The son of Indian immigrants who once served as America’s top courtroom advocate has emerged as the face of a landmark Supreme Court judgement that overthrew President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Neal Katyal, a former Acting Solicitor General of the United States, argued against Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose what he described as “unjust, unconstitutional taxes” on imports from nearly every trading partner. Moments after the ruling, Katyal said: “Today, the United States Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law, and Americans everywhere. Its message was simple: Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. In America, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people.” The case was brought by small businesses and supported by the Liberty Justice Center. Trump had defended the tariffs as vital to national security and economic leverage, citing trade deficits and fentanyl overdoses as national emergencies. Katyal framed the ruling as a constitutional milestone. "The US Supreme Court gave us everything we asked for in our legal case. Everything,” he said. “This case has always been about the presidency, not any one president. It has always been about the separation of powers, and not the politics of the moment. I'm gratified to see our Supreme Court, which has been the bedrock of our government for 250 years, protect our most fundamental values,” Katyal said. Born in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents — a doctor and an engineer — Katyal has built a career around high-stakes constitutional battles. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Law School and clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the US Supreme Court. Appointed Acting Solicitor General by President Barack Obama in 2010, Katyal represented the federal government before the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeals nationwide. He has argued more than 50 cases before the Supreme Court, breaking records for minority advocates. Currently a partner at Milbank LLP and the Paul Saunders Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, Katyal specialises in constitutional and complex appellate litigation. His past cases include defending the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, challenging Trump’s 2017 travel ban, and winning unanimous rulings in major environmental and national security disputes. He has also served as Special Prosecutor for the State of Minnesota in the murder case of George Floyd and is the author of the book Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump. Katyal has received the US Justice Department’s highest civilian honour, the Edmund Randolph Award, and has been named Litigator of the Year by The American Lawyer in 2017 and 2023. Forbes listed him among the top 200 lawyers in the United States in 2024 and 2025. The Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s tariff is expected to limit a president’s ability to use emergency economic powers to impose sweeping tariffs without explicit congressional authorization. “Just think about it like that. The son of immigrants was able to go to court and say on behalf of American small businesses, hey, this president is acting illegally. And I was able to present my case, have them ask really hard questions at me. It was a really intense oral argument. And at the end of it, they voted and we won,” he told MS Now in an interview. “That is something so extraordinary about this country, the idea that we have a system that self-corrects, that allows us to say you might be the most powerful man in the world, but you still can't break the Constitution. I mean, that to me is what today is about,” Katyal said. “Today, the United States Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law, stood up for Americans everywhere. Its message was simple. Presidents are powerful, but our constitution is more powerful still,” he told MSNBC in another interview. “In America, only Congress, the chief justice writing for six justices said, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people. And that's what tariffs are. Tariffs are taxes,” he said, standing outside the Supreme Court. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 10:08 AM IST | Washington | IANSCountries that struck trade deals with President Donald Trump — including India, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan — will temporarily face a uniform 10 per cent tariff following the Supreme Court’s decision restricting the administration’s use of emergency tariff powers under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), the White House said “SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) ruled that the President cannot impose tariffs using the IEEPA legal authority,” a White House official said after President Trump signed a new order in this regard following the apex court striking down his IEEPA authority. The official added that countries that had negotiated trade arrangements with Trump “were being tariffed by the Administration using the IEEPA legal authority.” With that authority no longer applicable, “those countries will now be tariffed at the global 10 per cent tariff using the Section 122 legal authority.” The change is temporary, the White House said. “This is, however, only temporary as the Administration will be pursuing other legal authorities to implement more appropriate or pre-negotiated tariff rates,” the official stated. “Until then, we expect all countries to continue abiding by their trade deal commitments on reducing trade barriers and other concessions, which have not changed.” The clarification confirms that the newly announced 10 per cent global surcharge under Section 122 replaces the earlier IEEPA-based tariffs for now, but does not alter the substance of negotiated trade commitments. Earlier in the day, Trump reacted sharply to the Supreme Court ruling, calling it “deeply disappointing” and saying he was “ashamed of certain Members of the Court.” “I would like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for your Strength, Wisdom, and Love of our Country,” Trump wrote, adding that dissenting opinions showed there was “no way that anyone can argue against them.” He accused the majority of being influenced by outside forces, writing: “It