U.S. hosts Critical Minerals Ministerial with 50+ nations on February 4, 2026, aiming to counter China dominance amid Trump’s $12B stockpile push. Ukraine-Russia second U.S.-mediated talks kick off in Abu Dhabi despite ongoing strikes; U.S. shoots down Iranian drone near carrier. Pakistan deploys drones/helicopters against Baloch rebels; Gaza strikes kill 23 amid Rafah aid flow.aljazeera+2
Critical Minerals Summit
Trump convenes 50+ countries at White House for Critical Minerals Ministerial; GM, Boeing, Google join $12B U.S. reserve to slash China reliance (80% global supply). DRC fears exploitation; EU offers U.S. deal; Congo minerals key amid talks.10things+1[youtube]
Ukraine-Russia Abu Dhabi Talks
Second round U.S.-mediated in Abu Dhabi; sticking point: eastern territories; Russia hits grid pre-talks. Trump presses nationalize elections amid pushback.[youtube]aljazeera+1
U.S.-Iran Drone Incident
U.S. military downs Iranian drone approaching USS carrier in Arabian Sea; signals ongoing tensions despite nuclear talks.[youtube][10things]
Pakistan Balochistan Offensive
Army uses helicopters/drones to retake town from rebels; hundreds killed in surge post-145 militant deaths.[youtube][aljazeera]
Gaza Israeli Strikes
23 Palestinians, including children, killed overnight; Rafah open but attacks persist.[aljazeera]
Epstein Files Shockwaves
UK pro-Palestine activists acquitted in Elbit raid; Poland probes Epstein-Russia intel ties (Tusk); Clintons agree testify; Modi-Rudd implicated.globalnews+1[youtube]
Other Headlines
China detains journalists Liu Hu/Wu Yingjiao for corruption exposé. New START expires, nuclear arms race fears. Philippines truck crash kills 9. Eswatini upholds U.S. deportation deal. France raids X offices; Spain kids’ social media ban. Vietnam preps U.S. conflict; Colombia commandos vs. gangs. HRW slams Trump abuses. Le Pen office ban sought.wikipedia+2[youtube]
Impacts
Gold surges (Pakistan 596k PKR/tola); PSX crashes 6k pts. Markets volatile on geopolitics.[youtube]
FAQs
Trump minerals summit February 4, 2026?
50+ nations; $12B U.S. stockpile vs. China.[aljazeera]
Ukraine-Russia talks?
Round 2 Abu Dhabi; territory dispute.[aljazeera]
Iran drone incident?
U.S. downed near carrier.[10things]
Pakistan Baloch action?
Helicopters/drones vs. rebels.[aljazeera]
Gaza deaths today?
23 in Israeli strikes.[aljazeera]
Epstein probes?
Poland Russia intel; Clintons testify.[globalnews]
China journalists?
Liu Hu/Wu detained for corruption report.[bbc]
New START?
Expires, arms race risk.[bbc]
Aleda Kawis is the Professional Journalist and serving in the field since 2012. She keeps extensive experience as investigating journalist and media influencer.
