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Thursday, February 19, 2026

India Participates As Observer At US Board Of Peace Gathering

New York/Washington, Feb 19 (PTI) India on Thursday attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza as an “observer” country. According to a list of attendees at the meeting held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, India was represented by Chargé d'affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC Namgya Khampa. India has not joined the Board of Peace, which has been set up by Trump for the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip. Trump announced that the US will commit USD 10 billion to the Board, whose members include 27 nations such as Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the numerous global leaders that the US President had invited to join the board that was announced under the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. India was among the countries not present at a January 22 ceremony in Davos where Trump unveiled the Board of Peace that seeks to work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve other global conflicts. The Board of Peace is perceived as a rival to the UN. Trump has previously said that the Board of Peace “might” replace the UN, which he said has never lived up to its potential.  (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-participates-as-observer-at-us-board-of-peace-gathering-1827910

Seal Meaningful Deal Or Face Consequences: Trump Warns Iran, Sets Deadline

Donald Trump on Thursday called on Iran to reach what he described as a “meaningful deal” with Washington, cautioning that failure to do so would result in “bad things” for the Middle Eastern nation. “It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen,” Trump said while addressing the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace”, a body formed by him to secure stability in Gaza and beyond. He added that negotiations must move forward within the next 10 days or the United States “may have to take it a step further”. Without specifying what action that might entail, he said, “You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days.” <h2>Nuclear Issue Central To Warning</h2> Trump reiterated that peace in the Middle East would not be possible if Iran possessed nuclear weapons. “They can't have nuclear weapons. They can't have peace in the Middle East if they have nuclear weapons. They have been told that very strongly,” he said. <h2>US Military Build-Up In Region</h2> The remarks come amid an expanded US military presence in the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has moved advanced F-35 and F-22 fighter jets to the region. The US has also deployed major naval assets. While the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was already operating near Iran’s coast, a second carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has been dispatched to the area. Separately, Axios reported that a war between the US and Iran could be “imminent” and may last “for weeks”, citing US officials and advisers who suggested military action could begin sooner rather than later. <h2>Talks In Geneva, Mediation By Oman</h2> The heightened rhetoric comes even as the two countries held a second round of talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman. The US is seeking to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb, an objective Tehran denies pursuing, while Iran is pressing for relief from US sanctions. <h2>Warning From Israel</h2> Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a warning to Tehran. “If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/seal-meaningful-deal-or-face-consequences-trump-warns-iran-sets-deadline-1827905

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Indian Sikh Called Dog, Nose Broken In Racial Attack At Australian Gym

Months after anti-immigration protests in Australia, attacks targeting members of the Indian community are continuing. In a recent incident in Geelong, near Melbourne, a 22-year-old Sikh nurse was allegedly assaulted in what is being described as a racial attack. The incident took place on the night of February 17 at a gym in the suburb of Corio. The victim, Harmanpreet Singh, said he was training at the gym around 11 pm when three men approached him and began verbally abusing him. He said he had no indication that the situation would escalate. When he later stepped outside, he saw the same three men waiting for him. <h2>What The Victim Alleged</h2> Harmanpreet said the men called him a “dog” and told him to “go back to where you came from.” Shortly afterwards, one of the men allegedly headbutted him, striking his nose and causing heavy bleeding. Speaking to Australian media outlet 9News, he said the attacker came very close to his face before suddenly pulling back and smashing his head into his nose. The three men then fled the scene. Local residents helped take the injured nurse to the hospital. While speaking to the media, Harmanpreet said he remains shaken by the assault and the racial abuse. “No one wants to hear that, especially when you are just minding your own business,” he said. <h2>Family In Shock</h2> According to reports, this was not the first time Harmanpreet had experienced racial abuse in Australia. However, he said the latest incident has had a deep psychological impact on him. His sister, Khushi Kaur, said the entire family is devastated and struggling to process what happened. Harmanpreet said he tries to stay strong and ignore such remarks, but admitted the attack has left him hurt and uncertain. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to go back to that gym. I won’t feel safe after this,” he said.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/indian-sikh-called-dog-nose-broken-in-racial-attack-at-australian-gym-1827784

US Strike On Iran This Weekend? Trump Yet To Decide As Warships Mass In Middle East

