Oil Prices Surge, F-22s Land in Israel Amid US-Iran Tensions – 2/26/2026, 12:25:34 PM

Here are the major world news stories currently developing:

India-Israel Relations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli parliament, declaring that India stands “firmly and with full conviction” with Israel in its fight against terrorism, asserting that “terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere.”[1] Modi received the Knesset Speaker’s Medal, the highest honor of the Israeli parliament.[1]

US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations: Diplomats from Iran and the United States are meeting in Geneva for their third round of nuclear negotiations.[1] Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Saraki stated that a deal with Washington is “within reach” and called the moment a “historic opportunity for an agreement,” though he cautioned that progress depends on diplomacy taking priority.[1] The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier group to West Asia and sanctioned over 30 individuals, companies, and vessels accused of helping Iran sell oil through a “shadow fleet.”[1][2]

Military Escalation in Middle East: The US has landed approximately a dozen Air Force F-22 fighter jets in Israel as a show of force.[2] President Trump has threatened military action against Iran unless the Iranian regime agrees to a nuclear deal.[2]

Oil Price Surge: Global oil prices reached seven-month highs, with Brent crude futures trading around $71 per barrel in London, driven by geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.[1]

North Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un claimed his nuclear-armed country could destroy South Korea if its security were threatened, while leaving the door open to dialogue with Washington.[1] He called for developing new weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles.[1]

Security Incidents: An American Airlines passenger jet was shot at while landing in Colombia, with bullet holes discovered after it touched down in Miami.[2] Additionally, four people were killed in a stabbing rampage outside Seattle.[2]