Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 18th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has hailed "meaningful progress" during the second day of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva, stating that delegations have agreed to brief their leaders on potential pathways to end the war. While Kremlin officials cautioned against expecting imminent breakthroughs and described the six-hour session as tense, the talks aim to address the core dispute over territorial control.
Diplomats from Washington and Tehran have reported measured progress following a new round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirming that an understanding has been reached on key "guiding principles". Although significant gaps remain, reports suggest Iran has offered to suspend uranium enrichment for three to five years in exchange for sanctions relief, as the U.S. warns that "all options remain on the table" should diplomacy fail to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Addressing the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is "inherent, inalienable, and non-negotiable". While insisting that Iran has no intention of developing atomic weapons, Araghchi criticised Western "double standards" regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities and warned that any military aggression against Iranian facilities would trigger a response that extends beyond the country’s borders.
Peru’s Congress has voted to remove acting President José Enrique Jeri Ore from office just four months into his tenure, citing undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen and alleged hiring irregularities. The scandal has triggered a new political crisis in Lima, making Jeri the country’s eighth president to leave office since 2016, with lawmakers now set to elect a new congressional leader to assume the presidency ahead of the April elections.
Action at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics intensified on Day 11, with Canada securing gold in the women’s team pursuit speed skating and dramatic scenes unfolding in the men’s ice hockey qualification play-offs. The day also featured high-stakes performances in figure skating and bobsleigh, as athletes from across the globe competed in the final stages of the Games in Italy amidst enthusiastic crowds.
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier di...
Iran said it has received overtures from regional mediators aimed at de-escalating the ongoing military standoff between Tehran and Washington....
Music icons Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy performed during the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, bringing a Super Bowl-style spectacle to foot...
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier died in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.
The Philippines and China traded accusations on Monday after their vessels clashed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila said a Philippine sailor was injured, while Beijing claimed Philippine forces started the confrontation.
Armenian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that supporters of the Strong Armenia party offered bribes to voters in exchange for their support.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising fears of further regional escalation and possible disruption to global energy supplies and key shipping routes.
Lionel Messi's Argentina face Spain in World Cup final with history on the line. Spain and Argentina meet on Sunday in the 2026 World Cup final, bringing together the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
At least six people were killed and 21 others injured after two earthquakes struck Peru's central Junín region, destroying dozens of homes and triggering a major emergency response.
The United States launched fresh strikes against Iran after two U.S. service members were killed in Jordan. U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to the fallen troops as Iran warned of further escalation.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will make his first trip to the White House this week to present a plan to U.S. President Donald Trump on how to disarm Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and secure Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's comments blaming Canada for wildfire smoke affecting parts of the United States. He called Trump's remarks "absolutely unacceptable" as crews battle hundreds of forest fires across the province.
Music icons Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy performed during the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, bringing a Super Bowl-style spectacle to football's biggest stage. More than 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium watched the landmark performance.
The Philippines and China traded accusations on Monday after their vessels clashed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila said a Philippine sailor was injured, while Beijing claimed Philippine forces started the confrontation.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising fears of further regional escalation and possible disruption to global energy supplies and key shipping routes.
Thailand plans to complete a 250-kilometre section of a high-speed railway linking the country with China by 2030, as Bangkok strengthens transport links and strategic ties with Beijing.
Azerbaijan has rejected suggestions it played any official role in reported private talks between former German politicians and Russian representatives in Baku, saying the meetings were organised independently.
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