**Summary:** US President Donald Trump refuted media reports claiming that General Daniel Caine cautioned Washington against military action against Iran, calling the stories "100 per cent incorrect" on Truth Social. Trump asserted that Caine believes any military action against Iran would be "easily won" if ordered.

**Key points:**
- Media reports claimed General Daniel Caine cautioned the US President about serious risks, including prolonged conflict, from military action against Iran.
- Trump stated that General Caine, like himself, would prefer not to see war.
- Trump reiterated his warning to Iran to agree to the US nuclear deal or face "a very bad day."
- The US continues to strengthen its military presence in the region, with hundreds of servicemen transferred from Qatar's Al Udeid base.
- Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is expected to meet a US delegation in Geneva for nuclear program talks.

**Why it matters:** The exchange highlights ongoing high tensions between the US and Iran regarding military options and nuclear negotiations, set against reported US military posturing in the region.

News18 - Trump Rejects Claims Of Top General Advising Against Iran Strike Risks: '100% Incorrect'

Deccan Chronicle - Trump Refutes Reports of Top General Advising Against War With Iran

Trump Denies Reports of General Caine Advising Against Iran Strike Risks

**Summary:** The USA women's hockey team declined an invitation from President Trump to join the men's team at the State of the Union following their Winter Olympics gold medal victories. The President had extended the invitation to both teams after the men defeated Canada, joking he would face impeachment if he didn't include the women.

**Key points:**
- The women's team won their gold medal before the men's team.
- The women cited previously scheduled academic and professional commitments for their non-attendance.
- The men's team immediately accepted President Trump's offer to attend.
- Backlash followed the invitation structure, highlighting the female athletes' achievements.

**Why it matters:** This event highlights tensions surrounding the recognition of female athletes' achievements in contrast to the attention given to their male counterparts by political figures.

Hockey, la nazionale femminile Usa declina l’invito di Trump per una battuta sessista

Team USA women's hockey stars turn down White House invite amid controversy over Trump's call with the men

U.S. women's hockey team declines Trump's invitation to the State of the Union - NBC News

US Women's Hockey Team Declines White House Invite Amid Trump Controversy

**Summary:** Peter Mandelson, the 72-year-old former British minister and ambassador to the United States, was arrested in London by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This arrest follows an investigation stemming from the release of U.S. Justice Department files linked to the convicted sex offender.

**Key points:**
- Mandelson was arrested at an address in Camden, London, and taken to a police station for questioning.
- The arrest follows search warrants executed at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.
- The arrest occurred four days after British police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, in a similar investigation.
- Mandelson previously served as an EU Trade Commissioner and was a member of the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
- Mandelson had previously denied any wrongdoing in his interactions with Epstein.

**Why it matters:** The arrest of a high-profile former British official like Peter Mandelson in connection with the Epstein case signals a significant escalation of the international investigation into the financier's associates.

Epstein files: Ex-UK ambassador to U.S. Peter Mandelson arrested in London, reports say

Affaire Epstein : l’ancien ministre et ambassadeur britannique Peter Mandelson a été arrêté par la police

La policía británica arresta al exministro laborista Peter Mandelson por su relación con el ‘caso Epstein’

Lo scandalo Epstein, Scotland Yard arresta l'ex ambasciatore britannico Mandelson

Affaire Epstein : Peter Mandelson, ex-ministre et ambassadeur britannique, a été arrêté, annonce la police londonienne

Former UK Minister Peter Mandelson Arrested in Epstein Case

**Summary:** Slovakia has stopped supplying electricity to Ukraine and will not provide assistance in stabilizing Ukraine's energy grid, according to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. This action is a direct response to Ukraine not resuming Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline.

**Key points:**
- The halt follows Fico's threat on Saturday to cut off emergency power supplies if Kyiv did not restore Russian oil deliveries by Monday.
- Slovakia's only oil refinery, Slovnaft, has not received crude oil since the end of January due to damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
- Ukrainian MFA called the conditions set by Slovakia and Hungary provocative and irresponsible, urging them to issue ultimatums to the Kremlin instead of Kyiv.
- In January, emergency electricity deliveries from Slovakia and Hungary accounted for 68% of Ukraine's imported power, according to ExPro.

**Why it matters:** This escalation highlights the growing tension between Ukraine and its neighbors over energy supply disruptions caused by the damaged Druzhba pipeline, impacting Ukraine's energy stability amid Russian attacks.

rp.pl - Słowacja wstrzymuje dostawy prądu do Ukrainy. Fico: Nie będzie pomocy

rmf24.pl - Słowacja wstrzymała dostawy prądu do Ukrainy. "Od dziś obowiązuje zasada..."

Slovakia Halts Electricity Exports to Ukraine Over Oil Transit Dispute

**Summary:** The European Parliament has formally paused the ratification process for the EU-USA trade agreement due to uncertainty following US President Donald Trump's latest tariff announcements. The move was confirmed by Bernd Lange, Chairman of the Trade Committee, who demanded clear assurances from the US regarding adherence to the deal.

**Key points:**
- The vote in the European Parliament's trade committee, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.
- The pause is a reaction to US President Trump announcing a worldwide import tariff rate of 10%, later raised to 15%, after a Supreme Court decision against his previous tariff policy.
- The agreement reached in August 2025 included generalized tariffs of 15% on most EU imports to the US, down from an initial 30%, and zero tariffs on American lobster.
- This is the second time the European Parliament has suspended the legislative process for the agreement.
- The EU Commission and the German government are seeking clarity from Washington on the new US tariff policy to ensure planning security for businesses.

