U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a multibillion-dollar plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and intends to present detailed proposals for deploying a stabilization force under a United Nations mandate. According to a Reuters report, Trump will outline these initiatives at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington on February 19, which will include leaders and representatives from 20 countries. The peace council, launched by Trump in Davos last month, includes members such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia.

Indonesia has already announced plans to send 8,000 troops to Gaza, pending an agreement. Trump is also seeking reconstruction funds from wealthy Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. His son-in-law Jared Kushner, though not holding an official position, has been involved in discussions with Israel and Arab states regarding the plan. However, both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed reluctance to provide financial support.

The upcoming peace council meeting is viewed as a test case for whether the proposed peacekeeping force and financial commitments will materialize. Some Arab and Muslim countries oppose the UN peacekeeping mandate, fearing it could shield Israeli military actions in Gaza.

The United States is expanding its military presence in the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Under President Donald Trump’s directive, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is being deployed to the region alongside the already stationed USS Abraham Lincoln and its guided missile destroyers in the Arabian Sea. The deployment, first reported by The New York Times, comes as the Red Sea and surrounding areas experience heightened instability.

Gulf Arab states have warned that new attacks could trigger a wider conflict, especially as the region still reels from the recent Israel-Hamas fighting in Gaza. President Trump recently cautioned Iran that failure to reach a new nuclear deal would have “very painful” consequences. Following indirect talks in Oman, he said a deal is sought within a month and discussed Iran’s missile program and its support for Hamas and Hezbollah with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran faces both domestic and international crises, including deadly protests last month and ongoing sanctions. The USS Ford’s crew, at sea since June 2025, may see their deployment extended, though the White House has not commented.

Two people were killed and another injured in a shooting at a residential building of South Carolina State University on Thursday night. Following the incident, the university administration placed the entire campus under lockdown. According to a statement posted on the university’s Facebook page, the shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time inside an apartment at the Hugine Suites dormitory complex. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive or whether any suspect remains at large.

Officials said the identities of the deceased and the condition of the injured person have not been officially released. The university, historically established for African American students, has more than 3,000 enrolled learners and is located in Orangeburg, about 40 miles southeast of Columbia, the state capital. Another historically Black higher education institution, Claflin University, is also located in Orangeburg.

The university administration stated that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been assigned to assist in the investigation, and all Friday classes have been canceled.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, February 13, that Washington must reach an agreement with Iran over its nuclear program by March. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he warned that failure to do so could lead to 'terrible' consequences. Trump expressed hope that a deal could be achieved within the next month, emphasizing that both sides must act positively to move forward.

He further cautioned that if Iran does not advance in the negotiations, an operation called 'Midnight Hammer' could resume, this time with greater intensity. His remarks have sparked renewed concern internationally about the state of U.S.–Iran relations.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Trump’s tough message is part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran to limit its nuclear activities, a move that could further complicate the security situation in the Middle East.

Inter Miami has become the most valuable football club in the United States, with an estimated valuation of $1.45 billion ahead of the 2026 season. The Florida-based team, led by Argentine captain Lionel Messi, has seen its brand value and revenue surge following his arrival. According to a survey by sports business outlet Sportico, Inter Miami has overtaken Los Angeles FC, which now ranks second with a $1.4 billion valuation.

The club’s market value has grown by about 22 percent in just one year, marking a significant rise for Messi and teammate Luis Suárez’s side. In contrast, Los Angeles FC recorded only a 9 percent increase, allowing Miami to surpass it in overall worth. The top five most valuable MLS clubs now include Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion), Atlanta United ($1.14 billion), and New York City FC ($1.12 billion).

The report highlights how Messi’s influence has extended beyond the pitch, transforming Inter Miami’s financial and competitive standing within Major League Soccer.

The United States House of Representatives has voted 219–211 to repeal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian goods. The resolution, introduced by Democrats and supported by six Republican lawmakers, seeks to withdraw the trade duties enacted by the Trump administration last year. Although passed in the House, the measure remains symbolic for now, as it must also pass the Senate and receive the president’s signature to become law. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Trump is unlikely to approve it.

Since his re-election, President Trump has continued to impose tariffs on Canada and recently threatened a 100 percent import duty in response to Canada’s potential trade deal with China. During the House vote, Trump warned on his social media platform Truth Social that any Republican voting against tariffs would face serious political consequences. He defended the tariffs as essential for protecting US economic and national security.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, attempted to block debate on the resolution but failed. Despite a narrow Republican majority, the defection of six members allowed the proposal to pass easily.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that discussions with Iran must continue. He made the remarks on social media after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. According to Arab News, Netanyahu spoke about taking action against Iran during the three-hour meeting.

Trump stated that he emphasized the need to keep negotiating with Iran to see if a deal could be reached. He told Netanyahu that achieving such a deal was a priority for his administration, adding that if it was not possible, the outcome would be observed. This was the seventh meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to office as president.

Netanyahu’s office said that during the talks, the Israeli leader stressed the importance of Israel’s security. The meeting followed Trump’s earlier indication of possible military action against Iran after the government’s crackdown on protesters, while Washington and Tehran resumed nuclear discussions last week.

Democratic lawmakers sharply questioned United States Attorney General Pam Bondi during a House Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Oversight of the US Department of Justice,” focusing on her handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Jamie Raskin accused Bondi of siding with perpetrators and running a cover-up, while Representative Pramila Jayapal demanded an apology to Epstein’s victims. Survivors of Epstein’s alleged sex-trafficking ring attended the hearing, raising concerns about heavy redactions in the released documents.

