ICC Diplomacy

World

Exclusive: Iran's Leadership Fears U.S. Military Action Could Spark Uncontrollable Uprising, Sources Reveal

Senior Iranian officials have privately warned Supreme Leader Khamenei that public fury over a recent bloody crackdown has eroded the 'wall of fear,' raising concerns that even a limited U.S. strike could embolden protesters and threaten the regime's stability, according to multiple sources familiar with high-level discussions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Coeur Mining Clears Final Hurdle for New Gold Acquisition, Eyes North American Expansion

The Supreme Court of British Columbia has granted final approval for Coeur Mining's acquisition of New Gold, moving the deal into its final regulatory phase. The transaction, poised to significantly expand Coeur's precious metals footprint, advances as the miner's stock shows considerable strength over the past year.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Silver's Shine Dims, But This Streaming Giant Remains a Top Bet for Investors

Despite recent volatility in silver prices, Wheaton Precious Metals' unique streaming model positions it to generate robust cash flow, making it a standout choice for exposure to the precious metal.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How the 'Axis' Metaphor Reshapes Global Alliances and Rivalries

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved into a potent geopolitical label. Its revival to describe groupings like the 'Axis of Upheaval' reveals how language frames modern conflicts and defines the boundaries of legitimacy in international politics.

Feb 2, 2026

US

The Reykjavik Promise: How a 1986 Summit Nearly Banished Nukes—And Why That Dream Is Fading

Forty years after Reagan and Gorbachev's historic meeting in Iceland envisioned a world free of nuclear weapons, expired treaties, rising stockpiles, and new global players are fueling a dangerous relapse.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Chile, Brazil, and Mexico Formally Nominate Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General

In a joint diplomatic push, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico have officially submitted former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's candidacy to become the first woman to lead the United Nations, as the race to succeed Antonio Guterres heats up.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

TSMC Bets Big on AI Future with Record $56 Billion Capex Plan, Fueling Market Optimism

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has unveiled an aggressive capital expenditure plan for 2026, signaling robust confidence in sustained demand driven by artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, which has spurred a significant rally in its shares and upward revisions from analysts.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Diplomatic Thaw Emerges as Iran Signals Readiness to Revive Nuclear Talks with U.S.

Amid a fragile de-escalation, Tehran confirms it is reviewing regional mediation proposals and expects a framework for renewed negotiations with Washington within days, though significant hurdles remain.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Bets Big on Pennsylvania with $3.5 Billion Plant for Next-Gen Weight Loss Drugs

The pharmaceutical giant's final major U.S. facility will rise in Pennsylvania's historic Lehigh Valley, aiming to produce its promising triple-hormone drug retatrutide and bolster domestic supply chains for blockbuster obesity treatments.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Bangladesh's Pivotal Vote: A Strategic Reckoning for India, China, and Pakistan

As Bangladesh heads to the polls on February 12 under an interim government, its geopolitical alignments are shifting. The outcome will test the influence of regional powers India, China, and Pakistan in a nation navigating a post-Hasina political landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Reports Brief Respite in Energy Strikes, But Frontline Attacks Continue

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy notes a 24-hour pause in targeted Russian strikes on energy grids, yet civilian casualties mount in frontline regions. The reported lull follows a disputed, short-term truce brokered by the U.S., as both sides prepare for talks in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Heads to Israel for High-Stakes Talks on Iran, Gaza

Senior U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Jerusalem for meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and military leaders, as Washington seeks to navigate escalating regional tensions with Iran and advance efforts to end the Gaza conflict.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Stifel Trims Altria Price Target Amid Cost Pressures, Maintains Buy on Dividend Strength

Stifel Nicolaus lowered its price target on Altria Group (MO) by $4 to $68, citing higher-than-expected operating costs. Despite near-term headwinds, the firm reaffirmed its Buy rating, pointing to the tobacco giant's resilient dividend profile and long-term earnings guidance.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Philippine VP Sara Duterte Hit with Fresh Impeachment Complaints Over Corruption Allegations

Vice President Sara Duterte faces renewed impeachment efforts in the Philippine Congress, centered on allegations of misusing millions in confidential funds. The move reignites political tensions in a nation grappling with the legacies of powerful political dynasties.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Warsh's Fed Balance Sheet Ambition Faces Daunting Market Realities

Nominee Kevin Warsh's desire to aggressively shrink the Federal Reserve's multi-trillion dollar holdings collides with a financial system now structurally dependent on ample liquidity, making rapid contraction a high-risk endeavor, analysts say.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cash-Rich Stocks: Two Long-Term Holds and One to Approach with Caution

A strong cash position can signal financial resilience or a lack of growth ambition. We analyze three companies with significant net cash, identifying two with sustainable growth runways and one where the cash pile may mask underlying risks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Immunocore's Valuation Puzzle: Short-Term Volatility Masks Long-Term Promise

Immunocore Holdings (IMCR) shares have experienced notable turbulence, declining over 7% in a week. Yet, a significant gap between its current price and analyst fair value estimates highlights a debate over the biotech's future, heavily reliant on its lead asset KIMMTRAK and pipeline execution.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Political Survivor: Anutin Charnvirakul's Canny Path to Power Faces Voter Test

As Thailand heads to the polls, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—a master political operator known for his ability to navigate crises—seeks to retain power. His tenure has been marked by strategic reversals, controversial policies, and the delicate balancing of conservative elites and public expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran Escalates Diplomatic Row, Summons EU Ambassadors Over Revolutionary Guard Terror Designation

Iran has summoned the ambassadors of all European Union member states in Tehran in a sharp diplomatic protest against the bloc's move to formally designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Kuya Silver's Record Output at Bethania Fuels Expansion Hopes, But Valuation Questions Loom

Kuya Silver reports a record quarterly production haul from its Bethania silver mine alongside accelerated underground development, drawing investor focus. However, a premium valuation against a backdrop of ongoing losses presents a complex picture for the junior miner.

Feb 2, 2026