The possibility of a direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran is once again casting a long shadow over the Middle East. Reports from CNN and CBS suggest the US military is prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, but the final decision rests with President Donald Trump, who has yet to authorise action. Behind the scenes, the White House has reportedly been briefed that operational readiness is in place. Yet uncertainty remains. “He is spending a lot of time thinking about this,” a source said, underscoring the weight of the decision before the US President. ALSO READ: <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/8-skiers-found-dead-near-lake-tahoe-after-california-avalanche-1827768">8 Skiers Found Dead Near Lake Tahoe After California Avalanche</a> <h2>Massive US Military Build-Up Signals Readiness</h2> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> VIDEO | US army footage of aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in Middle East. (Source: Third Party) <a href="https://t.co/Nch61zPFKz">pic.twitter.com/Nch61zPFKz</a> — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2019698627514650823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The scale of the American deployment is significant. According to a US official, Washington currently has 13 warships positioned in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, nine destroyers and three littoral combat ships. Additional forces are on the way. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is moving from the Atlantic towards the region, accompanied by three destroyers. It is rare for two US aircraft carriers, each carrying dozens of warplanes and thousands of personnel, to operate simultaneously in the Middle East. Alongside naval forces, fighter aircraft including F-22 Raptors, F-15s, F-16s and KC-135 refuelling tankers have reportedly been deployed. Flight tracking data has shown aerial refuelling aircraft and E3 Sentry surveillance planes operating near or within the region, a clear sign of sustained operational capability. <h2>Nuclear Deal Stalemate Raises Stakes</h2> At the centre of the escalating tensions lies the long-running nuclear dispute. Washington and Tehran have held intermittent talks in recent months. Discussions in Geneva earlier this week aimed to avert US military intervention, with Iran stating afterwards that both sides had agreed on “guiding principles” for a deal. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that while there had been “a little bit of progress made”, the two sides remain “still very far apart on some issues”. She added that there are “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran,” and warned, “Iran would be very wise to make a deal.” Trump, who withdrew from the 2018 nuclear agreement during his first term, has repeatedly indicated he wants a new deal. At times, he has also floated the possibility of regime change, raising questions about how far any military action could extend. <h2>Political Pressure And Strategic Calculations</h2> Several additional factors appear to be shaping Washington’s calculations. Earlier this year, Trump considered strikes following Iran’s crackdown on protesters. At the time, he warned Tehran against killing demonstrators and told Iranians, “Help is on the way.” He later stepped back, citing reported changes in Tehran’s conduct, but has since renewed warnings. Israeli coordination is also believed to be close. Reports indicate that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been working in tandem, applying economic pressure even during diplomatic negotiations. The global oil market adds another layer. With supply currently strong and prices relatively contained, analysts suggest a limited strike might not cause prolonged disruption, though any escalation could still trigger volatility. <h2>What Comes Next?</h2> For now, the region waits. Iran is expected to retaliate in the event of an attack, though some US and Israeli officials reportedly believe Tehran’s response capacity may be weaker than in previous years. Whether diplomacy prevails or military force is authorised may depend on the coming days. One decision from Washington could reshape the geopolitical balance, and potentially redraw the lines of conflict in the Middle East once again.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-attack-weekend-trump-decision-middle-east-military-buildup-1827772

8 Skiers Found Dead Near Lake Tahoe After California Avalanche

Rescue crews searching the remote backcountry near California’s Lake Tahoe have recovered the bodies of eight skiers who were reported missing after a powerful avalanche earlier this week. Authorities say a ninth person remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead. The avalanche struck the Castle Peak area at around 11:30am local time on Tuesday, sweeping across a slope described as roughly the size of a football field. Fifteen skiers were initially reported missing. Six people were rescued. At a press briefing on Wednesday, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed the fatalities and said one of those who died was married to a member of a search-and-rescue team, making the ongoing recovery effort especially emotional for responders. <h2>Sheriff Mourns Deaths</h2> Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo extended condolences to the families, calling it a deeply difficult time for the community. Officials said the bodies remain buried under heavy snow and cannot yet be retrieved because of severe weather conditions. Since the avalanche, nearly three feet (0.9m) of additional snow has fallen in the region, according to Tahoe National Forest supervisor Chris Feutrier, who warned that the avalanche risk remains high. Once recovery becomes possible, the victims will be taken to the Placer County morgue. Authorities have informed the families but have not released the names of the deceased. Officials said the victims include seven women and two men. The rescue operation involved two teams and around 50 personnel who navigated extreme weather using specialised equipment. On Tuesday evening, crews reached an area about two miles from where survivors had taken shelter in temporary tents and then skied the remaining distance to reach them. Two of the survivors suffered injuries that left them unable to walk and had to be carried out. They were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. The surviving group included one guide and five clients from Blackbird Mountain. The full party consisted of 11 recreational skiers and four guides returning from a three-day trip when the avalanche hit. California Governor Gavin Newsom said state agencies were coordinating closely with local authorities in an all-hands rescue and recovery effort. Officials described conditions on Wednesday as treacherous, urging the public to stay out of the backcountry to allow teams to focus on recovery operations. According to the Sierra Avalanche Center, the slide was rated D2.5 on a five-point destructive scale, indicating a significant avalanche stretching more than half a mile with debris deposits around 6.5 feet (2 metres) deep. Nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort reported more than 30 inches (76cm) of snowfall since Tuesday and closed operations due to strong winds and poor visibility. The storm has also forced the closure of major roadways, including Interstate 80 and Highway 50.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/8-skiers-found-dead-near-lake-tahoe-after-california-avalanche-1827768

