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Week of 03 February – 09 February 2026 · ~6 min read

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Lead Story

Iran and US Resume Nuclear Talks in Oman

8 sources Medium sensationalism
  • • Iran and the United States confirmed nuclear talks in Oman scheduled for 06 February 2026, despite previous uncertainties surrounding the negotiations.
  • • President Donald Trump warned Iran's supreme leader to be 'very worried', increasing pressure on Tehran ahead of the discussions.
  • • Key issues on the agenda include uranium enrichment and Iran's ballistic missile programme, with Washington seeking to broaden the scope of talks.
  • • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as a 'good start', indicating a willingness to continue negotiations after initial discussions.
Dive deeper with AI: ChatGPT Claude Perplexity

💡 Why This Matters To You

For Iranians: potential easing of sanctions could improve economic conditions. Globally: stability in the Middle East affects energy prices and geopolitical relations.

Why It Matters

The outcome of these talks could significantly influence global oil markets, as any progress may lead to reduced tensions and increased Iranian oil exports. If negotiations falter, expect heightened military posturing in the region, which could disrupt shipping routes and elevate global energy prices.

How It's Being Framed

L

Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasise the need for diplomatic engagement and caution against military escalation.

C

Centre: Centrist outlets focus on the importance of finding common ground on nuclear and missile issues to ensure regional stability.

R

Right: Right-leaning outlets highlight the pressure from the US administration on Iran, framing it as essential for national security.

Coverage Balance

25% Left (2) 75% Centre (6) No right coverage
Left: The New York Times, The Guardian Centre: Al Monitor, France24, BBC World Service, Al Jazeera English, Foreign Policy, Axios

Right-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

U.S. and Iran Set for Talks in Oman

• 06 Feb 2026

Iran, US prepare for Oman talks after deadly protest crackdown

• 05 Feb 2026

What does Iran want from talks with the US?

• 05 Feb 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

Al Monitor coverage
France24 coverage
BBC World Service coverage

Policy & Governance

What's shaping policy and public institutions

US and Iran Initiate Nuclear Talks in Oman

7 sources Medium sensationalism
  • • US and Iranian officials confirm nuclear talks will take place in Oman on 07 February 2026.
  • • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describes the discussions as 'a good start' and indicates plans for further negotiations.
  • • The talks represent the first face-to-face discussions between the US and Iran since the 12-day war in June 2025.
  • • Both sides are expected to consult with their capitals before continuing negotiations, amid rising tensions and military threats.

💡 Why This Matters To You

For those in the region, these talks may reduce immediate military tensions. Globally, this could influence energy prices and geopolitical stability.

Why It Matters

The outcome of these talks is crucial as they may determine the future of US-Iran relations and nuclear policy. If negotiations stall, expect increased military posturing, which could destabilise the Middle East and lead to fluctuations in global oil markets, affecting economies worldwide.

Coverage Balance

28% Left (2) 71% Centre (5) No right coverage
Left: The New York Times, The Guardian Centre: Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera English, Al Monitor, Axios, France24

Right-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

Nuclear deal talks resume as US presses Iran on wider issues

• 06 Feb 2026

What the US and Iran are about to negotiate over isn’t clear

• 05 Feb 2026

Iran, US prepare for Oman talks after deadly protest crackdown

• 05 Feb 2026

Iran's foreign minister heads to Muscat for nuclear talks with US

• 05 Feb 2026

U.S. and Iran Set for Talks in Oman

• 06 Feb 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

Deutsche Welle coverage
Al Jazeera English coverage
Al Monitor coverage

US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Expires, Raising Global Tensions

6 sources Medium sensationalism Blindspot: 0% left coverage
  • • The New START treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the US and Russia, expired on 5 February 2026.
  • • This marks the first time since 1972 that both nations are not bound by formal limits on their nuclear arsenals, according to The Telegraph.
  • • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described this moment as 'grave,' indicating heightened risks of nuclear conflict, as reported by Le Monde.
  • • The US and Russia are reportedly negotiating to continue observing the treaty's terms informally, but this plan requires approval from both presidents.

💡 Why This Matters To You

For global citizens: the absence of nuclear limits increases the risk of conflict. For residents in affected regions: heightened tensions may lead to increased military presence.

Why It Matters

The expiration of the New START treaty significantly elevates the risk of nuclear arms escalation, as both the US and Russia can now expand their arsenals without restrictions. This change could destabilise global security, reminiscent of the Cold War era, when arms races led to widespread geopolitical tensions. If negotiations fail, expect increased military posturing and potential arms development, affecting international relations and security policies worldwide.

Coverage Balance

No left coverage 66% Centre (4) 33% Right (2)
Centre: Le Monde English, Deutsche Welle, Euractiv, Axios Right: The Telegraph, Daily Wire

Left-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

New START: Last US-Russia nuclear treaty expires, raising fears of new global arms race

• 05 Feb 2026

Last US-Russia nuclear treaty ends in 'grave moment' for world

• 05 Feb 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

The Telegraph coverage Paywall
Axios coverage
Daily Wire coverage
Statement from a U.S. official regarding the negotiations and agreement to operate in good faith on New START.
Announcement from U.S. European Command about the resumption of military-to-military dialogue with Russia.
Comments from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov regarding Russia's readiness for dialogue.

