President Trump issued a 15-day ultimatum to Iran demanding a nuclear deal or face “really bad things,” amid reports of US military buildup and considerations for strikes on Iranian targets.[1]

US Politics and Policy

  • The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump overstepped authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under emergency powers, requiring congressional approval; Trump responded by announcing a new 10% “global” tariff under a trade law limited to 150 days without Congress.[2][3][4]
  • Trump administration restored a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia following a judge’s order and unfurled a banner with Trump’s image outside the Department of Justice.[1]
  • A suspect remains at large after stealing an ambulance, ramming it into a DHS office building in Meridian, Idaho, and attempting to set it on fire with gasoline.[1]
  • Major US-Taiwan trade deal lowers tariffs and secures billions in energy, aircraft, and tech purchases, signaling strength against China amid its rapid nuclear buildup and refusal of arms control talks.[4]
  • Efforts to remove Chinese influence from the Panama Canal advanced via Panama’s Supreme Court and government actions.[4]

International Tensions

  • US military reportedly ready for potential Iran strike starting Saturday, with options from limited actions to strikes on government, military, and nuclear sites; demands include ending Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.[1][3]
  • Hungary’s Fidesz party posted an AI-generated video depicting opposition-led war execution to warn against EU-aligned Ukraine support ahead of April elections amid economic woes.[2]
  • EU emergency meeting convened over Druzhba pipeline dispute; E5 defense ministers in Krakow stated “Europe has woken up.”[3]
  • China’s nuclear site expansions and shipbuilding dominance (200x US capacity) raise concerns, with calls for Trump to address threats publicly.[4]
  • Friedrich Merz of Germany heads to China to reset trade relations.[3]

Other Global News

  • British monarchy shaken by developments linked to Jeffrey Epstein files; Trump, a former Epstein associate (not accused of wrongdoing), expressed sympathy.[1]
  • Weather: California rain/snow system moves to Utah/Colorado; massive East Coast winter storm possible Sunday-Monday.[4]
  • Avalanche in US killed eight skiers; details emerging on victims.[4]
  • DC Mayor declares Anacostia River sewage spill a public emergency, seeking federal aid.[4]
  • Ramadan’s first Friday features mass prayers at al-Aqsa amid Gaza destruction; UN Palestine rapporteur faces French backlash but won’t resign; police search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s residences.[3]

These stories dominate broadcasts from ABC World News Tonight, Euronews, and others as of February 21, 2026.[1][2][3][4]