Al Awsat 6m

Iran Foreign Minister Says Progress Made in Nuclear Talks with US in Geneva

Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main "guiding principles" in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. Oil futures fell and the benchmark Brent crude contract»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 6m

Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Plan and Government’s Four-Month Timeline

Hezbollah rejected on Tuesday the Lebanese government's decision to grant the army at least four months to advance the second phase of a nationwide disarmament plan, saying it would not accept what it sees as a move serving Israel. Lebanon's cabinet tasked the army in August 2025 with drawing up an»»»

english.aawsat.com
UPI 7m

European Commission to investigate online retailer Shein - UPI.com

The European Commission has announced an investigation into online retailer Shein. File Photo by Hannibal Hanschke/EPA Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The European Commission announced Tuesday that it has opened formal proceedings against online retailer Shein "for its addictive design, the lack of transparency o»»»

upi.com
The Peninsula 11m

Barcelona's Raphinha raises voice against officials after Girona defeat

Madrid: FC Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Raphinha has strongly criticized officials following his side's 2-1 defeat in Girona on Monday night, which saw them surrender leadership of La Liga to Real Madrid. Although Pau Cubarsi put Barcelona ahead just before the hour, Girona fought back with goa»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
TAP 12m

Tunisian exports of phosphates recover by 15% in 2025

Tunis, Feb 17 (TAP) - Tunisian exports of phosphates and their derivatives posted a marked recovery in 2025, up by 15%, after a sharp decline of 26.3% in 2024 which weighed heavily on the country’s financial and trade balances, according to the...»»»

Gulf News 23m

Dh4.9m ruling upheld in Fujairah licence transfer case

The Fujairah Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling requiring a company and its partners to pay Dh4,943,018 to an individual after failing to settle the remaining value of an agreement involving the transfer of a commercial licence and the right to use an industrial land plot in the emirate. T»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 35m

Khalifa University expands master’s and PHD programmes

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced an expanded portfolio of STEM-based master’s and doctoral programmes, aimed at building national research capacity and developing future scientific talent across key sectors. The university said it now offers 20 PhD programmes across engine»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 35m

Cambodia records 1st newborn rare Mekong dolphin in 2026

Phnom Penh: A newborn Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin was spotted on Tuesday, becoming the first newborn calf recorded in the country in 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said in a news release. The latest-born dolphin calf was seen at the Kampi dolphin pool in northea»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
RT 54m

Russia-US-Ukraine peace talks: Who is facing off in Geneva?

American, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations have arrived in Geneva for a crucial round of peace talks. After narrowly focused discussions in Abu Dhabi, several key moves from the Russians and Americans suggest that things will be more serious this time around, and that the time to strike a deal is»»»

rt.com
Kathimerini 59m

Corruption watchdog urges return of €1.86 mln in irregular state benefits

Greece’s independent corruption watchdog said Tuesday it has discovered irregular state welfare payments worth a total €1.86 million made between 2020 and 2022, and urged authorities to recoup the money. The National Transparency Authority said its audit followed an internal investigation by OPEKA,»»»

ekathimerini.com
Sputnik 1h

US to Return to Nuclear Tests on Equal Basis, Without Atmospheric Explosions - State Dept.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The United States will return to nuclear testing on an equal basis without massive atmospheric explosions, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw said on Tuesday. “As the President has said, the United States will return to testing»»»

sputniknews.com
BNE 1h

IRGC initiates live fire military drills as US-Iran talks in Geneva conclude

A second round of US-Iran negotiations in Geneva concluded after approximately three hours, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that the parties reached an understanding on several key principles.  »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 1h

MARINS: What happens is the Iran-US Geneva talks to stave off war fail?

