16 February 2026
Iran
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) began naval exercises today in the Strait of Hormuz. The drills have been named “Smart Control of Hormuz Strait” and are aimed at preparing for a military conflict with the United States. The IRGC is telegraphing actions that would aim to cause the maximum possible damage to both US forces and commercial shipping in the event of war.
United Kingdom
The UK government announced that it will deploy a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic. Operation Firecrest will ensure the security of the North Atlantic and the Arctic and will include exercises with American, Canadian and European allies.
Sudan
Several drone stuck the al-Safiya area market outside the North Kordofan town of Sodari, killing at least 28 and wounding dozens more. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it is believed to be the RSF paramilitary group.
Canada
It is expected that the Liberal government will announce its defence industrial strategy tomorrow. Although it has purportedly already been leaked by the UK’s Financial Times. According to the FT, Canada will announce a $6.6 billion investment to create 125,000 jobs over the next decade and increase Canadian defence exports by 50%.
Syria
In a turn of events, Mazloum Abdi, head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has joined the official Syrian delegation meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This could be a signal that the Kurds will integrate with the Syrian government. The UN warns that violence and the humanitarian strain persist between the two.
Russian Shadow Fleet
Denmark recorded 292 Russian shadow fleet tankers passing through the Danish straits in 2025. Danish authorities continue to monitor them, but there has been a surge in activity against the fleet by US and European allies.
The US boarded another oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after it fled the blockade of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.
US
The Departments of Energy and War on Sunday transported a small nuclear reactor on a cargo plane from California to Utah to demonstrate the potential to quickly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use. The Ward microreactor from Valar Atomics, with a 5MW capacity, is designed for the US military to deliver portable power to war zones.
Afghanistan
A spokesman for the Taliban urged peace between the US and Iran, but also stated that if war were to occur, the Taliban would support Iran. Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan is prepared to “cooperate and show sympathy” with the people of Iran. Mujahid also claimed that Iran won the 12-day war with Israel and the US.
Featured Photo: “Unloading LAV”, Lieutenant Michael Kearney, Canadian Armed Forces Photo, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.