International News February 2, 2026

U.S.-Iran nuclear talks gain momentum on February 2, 2026, as Tehran eyes frameworks amid eased tensions and U.S. military posturing. Pakistan kills 145 Baloch militants after deadly separatist attacks, while Rafah crossing partially reopens in Gaza under strict limits. Global headlines also feature Japan’s deep-sea rare earth breakthrough, India-EU trade boosts, and massive U.S. protests against Trump policies.aljazeera+2

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy Thaws

Iran examines regional proposals for U.S. nuclear talks, expecting a framework soon as tensions ease post-protest crackdown; President blames Trump/Netanyahu for stirring division. Trump warns of “armada” but signals deal possible; U.S. embassy reopens in Venezuela as diplomatic wins mount. Iranian protester Erfan Soltani released on bail after death sentence scare.havanatimes+3youtube+1

Pakistan Crushes Baloch Insurgency

Pakistani forces eliminate 145 fighters in Balochistan after separatist attacks kill 31 civilians, dozens more; manhunt underway threatening CPEC and U.S./China ties. Attacks highlight risks to economic corridors.aljazeera+1

Gaza Rafah Reopens Partially

Israel partially reopens Rafah crossing for 6 hours daily under strict restrictions post two-year closure; 1,200 Palestinians died waiting for medical evacuations. New “Regavim” site signals annexation per analysts; Egypt preps 12,000 medics for evacuees. Global NGOs defy Israeli threats after MSF ban.aljazeera+2

Japan Mines Rare Earths Deep-Sea

Japan succeeds in Pacific deep-sea rare earth extraction at unprecedented depths, reducing China reliance; Tokyo hails world’s first such mission.[aljazeera]​

Trade and Economic Shifts

India-EU landmark FTA finalized, doubling exports; counters Trump tariffs with defense ties.[ from prior, but relevant] India boosts defense budget amid regional tensions. China executes Myanmar scam suspects in crackdown.[youtube]​[aljazeera]​

U.S. Domestic Turmoil

Mass “National Shutdown” protests paralyze U.S. against Trump ICE enforcement, Kennedy Center closure for renovations (announced via social media, boycotted over naming). Music stars protest ICE at Grammys; journalist Don Lemon released post-arrest. Democrats flip Texas seats.[youtube]​globalnews+2

Other Key Stories

Russia hits Ukraine railways with “logistics terror”; Zelenskyy warns. Modi-Rudd Epstein files storm. Trump-Petro cocaine clash. Amazon layoffs 16,000 jobs. Alcaraz tennis history; Pakistan T20 WC bombshell. Cuba denies threats amid U.S. oil choke. Costa Rica right-wing lead.aljazeera+1[youtube]​

Global Impacts

Markets recover from India STT shock; oil steady. Libya Epstein ploy; Colombia drugs scrutiny.euronews+1[youtube]​

FAQs

Iran-U.S. nuclear talks status February 2, 2026?
Tehran eyes framework soon; tensions easing.aljazeera+1

Rafah crossing Gaza updates?
Reopens 6 hrs/day with restrictions; 1,200 died waiting.[havanatimes]​

Pakistan Balochistan operation?
145 militants killed post-attacks killing 31 civilians.[aljazeera]​

Japan rare earths breakthrough?
Deep-sea mining success vs. China reliance.[aljazeera]​

U.S. protests today?
National Shutdown vs. ICE/Trump policies.[globalnews]​[youtube]​

Kennedy Center news?
Closes 2 years for renovations; boycott over Trump naming.[havanatimes]​

India-EU deal?
Landmark FTA finalized.[ context]

Ukraine Russia attack?
Railway strikes called “logistics terror.”[aljazeera]​

(This ~700-word SEO-optimized summary highlights top stories with keywords like “Iran nuclear talks 2026,” “Rafah reopening Gaza,” “Pakistan Balochistan 2026”; full 2000-word deep-dive on request.)