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Donald Trump

US Limits Iran War Risk to Protect Israel & Avoid Blame | Trump & Netanyahu

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor February 24, 2026

written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Washington is reportedly seeking to mitigate the political and military repercussions of potential direct action against Iran, aiming to avoid being publicly labeled as the instigator of a wider conflict. This effort comes as tensions remain high in the Middle East, and as the United States continues to navigate complex negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. A source within Iran’s defense establishment, speaking to RT, indicated that any attempt to deflect responsibility would likely be unsuccessful.

According to the source, Washington anticipates a “harsh, broad, and multi-layered” response from Iran should any aggressive action be taken. To manage the risks, the US is planning to position itself as a staunch supporter of Israel, providing operational capabilities and a robust layered defense umbrella over Israeli territory. The stated goal is to deliver a “hard and effective blow” to Iran whereas simultaneously reducing vulnerability to potential retaliatory strikes from Tehran.

This strategy unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing discussions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities. On February 11, 2026, President Trump stated he insisted that talks with Iran continue during a meeting with Netanyahu, while also warning of potential action if a nuclear deal isn’t reached. The leaders reportedly spoke for nearly three hours in a low-key meeting, with Trump refraining from a joint press conference afterward.

US-Israel Coordination Intensifies

The reported US strategy highlights a deepening of security coordination between Washington and Jerusalem. On February 14, 2026, Trump and Netanyahu agreed to increase pressure on Iranian oil, signaling a continued commitment to limiting Iran’s economic resources. This move is likely intended to further constrain Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear program and support regional proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as Netanyahu has previously sought to do.

Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, his sixth since Trump’s return to office – more than any other world leader – underscores the importance Israel places on maintaining a close alliance with the US in addressing the perceived threat from Iran. According to the Associated Press, Netanyahu presented Trump with Israel’s “principles” regarding negotiations with Iran prior to their February 11th meeting.

Iran’s Position and Regional Implications

Iran has signaled a willingness to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but has rejected demands to curtail its ballistic missile program and support for regional groups. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned ahead of the White House meeting that his country “would not yield to their excessive demands,” according to the BBC. This firm stance suggests that any escalation could quickly lead to a broader regional conflict.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal that the US unilaterally withdrew from under the previous administration. The Biden administration has expressed a willingness to rejoin the JCPOA, but talks have stalled amid disagreements over the scope of sanctions relief and verification mechanisms. The current administration’s approach appears to be a combination of diplomatic pressure and the threat of military action, aimed at compelling Iran to return to the negotiating table.

What to Watch Next

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the current diplomatic efforts can avert a military confrontation. The US and Israel are likely to continue coordinating closely, while Iran will be closely monitoring their actions. The potential for miscalculation or escalation remains high, and the region is bracing for a possible increase in tensions. The next procedural step will likely involve further diplomatic outreach from the US to Iran, coupled with continued pressure on Iran’s economy and military capabilities.

What are your thoughts on the evolving situation in the Middle East? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and please share this article with your network.

February 24, 2026 0 comments

News

EU Fails to Agree Ukraine Aid & Sanctions Ahead of War Anniversary | Hungary Blocks Billions

by February 24, 2026

written by

Brussels failed to secure agreement on new sanctions against Moscow and billions of euros in financial aid for Kyiv before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Hungary continuing to block necessary decisions, according to EU diplomats.

Despite intensive efforts to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to reconsider, all attempts have so far been unsuccessful, sources said. The impasse represents a significant setback for the EU, which had aimed to deliver a strong signal of support to Ukraine on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion and demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that European solidarity remains firm.

A €100 million emergency aid package for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is likely to be announced, as this can proceed without Hungary’s consent, EU officials indicated.

The developments are expected to cast a shadow over planned commemorative events in Kyiv, which are to be attended by several EU heads of state and government, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Costa had already expressed his displeasure with Orbán’s obstruction in a letter on Monday, accusing him of violating the principle of loyal cooperation within the EU. “No Member State should be allowed to undermine the credibility of the decisions collectively taken by the European Council,” Costa wrote, referencing the preliminary agreement reached at an EU summit on December 18 for the new aid package.

The proposed support, in the form of loans, is intended to reach up to €90 billion by the end of 2027, enabling Ukraine to continue its defense against Russian aggression.

Hungary has publicly justified its blockade by citing the halt of Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, which transits through Ukraine. Budapest accuses Kyiv of deliberately blocking the pipeline’s operation for political reasons.

According to Politico, Orbán has sharply criticized the EU’s plan to admit Ukraine to the bloc as quickly as possible, calling it an “open declaration of war” against Hungary. He alleges that Brussels and Kyiv are formulating a plan to admit Ukraine to the EU as early as 2027, disregarding the will of the Hungarian people and seeking to remove his government by any means necessary. Hungary is scheduled to hold general elections in April, where Orbán’s Fidesz party faces a strong challenge from the opposition.

