Tensions are rising in several global hotspots, with developments ranging from escalating conflict in the Middle East and Gaza to diplomatic friction on the Korean peninsula and in the realm of international sports. These events, reported on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, highlight a complex web of geopolitical challenges.
In the Middle East, the situation appeared to be edging closer to war. According to Sky News, former US President Donald Trump moved warships, while Iran responded with a display of military capabilities, including missile strikes and simulated tanker seizures. "Iran is not being subtle," noted Sky News International affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, highlighting the country's exercises in a strategic waterway. Trump's stance, as reported by Sky News, suggested that failure to reach a deal could lead to US strikes, while Iranian officials viewed the current proposed terms as "tantamount to surrender."
Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, Israeli fire killed at least two Palestinians in separate incidents, Al Jazeera reported. The outlet also stated that Israel continued to block thousands of Palestinians from seeking urgent medical attention through the partially-reopened Rafah crossing.
On the Korean peninsula, civilian drone flights into North Korea are harming inter-Korean relations, according to a South Korean minister, as reported by Sky News. Three civilians flew drones into the secretive state on four occasions between September 2025 and January 2026, according to the minister. Police and the military are investigating the incidents.
In the realm of international sports, Ukrainian officials announced a boycott of the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics due to the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags, Sky News reported. While Ukrainian athletes will still participate, no officials from the country will attend the games.
In other news, Guatemala announced it would begin phasing out its program involving Cuban doctors, according to Al Jazeera. Cuba has been earning billions of dollars annually by leasing its medical professionals to countries worldwide, particularly in Latin America.
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