is my opinion that the Court has been swayed by Foreign Interests, and a Political Movement that is far smaller than people would think.” Trump argued that while the Court struck down his use of IEEPA tariffs, it left other trade authorities intact — and potentially stronger. “The Supreme Court did not overrule TARIFFS; they merely overruled a particular use of IEEPA TARIFFS,” he said. He added that alternative statutes “are even stronger than the IEEPA TARIFFS” and that “a President can actually charge more TARIFFS than I was charging in the past.” He announced that “effective immediately, all National Security TARIFFS, Section 232 and existing Section 301 TARIFFS, remain in place,” and confirmed he would impose “a 10 per cent GLOBAL TARIFF, under Section 122, over and above our normal TARIFFS already being charged.” In a statement, Ambassador Jamieson Greer said the Court’s decision “affects one element of the Administration’s successful work to reorient the global trading system to benefit American workers and businesses.” Greer said the President’s use of IEEPA had been “a necessary and appropriate tool” to address “the fentanyl, immigration, and trade deficit crises,” and argued that progress had been made. Between April 1 and December 31, 2025, “the trade deficit in goods has declined 17 per cent,” he said. The administration outlined a series of steps to maintain continuity, including: Immediately imposing a temporary 10 per cent surcharge under Section 122. Initiating several new Section 301 investigations into “unjustifiable, unreasonable, discriminatory, and burdensome acts.” Continuing ongoing Section 301 probes involving Brazil and China and maintaining existing Section 232 tariffs tied to national security. Greer noted that the Supreme Court ruling addresses “only President Trump’s Reciprocal and Fentanyl Tariffs,” and said “extensive tariffs” under other authorities remain in place. Existing Section 301 tariffs on China range from 7.5 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on the product, while Section 232 tariffs range from 10 per cent to 50 per cent and cover roughly 30 per cent of US imports. A White House fact sheet issued Friday said the temporary import duty would last 150 days and take effect February 24 at 12:01 a.m. The document said the measure is designed to address “fundamental international payment problems” and rebalance trade relationships. Certain goods will be exempt from the temporary duty, including critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, certain electronics, passenger vehicles, aerospace products, and informational materials, according to the fact sheet. The administration also reaffirmed that US trade partners are expected to honour their legally binding agreements despite the change in legal authority. “Our partners have been responsive and engaged in good-faith negotiations and agreements despite the pending litigation, and we are confident that all trade agreements negotiated by President Trump will remain in effect,” Greer said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Washington | IANSUS President Donald Trump used an expansive and combative news conference to respond to a Supreme Court judgment that curtailed his use of a key tariff authority, turning what might have been a defensive moment into an aggressive reaffirmation of his trade doctrine. Over more than an hour inside the James S Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on Friday afternoon, Trump attacked the apex court, dismissed Congressional critics, signalled higher tariffs ahead, defended his economic record, accused unnamed "foreign interests" of influencing justices, and framed tariffs not merely as trade tools but as instruments of diplomacy, border security, and national power. His crowded news conference underscored how central tariffs remain to his presidency -- and how little the apex court's ruling appears to have moderated his approach. Here are the comprehensive takeaways from the press conference: 1. A new 10 per cent global tariff Trump announced he would sign an executive order imposing "a 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122", adding to existing measures. He emphasised that national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs would "remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect". The move signalled not retreat, but a shift in legal strategy. 2. Tariffs could go higher When asked whether tariff rates could ultimately increase beyond current levels, Trump replied: "Potentially higher... It depends whatever we want them to be." He added that under alternative statutes, "we can judge much more than I was charging," suggesting the Supreme Court's judgment might lead to broader tax duties. 3. Emphasis on embargo powers President Trump repeatedly stressed the scope of his authority beyond tariffs. "I can embargo," he said. "I can do anything I want." He elaborated: "I'm allowed to destroy the country, but I can't charge them a little fee." Though hyperbolic, the language highlighted President Trump's view that the court had affirmed sweeping executive power to restrict or halt trade entirely. 4. Sharp attack on the Supreme Court President Trump called the Apex court's judgment "deeply disappointing" and said he was "ashamed of certain members of the court". He praised Justices Thomas, Alito and Kavanaugh for dissenting, citing their "strength and wisdom and love of our country". Of other Supreme Court Justices, including some he appointed, President Trump said the decision was "an embarrassment to their families", though he declined to say whether he regretted nominating them. 5. Allegations of foreign influence In one of the most striking moments, President Trump asserted: "It's my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests." Asked if he had evidence, he replied, "You're going to find out what?" but offered no specifics. He suggested outside forces had "undue influence" and that the Supreme Court Justices might be affected "through fear or respect or friendships". The allegation marked a significant rhetorical escalation against the Judiciary in the US. 6. Dismissal of Congress President Trump brushed aside suggestions that he should work with lawmakers to craft a new tariff framework. "You don't need to -- it's already been approved," he said. "I have the right to do tariffs. And I've always had the right to do tariffs." The comment reflected President Trump's longstanding view that existing statutes grant the executive broad trade authority. 