19 February 2026
Iran
It is believed that by the weekend, the US will be prepared to launch its aerial campaign over Iran. Sources say the decision is up to President Trump, who is still pondering it. Yesterday, DefenceReport published the musings of our editor, Stewart Webb, as to what Iran’s only dark recourse is.
Board of Peace
President, Chairman of the Board of Peace, Donald Trump, is opening the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace. The group will discuss Gaza today.
Germany
There are reports that Germany is preparing to buy a minority stake in KNDS, the Franco-German maker of Leopard tanks, ahead of its 20-billion-Euro public listing to ensure Germany still maintains influence over the company.
North Korea
North Korea unveiled its new 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launch system (MRLS) before its party congress. Fifty trucks and their launchers were built ahead of the congress; each truck carries five ballistic rockets that can travel 400 kilometres.
South Korea
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was found guilty of leading an insurrection and was sentenced to life in prison for his brief imposition of martial law in 2024.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned a senior Afghan diplomat after 11 soldiers and a girl were killed in a suicide attack near the Afghan border. Border killings continue as the Afghan Taliban and the Pakistani government reached an uneasy truce. It is only a matter of time before another border clash and conflict starts. Pakistan’s defence minister recently warned of strikes against the Afghan Taliban and other militants within Afghanistan’s borders.
Kenya
According to an intelligence report that was presented to parliament, more than 1,000 Kenyans have been sent to fight with Russian forces in Ukraine. This number is much higher than the original estimate of 200. Increased airport border security has also meant that Kenyans seeking work in Russia are travelling to other African countries first to avoid detection.
Social media wires
The Afghan Taliban is showing that they are out of tune. It’s the puns that make this section worth it.
Russian corvette arriving in Iran
Featured Photo: “F-22 Raptor air refuelling” – 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.