Today is Thursday, Feb. 26, the 57th day of 2026. There are 308 days left in the year.

Saudi Arabia could have some form of uranium enrichment within the kingdom under a proposed nuclear deal with the United States. That's according to congressional documents and an arms control group. Both U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden tried to reach a nuclear deal with the kingdom to share American technology. Nonproliferation experts warn any spinning centrifuges within Saudi Arabia could open the door to a possible weapons program for the kingdom. The kingdom's assertive crown prince has suggested he could pursue a nuclear weapon if Tehran obtains an atomic bomb.

Iran and the United States are waging gunboat diplomacy as talks over Tehran’s nuclear program hang in the balance. This follows Israel’s 12-day war on the country in June and the Islamic Republic carrying out a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. U.S. President Donald Trump has kept up pressure on Iran, moving an aircraft carrier and other military assets to the Persian Gulf and suggesting the U.S. could attack Iran over the killing of peaceful demonstrators or if Tehran launches mass executions over the protests. A second aircraft carrier now is off the coast of Morocco, potentially heading to the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Somalia’s government says U.S.-backed airstrikes and expanded ground operations have shifted momentum in its long-running war against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group. Authorities say they have reclaimed territory and targeted the group’s leadership and bomb-making network in recent airstrikes. The offensive comes as the African Union peacekeeping forces are gradually drawing down. Somalia is also assuming greater responsibility for its own security nearly two decades after al-Shabab emerged as a dominant militant group in Africa. And despite the reported gains in the fight, the government will now have to secure and govern reclaimed territory as international African Union peacekeepers scale back their role.

Today is Friday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2026. There are 321 days left in the year.

A senior European intelligence chief says Russia cannot launch an attack on NATO this year or next but is planning to increase its forces significantly along the alliance’s eastern flank, depending on the outcome of the war in Ukraine. The head of Estonia’s foreign intelligence service suggested Moscow is playing for time in talks with Washington. Kaupo Rosin, the head of the service, said his comments were based on intelligence his country gathered from “Russian internal discussions.” Rosin said Russia’s plan involves creating new military units and multiplying the prewar force along its border with NATO by two to three times. Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, causing civilian casualties and damaging energy infrastructure.

Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to over seven more years in prison. Supporters say she began a hunger strike on February 2. Her lawyer confirmed the sentence, which includes charges of "gathering and collusion" and propaganda. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the country's strength in resisting pressure from great powers. This comes after recent nuclear negotiations with the U.S. and nationwide protests. The U.S. has moved military assets to the Middle East to pressure Iran. Talks between Iran and the U.S. are ongoing, with uncertain future rounds.

Pakistani security forces have arrested four suspects linked to a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque near the capital that killed 31 people. The interior minister announced the arrests on Saturday, including the alleged mastermind. A regional affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Friday's attack. The bombing, which also wounded 169 people, was Islamabad's deadliest since 2008. The alleged mastermind is described as an Afghan linked to IS, with claims of financial backing from India. The attack has drawn international condemnation, and Pakistan's prime minister emphasized the importance of global support for counterterrorism efforts.

Iran and the United States have held indirect talks in Oman. The negotiations, while praised by Iran and Oman, appeared to be a return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program after multiple rounds were held last year before Israel launched a 12-day war on Iran. The presence of U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of the American military’s Central Command, at the talks Friday in Muscat also served as a reminder that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships stood off the coast of Iran in the Arabian Sea. President Donald Trump said the U.S. had “very good” talks on Iran and said more were planned for early next week.