Here are the major world news stories from February 18, 2026:

U.S. Military Strikes in Latin America

The U.S. military carried out strikes on three boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing at least 11 people, with no evidence provided that the vessels were carrying drugs.[1] This marks part of a broader campaign—since September, the U.S. military has conducted 42 known strikes on small vessels near Latin America, resulting in at least 145 deaths total.[1] The strikes follow the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife weeks earlier; both face trial in New York on drug trafficking and narcoterrorism charges.[1] The Washington Office on Latin America stated that those killed “are denied any due process whatsoever.”[1]

Iran-U.S. Nuclear Negotiations

U.S. and Iranian officials held nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with both sides reporting progress and expressing hope for a third round of negotiations.[7] However, Iran’s Foreign Minister cautioned that more work remains to be done on reaching a deal.[1] During negotiations, Iran temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil passes.[1] Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning, stating “The strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet.”[1]

Bangladesh’s New Government

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was sworn in Tuesday following his party’s landslide victory in parliamentary elections.[1] Rahman returned to Bangladesh last year after 17 years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom.[1] Voters simultaneously approved constitutional changes designed to prevent authoritarianism, following the 2024 toppling of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for ordering a crackdown that killed 1,400 people.[1]

Media Freedom Crisis

More than 250 journalists and media members have been killed in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera, highlighting what activist Georgia Fort described as “a global crisis.”[1]