Talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States on ending the war concluded in Geneva without a deal after two days of meetings. Negotiators met late Tuesday and again on Wednesday, but reported no breakthrough. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said the talks were “difficult” but “businesslike” and added that another meeting would happen soon. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions “not easy” due to major gaps between both sides. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks were “substantive and intensive” but gave no details. Key disputes remain over territory, a ceasefire plan, and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. A future prisoner swap is being discussed. (PC: BBC)

US-Iran tensions remain volatile despite "general agreement" reached after second-round nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed both sides agreed on guiding principles toward a potential deal that would lift sanctions on Tehran. However, no date has been set for a third round, with Araghchi warning the next stage would be "more difficult." Simultaneously, the US deployed over 50 fighter jets and the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East. Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz and announced joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman on Thursday. Trump reminded Tehran of the June 2025 B-2 bomber strike, urging Iran to be "reasonable."

The United States has moved two carrier strike groups near Iran while missile threats and sharp warnings are being exchanged, even as talks continue through Omani mediation in Geneva. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said American power “would not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic” and warned a US warship could be sunk. Experts say the military build-up increases risk but does not confirm war. Professor Simon Mabon said this is a “very serious moment” and called it pressure-based diplomacy. Iran has also signalled it could target US bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations are focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme. (PC: X)

Rescue teams are searching for 10 missing skiers after an avalanche struck a backcountry group near Truckee in California’s Lake Tahoe region. Authorities said the group had 16 people, including four guides and 12 clients. At least six people survived and are waiting at the site for rescue. The sheriff’s office said “highly-skilled rescue ski teams” and a SnoCat vehicle were sent to the area. A total of 46 responders are involved. Officials warned that conditions remain dangerous. The Sierra Avalanche Center said the risk level is “high” and large avalanches are expected. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have also closed nearby roads. (PC: BBC)

Five days after Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was officially sworn in as the country's new Prime Minister on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Dhaka. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman alongside a formidable 49-member cabinet, comprising twenty-five cabinet ministers and twenty-four ministers of state, all sworn in during the same ceremony. Rahman's ascension to power marks a defining political turning point for Bangladesh, ending a prolonged period of political uncertainty that followed the fall of the previous government. As BNP chairman, his leadership will be closely watched both domestically and regionally, particularly regarding Bangladesh's foreign policy direction with India, China, and Western partners.

As US-Iran indirect nuclear talks opened in Geneva on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a direct challenge to President Donald Trump warning that even "the strongest military force in the world" could be struck so hard it "cannot get up again." Khamenei openly dared Washington to eliminate the Islamic Republic, calling 47 years of failed attempts "a good confession." Meanwhile, Trump signalled indirect involvement in negotiations mediated by Oman, deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region as military pressure. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Geneva seeking a "fair deal" firmly ruling out zero enrichment, missile programme discussions, or any submission under threat. Parts of the Strait of Hormuz were simultaneously closed for IRGC military drills.

BBC Verify has confirmed a significant overnight US military deployment as two E-3 Sentry AWACS surveillance aircraft flew from Alaska to RAF Mildenhall in the UK overnight ahead of a potential US strike on Iran. Analysts describe the moves as the final "puzzle piece" ahead of a potential US strike on Iran. Satellite images have also tracked the USS Abraham Lincoln off the coast of Oman, while the USS Gerald R Ford is reported to be sailing from the Caribbean towards the Gulf. Meanwhile, an Iranian IRGC Shahid Soleimani-class warship has been spotted near Kish Island amid ongoing Gulf military exercises. Domestically, protests have broken out in Abdanan, western Iran, 40 days after a government-led operation in which activists claim more than 6,000 people have been killed, with crowds chanting "Death to Khamenei". (PC: BBC)

Iran conducted live-fire missile drills in the Strait of Hormuz temporarily closing parts of the strategic waterway as indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran concluded in Geneva after nearly three hours. Mediated by Oman, the talks yielded limited progress, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirming both sides agreed on broad "guiding principles" but cautioning no deal was imminent. Supreme Leader Khamenei simultaneously reaffirmed Iran's nuclear enrichment as an undeniable national right, warning against coercive US pressure. Washington insists on curbing Iran's nuclear programme and missile stockpile, while Tehran firmly rejects expanding negotiations beyond nuclear limits and sanctions relief. US President Trump confirmed indirect involvement, expressing cautious optimism.

A six-month-old macaque named Punch has gone viral after videos showed him holding a plush orangutan for comfort at a zoo in Japan. Punch was born in July 2025 and was abandoned by his mother soon after birth. Keepers at Ichikawa City Zoo hand-raised him and gave him blankets and soft toys. He chose the stuffed orangutan and carries it while resting and meeting other monkeys. A post on X said he takes it everywhere and uses it like protection when other young monkeys “scold” him. Punch joined a macaque group in January but still stays close to the toy as he adjusts.

Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday after his party won a landslide election victory. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party alliance secured 212 of 299 seats in the February 12 polls. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman and his council of ministers. The new government now faces major challenges after months of unrest and political uncertainty. Key tasks include economic recovery and planned constitutional reforms under the July Charter. The Jamaat-e-Islami–led opposition boycotted the swearing-in ceremony and warned of protests. Rahman also faces pressure to reset foreign relations and manage rising political tensions at home. (PC: India Today)