7. Intraparty friction Addressing the Republican critics who opposed elements of his tariff policy, President Trump acknowledged losing "three votes" but said they were "not good Republicans". The US President emphasised party unity, noting that the vast majority of Republican lawmakers supported him. 8. Refund uncertainty The Supreme Court judgment left open the question of what happens to billions of dollars already collected under the challenged authority. "They don't even discuss that point," President Trump said of the opinion. He predicted the issue would "get litigated for the next two years", adding, "We'll end up being in court for the next five years." 9. Tariffs as economic engine Trump tied tariffs directly to economic performance, citing stock market milestones. "Our stock market has just recently broken 50,000 on the Dow... and... broken 7,000 on the S&P," he said. He pointed to jobs and inflation data, saying the January jobs report and consumer price numbers "beat expectations" and that "real wages are up". Recounting a visit to a Georgia steel plant, President Trump said an executive told him, "Sir, I want to kiss you," because tariffs had revived the business. 10. Tariffs funding farm aid Trump said tariff revenue had funded domestic support programmes. "Last week I gave them $12 billion out of tariff money," he said, referring to farmers. 11. Tariffs as diplomatic leverage President Trump again framed tariffs as foreign policy tools. "Tariffs have likewise been used to end five of the eight wars that I settled," he said. He described warning both sides of "a 200 per cent tariff," adding, "I did it largely with tariffs." 12. India trade framework Asked about a pending trade framework with India, President Trump said, "Nothing changes." He added that "they'll be paying tariffs and we will not be paying tariffs", describing it as a reversal from prior arrangements. 13. Fentanyl and China President Trump said he had imposed "a 20 per cent tariff" on China "as a penalty for sending fentanyl in," claiming that fentanyl inflows were down "more than 30 per cent". He credited tariffs alongside what he called a "strong border". 14. Criticism of Europe In a broader ideological pivot, President Trump said "Europe has gone woke" and warned that Europe was "getting killed" by energy and immigration policies. The comments reflected how he links trade disputes to larger cultural and geopolitical narratives. 15. Federal Reserve critique President Trump criticised the Federal Reserve Chair as "very incompetent" and said that interest rates "should come down very substantially", saying the United States should pay "the lowest interest rates on the planet". 16. Assertion of "Certainty" Despite the legal setback, President Trump repeatedly framed the Supreme Court judgment as clarifying rather than constraining executive power. "There will no longer be any doubt," he said. "Great certainty has been brought back to the economy of the United States and actually the economy of the world." The news conference illustrated the US President's instinct to convert institutional pushback into political momentum. Rather than tempering his tariff agenda after the apex court's decision, President Trump presented it as validation of a broader strategy -- one that blends economic nationalism, diplomatic pressure and expansive executive authority. The message from the White House was unmistakable: the tariff campaign is not winding down -- it may just be entering a new phase. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 09:35 AM IST | Washington | IANSThai police came up with a creative plan to nab an elusive serial burglar. Officers of the Bangkok police department hid beneath a red-and-gold lion costume and danced toward the suspect on Wednesday as he wandered through a Lunar New Year fair at a temple in Nonthaburi, in neighbouring Bangkok. Moments later, the officer who was holding the lion’s head, lunged at the suspect and pinned the man to the ground. Police say the suspect, a 33-year-old man, is accused of breaking into the home of a local police commander in Bangkok three times earlier this month, making off with valuables worth about 2 million baht (Rs 58.2 lakh). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 08:10 AM IST | Bangkok | AgenciesOsaka has received a hefty gift of gold bars worth 560 million yen (Rs 32.75 crore) from an anonymous donor who asked to fix the Japanese city’s dilapidated water pipes. The bars weighing 21 kg in total were given to Osaka City Waterworks Bureau. Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama said his city will respect the donor’s wishes and improve water projects. Concern over Osaka’s waterworks systems has grown recently. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 08:10 AM IST | Tokyo | AgenciesUS President Donald Trump said Friday that the Supreme Court decision declaring his sweeping global tariffs illegal was "deeply disappointing." Trump also told reporters he was "absolutely ashamed" of "certain members" of the conservative-dominated court who ruled against him. Trump said, "To show you how ridiculous the opinion is, the Court said that I'm not allowed to charge even one dollar. I can't charge one dollar — not even a dollar. I would have used one penny, but we don’t make pennies anymore... Not one dollar, I assume, to protect other countries. This must have been done to protect those other countries, certainly not the United States of America, which they should be protecting. That’s what they’re supposed to protect. But I am allowed to cut off any and all trade or business with that same country. In other words, I can destroy the trade. I can destroy the country..." The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda. The 6-3 decision centres on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs he levied on nearly every other country. Trump said he will impose a global 10 per cent tariff as an alternative while pressing his trade policies by other means. The new tariffs would come under a law that restricts them to 150 days. He made that announcement after lashing