Many analysts view oil price fluctuations in the Persian Gulf as a key factor in the war debate. Some believe that Trump’s worry about the oil shock resulting from the war in Southwest Asia played a major role in halting the conflict and maintaining the ceasefire. Accordingly, this report, drawing on reports and articles from leading think tanks and news outlets worldwide, along with recent developments in the war, will demonstrate that news about conflicts and exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel is largely driven by the risk premium—how the market perceives danger following the first incident that disrupts global trade—and the energy market’s assessment of the potential for escalating tensions. We will also show that this concern has been evident in market analyses and energy reports from the very beginning of the war.

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, said in an interview with CBS that a meeting with the American side could take place on Thursday in Geneva. He stressed that reaching a new agreement is fully achievable and noted that such a deal could even surpass the 2015 agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has published images from joint military exercises conducted with Saudi Arabia and Qatar in early February. According to the statement, U.S. Marines and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces took part in the “Native Defender” drill aimed at enhancing combat coordination.

The results of a recent poll in the United Kingdom indicate that a majority of Britons oppose allowing the United States to use British military bases for action against Iran:

Reuters, citing two U.S. officials, has claimed that American military planning for possible action against Iran has entered an advanced stage. According to the report, a range of options is under review — from limited, targeted strikes against specific officials to broader scenarios, including efforts aimed at altering the governing structure in Tehran.

The British government has rejected a U.S. proposal to use the American air base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for possible military action against Iran. Yvette Cooper, the UK Foreign Secretary, also clarified this position ahead of her meeting with Marco Rubio, stating that Washington should pursue negotiations with Iran rather than resort to bombing.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution met with thousands of people from East Azerbaijan Province, today, on February 17, 2026. In this meeting, which took place on the eve of the anniversary of the historic uprising of the people of Tabriz on February 18, 1978, the Leader described the threatening statements of the US President as a manifestation of their desire to dominate the Iranian nation.

In recent years, Iraq’s digital economy has developed into one of the country’s most vibrant and rapidly expanding sectors. Factors such as the increasing youth population, the government’s gradual adoption of electronic services, and Iraq’s potential to serve as a regional hub for transit and data exchange have attracted significant attention from both domestic and international stakeholders. While Western exploitation of Iraq’s oil industry posed certain challenges, the communications and information technology sector has now become a strategic focus for various groups and nations. Baghdad aims to achieve two main objectives: first, to generate financial resources to sustain its operations, and second, to influence and oversee data flows to enhance its social impact and bolster security efforts against external influences.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, emphasized that oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is accepted, but a complete halt to uranium enrichment is unrealistic.

Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, responded to recent remarks by Donald Trump describing his statements as reckless and unbefitting of a head of state.

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, stated that the administration of Donald Trump continues to emphasize pursuing a diplomatic solution toward Iran, adding that Washington’s primary focus remains on continuing negotiations.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, left Tehran at the head of a diplomatic and technical delegation for Geneva to participate in the second round of negotiations with the United States, as well as in diplomatic consultations.