U.S.-Iran Relations

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens After Two-Year Closure, Easing Gaza-Egypt Movement Under Strict Scrutiny

The vital Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip reopened Sunday for limited passenger traffic, marking a significant shift after more than two years of closure. The move, part of a ceasefire deal, initiates a tightly controlled process allowing medical evacuations and returns, though humanitarian aid flow remains uncertain.

Feb 2, 2026

World

New Allegation Emerges: Second Epstein Accuser Claims Encounter with Prince Andrew at Windsor Estate

A second woman has come forward alleging the late financier Jeffrey Epstein arranged for her to have a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew in 2010, according to a BBC report. The claim surfaces amid renewed scrutiny following a major document release by U.S. authorities.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Frees Rights Activist Javier Tarazona in Sweeping Prisoner Release Initiative

Prominent Venezuelan human rights defender Javier Tarazona has been released after over four years in detention on charges widely condemned as politically motivated, as the government announces a new amnesty law and the U.S. re-engages diplomatically.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran Escalates Rhetoric, Labels EU Armies as 'Terrorists' Amid Rising US Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader warns of a broader regional war if the US launches an attack, as Tehran retaliates against the EU's terrorist designation of the Revolutionary Guards by branding European armies similarly. The moves come amidst a significant US naval buildup and fragile diplomatic signals.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Diplomatic Gambit: Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Talks Despite U.S. Military Posturing

Amid heightened regional tensions and a visible U.S. military buildup, Iran's Foreign Minister expresses cautious optimism for a nuclear deal, even as Tehran's supreme leader warns of a broader conflict should hostilities erupt.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Global Fallout: New Epstein Document Dump Triggers Political Resignations, Diplomatic Tensions

The latest release of millions of pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigations has sent shockwaves from European capitals to New Delhi, implicating figures in business, politics, and royalty, and forcing governments into damage control.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Accuses Cuba of Harassment After Protesters Confront Top Diplomat

Washington has formally accused Havana of orchestrating intimidation tactics against its chief envoy, following a series of heated public confrontations that underscore escalating bilateral tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing to Partially Reopen Monday Amid Lingering Fears and Unmet Aid Needs

Israel announces a limited, security-heavy reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt, allowing some medical evacuations while concerns mount over aid access and the safety of returnees.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How 'Axis' Became a Geopolitical Weapon

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved from a descriptive label to a powerful political tool, framing global rivalries and shaping diplomatic realities.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Khamenei Warns U.S. Strike Would Ignite "Regional War" as Gulf Tensions Simmer

Iran's Supreme Leader issues his most direct threat yet amid heightened U.S. military presence and stalled diplomacy, while internal crackdown death toll estimates soar.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Warsh's Fed Return Ignites Debate Over Trillion-Dollar Balance Sheet Legacy

President Trump's anticipated nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, a vocal critic of the central bank's post-crisis asset purchases, is shifting market focus from interest rates to the future of the Fed's $6.6 trillion balance sheet and its fundamental role in financial markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amphenol Doubles Down on AI Infrastructure with Major CommScope Acquisition

In a strategic move to solidify its position in the booming AI data center market, Amphenol has struck a deal to acquire CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions division, marking one of its most significant acquisitions to date.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Salesforce Secures Major U.S. Army AI Contract, Joins Wildfire Tech Coalition

Salesforce expands its enterprise footprint with a landmark $5.6 billion defense contract and a new role in an AI-driven wildfire response initiative, signaling a strategic push into mission-critical government and infrastructure sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Allegion Doubles Down on Smart Security to Cement Institutional Market Position

Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) is accelerating its strategic shift toward integrated smart security platforms, emphasizing digital credentials, connected locks, and cloud-based access control to meet growing demand from commercial and institutional clients.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Staged Images of Khamenei Aim to Project Strength as Regime Faces Internal Strains, Critics Claim

Iranian opposition figures allege recent state media images of Supreme Leader Khamenei are a calculated display meant to bolster morale within the security apparatus, as the regime confronts domestic unrest and international pressure.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Illinois Mother of Six Fatally Stabbed in Oswego Home; Ex-Husband Charged with Murder

Ashley Stewart, 41, was killed in an alleged attack by her ex-husband inside her Oswego residence. The suspect, Ryan Dodd, faces multiple felony charges as friends remember Stewart as a 'beacon of light' and a community rallies to support her grieving family.

Feb 2, 2026

US

A Mother Strangled as Child Slept Nearby: Digital Trail Leads to Ex-Boyfriend's Conviction in Virginia Murder

The brutal 2022 murder of Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, a 28-year-old mother, sent shockwaves through her Virginia community. What initially seemed a mystery was unraveled by a relentless investigation that pieced together a stalking ex-boyfriend's digital footprint, leading to a first-degree murder conviction and a life sentence.

Feb 2, 2026

US

RFK Jr. Breaks Silence on Kennedy Family Rift Amidst Cousin's Tragic Passing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly addressed the deep divisions within America's most storied political family, following the death of his cousin Tatiana Schlossberg and amidst ongoing policy controversies that have placed him at odds with his relatives.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Musk Denies Epstein Association, Claims Media Smear Campaign Amid Email Revelations

Elon Musk has issued a forceful rebuttal to allegations linking him to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of emails showing past correspondence. The tech mogul asserts he is being unfairly targeted and positions himself as a champion for Epstein's victims.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Napa's Changing Landscape: Hall of Fame Coach Dick Vermeil Closes Tasting Room Amid Industry Downturn

As the U.S. wine industry grapples with a multi-year slump, iconic tasting rooms are shuttering. The latest casualty is Hall of Fame NFL coach Dick Vermeil's Napa venue, a move reflecting broader shifts in consumer habits and market pressures.

Feb 2, 2026