The hearing followed the passage of the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act in November, which requires the Justice Department to release all six million pages of Epstein-related evidence. Democrats argued that Bondi’s department had released only half of the required materials and had redacted names of powerful figures. Bondi defended her record on fighting sexual abuse and rejected accusations of shielding abusers, calling the criticism politically motivated. She also dismissed calls to investigate former President Donald Trump’s links to Epstein, accusing Democrats of deflection.

The dispute underscored broader tensions over transparency and alleged politicization within the Justice Department, as Democrats pressed for full disclosure and accountability under the new law.

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its 10-year fiscal outlook on Wednesday, projecting that federal deficits and debt will worsen over the next decade. The report attributes the deterioration mainly to increased spending on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments. The deficit for fiscal 2026, President Donald Trump’s first full fiscal year, is expected to be about 5.8 percent of GDP, similar to 2025’s $1.775 trillion shortfall. The deficit-to-GDP ratio is forecast to average 6.1 percent over the next decade, reaching 6.7 percent in 2036, far above Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s goal of 3 percent.

The CBO factored in recent policy changes, including the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” higher tariffs, and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. These measures are projected to raise total deficits from 2026 to 2035 by $1.4 trillion and push public debt from 101 percent to 120 percent of GDP. Although higher tariffs are expected to generate $3 trillion in additional revenue, they also contribute to inflation through 2029. The CBO projects inflation will not reach the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target until 2030.

The report contrasts with the Trump administration’s more optimistic growth forecasts, as the CBO expects real GDP growth to slow from 2.2 percent in 2026 to an average of 1.8 percent later in the decade.

The United States House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass a bill reversing President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, marking a rare bipartisan challenge to his administration. The measure passed 219–211, with several Republicans joining Democrats to end Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose the tariffs. The vote comes as the US enters its midterm election season, with all House seats up for contest.

Democrats urged Republicans to prioritize lowering costs for American families over loyalty to Trump, while the former president warned that any Republican supporting the bill would face electoral consequences. Trump defended the tariffs, accusing Canada of exploiting the United States in trade. Despite the House approval, the bill faces a likely veto from Trump even if it passes the Senate, where similar measures have already been approved.

Public opinion polls show widespread disapproval of Trump’s tariffs, which many voters blame for higher prices. The Supreme Court is also reviewing the legality of the tariffs after lower-court defeats for the administration, adding further uncertainty to the policy’s future.

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States would take a tough path if no agreement is reached with Iran. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday, he said that either a deal will be made or the US will have to take very tough action as before. Trump also mentioned the possibility of a second round of talks next week.

The warning comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high over Iran’s nuclear program and its recent crackdown on protests. Tehran has maintained that it will only discuss its nuclear program and will not give up its right to enrich uranium. Reports from Axios and Channel 12 indicated that Trump is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, quoting him as saying that one fleet is already heading there and another may follow.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that he hopes talks with the United States will resume soon while reaffirming Tehran’s red lines and warning against any US attack.

US President Donald Trump has indicated plans to strengthen military readiness around Iran by considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Trump said Washington is evaluating additional military assets for the region as part of broader preparations. He confirmed that discussions between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with both sides seeking to avoid military conflict, but reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump referred to last summer’s US strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, saying Tehran had misjudged his resolve at that time. He described the current talks as “very different” from previous ones, suggesting Iran is now more eager to reach an agreement. Trump also claimed that Iran is desperate for a deal but warned that the United States is prepared to take tough measures if diplomacy fails.

According to Trump, sending a second carrier group is being seriously considered as part of overall US military preparedness in the Middle East.

Leqaa Kordia’s family has demanded her release after the 33-year-old was hospitalised following a seizure while in immigration detention in Texas. For over 12 hours, her relatives and lawyers said they received no information about her condition or whereabouts. Kordia, who has been detained for nearly a year, was among protesters targeted by immigration officials after participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024. She remains the only person from that group still in custody.

Amnesty International joined calls for her release, arguing that she has been arbitrarily detained for exercising her right to free speech. Her lawyers said federal judges twice ruled she was eligible for bond, but immigration officials blocked her release through discretionary stays. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that Kordia was detained for overstaying her student visa, though its earlier statement linked her arrest to pro-Palestine advocacy.

Kordia’s family and advocates have described deteriorating health and poor conditions at the Prairieland Detention Facility, where she is held far from her family in New Jersey. Supporters say her case highlights broader concerns about the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists under current immigration policies.

United States President Donald Trump has warned Iran of potential military action if Tehran fails to meet Washington’s demands on nuclear enrichment and ballistic missiles. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 published Tuesday, Trump said, “Either we reach a deal, or we’ll have to do something very tough.” His comments came as Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani met Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to discuss recent US-Iran talks. The US has also warned its commercial ships to avoid Iranian waters amid a growing military buildup that includes the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, with reports suggesting a second carrier may be deployed.

Trump’s renewed threats follow his administration’s three demands: ending uranium enrichment, cutting ties with regional proxies, and limiting missile stockpiles. Since returning to office in January 2025, he has reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign involving sanctions and military posturing. The escalation coincides with widespread anti-government protests in Iran, which were met with a violent crackdown that reportedly killed thousands. Analysts note that US military action could align with long-standing US and Israeli goals of curbing Iran’s military power, though its impact on Iran’s internal unrest remains uncertain.

The United States Southern Command launched a new strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to a statement released on Monday. The operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while one survivor was rescued. The command confirmed the incident in a post on social media platform X, describing the deceased as 'narco-terrorists' and noting that the U.S. Coast Guard had been tasked with search and rescue efforts for the survivor.

The Southern Command reported that this latest strike brings the total number of anti-drug trafficking operations to 38, with at least 130 people killed so far. The command stated that maritime surveillance and military operations have been further intensified to curb drug smuggling through sea routes.

The statement underscores Washington’s continued focus on maritime interdiction efforts in the Pacific region as part of its broader campaign against transnational narcotics networks.