Gong News

Russia has condemned U.S. threats of military strikes on Iran, calling them illegal and dangerous. Moscow warns that attacking Iran, particularly its nuclear sites, could trigger a catastrophic global crisis.  Russia Condemns U.S. Threats Against Iran, Warns of Global Crisis It urges diplomatic solutions while defending Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, rejecting Western claims that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Tensions are rising as the U.S. escalates pressure on Iran, deploying more warplanes and threatening airstrikes.  Washington accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its program is for civilian energy. Economic sanctions and military threats have fueled fears of a larger conflict in the Middle East. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced military intervention as unacceptable.  Maria Zakharova ( Image source ) She warned that bombing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would have irreversible global consequences....

The United States has removed its $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani , a decision made shortly after the Taliban released American citizen George Glezmann , who had been held captive for two years. US Removes $10M Reward for Taliban Leader Sirajuddin Haqqani Amid Diplomatic Shifts and Hostage Release. Despite the reward’s removal, the FBI continues to list Haqqani on its website, highlighting his role in orchestrating attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan. This development suggests a shift in US policy amid ongoing negotiations with the Taliban. George Glezmann, who was abducted in December 2022 during a trip to Afghanistan, is the third American detainee freed by the Taliban since January 2025.  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the release as a “positive and constructive step,” acknowledging Qatar’s key role in facilitating the negotiations. The Taliban claims the release aligns with its broader...

Kyiv wakes to devastation early Sunday as nearly 150 Russian drones swarm the city. Explosions rock neighborhoods, destroying residential buildings and killing three civilians. A devastated residential building in Kyiv burns after a Russian drone strike, with rescue workers and emergency vehicles responding to the scene. Smoke rises into the evening sky as debris litters the ground, highlighting the destruction and human cost of the attack. Among the victims are a father, his 5-year-old daughter , and an 80-year-old woman who dies in her burning apartment. This marks the first deadly attack in Kyiv in over two months as ceasefire talks continue in Saudi Arabia . Kyiv Shaken But Not Broken Shortly after midnight, the blare of air raid sirens sends residents running for shelter. Explosions tear through homes, setting off fires and leaving destruction in their wake. Emergency crews work tirelessly, rescuing survivors as thick smoke covers the sky. The Ukrainian government responds...

Russia instructs propagandists to declare "victory" in the war against Ukraine and NATO on Feb. 24, the third anniversary of its full-scale invasion. Ukrainian military intelligence claims Russia aims to sow despair among Ukrainians and discredit Ukraine among its allies. Russia Plans to Declare 'Victory' Over Ukraine The Kremlin falsely claims it is at war with NATO. Western partners provide Ukraine with weapons but avoid sending troops to prevent escalation. Russia plans to spread the narrative that "Ukraine has been betrayed" by the West. Ukraine's allies generally ignored propaganda about Zelensky's legitimacy until U.S. President Trump accused Ukraine of starting the war. This claim ignores the impossibility of holding elections during martial law. Zelensky's term has been extended under Ukrainian law. The Security Service of Ukraine warns of Russia's informational and psychological operations aimed at dividing Ukrainian society. Russian...

Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are disappearing into Russian prisons, with a network of Russians and Ukrainians working to locate them. Russians and Ukrainians works together to locate thousands of Ukrainian civilians detained in Russian prisons Nadezhda Yevdokimova last saw her husband, Vlad, three years ago when Russian soldiers took him at a checkpoint in Ukraine. She received a call from a Russian prison guard who found her contact information on a paper hidden in a thread spool from Vlad's cell. The guard is part of a volunteer network in Russia who risk their lives to share information about detained Ukrainians. Lawyers and activists say Russian forces are illegally detaining Ukrainian civilians as they occupy Ukrainian territory. A Moscow lawyer calls it the biggest human rights crisis in modern Russia, with the number of victims growing significantly. A former Russian law enforcement official describes the kidnapping of civilians as a tool of terror, creating fear a...

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with Hamas leaders in Tehran. Khamenei tells Hamas they have defeated Israel and America. Acting Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya visits Tehran with two senior Hamas officials. The Hamas delegation comes to celebrate Iran's Islamic Revolution anniversary and express gratitude for Iran's support. During the meeting, Hamas leaders update Khamenei about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Al-Hayya expresses pride in meeting with Khamenei. Khamenei dismisses American threats against Iran. Hamas releases three Israeli hostages: Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy. The released hostages appear weak and underweight. Israel begins releasing Palestinian detainees as part of the exchange agreement. Article source

Can Trump deliver on his promise to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine? In 2024, Donald Trump promised to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine "in one day." However, after his election, his stance shifted, suggesting he could facilitate negotiations. While Russia, reeling from war losses, might welcome such talks, Ukraine remains hesitant, given Russia's brutal tactics. Despite Western fatigue and wavering support, Ukraine demands security guarantees, while Russia seeks an agreement to lift sanctions and secure territorial gains. Whether Trump can broker peace remains uncertain.

The nickel market in 2025 faces significant supply-demand imbalances. Nickel Market Faces Growing Challenges in 2025 While Asia, especially Indonesia and China, increases production, restrictions in Indonesia could reduce global output. This tightening supply may drive prices higher, impacting industries reliant on nickel, particularly electric vehicles. Experts warn that without an investment of $66 billion, nickel shortages could worsen. A global effort to secure critical minerals is essential to stabilize the market and meet future demand. News Source

US President Joe Biden commended Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi for Egypt’s “essential and historic role” in achieving the hostage deal. Biden Praises Egypt’s Role in Hostage Deal During a phone call, Biden acknowledged Egypt’s commitment to Middle East diplomacy and conflict resolution, the White House said. The statement aims to ease tensions following reports of Egyptian frustration over being sidelined in Qatar-led negotiations. Egypt’s influence in the region remains pivotal. Source

The UN World Food Program warns of funding hesitancy for Syria’s urgent aid under new interim rulers. WFP chief Cindy McCain emphasized Syria’s hunger crisis as a national and regional security issue during a visit to Damascus. Despite progress toward a political transition, donor fatigue persists. Arab nations are urged to provide sustained aid, while sanctions relief is debated to support food production and infrastructure rebuilding. Hunger remains a critical threat. Source