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.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying ...
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence...
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign ...
Maritime trackers received new reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding to concerns about energy supplies after Saudi Arabia shut down a vital oil pipeline on Saturday.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
McDonald's and Chinese food-delivery giant Meituan have launched China's first drone-delivery route dedicated to a single catering brand, bringing the technology to Shanghai's popular West Bund riverfront.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to scrap Biden-era carbon emission limits on coal- and gas-fired power plants, marking a major reversal in U.S. climate policy.
University students in Mexico have held a vigil for a 21-year-old Spanish exchange student killed in the central state of Morelos, with authorities investigating her death as a possible feminicide.
Every day since a torrent of mud and rocks destroyed a Nepal-China border crossing high up in the Himalayas last month, Arushi Gupta's parents have called and messaged their missing daughter hoping she somehow survived.
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