out at the Supreme Court for striking down much of his sweeping tariff infrastructure as an illegal use of emergency power. "Their decision is incorrect," he said. "But it doesn't matter because we have very powerful alternatives." "Tariffs have likewise been used to end five of the eight wars that I settled. I settled eight wars, whether you like it or not, including India, Pakistan, big ones, nuclear, could have been nuclear," Trump said during a news conference just hours after the Supreme Court verdict.India has consistently denied any third-party intervention in resolving the conflict with Pakistan."Prime Minister of Pakistan said yesterday at the great meeting that we had the peace board. He said yesterday that President Trump could have saved 35 million lives by getting us to stop fighting. They were getting ready to do some bad things. But they've given us great national security, these tariffs have," he said. President Trump Delivers Remarks, Feb 20, 2026 https://t.co/GXRBUFyThY — The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 20, 2026
21 February,2026 01:19 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesFollowing the shutdown of the Utility Stores Corporation network, financially vulnerable households across Punjab are grappling with mounting difficulties in securing subsidised food items ahead of Ramazan. As prices of essential commodities continue to rise, concerns over managing Sehri and Iftar expenses have deepened, particularly among daily wage earners and widows, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, many residents claim they have been unable to access the provincial government's promised assistance package. Naila Begum, a widow residing in Lahore's Garhi Shahu area, said she repeatedly sought help under the relief scheme announced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz but was unsuccessful. Living in rented accommodation with her daughter, she alleged that without political references or influence, her name was not added to the beneficiaries' list. Similar complaints have surfaced in multiple districts. Citizens also pointed out the absence of traditional Ramazan bazaars that were previously established to stabilise prices during the holy month. In earlier years, fair price markets and government-backed subsidy arrangements with retailers provided measurable relief. However, locals stated that such visible arrangements initially appeared missing this year, raising questions about administrative preparedness. Provincial authorities maintain that a targeted Ramazan package is being finalised using existing welfare databases, particularly data from the Benazir Income Support Programme. Officials stated that assistance will be delivered either through digital wallets or designated centres to avoid overcrowding and mismanagement. The government has identified over four million individuals under its "Nigehban Card" initiative, issuing ATM cards to enable cash withdrawals for essential purchases. Special facilitation bazaars have also been introduced, offering selected goods at reduced prices, as cited by The Express Tribune. Despite these measures, critics argue that lower-middle-class families not registered in official databases risk exclusion. Welfare organisations, including Alkhidmat Foundation, Saylani Welfare International Trust, and the Edhi Foundation, continue to organise ration drives and Iftar meals, though inflation has constrained their outreach capacity, as reported by The Express Tribune. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 February,2026 06:50 PM IST | Lahore (Pakistan) | ANIAt least 16 people, including many children, were killed and 14 others injured when a suspected gas leakage led to an explosion in a residential building in Pakistan's Karachi on Thursday morning. "The explosion took place around 4:30 am on the first floor of the building located in the Old Soldier Bazar area when everyone was awake for Sehri time," police official Jamshed Asher said. The first day of Ramzan is being observed in Pakistan today. The police official said that the reason for the explosion apparently was a gas leakage. Due to gas shortage in Pakistan's biggest city, many families especially in lower income residential areas use liquid petroleum gas cylinders at their homes. Police surgeon Dr Samaiya Syed confirmed that they have received 14 bodies so far from the blast site while 14 injured are under treatment. The explosion caused a part of the building structure to collapse due to its dilapidated condition. "We are still searching through the rubble and debris to see if there are any more bodies or survivors," Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said. The deceased include at least nine children aged between two and 17 while the injured also include seven children. This is the second major tragedy to occur in Karachi. Last month, a fire broke out in the basement of the Gul Shopping Plaza, a wholesale and retail market, in the Saddar area killing at least 79 people and leaving scores injured. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 February,2026 12:57 PM IST | Karachi | PTINew Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch. Attorney General Raul Torrez's office made the announcement Thursday, saying the decision was made after reviewing information recently released by the US Department of Justice. Although New Mexico's initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors say now that "revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination." The New Mexico Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors at the agency will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and intend to work with other law enforcement partners as well as a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to look into activities at the ranch. "As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action, including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available," the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement. Renewed efforts to investigate the sex trafficking allegations While Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe. They never elaborated on how many accusers were interviewed or what they say took place at the ranch. The New Mexico Department of Justice did not immediately respond to