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Trump Announces Increase in Global Tariffs to 15% After Supreme Court Ruling
President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that he would raise global tariffs to 15% following the Supreme Court’s decision striking down his previous broad tariffs imposed under emergency powers. This move uses alternative legal authorities, creating renewed uncertainty in global trade, with markets reacting cautiously and partners like the EU vowing resistance to further increases. The policy shift comes amid ongoing trade tensions and preparations for the State of the Union address.
Source: CBS NewsMexican Forces Kill Jalisco Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’, Sparking Widespread Violence
Mexican army special forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a capture operation in Jalisco state. The raid, supported by U.S. intelligence, has triggered retaliatory attacks, including the deaths of at least 25 soldiers and National Guard members, leading to chaos in western Mexico, school closures, and American tourists sheltering in place.
Source: AP NewsUS and Iran Set for Critical Nuclear Talks in Geneva Amid Strike Threats
U.S. and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday for what could be last-ditch nuclear discussions, as President Trump has threatened military strikes if no deal is reached on Iran’s enrichment program. Iran has signaled readiness for talks but vows strong defense against aggression, with U.S. military assets, including carrier groups, positioned nearby and student protests continuing in Tehran.
Source: ReutersNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un Reelected, Vows to Bolster Nuclear Arsenal
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reelected to the top position in the ruling Workers’ Party during a key congress, with state media praising his efforts to strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities and regional influence. The event signals a continued push for arsenal expansion, including missiles threatening U.S. allies and the mainland, alongside a generational shift in leadership circles.
Source: AP NewsHungary Blocks EU Sanctions on Russia and Aid to Ukraine
Hungary has vowed to block new EU sanctions on Russia and a major financial aid package for Ukraine, citing issues like oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, on the eve of the war’s anniversary. This stance has frustrated allies, with European leaders urging compliance, amid ongoing divisions within the bloc over support for Kyiv.
Source: ReutersICC Opens Hearings on Charges Against Former Philippine President Duterte
The International Criminal Court has begun confirmation of charges hearings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged pivotal role in the murders of thousands during his anti-drug campaign. The multi-day proceedings, starting February 23, will determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial, following his arrest and transfer to The Hague.
Source: ReutersUkraine Reports Recapturing Eight Settlements in Battlefield Gains
Ukraine announced the recapture of eight settlements from Russian forces, marking a rare recent success on the battlefield amid the ongoing war. This comes as Russia continues attacks, including missile and drone strikes on Kyiv suburbs that killed at least one person, ahead of the invasion’s fourth anniversary.
Source: ReutersUS Begins Withdrawal from Main Base in Northeast Syria
The U.S. military has started withdrawing from its primary base in northeast Syria, according to local sources, signaling a potential shift in posture in the region amid broader Middle East tensions and policy reviews under the current administration.
Source: ReutersIranian President Reaffirms Commitment to Peace but Prepares for Scenarios
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is committed to regional peace while prepared for any scenario, as tensions rise with the U.S. over nuclear issues. This follows signals of encouraging progress in talks but warnings of robust defense if attacked, coinciding with ongoing domestic protests.
Source: Al JazeeraIsraeli Settlers Attack West Bank Mosque During Ramadan
Israeli settlers torched part of a mosque in the West Bank and defaced it with anti-Islamic graffiti during Ramadan, escalating tensions in the region amid broader Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and related incidents.
Source: AP News