Zelenskyy Announces New Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

2 sources Medium sensationalism Blindspot: 0% right coverage
  • • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms trilateral peace talks with Russia and U.S. scheduled for February 4-5, 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
  • • Zelenskyy expresses optimism for a 'dignified and lasting peace' following discussions with his negotiating team on February 2, 2026.
  • • The upcoming talks aim to facilitate substantive discussions, with both sides preparing to address key issues affecting the ongoing conflict.
  • • This round of negotiations follows previous discussions and reflects ongoing international efforts to mediate the conflict.

💡 Why This Matters To You

For Ukrainians: renewed hope for peace negotiations. Globally: potential shifts in geopolitical stability and energy markets.

Why It Matters

If successful, these talks could lead to a significant de-escalation of the conflict, impacting energy prices and security dynamics across Europe. Last time major negotiations occurred (2022), tensions escalated, affecting global supply chains and leading to economic repercussions for multiple nations.

Coverage Balance

50% Left (1) 50% Centre (1) No right coverage
Left: The Independent Centre: Al Monitor

Right-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

Ukraine's Zelenskiy says dignified, lasting peace realistic, ahead of talks

• 02 Feb 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

The Independent coverage
Al Monitor coverage

Sudanese Doctor Escapes El-Fasher Amid Rebel Assault

2 sources Low sensationalism Blindspot: 0% right coverage
  • • A Sudanese doctor recounts his escape from el-Fasher, where RSF fighters have overrun the city, according to Al Jazeera (31 Jan 2026).
  • • The doctor describes the situation as dire, with the last functioning hospital in North Darfur province under attack for three months.
  • • His account provides a rare first-person perspective on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, as reported by The Independent (31 Jan 2026).
  • • The ongoing conflict raises concerns about the safety of medical personnel and the availability of healthcare for civilians in conflict zones.

💡 Why This Matters To You

For Sudanese citizens, the loss of medical facilities exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis. Globally, this situation highlights the urgent need for international intervention in conflict zones.

Why It Matters

The ongoing violence in el-Fasher threatens the health and safety of thousands, with reports indicating that over 1 million people in Darfur are in need of urgent medical assistance. If the situation continues, expect increased refugee flows into neighbouring countries, straining regional resources and international aid efforts.

Coverage Balance

50% Left (1) 50% Centre (1) No right coverage
Left: The Independent Centre: Al Jazeera English

Right-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

A Sudanese doctor recounts his harrowing escape from a Darfur city under rebel bombardment

• 31 Jan 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

Al Jazeera English coverage
The Independent coverage

UN Faces Financial Crisis Amid Funding Cuts

7 sources Medium sensationalism
  • • UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns the organisation could run out of money by July 2026 due to unpaid member dues, as reported on 30 January 2026.
  • • The financial crisis has intensified following funding cuts from the United States, particularly after President Trump's recent decision to slash U.S. contributions in January 2026.
  • • Guterres has called for member states to address their unpaid fees and to reform the UN's financial rules to prevent imminent collapse.
  • • Experts suggest that China is unlikely to fill the funding gap, further complicating the UN's financial stability.

💡 Why This Matters To You

For member states, this financial crisis may lead to reduced UN services and support. Globally, it threatens the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation on critical issues.

Why It Matters

If the UN runs out of funds by July 2026, it will severely hinder its ability to address global challenges such as climate change and humanitarian crises. Last time the UN faced a similar funding crisis, it led to significant operational cutbacks, affecting millions reliant on its programmes.

Coverage Balance

No left coverage 85% Centre (6) 14% Right (1)
Centre: BBC News, Channel NewsAsia, Le Monde English, BBC World Service, Al Jazeera English, South China Morning Post Right: Daily Wire

Left-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

Guterres warns UN faces ‘imminent financial collapse’

• 30 Jan 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

South China Morning Post coverage
BBC World Service coverage
Daily Wire coverage
Letter from UN Secretary General António Guterres to all 193 member states warning about imminent financial collapse due to unpaid contributions.

US Sets June Deadline for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

7 sources Medium sensationalism
  • • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces the US has proposed a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to end their nearly four-year war.
  • • The Trump administration aims to facilitate trilateral talks in Miami next week to address the ongoing conflict, according to Zelensky's statements on 7 February 2026.
  • • Zelensky indicates that if the June deadline is not met, the US will likely increase pressure on both nations to comply.
  • • The proposed peace deal is seen as ambitious, especially given the ongoing military actions, including Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities.

💡 Why This Matters To You

For Ukrainians: ongoing conflict continues to disrupt daily life. Globally: a resolution could stabilise energy markets and geopolitical relations.

Why It Matters

If the June deadline is not achieved, the situation may escalate, affecting energy prices and international relations. The conflict has already led to significant disruptions in energy supplies, which could worsen if hostilities continue. Historical precedents show that prolonged conflicts can lead to increased refugee flows and economic instability in surrounding regions.

Coverage Balance

No left coverage 85% Centre (6) 14% Right (1)
Centre: Channel NewsAsia, Al Jazeera English, Axios, France24, Euractiv, BBC World Service Right: Washington Examiner

Left-leaning outlets did not cover this story in our source roster.

📰 Read the Original Sources

First day of Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Geneva ends with no breakthroughs

• 17 Feb 2026

Zelensky says Ukrainian public won't let him hand Russia territory

• 17 Feb 2026

Trump gives Russia and Ukraine June deadline to end war: Zelensky

• 07 Feb 2026

🔗 Verify It Yourself

Al Jazeera English coverage
Channel NewsAsia coverage
Axios coverage
🌍

What the World is Watching

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