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Global Politics Team
26 February 2026 |
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The World Today
Iran and the US: Tehran signals flexibility in nuclear talks as Washington warns of strikes
On 26 February, Iran pledged flexibility as it entered a third round of indirect nuclear talks with the US in Geneva, amid escalating military pressure from Washington. The talks, facilitated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, include Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists that Iran must address its ballistic missile program, calling it a threat to regional stability. As a response, Iran refused to discuss any matters apart from the nuclear agreement and sanctions reliefs. Alongside, President Donald Trump strengthens US military presence in the Middle East through the deployment of aircraft, warships, and the USS Gerald R signalling that Iran would face severe repercussions for failing to establish an agreement. Iran denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei citing fatwa, however, disagreements over enrichment and sanctions remain a source of escalating tensions.
The possible US-Iran deal might aim to restrict Iran's ability to enrich uranium without completely stopping its enrichment activities. The agreement would establish restrictions on advanced centrifuges while defining the conditions for their operation. Certain facilities will be transformed into civilian operations, including stable isotope production. The International Atomic Energy Agency will monitor the agreement through its comprehensive inspection process and verified uranium inventory control to ensure no hidden paths to weaponization development exist. The two sides could reach a compromise allowing Tehran limited enrichment rights while addressing Washington’s demand to halt enrichment activities.
Hong Kong: Court overturns Jimmy Lai’s fraud conviction, but he remains jailed
On 26 February, a Hong Kong court overturned the fraud conviction and five-year, nine-month prison sentence of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, in a rare legal reprieve for the outspoken China critic, Reuters says. The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial judge had “erred” in finding Lai and another executive guilty over alleged lease violations linked to the use of Apple Daily’s headquarters. The judges quashed the convictions and set aside the sentences because the lower court's reasoning was not supportable. However, Lai will remain in prison because he is serving another 20-year sentence for conspiracy. His trial has attracted international attention and criticism from several Western countries. His son said the ruling “does not change anything” as Lai continues to serve his longer sentence. The Hong Kong government said it will study the judgment before deciding whether to appeal, leaving the broader legal battle unresolved.
The War in Ukraine: Geneva talks resume amid remains exchange and renewed strikes
On 26 February, Ukrainian and US officials met in Geneva for a new round of talks. The discussions follow earlier US-brokered meetings that included Russian negotiators but failed to produce a breakthrough. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects the Geneva discussions to pave the way for trilateral negotiations in early March and potentially elevate talks to the leaders’ level. Ahead of the talks, Russia said it returned the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers and received the bodies of 35 Russian troops, part of a broader agreement reached in Istanbul in June 2025 covering the return of fallen soldiers and wounded prisoners. Hours before negotiations, Russia launched drones and missiles across six Ukrainian regions, injuring dozens.
Cuba and the US: Havana’s border guards intercept a Florida-registered speedboat over allegations of “infiltration with terrorist aims”
On 25 February, Cuba’s interior ministry said that its border guards intercepted a Florida-registered speedboat in Cuban territorial waters near Cayo Falcones, stating that 10 people aboard planned “an infiltration with terrorist aims.” As per Cuban authorities those on the vessel fired first, injuring a Cuban commander, followed by which guards shot dead four people and injured six others. They later stated that all 10 were Cuban nationals residing in the United States and that most had “prior records involving criminal and violent activity.” The incident comes in the backdrop of increased tensions between the US and Cuba following Washington's actions against Cuba’s ally Venezuela and restrictions on oil shipments to Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the encounter “highly unusual” and said Washington would independently verify the details, and not rely on information from the Cuban government.
The US: Rare earth shortages worsen aerospace and semiconductor sectors despite trade truce with China
On 26 February, suppliers to US aerospace and semiconductor firms face worsening rare-earth shortages, weeks before President Trump is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where critical mineral supply issues are expected to be a key agenda item. The shortages centre on rare earths such as yttrium and scandium, which play vital roles in defence technology, aerospace manufacturing and semiconductor production. The US currently has no domestic scandium production and no operational alternative sources outside China. Although China has allowed many rare-earth exports to resume since imposing restrictions in April, shipments of these metals rarely reach the US despite the easing of tensions between the countries in October. The price of yttrium has jumped by sixty per cent, and supplies are being prioritised for large customers. Shortages of scandium and yttrium have put production of 5G chips and engine coatings at risk.
The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal and India: Delhi and Kathmandu take steps toward biodiversity conservation
On 26 February, the Himalayan reported that Nepal and India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on biodiversity conservation. The MoU aims to strengthen coordination in protected areas and biological corridors along the border, where wildlife animals such as elephants, rhinos, and tigers move freely. It focuses on biodiversity conservation, wildlife crime control, anti-poaching efforts, research, monitoring, and capacity-building at the local level. According to the MoU, both countries will share information, conduct joint patrols, and collaborate through the South Asia Wildlife Law Enforcement Network (SAWEN).