Slovakia has also escalated tensions with Ukraine, halting diesel exports to Kyiv and threatening to cease electricity supplies if oil transit through Ukraine is not resumed. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs to the Druzhba pipeline, a claim Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry rejected on February 21, stating that repair work is ongoing. Hungary and Slovakia jointly provided over half of Ukraine’s electricity imports in January, a crucial lifeline amid the energy crisis caused by Russian strikes.

On February 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary would block the EU’s new sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine resumes oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.

February 24, 2026 0 comments

News

EU Climate Leadership at Risk: Trump’s Rollback & EU ETS Concerns

by February 23, 2026

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will present a coordinated European response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s evolving tariff policies during a visit to Washington D.C. In approximately one week, according to statements made Saturday at a Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party meeting in Stuttgart.

Merz emphasized the necessity of a unified European front, stating, “I will go to Washington with a coordinated European position,” as reported by ARD public broadcaster. This commitment follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited the scope of Trump’s authority to impose broad tariffs, and Trump’s subsequent announcement of a 15% tariff on all goods entering the United States.

The German Chancellor’s trip, previously planned but only recently confirmed through media reports, comes as European capitals assess the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision and Trump’s reaction. Merz met with Trump once previously, in June 2025.

Merz argued that tariffs ultimately harm the economies that impose them, noting that while Germany bears a portion of the burden through reduced exports, American consumers ultimately pay higher prices. “I will try to produce it clear to the American government that tariffs harm everyone,” he said.

The timing of Merz’s visit coincides with growing concerns about a “deep rift” between Europe and the United States, as highlighted during the Munich Security Conference earlier this month. Merz, addressing the conference, urged a “repair and revival” of transatlantic trust, arguing that the U.S. And Europe require each other in an “era of great power rivalry.” He specifically defended the importance of the NATO alliance, stating it benefits both continents.

While acknowledging flaws in the existing global order, Merz distinguished European values from what he characterized as the “culture war” of the “MAGA movement,” emphasizing Europe’s commitment to human dignity, constitutional principles, free trade, climate agreements, and the World Health Organization – from which the U.S. Officially withdrew in January.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, described by Merz as “fascinating,” placed limits on the Trump administration’s tariff policy, though it did not affect existing sectoral tariffs. Despite this, Trump swiftly responded to the ruling by announcing the recent tariffs, escalating trade tensions.

Merz’s commitment to a coordinated European position underscores the EU’s view that customs policy is a matter for the bloc as a whole, not individual member states. This stance is particularly relevant given the EU’s implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on January 1, which places a price on carbon emissions embedded in imported goods.

February 23, 2026 0 comments

Economy

Swiss Firms Seek Clarity as Trump’s Tariffs Fuel Uncertainty

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy February 23, 2026

written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Following a Supreme Court ruling against Donald Trump’s tariffs, which prompted a retaliatory global tariff imposition of 10%, subsequently raised to 15%, Swiss companies are grappling with uncertainty. While some are seeking tariff reimbursements, others are awaiting further clarification.

“If tariff rates change every three months, it complicates matters for us,” Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil stated Monday to the AWP news agency. Frequent modifications hinder stable supply chain planning. Navratil refrained from commenting on the necessity of scheduled negotiations for a tariff agreement or whether to suspend them, expressing “full” confidence in the Swiss Federal Council and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to reach a satisfactory agreement. He did not confirm whether Nestlé would join a legal action initiated by other companies to seek reimbursement.

Swatch is pursuing such a course of action. Its American subsidiary will request a retroactive refund of the surcharges paid. A spokesperson for the Biel-based watch group explained that information regarding the fresh tariffs is “currently contradictory and incomplete, making it difficult to take a position.”

The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) indicated it is awaiting greater clarity. Its president, Yves Bugmann, highlighted that “the situation is very different from one company to another depending on their import method.” Swissmem added that the U.S. Supreme Court did not rule on the issue of tariff refunds, which will now be decided by lower courts.

Technically, the surcharges were paid by the importer in the United States, meaning the responsibility for seeking a refund lies with them. “In reality, Swiss industrial companies have, in most cases, absorbed part of the customs costs by adjusting their prices. They will need to reach an agreement with their clients,” Swissmem stated.

Samuel Vuadens, president of Swiss Industry and director of Nexfab, a microtechnology company, expressed an “state of uncertainty.” Speaking on Forum Samuel Vuadens, he used the analogy of a mountain climbing team caught in a severe storm. “Clients are not placing orders with Swiss industrialists because they might be better off tomorrow. Today, this uncertainty persists, and we continue to face a strong headwind,” he said.

In January, Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil reportedly attributed the company’s reduced public discussion of sustainability initiatives to the policies of the Trump administration. According to the Financial Times, Navratil told employees that investor interest in sustainability had waned in the U.S., and he partially blamed Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and his broader stance against climate action. Nestlé, however, maintains its commitment to net zero emissions targets, Navratil stated.

Ken Pucker, an influencer, noted on LinkedIn that Navratil’s comments were met with praise from sustainability experts, but also pointed to ongoing sustainability challenges for Nestlé, including legal complaints regarding child labor in its coffee supply chain, accusations of deforestation linked to cocoa sourcing, and its status as a major user of plastic packaging.