US Forces Strike Drug Boats, Iran and US Agree on Principles, and Other News
Washington, DC - February 18, 2026 - US forces conducted strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the Pacific and Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, while Iran and the United States reached an understanding on "guiding principles" after nuclear talks in Geneva. Additionally, a new report revealed that a journalist in Angola was targeted with spyware, and Jesse Jackson's efforts to empower Arab Americans and support the Palestinian cause were highlighted.
According to Sky News, the US military strikes occurred on three boats. Two vessels, each carrying four people, were hit in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and a third boat with three people was struck in the Caribbean Sea. US Southern Command stated that intelligence confirmed the vessels were "transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations."
Meanwhile, in Geneva, Iran and the United States agreed on "guiding principles" following discussions on Tehran's nuclear capabilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while an agreement may not be reached soon, "the path has started." Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, described the talks as "constructive" and noted "good progress" had been made, according to Sky News.
In other news, a report by Amnesty International revealed that a journalist in Angola was targeted with Intellexa's Predator spyware. The journalist, Teixeira Cândido, received malicious links via WhatsApp in 2024 and his iPhone was subsequently hacked after clicking on one of the links. The report highlights the increasing use of spyware by government customers to target journalists and other individuals, according to TechCrunch.
Furthermore, Al Jazeera reported on the impact of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who used his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 to highlight Arab-American issues and support Palestinian rights. Jackson called on the Democratic Party to welcome those who have suffered from marginalization, including Arab Americans and Palestinian rights supporters.
In related developments, Hamas urged President Donald Trump's Board of Peace to compel Israel to halt violations of the Gaza deal brokered by the United States last October. The first formal meeting of the controversial body is scheduled for Thursday in Washington, DC, as Palestinians await the second phase of the peace agreement, according to Al Jazeera.
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