring Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will facilitate the talks, though prospects for a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict remain uncertain as Kyiv and Moscow hold fast to opposing demands regarding territorial control and troop withdrawals.

Iran conducts naval drills in Strait of Hormuz ahead of talks

On the eve of renewed nuclear negotiations with the West, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has conducted live military exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz to demonstrate readiness against "potential threats". The drills in the vital global oil shipping lane underscore the tension accompanying the diplomatic efforts in Geneva, serving as a signal of Tehran’s capability to disrupt maritime traffic should the political situation deteriorate further.

Australia rules out assistance for IS-linked families in Syria

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared that his government will not provide assistance to repatriate Australian families of suspected Islamic State militants from detention camps in Syria, asserting that they must face the legal consequences of their actions if they manage to return. The hardline stance follows a failed attempt by 34 Australians to leave the Roj camp due to technical issues, according to sources, and coincides with a surge in domestic support for the right-wing One Nation party, placing pressure on the government’s approach to national security.

Screen legend Robert Duvall dies aged 95

Robert Duvall, the acclaimed American actor known for his powerful performances in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and his Academy Award-winning role in Tender Mercies, has died peacefully at his home in Virginia at the age of 95. His wife, Luciana, paid tribute to his seven-decade career and dedication to storytelling, marking the passing of one of Hollywood’s most respected figures whose understated authority and emotional depth left an indelible mark on cinema history.

Tags