U.S.–Iran tensions have intensified after Donald Trump delivered a ten-day ultimatum to Tehran, demanding a “meaningful” agreement or warning that “really bad things” would follow.The warning came during a Washington meeting on February 19, as indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran showed limited progress but deep divisions remain over nuclear and regional security demands.Talks Show Limited Progress but Major Gaps RemainIndirect negotiations held in Switzerland on February 17 produced contrasting assessments from both sides.Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the discussions as showing “good progress” and said the two countries reached an understanding on guiding principles.However, U.S. officials were less optimistic. Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged partial progress but stated that Iran continues to reject key American demands.The United States is seeking:Full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programLimits on ballistic missile developmentAn end to support for regional proxy groupsThese core issues remain major obstacles to a breakthrough.U.S. Military Buildup Raises War FearsFollowing the negotiations, the U.S. reinforced its military presence in the Middle East, deploying cargo aircraft, fighter jets, refueling tankers, and an aircraft carrier. Reports indicate a second carrier group may soon arrive.The scale of the buildup suggests Washington is positioning itself for potential military action, though officials have not confirmed operational plans.Iran Signals Readiness to RespondIran has responded with its own demonstrations of force, including joint military drills with Russia and temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz during live-fire exercises.Tehran has told the United Nations that if attacked, it would consider U.S. regional bases and assets “legitimate targets.” While stating it does not seek war, Iran has made clear it is prepared for confrontation.Domestic Unrest Adds Another LayerThe geopolitical escalation comes amid renewed unrest inside Iran. Protests that began over economic conditions spread nationwide in January, echoing the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.Authorities reportedly imposed widespread internet blackouts and carried out a severe crackdown. Human rights organizations say thousands were killed or detained.Demonstrations in solidarity with Iranian protesters have taken place globally, including large rallies in Munich during Europe’s annual security conference. Many protesters displayed pre-1979 Iranian flags, signaling opposition to the current clerical leadership.Diplomacy or Regime Pressure?Some opposition figures, including exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, argue that a U.S.–Iran deal would only prolong the Islamic Republic’s rule rather than address calls for regime change.However, the prospects of a comprehensive agreement remain slim. The U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, and since then, fundamental disagreements over nuclear enrichment, missile capabilities, and regional alliances have persisted.A Narrow Window for De-EscalationWith a ten-day deadline now in place, the coming days could determine whether diplomacy prevails or tensions escalate into open conflict.Despite the military posturing, a negotiated outcome remains possible. Yet entrenched positions on both sides — and growing regional instability — make a swift breakthrough unlikely.Whether through diplomacy or confrontation, the situation marks a critical moment for U.S.–Iran relations and broader Middle East stability.

Bitcoin is again at the center of a sharp bearish forecast from outspoken critic Peter Schiff. source: https://finbold.com/economist-peter-schiff-warns-bitcoin-faces-crash-to-20000/

HKUST scientists developed a high-performance calcium-ion battery using quasi-solid-state electrolytes, offering a potential sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology. source: https://catenaa.com/industries/energy/hkust-unveils-calcium-ion-battery-breakthrough/

XRP's price has registered a mild rebound, setting its liquidation imbalance up over 1,000%. source: https://u.today/xrp-short-sellers-lead-1190-4-hour-liquidation-imbalance

Metaplanet reported a 95 billion yen net loss for fiscal 2025, largely from non-cash Bitcoin valuation write-downs. The company still plans to accumulate more BTC over time. source: https://coinpaprika.com/news/metaplanet-95b-yen-bitcoin-loss-ceo-stays-committed

Silver has had a turbulent beginning to 2026, initially surging close to $121 before experiencing a sharp decline and subsequently recovering to $84. According to NS3.AI, current technical indicators point towards a potential consolidation phase, with prices likely to fluctuate between $75 and $92 before a significant movement occurs. Key bullish factors include the strength of miners, urgent physical demand, and substantial potential for institutional buying. However, caution is advised due to certain divergences and the gold-silver ratio.

BlackRock is preparing a major shift in how investors access Ethereum. The firm has filed a new product, the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF, expected to trade under the ticker ETHB. Unlike spot Ethereum ETFs, this fund does more than track price source: https://techgaged.com/blackrocks-next-crypto-move-could-change-ethereum-investing-forever/

The equity market has maintained a stable appearance for months, but significant fluctuations beneath the surface are causing concern among traders. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the potential for increased turbulence in the future. Despite the calm facade, stock movements are creating a volatile environment that could lead to further instability in the market. Traders are advised to remain cautious as the underlying dynamics continue to shift unpredictably.

Bitcoin mining company MARA Holdings Inc. has finalized its acquisition of a 64% majority stake in Exaion, the digital infrastructure and cloud subsidiary of French state-owned utility EDF. The deal signals a strategic pivot for MARA beyond traditional Bitcoin mining and into high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence infrastructure source: https://www.ethnews.com/bitcoin-miner-mara-expands-beyond-mining-with-168m-exaion-acquisition/

스테이블코인은 더 이상 투기 도구가 아니라 전 세계 수억 명의 주요 결제 및 수금 수단이 되고 있다.

폴리마켓, 예측, 로이드 카페에서 폴리마켓까지: 예측 시장이 보험 산업을 재편하고 있다 골든파이낸스, 전례 없는 '보험 대이탈'이 미국에서 벌어지고 있다.

미국 연방대법원은 6대 3의 표결 결과로 트럼프의 글로벌 관세 정책을 기각했다. 이는 트럼프 취임 이후 겪은 가장 큰 정책적 좌절이다.

인터넷이 해결한 것은 정보가 기계 사이에서 어떻게 흐르는가였다. 그렇다면 에이전트 시대가 진정으로 해결하려는 것은 능력이 기계 사이에서 어떻게 흐르고 즉각적으로 실현되는가이다.

웹3 산업에서 주류로 자리 잡은 분야를 평가한다면, 스테이블코인과 예측 시장이 유일한 두 가지 답일 수 있다.

AI는 강력하고 심지어 영리하다. 하지만 취약하다. 규율과 체계적 사고 아래에서 사용될 때, 그것은 힘의 증폭기다. 함부로 사용될 때, 그것은 소음에 불과하다.

버핏은 은퇴 전 3년간 꾸준히 주식을 순매도해왔으며, 간신히 새로 진입한 포지션들도 2026년에 들어서도 연이어 '폭락'을 기록하고 있다. 예를 들어 최근 유니온헬스케어는 하루 만에 20% 급락했다.

미국 연방대법원은 판결을 발표하며 미국의 '국제 비상 경제 권한법'이 대통령에게 대규모 관세 부과 권한을 부여하지 않았다고 인정했다. 이는 트럼프 정부의 관세 정책이 큰 차질을 빚게 되었음을 의미한다.

미국 연방대법원은 트럼프 취임 이후 가장 논란이 된 '전 세계 관세' 정책에 대해 최종 판결을 내렸다: 위법, 취소.

모델 능력과 에이전트 공학의 발전, 기업 데이터 거버넌스와 조직 적응성의 향상과 함께, 에이전트는 점차 모든 기업에서 매우 경쟁력 있는 디지털 직원으로 자리매김할 것이다.