Key world news headlines as of February 12, 2026, include US diplomatic efforts in the Caucasus, Bangladesh’s pivotal elections, a French astronaut’s ISS mission, and rising migrant deaths in the Mediterranean.

US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

  • The US vice president announced bilateral agreements, including a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, bolstering the US-mediated peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.[1]
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former President Trump to discuss Iran nuclear talks, resumed after US strikes on Iranian atomic sites during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran last July; Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s security needs.[1]
  • A European Council on Foreign Relations survey indicates the US is no longer viewed as a “necessary partner” in Europe.[1]

Elections and Politics

  • Bangladesh holds its first legislative elections since the 2024 student uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; voters choose between a long-dominant right-wing family-led party and an Islamist party.[1]
  • In the US, Democrats passed a measure 219-211 in the House, with six Republicans joining, though specifics are not detailed.[1]

Humanitarian and Migration Crises

  • At least 524 migrants died or went missing from January 1 to February 10 while attempting crossings from North Africa to Europe.[1]
  • Ongoing house-by-house colonization in East Jerusalem and its suburbs continues, displacing Palestinian families who have lived there for generations after Israel’s 1980 annexation.[1]

Science and Space

  • At 43, French helicopter pilot Sophie Adenot is set to become the 11th French astronaut and second French woman in space, spending eight months on the International Space Station and setting a European record.[1]

Other Notable Developments

  • A US House panel, led by Democrat Jamie Raskin, criticized the slow release of six million Jeffrey Epstein files, with only three million turned over despite subpoenas; Pam Bondi cited a 30-day review period.[1]
  • A Ukrainian skeleton racer, Vladyslav Heraskevych, plans to wear a banned Olympic helmet featuring portraits of war-killed Ukrainian athletes to highlight the conflict; Ukraine’s Olympic committee appealed the International Olympic Committee’s decision, earning praise from President Zelenskyy.[2]
  • Lighter stories include a manatee rescue at SeaWorld and chaos from Alibaba’s free bubble tea promotion in China to promote its AI chatbot Quen during Lunar New Year.[2]

These summaries draw from major outlets like Le Monde, focusing on events published early February 12 in Paris time (aligned with UTC morning).[1][2] Coverage from Republic TV lacks specific details.[3]