'No Reason To Believe...': Russian Foreign Ministry Rejects Trump's Claim On India's Oil Purchase

Moscow, Feb 18 (PTI) Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it has "no reason" to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil, which it said is beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global hydrocarbons market. The remarks came in the backdrop of Washington's claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil. “We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in her weekly briefing. “There is nothing new in the claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations,” Zakharova said. Following a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, both sides announced a reduction of the US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. The reduction included the removal of a 25 per cent tariff that Trump had slapped on India in August last year for New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. Last week, Rubio said that India has committed to stop buying Russian oil, days after New Delhi reiterated that “national interests” will be the “guiding factor” for India’s energy procurement. While announcing the trade deal with New Delhi early in February, Trump had also claimed India had agreed to not procure crude oil from Russia. India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington's claim that it has committed to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil. Earlier too, Russia had accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of “coercive” measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions. In her strongly worded statement, Zakharova also criticised the European allies of the Ukrainian regime, saying that they do not want a peace solution.  (Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.) 

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/russian-rejects-donald-trump-claim-on-india-s-oil-purchase-1827759

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

US Deploys Over 50 Fighter Jets To Middle East As Nuclear Talks With Iran Resume

The United States has significantly expanded its military footprint in the Middle East, moving more than 50 fighter jets into the region within 24 hours even as diplomatic efforts with Iran over its nuclear program continue in Geneva. According to Axios, which first reported the development, a U.S. official confirmed the rapid aircraft deployment. Aviation observers tracking military movements independently identified multiple advanced jets — including F-22s, F-35s, and F-16s — arriving alongside aerial refueling tankers, signaling readiness for sustained missions. <h3>Second Carrier Strike Group Heads Toward Region</h3> Alongside the air buildup, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has departed the Caribbean and is crossing the Atlantic en route to the Middle East, according to a Navy official who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to operational sensitivities. The carrier is accompanied by three guided-missile destroyers — the USS Mahan, the USS Bainbridge, and the USS Winston Churchill. Based on its current trajectory, the strike group is expected to arrive near Iranian waters in over a week. The USS Abraham Lincoln and other American forces were already operating in the region earlier this year, reflecting a sustained buildup. <h3>Khamenei Issues Stark Warning</h3> As Washington reinforced its presence, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a pointed message directed at U.S. President Donald Trump during a speech in Tehran. Responding to repeated American assertions of military dominance, Khamenei said that even the strongest military power could be hit so forcefully that it might not recover, reported News18. Referring to the growing U.S. naval presence, he warned that while warships are formidable, what is more dangerous is the weapon capable of sending those warships to the bottom of the sea. He also rejected decades of U.S. efforts to pressure Tehran, arguing that Washington had failed to dismantle the Islamic Republic and would not succeed. <h3>Strait Of Hormuz Drills Raise Stakes</h3> Tensions escalated further when Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire military exercises. State media reported missile launches conducted during drills framed as necessary for “safety and maritime concerns.” The waterway is a critical artery for global energy markets, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it. While Iran has previously staged exercises in the area, publicly declaring a closure represents a sharper escalation amid the current standoff. Despite the visible military maneuvers, both sides signaled cautious optimism following talks in Geneva. U.S. officials said the discussions “made progress,” though key differences remain unresolved.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-nuclear-talks-deploys-over-50-fighter-jets-to-middle-east-1827612