Iran ‘Drafting Framework to Advance’ Future US Talks, Says FM
Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran was "drafting" a framework for future talks with the United States, as the US energy secretary said Washington would stop Iran's nuclear ambitions "one way or another". Diplomatic efforts are underway to avert the possibility of US mi»»»
How Gaza Armed Gangs Recruit New Members
As Hamas moves to strike armed gangs operating in areas of the Gaza Strip under Israeli army control, the groups are responding with defiance, stepping up efforts to recruit young men and expand their ranks. Videos posted on social media show training exercises and other activities, signaling that »»»
Iran security official appears to fire on crowd at cemetery
Crowds of mourners appear to have been fired on by a security official at a cemetery in Iran. The incident happened in Abdanan, in west Iran, on Tuesday as people gathered to commemorate those killed during the government's brutal crackdown on protesters last month. Iranians usually hold commemorat»»»
Analysis: Hezbollah hit by new U.S. sanctions while restructuring - UPI.com
Supporters of Hezbollah shout slogans during a protest organized by the group under the slogan "The entire country is resistance" outside the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, on February 4. The demonstrators condemned the ongoing Israel»»»
Politicians React to Proposed Caretaker Cabinet Line-up
Politicians shared their views on the Cabinet line-up that caretaker prime minister–designate Andrey Gurov presented to President Iliana Iotova on Wednesday. Reactions ranged from claims of “nods” to political forces to criticism labelling the proposed Cabinet as “the result of bargaining and backr»»»
Georgia’s economy lifted by shift towards Global South
Another sign yet that Georgia’s worsening elations with the West is not deterring investment came in February, when the first phase of Eagle Hills Georgia’s Tbilisi Waterfront residential project sold out on its opening day. »»»
Baku military court sentences former Nagorno-Karabakh leader to 20 years in prison
The Baku Military Court sentenced former Nagorno-Karabakh state minister Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism and financing of terrorism on February 17. »»»
Baku military court sentences former Nagorno-Karabakh leader to 20 years in prison
The Baku Military Court sentenced former Nagorno-Karabakh state minister Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism and financing of terrorism on February 17. »»»
Students continue vigil in Sarajevo as protests enter fifth day after fatal tram crash
For the fifth consecutive day, demonstrators gathered on the rain-soaked streets of Sarajevo on February 17, demanding accountability following last week’s fatal tram accident that claimed the life of a 23-year-old student and left four others injured. The protests were smaller than in previou»»»
No Other People Were Present at Petrohan Lodge on Night of Three Deaths, Evidence Points to Suicide, Authorities Say
There were no other people present at the Petrohan mountain lodge on the night when three people died there, Deputy Appellate Prosecutor of the Sofia Appellate Prosecution Office Natalia Nikolova said during a joint briefing by the prosecution service and the police. Three men were found shot dead »»»
Polish payment system BLIK’s owners reportedly mull potential IPO at $2bn valuation
The owners of Polish mobile payment system BLIK have held preliminary discussions regarding a potential initial public offering in Warsaw that could value the company at up to $2bn, Bloomberg reported on February 17. Accor»»»
MOSCOW BLOG: Imperialism is back
The Geneva peace talks on ending the war in Ukraine broke up yesterday with no concrete results. There were no announcements nor any readout of what was discussed. However, US envoy Steve Witkoff released an upbeat post on social media saying the talks were “positive”. A report by the Russian news »»»
Iran & Russia plan navy drills as US military presence grows
Dubai: Iran and Russia are set to launch joint naval manoeuvres in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, Iranian media reported, as a massive US military build-up and escalating rhetoric continue to stoke tensions across the Gulf despite ongoing diplomacy between Tehran and Washington. The drills come at a »»»
Berlin Film Festival slammed over Gaza ‘silence’
Dozens of film industry figures, including Oscar-winning actors Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, have signed an open letter accusing the Berlin International Film Festival of “anti-Palestinian racism” over its refusal to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza. The letter, published on Tuesday in Variety »»»
Over 24,000 patients in the past three years for Dental Elite clinics and growing interest in prevention among Romanians
The latest internal analysis conducted by Dental Elite, a chain of dental clinics providing comprehensive dental treatments in Bucharest and Brașov, highlights a growing interest among Romanians in preventive oral healthcare over the past three years. Between 2023 and 2025, Dental Elite doctors tre»»»
Veltol Holding strengthens its market position with accelerated growth in 2025 and announces new investments
After a challenging economic year that affected most business sectors, Veltol Holding – the Romanian technology company specializing in renewable energy, energy storage systems, intelligent energy management solutions (EMS), as well as building management systems (BMS) and automation – doubled its »»»
New tech and AI set to take athlete data business to next level
Paris: From tracking the trajectory and speed of a footballer's strike to monitoring a Tour de France rider's real-time power output, performance athlete data is deepening its reach in sports, with specialised firms eyeing to score big business. The potential is huge, analysts say, not just for hel»»»
Sheikh Ali Khatib Calls for an Arab-Islamic Alliance to Shield Peoples from Looming Dangers
