Top world news as of February 25, 2026, includes escalating US-Iran tensions with military deployments, UN support for Ukraine on its war anniversary, deadly weather in Brazil, and ongoing violence in Sudan and Mexico.

US-Iran Tensions and Middle East Developments

  • President Trump delivered his State of the Union address, vowing strength against Iran over its nuclear program, calling it the world’s top terror sponsor, and threatening military action unless a nuclear deal is reached.[2][3][5][6]
  • The US deployed about a dozen F-22 fighter jets to Israel from a UK base, amid a regional military buildup including warships near Iran’s coast, as indirect US-Iran talks are set for Geneva.[2][3][5]
  • Iran nears a deal to buy anti-ship cruise missiles from China; campus protests continue for a fourth day, clashing with pro-government militias.[3]

Ukraine-Russia War Anniversary

  • On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution with 107 votes in favor, 12 against, and 51 abstentions, affirming Ukraine’s borders and condemning Russian attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure; Russia, Belarus, and Sudan voted against, while China and the US abstained.[1]

Brazil Floods and Latin America Violence

  • At least 22 died from heavy rains in southeastern Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, with 16 in Juiz de Fora and 6 in Uba.[1]
  • Violence in Mexico followed a cartel drug lord’s killing, stranding Americans, canceling flights, and prompting a warship deployment to Puerto Vallarta; Mexico warns of legal action against Elon Musk for linking President Sheinbaum to cartels.[3][5]
  • An American Airlines jet was apparently shot at while landing in Colombia, with bullet holes found post-flight in Miami.[5]

Other Key Events

  • France’s Louvre president, Laurence des Cars, resigned amid scandals including a jewel heist, accepted by President Macron for security improvements.[1]
  • In Sudan, RSF forces attacked a health center in Mustaria, destroying it and abducting a worker; drone strikes intensify in Cordofan targeting aid and facilities; Chad closed its border after clashes.[3]
  • US domestic incidents: 4 killed in a Seattle-area stabbing spree; Defense Secretary warns AI firm Anthropic on national security.[4][5]