Bangladesh: Dhaka nominates its foreign minister to UNGA presidency
On 26 February, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh had nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as its candidate for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The nomination follows Palestine’s withdrawal from the race, setting up a contest between Bangladesh and Cyprus. The election for the President of the General Assembly (PGA) is scheduled to take place in June in New York. The presidency for the 2026–27 term has been allocated to the Asia-Pacific regional group. Bangladesh previously held the post during the 41st session of the UNGA in 1986–87.
Bangladesh: Government waives agricultural loans, fulfilling the BNP manifesto
On 26 February, Dhaka Tribune reported that the government has approved a waiver of agricultural loans of up to BDT 10,000, fulfilling a key pledge in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) manifesto. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Outstanding loans, including accrued interest, totalling up to BDT 10,000 in the crop, fisheries, and livestock sectors, will be written off. According to Bangladesh Bank data as of 25 February, the total outstanding amount eligible for the waiver stands at approximately BDT 1,550 crore, potentially benefiting around 1.2 million farmers.
Myanmar: Russia approves bilateral investment protection pact
On 26 February, Irrawaddy reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a bilateral investment protection pact with Myanmar’s military junta, formalising an agreement signed in St. Petersburg last June and reinforcing Moscow’s expanding ties with Naypyitaw. The deal commits both sides to safeguard and promote cross-border investments, deepening cooperation that has grown steadily since Myanmar’s 2021 coup led by Min Aung Hlaing. While defense ties laid the foundation, the partnership has broadened into energy, agriculture and infrastructure projects, including a fertilizer plant in the capital and discussions over a potential nuclear facility. Trade between the two countries has risen in recent years but remains modest compared with China’s dominant economic presence, particularly through the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor. As Western sanctions persist, Myanmar’s junta continues to pivot toward Moscow and Beijing, seeking greater integration with blocs such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Myanmar: Parliament’s first session to begin in mid-March
On 26 February, Mizzima reported that Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) had scheduled the first sessions of the country’s third Parliament for mid-March, signalling the military’s plan to formalize a new government framework by April 2026. According to the announcement, the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) will convene on 16 March, followed by the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) on 18 March, with regional and state legislatures meeting on 20 March. The junta said the Hluttaws are being convened in line with the 2008 Constitution and relevant parliamentary laws, and incoming representatives have been instructed to report to Naypyidaw from 10 March for security checks and accommodation arrangements.
Myanmar: Ethnic tensions paralyze trade in Kutkai town
On 26 February, Mizzima reported that inter-ethnic tensions between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) had effectively paralyzed trade in Kutkai Township for nearly two weeks, driving up the prices of basic goods. Quoting local sources, the news report said an MNDAA blockade imposed on 13 February has prevented rice, fuel oil and coal from entering the town, with supply trucks from Lashio reportedly turned back. The dispute between the two former allies both members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, reportedly escalated after TNLA troops removed MNDAA-installed CCTV cameras along Union Road.
Sri Lanka: Colombo in talks with South Korea on workforce cooperation
On 26 February, the Daily Mirror reported that the Sri Lankan administration was in talks with South Korean officials over workforce cooperation. The focal point of the discussions was reported to be on employment systems and skill development. The agenda of the talks included improving labour migration frameworks, protecting migrants from Sri Lanka, and strengthening institutional cooperation in workforce training. The Sri Lankan government hopes to gain a globally competitive workforce through such initiatives.
Maldives: Malè formally joins the Global AI Summit declaration
On 26 February, the Sun reported that the Maldives formally joined the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. Through this Maldives becomes a signatory to the declaration, associating itself with broader international discourses on digital transformations and emerging technologies. The move places the Maldives in a position to have multilateral conversations on technological development and AI regulation whose pertinence, experts believe increase as technology is rapidly transitioning.
Iran: Third round of nuclear talks begins
On 26 February, Al Jazeera reported that the third round of talks between the USA and Iran had begun in Geneva, mediated by Oman. The negotiators are said to be open to a variety of new solutions. This development comes against the backdrop of the largest military build-up in the Gulf since the Iraq War of 2003. US President Donald Trump has noted that, while he is more focused on diplomacy, he is also considering practical solutions. The primary contention has been the enrichment of uranium in Iran, which the US has strongly condemned.
Pakistan: Islamabad, Rome, Madrid and Athens agree on legal pathways to tackle illegal migration
On 26 February, Dawn reported that Pakistan, Italy, Spain and Greece reached a consensus to promote legal migration pathways as a strategy to effectively combat illegal migration and human smuggling. The agreement was finalised during a four-nation conference held in Rome, where Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with his European counterparts. The ministers agreed that creating regulated legal channels for migration is the most effective way to dismantle human smuggling networks and discourage dangerous irregular journeys. European partners appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, noting a 47 per cent reduction in illegal migration, and pledged enhanced capacity-building support through the European Union. The participants also finalised a joint policy framework to counter illegal migration, human smuggling and narcotics trafficking, while agreeing on the repatriation of criminals involved in serious offences and the establishment of stronger coordination mechanisms. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Pakistan later this year.
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