US Military Buildup in Middle East Amid Iran Tensions; Homeland Security Faces Shutdown – 2/13/2026, 4:24:25 PM

Top World News Headlines as of February 13, 2026

US military buildup in the Middle East intensifies amid tensions with Iran. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is deploying to join the USS Abraham Lincoln already in the region, as President Trump considers military action against Iran’s nuclear sites during ongoing nuclear talks.[3][5]

FBI escalates search for kidnapped NBC anchor’s mother, Nancy Guthrie. New details released on the suspect seen at her door on February 1 wearing a mask, gloves, and an Ozark Trail backpack; reward increased, with family frustrated after 13 days.[3][5]

US Department of Homeland Security faces shutdown. Funding set to expire at day’s end with no congressional deal, as Democrats demand immigration enforcement changes amid partisan deadlock.[5]

Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket launches successfully. Most powerful version blasts off from French Guiana with 32 satellites for Amazon’s Leo broadband constellation.[4]

Ukraine developments at 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskovich disqualified; two more athletes’ helmets banned by IOC for politicization; Foreign Minister calls it a “shame.”[4]

European political tensions rise. Hungary’s opposition leader Péter Magyar accuses PM Viktor Orbán’s party of a blackmail campaign; Norwegian police search ex-PM properties over Epstein links.[4]

Russia-Ukraine war updates. French armed forces minister praises Ukraine’s resilience amid Russian energy strikes, urges EU role in peace talks and supply of drone interceptors/missiles; Pentagon pushes Europeans for more defense responsibility at NATO meeting.[4]

Other notable US stories. President Trump pardons five ex-NFL players for crimes like perjury and drug trafficking; judge blocks Pentagon punishment of Sen. Mark Kelly over troop video, citing First Amendment; CIA video seeks Chinese spies; colorectal cancer concerns after James Van Der Beek’s death.[3][5]

Winter Olympics medal leaders. Italy tops with 17 medals; Norway and US tied at 14.[5]

These headlines are synthesized from morning broadcasts; midday updates may evolve.[3][4][5][6] Astrology and entertainment stories (e.g., horoscopes, long-term couples) appear in results but are not classified as world news.[1][2][5]