Senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, are set to meet Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia for the first direct talks on ending the Ukraine war. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that while Ukraine is part of discussions, Kyiv will not be present, sparking concerns from President Zelensky. Trump and Putin agreed to begin negotiations following a recent phone call. European nations are also excluded, raising diplomatic tensions. The US insists it seeks a peaceful resolution while directly engaging with Moscow.
SAUDI SEEKS IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL
Saudi Arabia is looking to mediate between the Trump administration and Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal, according to CNN. Concerns are rising in Riyadh that Iran, feeling isolated, may accelerate nuclear weapon development. While Trump has expressed interest in a fresh agreement, Iran’s leadership remains skeptical. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently called negotiations with the U.S. “not smart.” The 2015 nuclear deal collapsed after Trump’s 2018 withdrawal, further straining ties. Despite past tensions, Saudi-Iran relations improved in 2023 through a China-brokered agreement, but Saudi officials now fear renewed instability.
MACRON CALLS EMERGENCY SECURITY SUMMIT
French President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency summit in Paris (Feb 17) with European leaders to address concerns over the U.S.’s unilateral handling of Ukraine peace talks. This follows a direct call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, raising fears that Washington may broker a deal without European involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned against exclusion, urging Europe to assert its role in regional security. Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg dismissed European concerns, suggesting the U.S. would proceed without them. The meeting will cover Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and potential security guarantees.
MARCO RUBIO ARRIVES IN ISRAEL
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel for high-level talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coinciding with the arrival of U.S.-supplied MK-84 bombs. Rubio’s visit follows President Trump’s controversial proposal to permanently relocate Gaza’s population, a plan widely condemned by Arab nations and international organizations. Meanwhile, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains under strain after an Israeli airstrike killed three Gaza police officers. Netanyahu reaffirmed a “common strategy” with Trump, emphasizing their shared vision for Gaza. Rubio will also visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid growing regional tensions.
LEBANESE PRESIDENT VOWS JUSTICE
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned the attack on a UN peacekeeping convoy that injured its outgoing deputy commander. He vowed strict action against those responsible, emphasizing national stability. The incident occurred amid protests at Beirut’s airport, where Hezbollah supporters blocked roads after Iranian planes were denied landing. The UN has called for an investigation, while Lebanon’s army and interior ministry are taking firm measures to restore order. Aoun assured that security forces would not tolerate disruptions to civil peace. Authorities are actively probing the attack to prevent further unrest.
