Image Credentials: Image Title: Global News Brief: Key Events and Developments for February 18, 2026. Source: (sora.openai) Date: Feb 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Chronicle Staff with Agencies
TOP STORIES
Iran and US Hold “Serious” Nuclear Discussions in Geneva
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the latest round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in Geneva was marked by “more serious discussions” and a “more constructive” atmosphere.
The talks, mediated by Oman, concluded with both sides agreeing on a set of guiding principles to form the foundation of a potential agreement. According to Araghchi, the parties will now begin drafting texts for a possible deal, with the timing of the next round to be determined after draft exchanges.
The renewed diplomatic push signals cautious momentum amid longstanding tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
Third Round of Ukraine Peace Talks Continues
The third round of trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States resumed in Geneva, following a four-hour session on Tuesday.
The Russian delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions would address a broader range of issues, particularly territorial questions central to Moscow’s demands.
The talks come just one week before the fourth anniversary of the war, underscoring intensified diplomatic efforts to find a negotiated pathway forward.
Tarique Rahman Sworn in as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s 11th prime minister in a ceremony held at the parliament building in Dhaka.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman and his 49-member Cabinet. The ceremony followed the swearing in of 297 lawmakers to the country’s 13th parliament after historic elections, the first since the 2024 uprising that ended 15 years of Awami League rule.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and members of the outgoing interim government attended the event alongside foreign dignitaries.
UN Warns Gaza Rubble Removal Could Take Seven Years
The United Nations Development Program warned that clearing debris in Gaza could take up to seven years at the current pace.
In a virtual briefing from Jerusalem, UNDP chief Alexander De Croo described conditions in Gaza as the worst he has witnessed in his development career. According to the agency, only 0.5 percent of total rubble has been cleared, leaving around 90 percent of residents living in highly dangerous conditions.
The assessment underscores the scale of reconstruction challenges following months of destruction.
NEWS IN BRIEF
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Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, warning it would destabilize the region.
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Peru’s Congress censured interim president Jose Jeri, ending his tenure after just over four months.
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More than 80 UN member states condemned unilateral Israeli measures expanding its presence in the occupied West Bank.
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US President Donald Trump said Japan has begun initial investments under a 550 billion dollar trade commitment.
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French President Emmanuel Macron said France and India reject “any form of hegemony,” emphasizing the rule of law and predictability.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 2,000 children have been returned from Russian control under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
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Saudi Arabia announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday.
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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he requested Türkiye’s support in securing sea access for Ethiopia.
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Algeria and France agreed to reactivate high-level security coordination to repair strained ties.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Canada Unveils First Defense Industrial Strategy
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney launched Canada’s first Defense Industrial Strategy, pledging more than 500 billion dollars in defense-related investments over the next decade.
The plan includes 180 billion in procurement and 290 billion in defense and security infrastructure, with projected downstream economic benefits exceeding 125 billion.
The initiative aims to strengthen national security while expanding domestic industrial capacity.
Meta and NVIDIA Announce AI Infrastructure Partnership
Meta Platforms and NVIDIA announced a multi-year partnership to expand AI-optimized data center infrastructure.
The agreement provides for large-scale deployment of NVIDIA computing and networking technologies across Meta’s global data centers, supporting advanced AI training and inference capabilities. The companies said the collaboration will accelerate the development of next-generation artificial intelligence systems.
These developments highlight an increasingly interconnected geopolitical landscape, where diplomacy, reconstruction, defense investment, and artificial intelligence infrastructure are shaping the global agenda.