Sheikh Ali Khatib, Deputy Head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, delivered a message marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing unity, resilience, and strategic awareness. “We are approaching the blessed month of Ramadan, a month of mercy, goodness, and blessing. On this o»»»
Head of IRGC Intelligence Brigadier Gen. Majid Khadami: 10 foreign intelligence agencies were directly involved in the armed unrest in Iran - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Head of IRGC Intelligence Brigadier Gen. Majid Khadami: 10 foreign intelligence agencies were directly involved in the armed unrest in Iran»»»
Wave of arrests over killing of French nationalist piles pressure on far left
Two more people have been detained by French authorities investigating the killing of a far-right student activist by suspected radical left militants in Lyon, bringing the total in custody to 11. Quentin Deranque, 23, suffered a fatal brain injury when he was beaten and kicked during a demonstrati»»»
Police: Ivaylo Ivanov Killed Himself with Two Shots in Petrohan–Okolchitsa Case
Ivaylo Ivanov, one of the six people who lost their lives in the Petrohan–Okolchitsa case, killed himself with two shots to the head. One gunshot wound had an entry point under the chin, and the other had an entry point at the left temple and an exit at the right, said Ivan Madzharov, Deputy Direct»»»
Djuric: Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina aimed at progress in cooperation, Serbs' position
SARAJEVO - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Wednesday his visits to Banjaluka and Sarajevo had been aimed at tangible and concrete progress in regional cooperation, as well as at looking after the position of Republika Srpska and the Serbs and at discussions on mutual support on the EU path. "I can »»»
Israeli Occupation Forces Escalate Incursions into Southern Syria, Raiding Villages and Detaining Civilians - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli Occupation Forces Escalate Incursions into Southern Syria, Raiding Villages and Detaining Civilians 18-02-2026 15:51 PM QUNAITRA, S»»»
Police: Ivaylo Ivanov Killed Himself with Two Shots in Petrohan–Okolchitsa CasePolice: Ivaylo Ivanov Killed Himself with Two Shots in Petrohan–Okolchitsa Case
Ivaylo Ivanov, one of the six people who lost their lives in the Petrohan–Okolchitsa case, killed himself with two shots to the head. One gunshot wound had an entry point under the chin, and the other had an entry point at the left temple and an exit at the right, said Ivan Madzharov, Deputy Direct»»»
Parliamentary Groups Read Declarations to Mark 152nd Death Anniversary of Vasil Levski
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Bulgaria is honouring its national hero, revolutionary and freedom fighter Vasil Levski (1837-1873) on the 152nd anniversary of his death. In a declaration delivered on behalf of the parliamentary group Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, MP Elisaveta Belobradova sa»»»
Why a German shipping deal alarms Israel's government
TradeIsraelWhy a German shipping deal alarms Israel's governmentNik MartinHapag‑Lloyd's deal to buy a major Israeli shipping company is colliding with national-security red lines. Critics say the purchase could expose critical infrastructure at a volatile moment in the Middle East. https://p.dw.com»»»
What to know about Hormuz Strait, which Iran temporarily closed for military drill
Iran says it temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. The move came as semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported live fire exercises in the vital waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil passes. The move is a rare, perhaps unprecedented shutdow»»»
Is Israel quietly annexing the West Bank?
The Israeli government has scrapped a longstanding rule preventing Israeli citizens from buying land directly from Palestinians, in a bid to establish facts on the ground that would prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. The previous rules—in place since 1967—served as a legal obstacle t»»»
Japan's exports surge 17% in January, on strong shipments to China, Asian markets
Japan's exports surged nearly 17% in January from a year earlier, lifted by seasonal factors and strong demand in China and other Asian markets. Imports slipped 2.5% from the same month a year earlier to 10.3 trillion yen ($67 billion), while exports climbed 16.8% to 9.19 trillion yen ($59.8 billio»»»
Indonesia tightens control on nickel as US and China scramble for critical minerals
Indonesia is tightening state control over the world's largest nickel supply after years of betting the metal would anchor a homegrown electric-vehicle industry, and just as global demand begins shifting away from heavy reliance on nickel. The move could still ripple through global EV supply chains»»»
Bulgaria: Prosecutor’s Office Confirms Petrohan Suicides, Okolchitsa Case Involves Murder and Suicide (UPDATED)
The Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs presented additional findings on the cases at Petrohan and Okolchitsa during a joint briefing, attended by Deputy Appellate Prosecutor Natalia Nikolova, senior officials from the Interior Ministry, and Criminal Police representatives. Aut»»»
Digital drive powers Sharjah’s economic expansion in 2025
Sharjah’s economic performance in 2025 underscored the strength of the emirate’s business environment and reinforced its position as a competitive and sustainable economic hub in the UAE, said Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and member of»»»
Axios: Trump moves closer to a major war with Iran
The Trump administration is closer to a major war in the Middle East than most Americans realize. It could begin very soon, U.S. news portal Axios reported on Wednesday. A U.S. military operation in Iran would likely be a massive, weeks-long campaign that would look more like full-fledged war than »»»
Vatican Says Won’t Participate in Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ in Gaza - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Vatican Says Won’t Participate in Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ in Gaza 18-02-2026 15:16 PM Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City (image from January 202»»»
