2026 State of the Union

President Donald Trump will deliver the 2026 State of the Union tonight, February 24, starting at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Faytuks Network is kicking off live coverage ahead of the speech with updates, key lines in context, and what it signals for the months ahead.

Expect a heavy focus on the economy and the White House pitch to “working families,” along with a familiar emphasis on law and order, the military, and immigration enforcement. Trade will also likely be in the spotlight after recent legal turbulence around tariffs, and the administration is expected to frame the address as a broader argument that the United States is being “respected again” abroad. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response.

Trump signals deadline to Iran for a deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has established a new 10-15 day deadline for Iran to agree to a “meaningful” concession on Washington’s demands or face serious consequences. On Thursday, speaking with reporters aboard Airforce one, he said “I would think that would be ‌enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum.” After the ending of indirect negotiations in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear enrichment, ballistic program and proxy affiliation, Trump warned that the United States will decide within given deadline whether to pursue further military action.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed “Board of Peace” in Washington, Trump reiterated that the U.S. wants a diplomatic solution but signalled impatience with the pace of talks. “We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things will happen,” he said, with this firm time frame being “pretty much maximum” for a diplomatic solution.

The deadline comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscored by a U.S. military buildup that includes two aircraft carrier strike groups, the USS Abraham Lincoln & USS Gerald R. Ford, supported by guided-missile destroyers and other assets positioned across the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. The buildup also includes advanced fighter aircrafts, surveillance platforms, aerial refuelling tankers, and reinforced Patriot and THAAD missile defence systems at multiple regional bases.

On Friday, Iranian FM Araghchi appeared on MS Now saying Tehran has not offered to suspend its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, and that the United States has not demanded this under current negotiation guidelines. He added that Iran expects to submit a formal proposal to Washington by end of the week , pending the approval of senior Iranian leadership. Tehran reiterated that talks will remain confined to the subject of Iran’s nuclear program, rejecting discussions on missile limitations or regional proxies—underscoring the enduring gaps between U.S. and Iranian positions.

As the deadline approaches, Tehran has warned that all U.S. bases and assets in the region will be considered legitimate targets in the event of military action. For Washington, the coming days represent a narrowing diplomatic window in which to secure a framework that meets their policy objectives: the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program, and reduction of their missile program and proxy support. Failure on the diplomatic front could mean both sides must prepare for a high-stakes conflict that could threaten regional stability.

Russia vows response to Ukrainian ‘terror attack’ against Putin’s residence

Spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry Zakharova calls Zelensky a “terrorist outcast”. Credit: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Russian officials are vowing a strong response to what they describe as a “terrorist attack” using 91 Ukrainian UAVs against Putin’s Valdai residence in Novgorod oblast. Russia’s Ministry of Defence says all drones were intercepted with no casualties or damage being reported.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says that Russia’s Armed Forces have deemed “how, with what, and when to respond” to Ukraine’s ‘terrorist attack’. Ukrainian monitoring channels have previously warned of a large Russian attack coinciding with New Year’s Eve. Putin told Trump that “Kiev’s terrorist actions” will not go unanswered, according to Russia’s TASS state news agency.

Spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova also ramped up the rhetoric by calling Ukrainian President Zelensky a ‘terrorist outcast’, vowing that a strong response is coming. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, also said that Zelensky would “have to stay in hiding for the rest of his worthless life”.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the timing and nature of Russia’s response to “Kyiv’s state terrorism” has been decided

Ukraine denies

Ukraine vehemently denies being behind the reported drone attack against Putin’s residence, with President Zelensky saying that it is “a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine”. Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have told Ukrainians to remain vigilant, warning that Russia is preparing ground to “strike Ukraine’s government buildings in Kyiv”

No evidence has been provided by Russia of the attack on Putin’s residence. Local residents have told independent Russian outlet SOTA that no air defence activity was heard in the proximity of Putin’s residence last night.

A source close to French President Macron told Reuters on Tuesday there was no evidence to corroborate Russia’s claims that Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence. Asked by reporters, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said there was no need to provide evidence of the attack.

Peace Negotiations

Russian officials have signalled a switch in their approach to the ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesman Peskov said Russia would toughen its negotiating position. It’s not immediately clear what this would entail as no further information has been provided.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian State Media that Trump told Putin that the drone attack would affect American approaches to working with Zelensky. US officials have not confirmed this.

International reactions

US President Donald Trump told press that he was angry when President Putin told him about the attack on his residence. In a phone call with the Russian leader, Trump reportedly said “Thank God, we did not give Tomahawks to Ukraine”, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Nicaragua have condemned the purported attack against Putin’s residence. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X that he was “Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation”.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says they were “disappointed and concerned to see the statements by Emirati, Indian, and Pakistani sides expressing their concerns regarding the attack that never happened.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have condemned the Kremlin for what they deem a false flag operation to justify possible strikes against Ukraine. Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said in response to the Russian claims that “The Kremlin butcher needs war, not peace, to justify existence”.