20 February 2026
Iran
President Trump announced that he will give nuclear talks with Iran another 10 to 15 days and then “bad things will happen”. Suggesting that he will make the decision on whether to attack Iran within the next two weeks.
Russia-Ukraine
The second day of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine only lasted two hours. Some progress has been made on “military issues”, but there are little to no details as to what is happening behind closed doors.
Ukraine has hit multiple Russian command posts and logistical hubs as Ukraine continues to take advantage of the Starlink communications disruption.
Europe
Europe is mulling creating its own “Five Eyes” intelligence sharing group without American input. German defence minister Boris Pistorius suggested that France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom could form a joint air refuelling tanker fleet and improve intelligence ties among the five countries.
North Korea
With the party congress looming, North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade which will include up to 12,000 personnel. It is unclear which, or how many, armoured weapons and missile launcher systems will be part of the parade.
Saudia Arabia
Experts warn that a proposed uranium enrichment and nuclear power deal with Saudi Arabia could lead to Saudi Arabia developing nuclear weapons. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have been in talks with Saudi Arabia on sharing nuclear technology with the country.
Gaza
The Board of Peace pledged $7 billion to rebuild Gaza at its inaugural meeting. Trump also announced that five countries are willing to provide troops as an international stabilization force. Reconstruction efforts might begin with the city of Rafah. It is estimated that it will take $70 billion to fully reconstruct Gaza after two years of war.
Venezuela
The Venezuelan government announced that it will grant amnesty for political reasons. This means that at least 600 people may be released from prisons. The government denies that it holds hundreds of politicians, activists and lawyers in jail, according to human rights observers.
Social media wires
Combat exercise in Lozere, France.
Here is the international security stabilization force for Gaza announcement
Featured Photo: “2024 Venezuela Protests against Maduro” – Wikimedia Commons, 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.