emailed questions about why state prosecutors were requested to close the investigation in 2019 or whether there were specific allegations detailed within the recent filings that were released that prompted reopening the investigation. On Tuesday, New Mexico's truth commission had its first meeting. The bipartisan, four-member panel of state House representatives is charged with investigating allegations that the ranch may have facilitated sexual abuse and sex trafficking. New Mexico lawmakers also said they want to know why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl and whether there was corruption among public officials. Property is under new ownership Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and built a hilltop mansion. Nearby was a private airstrip with a hangar and helipad. The property also included a ranch office, a firehouse and a seven-bay heated garage. The property was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023 - with proceeds going toward creditors - to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican running for state comptroller in Texas. In a social media post on X, Huffines said the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch after a saint associated with healing and that his family plans to operate a Christian retreat there. A spokesperson for Huffines has said that the owners have never been approached by local, state or federal law enforcement requesting access to the ranch and if they do, full cooperation will be granted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 February,2026 12:39 PM IST | Albuquerque | APIran held annual military drills with Russia on Thursday as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East, with both the United States and Iran signalling they are prepared for war if talks on Tehran's nuclear program fizzle out. President Donald Trump has said he hopes to reach a deal with Iran, but the talks have been deadlocked for years, and Iran has refused to discuss wider US and Israeli demands that it scale back its missile program and sever ties to armed groups. Indirect talks held in recent weeks made little visible progress, and one or both sides could be buying time for final war preparations. Iran's theocracy is more vulnerable than ever, following 12 days of Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear sites and military last year, as well as mass protests in January that were violently suppressed. But it is still capable of striking Israel and US bases in the region, and has warned that any attack would trigger a regional war. Iran earlier this week launched a drill that involved live-fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow opening of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passes. Tensions are also rising inside Iran, as mourners hold ceremonies honoring slain protesters 40 days after their killing by security forces. Some gatherings have seen anti-government chants despite threats from authorities. Trump again threatens Iran The movements of additional American warships and airplanes, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, don't guarantee a US strike on Iran - but it bolsters Trump's ability to carry out one should he choose to do so. He has so far held off on striking Iran after setting red lines over the killing of peaceful protesters and mass executions, while reengaging in nuclear talks that were disrupted by the war in June. Iran has agreed to draw up a written proposal to address US concerns raised during this week's indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, according to a senior US official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The official said top national security officials gathered Wednesday to discuss Iran, and were briefed that the "full forces" needed to carry out potential military action are expected to be in place by mid-March. The official did not provide a timeline for when Iran is expected to deliver its written response. "It's proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, and we have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise bad things happen," Trump said Thursday. Growing international concern Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged his nation's citizens to immediately leave Iran as "within a few, a dozen, or even a few dozen hours, the possibility of evacuation will be out of the question." He did not elaborate, and the Polish Embassy in Tehran did not appear to be drawing down its staff. The German military said that it had moved "a mid-two digit number of non-mission critical personnel" out of a base in northern Iraq because of the current situation in the region and in line with its partners' actions. It said that some troops remain to help keep the multinational camp running in Irbil, where they train Iraqi forces. "This week, another 50 US combat aircraft - F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s - were ordered to the region, supplementing the hundreds deployed to bases in the Arab Gulf states," the New York-based Soufan Center think tank wrote. "The deployments reinforce Trump's threat - restated on a nearly daily basis - to proceed with a major air and missile campaign on the regime if talks fail." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Dubai | APThe UK police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following damaging allegations over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The King issued a statement to express his “deepest concern”, stressing that the “law must take its course”. Andrew was arrested from the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he was residing after moving out of the Royal Lodge on the British monarch’s Windsor Castle estate. As Duke of York, Andrew had served as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 February,2026 09:34 AM IST | London | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1771612415839_d.png "Trump says he's 'absolutely ashamed' of US Supreme Court justices who issued 'deeply disappointing' tariff decision. PIC/@WhiteHouse (Twitter/X)")
-1771591506141_d.png "Welfare organisations step up amid rising rrices and utility store shutdown. Pic/AFP")
-1771513298118_d.png "A policeman takes pictures at the site of a collapsed building following the explosion in Karachi. Pic/AFP")