**Why it matters:** The suspension signals significant friction in EU-US trade relations, jeopardizing an agreement intended to provide legal certainty and stability for businesses on both sides.

EU-Parlament stoppt Umsetzung von Zolldeal mit USA vorerst

EU: Kreise: US-Zoll auf EU-Importe soll 15 Prozent betragen

UE wstrzymuje zatwierdzenie wielkiej umowy handlowej z USA

UE suspende tramitación del acuerdo comercial con Estados Unidos ante incertidumbre arancelaria

EU Parliament Halts Ratification of Trade Deal with USA Over Tariff Uncertainty

**Summary:** UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body provisionally suspended Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni for one match due to alleged discriminatory behavior against Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during the first leg of the Champions League playoff in Lisbon. Vinícius reported being called a racial slur, prompting the referee to activate the anti-racism protocol.

**Key points:**
- The suspension prevents Prestianni from playing in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
- The provisional ban is based on a prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations concerning discriminatory conduct.
- Prestianni denies the allegation that he called Vinícius a racial slur, while Kylian Mbappé allegedly stated Prestianni used the slur five times.
- Benfica has announced its intention to appeal the provisional decision.
- The incident occurred after Vinícius scored the 0-1 goal in the first leg on February 17.

**Why it matters:** This immediate disciplinary action by UEFA highlights the governing body's commitment to addressing racism in football while the full investigation, which could lead to severe sanctions under Article 14, remains ongoing.

thenationonlineng.net - BREAKING: UEFA suspends Prestianni amid racism allegations

latercera.com - La UEFA suspende provisoriamente a Prestianni tras acusaciones de racismo de Vinícius

faz.net - Nach Rassismus-Vorfall: UEFA sperrt Prestianni für Rückspiel

huffingtonpost.es - La UEFA suspende provisionalmente un partido a Prestianni por "comportamiento discriminatorio" con Vinícius

eldiario.es - La UEFA sanciona a Prestianni por los insultos racistas a Vinicius y no jugará en la vuelta de Champions en el Bernabéu

UEFA provisionally suspends Benfica's Prestianni over racism claim by Vinícius Jr.

**Summary:** The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague formally opened the confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte, 80, to determine if there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

**Key points:**
- The charges against Duterte relate to murder and attempted murder in 78 cases between 2013 and 2019, stemming from his "war on drugs."
- Duterte, who has been detained in Scheveningen since March 2025, waived his right to appear at the hearing.
- The prosecution, represented by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, outlined three counts involving deaths linked to the Davao Death Squad (DDS) and police operations.
- Victims' representatives expressed disappointment over Duterte's absence, arguing his presence was vital for justice.

**Why it matters:** The proceedings are closely watched by victims' families hoping for justice, as victims' representatives stated domestic avenues for justice appeared blocked, citing a former Justice Secretary's admission that evidence was erased.

FAZ.net - Prozess gegen Duterte: „Wenn ich Präsident werde, werdet ihr alle ausgelöscht“

inquirer.net - WATCH: Prosecution’s submission of the merits at ICC hearing on Rodrigo Duterte’s case

BusinessWorld Online - ICC begins pre-trial hearing on Duterte’s crimes against humanity charges

ICC Pre-Trial Hearing Begins Against Former Philippine President Duterte

**Summary:** A federal operation targeting Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), resulted in significant violence, including armed confrontations, vehicle burnings, and road blockades primarily in Jalisco, Mexico. Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed 61 total fatalities, comprising 34 alleged criminals and 25 federal forces, including National Guard elements, a custodian, and an FGJ agent.

**Key points:**
- The initial clash in Tapalpa, Jalisco, involved the Army and CJNG security, leading to the death of eight criminals and the seizure of an arsenal including two rocket launchers.
- Following the action, 27 aggressive acts were registered in Jalisco, resulting in the deaths of 25 National Guard elements, one custodian, and one state FGJ agent, plus 30 alleged criminals killed in those attacks.
- Four alleged criminals were killed in Michoacán, and 15 security personnel were injured in the related violence.
- The US Embassy in Mexico issued a third security alert, advising US citizens and diplomatic personnel to shelter in place across numerous states due to ongoing security operations and associated criminal activity.
- The location of 'El Mencho' was reportedly revealed through military intelligence tracking one of his sentimental partners.

**Why it matters:** The high casualty count underscores the intensity of the confrontation with the CJNG, leading to widespread security disruptions like transportation cancellations and toll booth closures across several Mexican states.

El operativo: Ubican a 'Mencho' por seguimiento a su pareja

Seguimiento a novia del ‘Mencho’ reveló su escondite en Tapalpa, revela la Sedena

Emite alerta de seguridad de la Embajada de Estados Unidos en México por violencia tras muerte de ‘El Mencho’

García Harfuch confirma 34 delincuentes del CJNG muertos y 25 elementos de la GN fallecidos en operativo contra ‘El Mencho’

México: 25 militares de la Guardia Nacional y 30 delincuentes murieron en ataques tras el operativo contra ‘El Mencho’

Violent Clashes Follow Operation Against CJNG Leader 'El Mencho'