Fatma Zehra Solmaz
20 February 2026•Update: 21 February 2026
ISTANBUL
Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Friday, including Iran warning the UN that it will respond “decisively” to any US aggression, US President Donald Trump saying clarity on a new Iran deal is coming in 10 days, a report that Trump is considering a limited strike to pressure Tehran on nuclear talks, and five countries committing troops to the new Gaza International Stabilization Force.
TOP STORIES
Iran's permanent mission to the UN warned that Iran will respond "decisively and proportionately" to any military aggression, stressing that the United States would bear "full and direct responsibility" for the consequences, according to a letter obtained by Anadolu.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated at the highest level that it neither seeks tension nor war and will not initiate any war," it said in the letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the presidency of the UN Security Council.
US President Donald Trump said it would soon become clear whether a deal with Iran is possible, warning that Washington may be forced to escalate if negotiations fall short.
"We may have to take it a step further, or we may not," he said at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, adding that the situation would likely become clearer "over the next probably 10 days."
US President Donald Trump is considering a limited military strike on Iran in a bid to pressure Tehran into agreeing to a new nuclear deal, a report said.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said the initial operation — if approved — could take place within days and would target a limited number of military or government sites. The move is said to be designed to intensify pressure on Iran while stopping short of a full-scale attack that could provoke major retaliation.
If Iran refuses to comply with Trump’s demand to halt its nuclear enrichment activities, Washington could escalate its response to a broader campaign against regime facilities, potentially aimed at destabilizing the leadership in Tehran, the report added.
The commander of the Gaza International Stabilization Force (ISF) announced that five countries have committed troops to serve in the nascent security body.
Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, speaking at the Board of Peace's inaugural meeting in Washington, said Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania pledged troops, while Egypt and Jordan would train police forces.
Jeffers also announced that Indonesia accepted the position of deputy commander of the force.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- US President Donald Trump announced billions of dollars in contributions for relief in the Gaza Strip at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington.
- Romanian President Nicusor Dan said his country is ready to evacuate 1,000 children from Gaza for treatment in Romanian hospitals and contribute to rebuilding key civilian institutions as leaders gathered in Washington, DC for the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
- Thousands of Colombians took to the streets in a series of rallies and marches called by President Gustavo Petro.
- South Korea jailed ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol for life over his martial law bid.
- US President Donald Trump said the Board of Peace will “be looking over” the UN, ensuring that it “runs properly.”
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued an urgent appeal for citizens to leave Iran immediately and warned against all travel to the country, citing the risk of an imminent military escalation.
- Britain’s former Prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following recent Epstein revelations, the BBC reported.
- The United Kingdom has refused to grant US forces permission to use British military bases for potential strikes against Iran, The Times reported.
- The head of Gaza’s administrative body outlined four main priorities for the enclave during remarks at a meeting in Washington, saying the goal is to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and stability.
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged 8,000 "or more" troops to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington.
- Qatar pledged $1 billion in support of the Board of Peace during the first meeting of the group in Washington, reaffirming its commitment to mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Türkiye is ready to contribute to Gaza "in every way possible," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.
- Türkiye hopes the US and Iran will reach a "genuine negotiation" without the need for military operation or war, said Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
- Former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen has been questioned by Norway’s economic crime authority Okokrim over alleged links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and provided a detailed statement addressing all matters under investigation, his lawyer confirmed.
- A fire broke out at the Al-Qardud camp for displaced people in Abu Jubaiha in South Kordofan state in southern Sudan, forcing 41 families to evacuate, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
- Gulf countries pledged more than $4 billion in combined financial support to US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace as they signaled financial backing for efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advancing regional stability.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that greater pressure must be placed on Russia to halt attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
- The Turkish Armed Forces 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade undertook significant roles in the land phase of NATO’s largest live exercise of 2025, participating with an artillery battery, combat engineer direct support and a field company.
- Azerbaijan does not plan to participate in the $7 billion in donations announced during the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, according to presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- Israeli tech entrepreneur says Gaza needs to reconnect to the world
Answering Gaza's needs requires reconnecting it to the world digitally and economically, said an Israeli tech entrepreneur.
Liran Tancman, a former Israeli Intelligence Corps official and a co-founder of the Israeli Cyber Command, was speaking during the inaugural meeting of the US-led Board of Peace in Washington, DC.
- Gaza’s reconstruction depends on Hamas’ disarmament: Cypriot-Israeli businessman
A massive redevelopment project aimed at rebuilding Gaza for future generations relies entirely on the full disarmament of the Palestinian group Hamas, Cypriot-Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay said at the inaugural meeting of the US-led Board of Peace in Washington, DC.
The ambitious initiative begins with the removal of 70 million tons of rubble, unexploded ordnance and hundreds of miles of underground tunnels.
He said the plan will provide fast temporary housing for the population while simultaneously initiating the construction of permanent homes and essential infrastructure.
The detailed master plan encompasses the development of modern schools, hospitals, manufacturing and agriculture sectors, transportation networks including roads and trains, and water and energy plants, according to Gabay.
- US holds discussions with Pakistan on development of its critical minerals and energy sectors
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the development of Pakistan’s critical minerals and energy sectors with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC.
Rubio thanked Pakistan for its ongoing support of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for the Gaza Strip and for participating in the board’s inaugural meeting as a founding member.
He also welcomed Pakistan’s participation in the recent critical minerals ministerial in the US capital, the State Department's principal deputy spokesman, Tommy Pigott, said in a statement.
- Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil 'floating very nicely' to Houston
US President Donald Trump said that 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil are currently en route to Houston, Texas.
"You've heard about Venezuela, and we're helping them very much with their oil. They got a lot of oil...We took 50 million barrels of oil. It's right now floating very nicely and (in) extremely large ships to Houston," he said at an event in the state of Georgia.
