Global oil prices are rising due to the escalating geopolitical situation around Iran, which negates the impact of increased US inventories. The US is considering seizing tankers with Iranian oil and deploying an aircraft carrier group.
The price of gold rose by 0. 3% to $5,038.66 per ounce after weak retail sales data in the US. This strengthened market expectations for a loosening of the Fed's monetary policy.
The federal ICE agency is stepping up measures against activists who harass agents during operations. The number of criminal cases for interfering with law enforcement has sharply increased.
In Nigeria, on February 3, 2024, an armed group killed 21 people in the town of Doma, Katsina State. This happened after the termination of a non-aggression pact concluded by the community with criminals last September.
The office of US Vice President J. D. Vance deleted a post about the 1915 "Armenian genocide," calling it a technical staff error. This happened after Vance's visit to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex in Yerevan.
US and Iran diplomatic efforts have reached a stalemate, despite positive statements from leaders. The lack of clear agreements and new provocations from Tehran increase the likelihood of American airstrikes.
The European Parliament has approved the resumption of a trade agreement with the United States, which was suspended due to tariff threats over Greenland. The agreement will be valid for 24 months, provides for the abolition of EU tariffs on US industrial goods and a 15% US rate on most EU goods.
The US has deployed Patriot air defense systems on mobile trucks at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for more agile position changes. This decision allows US forces to respond more quickly to potential Iranian attacks, despite ongoing negotiations in Oman.
The United States and Azerbaijan signed a strategic partnership agreement in Baku, providing for economic and security cooperation. The document paves the way for expanding American influence in the South Caucasus and strengthening regional stability.
Kaja Kallas stated that she would propose a list of concessions that Europe should demand from Russia for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Among the conditions are the return of Ukrainian children and restrictions on Russian armed forces.
OpenAI has begun placing ads in basic versions of ChatGPT for registered adult users in the US. This is a step to increase revenue amid the company's growing expenses.
President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's participation in two important international security events this week, including the Munich Security Conference. New support packages for Ukraine's defense are expected.
Georgia is patiently awaiting the restoration of relations with the United States after US Vice President J. D. Vance visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, bypassing Tbilisi. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia is ready to restore the partnership without preconditions.
European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, will embark on a tour of EU countries. The goal is to persuade governments and the defence industry to ramp up missile production for Ukraine and European stockpiles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the country might join the nuclear race due to concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions. Ankara does not wish to disrupt the fragile balance of power in the region but may be forced to do so.
The United Nations is awaiting a decision on the payment of almost $4 billion in debt by the United States. The UN Secretary-General warned of a possible financial collapse if member states do not pay their contributions.
American TV channel Newsmax has signed a licensing agreement to launch Newsmax Ukraine in spring 2026. The channel will produce its own news and retransmit Newsmax content.
President Zelenskyy met with Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's former Ambassador to the USA. They discussed Ukraine's reconstruction and strengthening international ties to defend against Russian aggression.
French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to involve European partners in resuming dialogue with Putin. He sent his advisor to Moscow, reopening technical channels for discussion.
Yelyzaveta Sydorko set a national record in the 500-meter distance at the 2026 Olympics, completing it in 43. 337 seconds. Despite the high result, she could not advance to the quarterfinals, finishing fourth in her heat.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the people who booed US Vice President J. D. Vance at the Winter Olympics showed "European pride." This occurred after a series of critical remarks about Europe from American officials.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign despite pressure over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador. He has vowed to continue fighting to prevent the populist Reform party from coming to power.
Chinese J-16 fighter jets performed dangerous maneuvers near Taiwanese F-16 aircraft during military exercises in December. One J-16 fired decoy flares, another flew in a firing-ready position.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker denied that the US had set a new deadline for peace talks on Russia's war against Ukraine. He stated that setting deadlines is dangerous.
Democratic leaders in the U. S. Congress called the White House proposal "incomplete and insufficient." This comes amid demands for new restrictions on President Trump's immigration measures.
The United States will transfer command of NATO's Joint Forces in Naples and Norfolk to European officers. This move aligns with US President Donald Trump's demands for greater responsibility of European countries for their own security.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has repealed a landmark emissions policy for power plants and the automotive industry. The decision, aimed at boosting the energy sector, raises concerns among environmentalists.
Japan plans to join NATO's PURL mechanism to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. Tokyo will finance non-lethal equipment such as radar systems and body armor.
Global oil prices are rising for the second consecutive day due to risks of supply disruptions from the Middle East. WTI exceeded $64, Brent settled near $69.