After the first meeting in Oman this month, about which very little is known, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi are meeting in Geneva on February 17. »»»

intellinews.com
UPI 1h

Australia won't repatriate ISIS-linked citizens stuck in Syrian camps - UPI.com

1 of 3 | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he will not allow Australians who moved to Syria to join an ISIS caliphate repatriate to Australia, even though they are mostly women and children and didn't choose to travel there. File Photo by Bianca De Marchi/EPA Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A group »»»

upi.com
Gulf News 1h

UAE leaders extend Ramadan greetings as holy month begins

Abu Dhabi: Leaders of the UAE have extended their congratulations to citizens, residents and Muslims around the world as Ramadan begins on Thursday, marking the start of a month of fasting, reflection and community. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “With the arriv»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 1h

Saudi Arabia announces start of Ramadan on Wednesday

Riyadh: For Muslims in Saudi Arabia the first day of Ramadan will fall on Wednesday, the kingdom's royal court announced. The holy month, during which hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, traditionally begins with the sighting of the crescent moon.»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Daily News Egypt 1h

Opinion | Munich Security Conference 2026: A Report Framing Trump’s Bid to Unravel the Liberal International Order

In the halls of the Bayerischer Hof in Munich, where the 62nd session of the Munich Security Conference convened in February 2026, the atmosphere transcended that of a routine diplomatic gathering addressing scattered global crises. Instead, it felt like a direct confrontation with a profound histo»»»

dailynewsegypt.com
Daily News Egypt 1h

Egypt updates drug control schedules following constitutional court ruling

Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has issued a ministerial decree replacing the schedules attached to the country’s anti-drug law, implementing a recent constitutional court ruling on the legality of previous amendments. The Health Ministry said Decree No. 44 of 2026 follows a Feb. 16 ru»»»

dailynewsegypt.com
Kathimerini 1h

The poster child of ‘post-politics’

He emerged from our screens. He’d be nothing without social media, without its ability to transform an absolute nothing into a famous nothing. His improvised videos were considered provocative at first. Provocation then brought attention, and attention brought voter interest. Who is this? Donald Tr»»»

ekathimerini.com
Sputnik 1h

Zelensky’s Ceasefire for Elections is Strategic Gambit, Not Democratic Move

Volodymyr Zelensky's reluctance to hold elections in Ukraine is multi-faced, according to Marco Marsili, geopolitical analyst at CESRAN International and former OSCE election observer. The Ukrainian politician is on thin ice despite optimistic polling numbers: "The reported approval ratings reflect»»»

sputniknews.com
Qatar Tribune 1h

Amir to receive Ramadan well-wishers on Wednesday

Doha The Amiri Diwan has announced that His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive well-wishers on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan at Lusail Palace on Wednesday evening, the first day of the blessed month, immediately after Taraweeh prayers. M»»»

qatar-tribune.com
UPI 1h

Iran partially closes oil route for military drills, prices rise - UPI.com

A container ship sails on the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, on June 23, 2025. Iran partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping path, to conduct military drills on Monday. File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA-EFE Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Oil prices climbed on Tu»»»

upi.com
The Peninsula 1h

Amir to receive well-wishers on advent of Ramadan Tomorrow

Doha, Qatar: The Amiri Diwan announced on Wednesday that the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive well-wishers on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan at Lusail Palace on Wednesday evening, the first day of the blessed month, immediately after Taraweeh prayers. The Amiri Diwan »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 1h

Ramadan 2026: When will India, Pakistan and Bangladesh search for crescent?

While UAE and Saudi Arabia spotted the crescent marking the start of Ramadan on Tuesday (Sha’ban 29), several countries in the east such as Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia were unable to sight the moon. Accordingly, UAE and Saudi Arabia will mark Wednesday, February 18 as the first day of Ramadan, w»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 1h

Ramadan 2026: These countries have confirmed Thursday as first day of Ramadan

Even as the UAE and Saudi Arabia gear up to begin observing Ramadan on Wednesday, Feb 18, several other countries announced that they would consider Thursday, Feb 19, as day one of the holy month. Ramadan is decided by the lunar calendar – so it tends to move each year, which is where the moon-sigh»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 1h

Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

Police have identified the suspect in a shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Rhode Island that killed two people and injured three others. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito, died of an apparent self-inflicted gu»»»

bbc.com
Al Manar 1h

Hezbollah’s Strongly Denounces US blockade on Cuba

Hezbollah’s International and Arab Relations Department strongly condemned the US economic blockade on Cuba and Washington’s move to cut off Venezuelan oil, threatening to halt the country’s economy and disrupt essential services. “The US President’s move is a reckless step, part of a pattern of ac»»»

english.almanar.com.lb
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Council of Ministers Funds Security, Scaffolding for Dismantled Monument to Soviet Army

The Council of Ministers allocated additional expenditures for 2026 under its own budget that will cover the Sofia regional administration's activities of providing security for the dismantled bronze figures and bas-reliefs from the Monument to the Soviet Army, including the rental of scaffolding a»»»

bta.bg
Gulf News 1h

Ramadan 2026: These countries sighted the crescent moon today

Muslims across the world are preparing to welcome Ramadan 1447, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar officially confirming that the holy month will begin on Wednesday, February 18. The announcements follow verified crescent moon sightings in each country, signalling the start of a month of fasting»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 2h

Harsher Penalties Proposed for Crimes Against Children

The government has okayed draft amendments to the Criminal Code introducing harsher penalties for offences committed against minors and underage persons. The amendments also extend the limitation periods for prosecuting perpetrators of this category of offences, the Council of Ministers said in a p»»»

bta.bg
Bulgarian News Agency 2h

Council of Ministers Funds Security, Scaffolding for Dismantled Monument to the Soviet Army

The Council of Ministers allocated additional expenditures for 2026 under its own budget that will cover the Sofia regional administration's activities of providing security for the dismantled bronze figures and bas-reliefs from the Monument to the Soviet Army, including the rental of scaffolding a»»»

bta.bg
RT 2h

‘High-stakes fight’ erupts in EU over Russian steel – Euronews

The European Union is bracing itself for a fight over a proposed ban on Russian steel imports, as lawmakers attempt to push the restrictions through a legislative backdoor, according to Euronews. Members of the European Parliament and EU member states will begin negotiations next week on whether to»»»

rt.com
UPI 2h

Artemis II wet dress rehearsal slated for Thursday, NASA says - UPI.com

NASA Artemis II rests on Launch Complex 39B at sunset at Kennedy Space Center, Florida on Feb. 10. NASA is planning for a second wet dress rehearsal for its Artemis II test flight on Thursday in preparation for a full launch as early as next month. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo Feb. 17 (UP»»»

upi.com
Bulgarian News Agency 2h

Four Charged with EU Subsidy Fraud Involving Employment Benefits for People with Disabilities

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) Regional Office in Sofia filed an indictment on Tuesday against four suspects, accused of fraudulently obtaining employment benefits for people with disabilities, the institution reported in a press release. According to the investigation, two companie»»»

bta.bg
Gulf News 2h

Ramadan 2026: UAE confirms first day after crescent moon sighting

Dubai: The UAE’s Presidential Court has announced that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the first day of Ramadan, following a confirmation by the official moon-sighting committee. (Click here for the Ramadan prayer timings) Also Read: Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Crescent moon sighting and announcements w»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 2h

Ramadan in Qatar begins tomorrow, February 18, 2026

Doha, Qatar: Tomorrow, February 18, 2026 will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Qatar. The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced this after the Maghrib prayers today, Tuesday. The crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ra»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 2h