‘My history is my legacy’: UAE’s ‘royal photographer’ Ramesh Shukla cremated
Neel let out a piercing cry at the New Sonapur Crematorium on Wednesday as he bid farewell to his father, Ramesh Shukla – the legendary lensman known across the UAE as the “royal photographer”. From Shukla’s wife Tarulatta and grandchildren to relatives, friends and staff at the Four Seasons Ramesh»»»
Report: Undeclared Lebanon-Israel talks make major progress
Unannounced, U.S.-brokered negotiations between Lebanon and Israel have made major progress, a senior source said. “These negotiations, led by a high-ranking Lebanese figure, are based on a mutually agreed-upon framework of concessions,” the source told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. The source adde»»»
US tech giants unveil India deals at Delhi AI summit
New Delhi: Google said it would build new subsea cables from India and chip titan Nvidia unveiled tie-ups with computing firms on Wednesday as tech giants rushed to announce deals and investments at a global AI conference in New Delhi. The AI Impact Summit is the fourth annual gathering to discuss »»»
Erdogan: We have informed all parties of our rejection of any military intervention against Iran - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Erdogan: We have informed all parties of our rejection of any military intervention against Iran 18-02-2026 14:03 PM Latest News Urgent New»»»
From niche to necessity: Why bioplastics are becoming a supply chain imperative
For much of the past decade, bioplastics were viewed as a niche solution driven largely by consumer sentiment and corporate sustainability pledges. That perception is now changing at speed. What was once considered an optional sustainability upgrade is rapidly becoming a supply chain necessity, sha»»»
Iran, Russia to Hold Joint Naval Drill in Oman Sea
The military forces of Iran and Russia are going to hold a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean on February 19. According to the spokesperson for the drill, Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou, the joint exercise will be conducted in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indi»»»
Korman Ismailov: Caretaker Transport and Communications Minister
Korman Ismailov has been proposed as caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications in the draft cabinet of Andrey Gurov. Ismailov was born on September 13, 1972 in Sofia, according to information published on the Bulgarian Parliament website. He was served as a Member of Parliament in the 41st»»»
Media Review: February 18
Economic news, the latest developments in the Petrohan criminal case, and the caretaker government's lineup dominate Wednesday's news media. POLITICS On bTV's morning show, Anton Kutev commented on former president Rumen Radev's upcoming political project. Kutev, former caretaker government spokesp»»»
GERB-UDF Deputy Floor Leader Angelov Says Proposed Caretaker Cabinet Is President Iotova's Personal Responsibility
Speaking to reporters in Parliament’s lobby on Wednesday, National Assembly Deputy Chair and GERB-UDF Deputy Floor Leader Kostadin Angelov said that his political entity believes the proposed caretaker Cabinet is the personal responsibility of President Iliana Iotova. He was commenting on the lineu»»»
Did the Brits try to crash the Ukraine peace talks? (VIDEO)
British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell has been spotted at the scene of crucial peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Geneva. The UK has scuppered a peace deal before, and is not due to take part in the latest negotiations. Video footage captured by Ruptly shows Powell in th»»»
UAE roads brace for Ramadan's first evening rush, here's what Google and Waze are showing right now
Dubai: After a morning that already tested the patience of commuters across the emirate, Dubai's roads are now entering what is arguably the most critical window of the entire Ramadan driving calendar, the pre-Iftar rush. With the first fast breaking at approximately 6:18 pm this evening, the next »»»
Trump won’t destroy Iran – Khamenei
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rebuked US President Donald Trump’s remarks on “regime change” in Tehran, stating the American leader will not succeed in destroying the country, just as his predecessors failed before him. While the US has been pressing Iran into abandoning its nuc»»»
Judicial pension reform law passes constitutional review by Romania’s top court
The Constitutional Court of Romania has rejected the objection filed by the High Court of Cassation and Justice regarding the Government’s draft law reforming magistrates’ service pensions, ruling that the legislative act is constitutional, following five successive postponements over the past few »»»
Energy Secretary: US to Stop Iran's Nuclear Ambitions 'One Way or the Other'
The United States will deter Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons "one way or the other", US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned on Wednesday. "They've been very clear about what they would do with nuclear weapons. It's entirely unacceptable," Wright told reporters in Paris on the sidelines of meet»»»
Vin Diesel compares Priyanka Chopra to Nelson Mandela at 'The Bluff' premiere, calling her his perfect 'birthday twin'
Dubai: Actor Vin Diesel was spotted being an ardent fan of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas at the Los Angeles premiere of their much-anticipated action thriller The Bluff. Both share the same birthday and Diesel was heard waxing lyrical of Priyanka, even dropping comparison to Nelson Mandel»»»
Iran, Russia to Conduct Joint Drills in the Sea of Oman
Iran and Russia will conduct naval maneuvers in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, following the latest round of talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva, Iranian media reported. On Monday, the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of Iran's military, also launched exercises in the strategic Str»»»