Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 25th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
In the longest State of the Union address in U.S. history, President Donald Trump declared that America is experiencing a "turnaround for the ages" during a marathon speech lasting more than 100 minutes. Addressing a polarised Congress, Trump touted economic recovery and a secure border while highlighting significant foreign policy shifts, including a U.S.-backed operation in Venezuela and a ceasefire in Gaza. The session was punctuated by partisan clashes, notably when a Democratic representative was ejected for holding a protest sign, underscoring the deep political divides persisting into the President's second term.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the UK and France of covertly plotting to arm Ukraine with nuclear weapons to secure favourable peace terms, a claim vehemently rejected by both nations. The SVR alleged that London and Paris were considering transferring "wonder weapons" or components for a "dirty bomb", specifically citing French submarine-launched warheads as a potential option. Officials in the UK and France immediately dismissed the accusations as "outright lies" and baseless disinformation intended to deflect from the ongoing conflict, reaffirming their strict adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has embarked on his inaugural official visit to Beijing, asserting that "no one can ignore China anymore" as he seeks to balance economic cooperation with addressing geopolitical tensions. Merz is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping to discuss trade, climate action, and Beijing’s influence on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasising a strategy of dialogue rather than decoupling. The Chancellor stressed the need to reduce dependencies while maintaining commercial ties, viewing engagement as essential for resolving global crises despite systemic differences.
Ahead of renewed negotiations in Geneva, Iran has signalled its readiness to take "all necessary steps" to secure an agreement with the United States, with Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi pledging honesty and good faith. While the Trump administration has indicated a preference for diplomacy to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme, officials warned that military force remains an option should talks fail. The diplomatic push comes amidst heightened tensions, with Tehran promising retaliation against any aggression while simultaneously offering concessions on uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.
Laurence des Cars has resigned as director of the Louvre Museum following a brazen $102 million (£80m) daylight heist in which thieves utilised a vehicle-mounted lift to steal historic French Crown Jewels. President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation, acknowledging the need for a "new strong impetus" to overhaul security after a parliamentary inquiry exposed systemic failures, including blind spots in surveillance coverage. As authorities continue to hunt for the perpetrators and the missing 19th-century gemstones, des Cars will transition to a role within the French G7 presidency focusing on international museum cooperation.
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly&quo...
Tourism across Central Asia is expanding rapidly, with millions of visitors arriving each year as the region becomes an increasingly competitive gl...
Malian authorities have launched an investigation into suspected soldiers accused of involvement in coordinated attacks on military bases carried o...
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement release...
Baku will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from 17 to 22 May, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 176 countries to address the...
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly" before targeting Europe and the United States.
Tourism across Central Asia is expanding rapidly, with millions of visitors arriving each year as the region becomes an increasingly competitive global travel destination, though growth rates vary significantly between countries.
Malian authorities have launched an investigation into suspected soldiers accused of involvement in coordinated attacks on military bases carried out by militants linked to al Qaeda and separatist Tuareg rebels on 25 April 2026.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
Minval Politika has released further footage it says shows former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged funding behind campaigns linked to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal, which was delivered to Washington via Pakistani mediators on Friday (1 May).
Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes.
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly" before targeting Europe and the United States.
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis voted on Friday (1 May) to suspend cooperation with the European Parliament across all areas, escalating tensions after lawmakers in Baku accused the chamber of sustained bias.
Malian authorities have launched an investigation into suspected soldiers accused of involvement in coordinated attacks on military bases carried out by militants linked to al Qaeda and separatist Tuareg rebels on 25 April 2026.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to strengthen relations with Vietnam, with a focus on energy security and critical minerals, following talks in Hanoi on Saturday (2 May).
Trade between Colombia and Ecuador has fallen sharply after new tariffs were imposed, with business groups warning of mounting damage to the cross-border economy.
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly" before targeting Europe and the United States.
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