Amid escalating tensions and ongoing indirect nuclear talks, a rapid military buildup by the United States (US) in the Middle East has reached a stage where President Donald Trump could authorise strikes against Iran as soon as this weekend, a report citing administration and Pentagon officials stated on Thursday. The New York Times reported on Wednesday (local time) that the current military posture gives President Trump the flexibility to target Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, and launch sites. However, the President “has given no indication that he has made a decision about how to proceed”, the daily said. The buildup has persisted despite indirect discussions between Washington and Tehran in Geneva on Tuesday. Iran’s Foreign Minister stated there was agreement on a “set of guiding principles”, while US officials noted progress but highlighted that “significant gaps remain”. Trump has consistently demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear programme, including halting uranium enrichment, and has warned of severe consequences if his terms are not met. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised diplomacy as the priority. “The President has always been very clear, though, with respect to Iran or any country around the world, diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with this administration,” she said. US deploys fighter jets, two carrier strike groups, and advanced missile defence systems She added: “He’s always thinking about what’s in the best interest of the United States of America, of our military, of the American people, and that’s how he makes decisions with respect to military action.” The New York Times detailed the buildup, which includes more than 50 additional fighter jets, dozens of refuelling tankers, and two aircraft carrier strike groups. USS Gerald R Ford is approaching Gibraltar en route to join USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, the report added. US officials told the newspaper that the deployment also features Patriot missile defence systems and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems to counter potential Iranian ballistic missiles. Additional F-35, F-22, and F-16 jets have been moved from the US to Europe and then to the Middle East, with refuelling aircraft repositioned for sustained operations. One military official quoted by the paper said the US could now protect its troops, allies, and assets from Iranian retaliation, at least in a short campaign. However, the official cautioned that readiness for a prolonged or wider war remains uncertain. Israeli forces are also preparing for possible coordinated action. Israeli defence officials, cited by The New York Times, indicated planning for a multi-day operation to deliver a severe blow and push Iran toward concessions at the negotiating table. The report referenced last June’s 12-day conflict, during which Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, declaring the programme “obliterated.” Senior national security officials have advised the President that any operation to change Iranian leadership is not guaranteed to succeed. The developments come against the backdrop of heightened regional risks, with multiple US media outlets — including CNN and CBS News — echoing that military readiness for potential action could align with this weekend, though no final decision has been taken. (With IANS inputs)
19 February,2026 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe latest US-brokered talks between envoys from Moscow and Kyiv over Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine ended Wednesday with no sign of a breakthrough and with both sides saying the talks were “difficult,” as the war’s fourth anniversary approaches next week. The negotiations in Switzerland were the third round of direct talks organised by the US, after meetings earlier this year in Abu Dhabi that officials described as constructive but which also made no major headway. “The negotiations were not easy,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the talks broke up and he spoke briefly by phone from Kyiv with his negotiating team.” He earlier accused Russia of “trying to drag out negotiations” while it presses on with its invasion - an accusation he and European leaders have repeatedly made in the past. Despite that, some progress was made on military issues although political differences remain deep, including over the future of land in eastern Ukraine that is occupied by the Russian army and that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to keep, Zelenskyy 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
19 February,2026 02:39 PM IST | Geneva | AgenciesIn a major reform push, Kuwait is preparing to roll out a new freelance residency permit that would allow expatriates to live and work independently without a traditional employer sponsor, as authorities move to curb visa trading and tighten labour market controls. The scheme, expected to be introduced within the next two months, will carry an annual fee ranging between KD 750 (Rs 8600) and KD 1000 (Rs 11,500), to be paid directly to the government. 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
19 February,2026 02:03 PM IST | Kuwait | AgenciesGisele Pelicot's memoir was released on Tuesday in 22 languages worldwide, sharing details of the horror she went through and sending a powerful message of hope and support to victims of sexual abuse. “I wanted my story to help others,” Pelicot told French national channel France 5 last week ahead of the release of her book, “A Hymn to Life, Shame has to Change Sides.” 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