Saudi Arabia confirms first day of Ramadan

Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the crescent moon. Thus, tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan. Earlier, it was announced that the moon-sighting would take place in Hawtat Sudair and Tumair in Al-Majma’ah Governorate. Abdulaziz Al-Muainaa, from Al Hareeq Observatory, had added: "The sun »»»

gulfnews.com
RT 2h

Ukraine should come to the table ‘fast’ – Trump

Ukraine must swiftly give up its uncompromising stance in the negotiations to settle the conflict with Russia, US President Donald Trump has warned. He made the comments ahead of talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday and Wednesday. The parties previously held t»»»

rt.com
Al Manar 3h

Hezbollah’s Journey of Resistance Marches On

For decades, the path of Hezbollah’s resistance has been written not only in victories, but in sacrifice. Leaders rose from among the people, carrying the weight of their homeland, Lebanon, on their shoulders, and when the moment demanded it, they offered their lives so that the nation might stand.»»»

english.almanar.com.lb
UPI 3h

Netflix grants 7-day window for WBD-Paramount offer discussions - UPI.com

1 of 3 | Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said the company will engage with Paramount Skydance on its offer to buy the company, but still believes Netflix is a better choice. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. Discovery announced that Netflix has grante»»»

upi.com
Kathimerini 3h

Three 13-year-olds arrested over alleged assault in Pyrgos

Three 13-year-old boys have been arrested in the western Peloponnese for allegedly assaulting another two teenagers, police said Tuesday. A police statement said the parents of the under-age suspects were also arrested Monday and faced charges of neglecting their children. The attack allegedly took»»»

ekathimerini.com
Naharnet 3h

Al-Aqsa imam says Israel barring him from entering mosque ahead of Ramadan

A senior imam of the Al‑Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem said Tuesday that Israeli authorities have barred him from entering the compound, just days before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "I have been barred from the mosque for a week, and the order can be renewed," Sheikh Muhammad al‑A»»»

Naharnet 3h

Iran FM says agreed with US 'on guiding principles' for deal

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday the latest talks with the United States saw them agree on "a set of guiding principles" that would pave the way for a deal. "Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and »»»

Gulf News 3h

UAE to host 20 Muslim scholars for Ramadan

Dubai: The UAE will host around 20 Muslim scholars during the holy month of Ramadan at the expense of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to lead nationwide religious programmes. Dr Omar Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, sai»»»

gulfnews.com
RT 3h

British ‘nuclear umbrella’ won’t protect Europe – Moscow

The British ‘nuclear umbrella’ will not provide extra security to other NATO members in Europe, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has said. Discussions about the continent developing its own nuclear deterrent have accelerated following White House announcements that the US would be scaling »»»

rt.com
Al Manar 3h

Araghchi: General Agreement Reached on Guiding Principles in Iran-US Talks - Al-Manar TV Lebanon

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Araghchi: General Agreement Reached on Guiding Principles in Iran-US Talks 17-02-2026 16:16 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said »»»

english.almanar.com.lb
UPI 3h

Russia, Ukraine talk down prospects for latest peace talks in Geneva - UPI.com

A motorcade carrying Russia's negotiating delegation arrives at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva on Tuesday ahead of U.S.-mediated talks with Ukraine on ending the war. Photo by Cyril Zingaro/EPA Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A third round of U.S.-brokered peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were »»»

upi.com
BBC 3h

France releases suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker after fine paid

France says it has released an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia's sanctions-busting "shadow fleet!" after its owner paid a fine. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the vessel, named Grinch, was "leaving French waters" on Tuesday having paid a penalty of "several million euros»»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 3h

Moon not sighted: Ramadan in Philippines to begin on February 19

Dubai: The Philippine National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has officially announced that Ramadan in the country will begin on February 19. In a statement, the NCMF has confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted, leading to the declaration that the first day of Ramadan will fall on T»»»

gulfnews.com
Naharnet 3h

Israel accused of move expanding Jerusalem borders for first time since 1967

Israeli NGOs have raised the alarm over a settlement plan signed by the government which they say would mark the first expansion of Jerusalem's borders into the occupied West Bank since 1967. Israel has occupied east Jerusalem since 1967 and later annexed it in a move not recognized by the internat»»»