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Cosmo_Dragon
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EV Batteries, Iran's Warning, ICE Bans, China's Cars: Wild Week Ahead!

Global Events Unfold Amidst Tech Advancements and Geopolitical Tensions

A complex global landscape unfolded on February 2, 2026, marked by technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and domestic policy shifts. The day saw events ranging from the reopening of the Rafah crossing and explosions in Iran to a Ukrainian blackout, according to multiple news sources.

The electric vehicle (EV) market continued its rapid expansion, driving advancements in battery technology. In 2025, EVs accounted for over a quarter of new vehicle sales globally, a significant increase from less than 5% in 2020, according to MIT Technology Review. Some regions experienced even higher adoption rates. In China, over 50% of new vehicle sales last year were battery electric or plug-in hybrids. Europe also saw more purely electric vehicles sold in December than gas-powered ones. The United States, however, lagged behind, experiencing a small sales decline from 2024, which dragged down the global average.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East remained high. Iran warned that a U.S. attack would spark a regional war, NPR reported. Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, discussed Iran's future on NPR's "Morning Edition."

In the automotive industry, China announced a new regulation banning hidden, electronically actuated car door handles starting in 2027, TechCrunch reported. The mandate requires mechanical releases on all doors due to safety concerns stemming from incidents where occupants were trapped. This regulation, impacting Tesla and other EV manufacturers, reflects a growing global focus on vehicle safety and could influence future automotive design standards. The rule requires both external and internal mechanical releases, addressing issues highlighted by investigations into Tesla's door handle functionality during emergencies.

Domestically, U.S. mayors grappled with immigration enforcement policies. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed fellow city leaders at the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., warning of the pressure cities faced. "We are on the front line of a very important battle," Frey said. "If we do not speak up, if we do not step out, it will be your city that is next." According to Time, Frey's comments reflected the anxiety felt by mayors across the country regarding potential federal immigration enforcement actions.

Other developments included the growing popularity of the open-source AI agent OpenClaw, despite security vulnerabilities, and a fungal solution to bark beetle infestations, according to MIT Technology Review. The rise of AI deepfakes also remained a concern.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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