19 February,2026 01:57 PM IST | Paris | AgenciesThe UN Security Council is holding a high-level meeting Wednesday on the Gaza ceasefire deal and Israel's efforts to expand control in the West Bank before world leaders head to Washington to discuss the future of the Palestinian territories at the first gathering of President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. The UN session in New York was originally scheduled for Thursday but was moved up after Trump announced the board's meeting for that same date and it became clear that it would complicate travel plans for diplomats planning to attend both. It is a sign of the potential for overlapping and conflicting agendas between the United Nations' most powerful body and Trump's new initiative, whose broader ambitions to broker global conflicts have raised concerns in some countries that it may attempt to rival the UN Security Council. Asked what he hopes to see from the back-to-back meetings this week, Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour told reporters Tuesday, "We expect from the international community to stop Israel and end their illegal effort against annexation, whether in Washington or in New York." The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia, among others, are in attendance at the monthly Mideast meeting of the 15-member council after many Arab and Islamic countries requested last week that it discuss Gaza and Israel's contentious West Bank settlement project before some of them head to Washington. The board to be chaired by Trump was originally envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing his 20-point plan for Gaza's future. But the Republican president's ambitious new vision for the board to be a mediator of worldwide conflicts has led to skepticism from major allies. While more than 20 countries have so far accepted an invitation to join the board, close US partners, including France, Germany and others, have opted not to join yet and renewed support for the UN, which also is in the throes of major reforms and funding cuts. Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, dismissed concerns about the composition of the Board of Peace, telling conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in an interview Monday that the most relevant countries, including Qatar and Egypt, which are in touch with Hamas' leadership, have accepted the invitation. "All of those countries are on the Board of Peace, singing the same tune as the United States," he said. The Security Council is be meeting a day after nearly all of its 15 members - minus the United States - and dozens of other diplomats joined Palestinian ambassador Mansour as he read a statement on behalf of 80 countries and several organizations condemning Israel's latest actions in the West Bank, demanding an immediate reversal and underlining "strong opposition to any form of annexation." Israel, whose UN mission did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday's meeting, is launching a contentious land regulation process that will deepen its control in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said it amounts to "de facto sovereignty" that will block the establishment of a Palestinian state. Outraged Palestinians, Arab countries and human rights groups have called the moves an illegal annexation of the territory, home to roughly 3.4 million Palestinians who seek it for a future state. The UN meeting also is expected to delve into the US-brokered ceasefire deal that took effect Oct. 10 after more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas. The UK, which currently holds the presidency of the council, said the meeting will include briefings by UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo and by Israeli and Palestinian civil society representatives for the first time since the Oct. 7 attacks. Aspects of the ceasefire deal have moved forward, including Hamas releasing all the hostages it was holding and increased amounts of humanitarian aid getting into Gaza, though the UN says the level is insufficient. A new technocratic committee has been appointed to administer Gaza's daily affairs. But the most challenging steps lie ahead, including the deployment of an international security force, disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza. Trump said this week that the Board of Peace members have pledged $5 billion toward Gaza reconstruction and will commit thousands of personnel to international stabilization and police forces for the territory. He didn't provide details. Indonesia's military says up to 8,000 of its troops are expected to be ready by the end of June for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission. 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
19 February,2026 11:36 AM IST | United Nations | APUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Israel on February 28 to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CNN reported. According to CNN, Rubio is expected to update Netanyahu on Geneva talks on a nuclear deal with Iran. The expected visit comes in the backdrop of US and Iranian delegations meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss a high-profile nuclear deal. Earlier on Wednesday (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that progress has been made in the Geneva talks with Iranian authorities, but the two nations stand "far apart" on certain issues. "There was a little bit of progress made, but we are still far apart on some issues. We expect the Iranians to come back with the details in the next couple of weeks. The president will continue to watch how this plays out," the press secretary said. She said that diplomacy is the first option for US President Donald Trump before considering military action against Iran. Speaking to the media, the White House Press Secretary warned Iran, saying it would be wise for Iran to reach a deal with the US. When asked about a military action against Iran in the backdrop of the deal, Leavitt said, "There are arguments one can make for a strike against Iran. The President had a successful operation as commander-in-chief with Operation Midnight Hammer, completely obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities. The President has always been clear that with Iran or any other country, diplomacy is the first option, and Iran would be wise to make a deal with President Trump." "He (Donald Trump) is talking to many people, firstly, his national security team. This is something the President takes seriously, thinking about what is in the best interest of America and its people. That is how he will decide on a military action," she added. Leavitt also hinted that "US forces are in conversation with Israel," while not affirming a military action. Meanwhile, Rubio's Israel visit also underscores Donald Trump's Board of Peace meeting on Thursday (local time), which will focus on maintaining security in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. 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
19 February,2026 10:49 AM IST | Washington | ANIAn explosion at a fireworks shop in China’s Hubei province on Wednesday killed 12 people in the second such explosion as the country celebrates the Lunar New Year. Investigators are now looking into the cause of the explosion at the fireworks shop in the town of Xiangyang. On Sunday, another accident at a fireworks shop in eastern Jiangsu province killed eight people and injured two others. 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
19 February,2026 09:03 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesAn award-winning pilot and his wife tragically lost their lives in a plane crash while their pet dog miraculously survived. Ron Timmermans, a highly decorated flight instructor, was piloting a single-engine Beechcraft A36 over East Texas with his wife, Barbara, when he radioed an emergency due to engine problems. As the plane came in low, it struck a power line, according to the New York Post. The aircraft then crashed into the ground near several homes in a quiet neighbourhood. Authorities said the plane crash was reported to have been caused by oil covering the windshield. The dog was alive, so one of the neighbours took the dog to take care of. 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
19 February,2026 08:57 AM IST | Florida | AgenciesMark Zuckerberg will testify in an unprecedented social media trial that questions whether Meta’s platforms deliberately addict and harm children. Meta’s CEO was expected to answer questions on Wednesday from attorneys representing a now 20-year-old woman who claims her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. 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
19 February,2026 08:51 AM IST | Los Angeles | AgenciesThe Trump family company has filed to trademark the use of the president's name on airports but says it doesn't plan on charging a fee - at least for a proposed renaming of one near his Florida home. Applications filed by the Trump Organization with the federal trademark office are seeking exclusive rights to use the president's name on airports and dozens of related things found there, from buses shuttling passengers to umbrellas and travel bags to flight suits. The filings come amid debate in Florida over a state bill to name the Palm Beach airport after Trump and a dispute over funding of a tunnel between New York and New Jersey that is tied up with proposals that both it and Dulles International Airport in Virginia bear his name. The Trump Organization said that the applications were triggered by the Florida bill and that it didn't seek any profit - only protection against "bad actors" given that the Trump name is the "most infringed trademark in the world." "To be clear, the President and his family will not receive any royalty, licensing fee, or financial consideration whatsoever from the proposed airport renaming," the company said it in a statement, referring to what is now called the Palm Beach International Airport near Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. The company didn't respond when asked if it would charge royalties for the use of the name at other airports in the future, or on merchandise listed for protection in the filings. Josh Gerben, a trademark lawyer who uncovered the filings over the weekend, said the applications were the first of their kind he's ever seen. "While presidents and public officials have had landmarks named in their honor, a sitting president's private company has never in the history of the United States sought trademark rights in advance of such naming," Gerben wrote on his blog. "These are trademark filings that are completely unprecedented." Another break with the past: Presidents usually have to wait for years after they've left office to get an airport named after them - or die. Bill Clinton had to wait 11 years, Ronald Reagan nine. For Gerald Ford it took 22 years. JFK was quickest - just one month after his assassination. If Trump gets his airport, it will join a long line of organizations, buildings and other public things renamed for him in recent months including the Kennedy Center performing arts venue, a road outside Mar-a-Lago dubbed the President Donald J. Trump Boulevard and a yet-to-built new class of battleships. The airport trademark applications filed by a family company unit called DTTM Operations with the US Patent and Trademark Office are for the use of three names - President Donald J. Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport and DJT. The Trump company's claim that it is the most infringed trademark in the world could not be quickly confirmed. Gucci has faced tens of thousands of copycat items since the early 1970s when Trump was starting out in Manhattan real estate. Prada has been active suing companies for years, and Rolex battles fake watches by the millions. The family has been on a branding spree in the past year, putting the Trump name on towers, golf resorts and residential developments in Dubai, India, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. The company has also been selling Trump branded electric guitars, bibles and sneakers, ventures that also fall under the DTTM unit. In response to criticism that he and his family are profiting off the presidency, Trump has said that his business is held in trust by his sons and that he has no day-to-day involvement in the company. 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.
18 February,2026 02:59 PM IST | New York | APYouTube said late Tuesday it had fixed a widespread outage that hit hundreds of thousands of users around the world. Tracking website Downdetector said there were more than 300,000 reports of problems accessing the video-sharing site, though the reports seemed to be diminishing after a peak at about 0100 GMT. During the worst of the outage, visitors to the website's homepage were greeted with an invitation to come back later. YouTube was back up and running when AFP journalists accessed the site at 0400 GMT. "The issue with our recommendations system has been resolved and all of our platforms (YouTube.com, the YouTube app, YouTube Music, Kids, and TV) are back to normal!" YouTube posted on a help page. The platform said earlier that "an issue with our recommendations system prevented videos from appearing across surfaces on YouTube (including the homepage, the YouTube app, YouTube Music and YouTube Kids)." Google-owned YouTube is the world's largest video sharing platform, with more than 2.5 billion users actively using the site each month. 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.
18 February,2026 02:58 PM IST | Washington | AFPADVERTISEMENT
