world

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that any renewed agreement between the United States and Iran must include the complete removal of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, as indirect negotiations between the two countries resumed in Switzerland. The demand, delivered to US President Donald Trump last week, underscores Israel’s deep skepticism about the prospects for a lasting resolution to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.

Netanyahu’s firm stance comes as Iran’s Foreign Minister traveled to Geneva for the latest round of talks, mediated by European powers, aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The original agreement, which limited Iran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for sanctions relief, was abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018. The Biden administration has sought to re-enter the agreement, but negotiations have stalled amid disagreements over the scope of sanctions relief and guarantees regarding Iran’s long-term commitments.

According to two Israeli sources cited in reports last week, Netanyahu presented Trump with updated intelligence regarding Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities during his visit to Washington. Israel is concerned about Iran’s ability to quickly rebuild its nuclear capacity, estimating that without intervention, Iran could possess 1,800-2,000 ballistic missiles within weeks or months. CNN reported that Israel is preparing military contingencies should the US-Iran talks collapse.

Following his meeting with Trump on February 12th, Netanyahu publicly stated that the US conditions for any deal with Iran must include provisions addressing both its nuclear weapons program and its support for proxy groups throughout the Middle East. Trump, while remaining skeptical of any agreement with Iran, reportedly indicated he believes the conditions being discussed “may lead them to accept terms that would allow for a good deal.”

The demand for the removal of enriched uranium represents a significant hardening of Israel’s position. Previously, Israel had focused on preventing Iran from reaching a “breakout” capability – the point at which it could quickly produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon. Now, Israel is seeking a complete dismantling of Iran’s existing nuclear infrastructure.

The US has reportedly begun internal discussions about potentially supporting a fresh round of Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if negotiations fail. CBS News reported that these discussions include considering the provision of aerial refueling for Israeli aircraft and securing overflight permissions from regional countries. However, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have publicly stated they would not allow their airspace to be used for such operations.

The alignment between Trump and Netanyahu on applying “maximum pressure” to Iran is not without its complexities. Al Jazeera reported that the two leaders differ on the ultimate endgame, with Netanyahu advocating for a more comprehensive dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program than Trump appears willing to pursue. The US has too redeployed a second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East, signaling a visible show of force amid heightened tensions.

As of today, the outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain. No further meetings between US and Iranian officials have been publicly scheduled, and both sides have maintained publicly skeptical positions. The Israeli government has not commented on any specific plans for military action, but continues to assert its right to defend itself against what it perceives as an existential threat from Iran.

Buenos Aires – Argentina is facing a period of significant social unrest as President Javier Milei’s ambitious labor reforms advance through the legislature. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the capital on February 11, 2026, voicing strong opposition to the proposed changes, which the government argues are crucial for economic recovery but unions and opposition groups denounce as detrimental to workers’ rights. The protests underscore the deep political divisions within Argentina and the challenges Milei faces in implementing his pro-market agenda.

The labor reform bill, a cornerstone of President Milei’s economic shock therapy, aims to significantly alter Argentina’s labor laws, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. The proposed changes seek to lower employer costs, encourage hiring, ease severance obligations, and redefine collective bargaining agreements, according to the Buenos Aires Times . The reforms also include reductions in domestic taxes on cars, mobile phones, and rental properties. The government contends these measures are necessary to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment, but critics argue they will exacerbate income inequality and weaken worker protections.

Senate Approval and Escalating Protests

Argentina’s Senate approved the labor reform bill early on February 12, 2026, marking a key victory for Milei’s administration, Reuters reported. The vote followed a day of intense protests outside Congress, where trade unions mobilized thousands of workers, blocking traffic and clashing with police. The Associated Press documented scenes of protesters throwing Molotov cocktails and police responding with water cannons and tear gas . Despite the unrest, the Senate passed the bill with a vote of 42-30, sending it to the lower house for further debate.

Protesters clash with police during a march by trade unions and opposition groups against a labor reform bill proposed by President Javier Milei’s government in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Concessions and Political Maneuvering

To secure sufficient support for the bill, Milei’s administration made 28 concessions to lawmakers and provincial governors, the Buenos Aires Times reported. Notably, an article that would have lowered employers’ income taxes was removed due to concerns about reducing provincial revenue. Another concession involved removing a provision that would have allowed workers to deposit salaries directly into virtual wallets like Mercado Pago, a setback for Argentina’s fintech industry. Despite these changes, the core tenets of the labor reform remain intact.

Regional and International Context

Argentina’s economic situation has been precarious for years, marked by high inflation, debt, and a history of economic instability. Milei, a self-described libertarian, was elected in November 2023 on a platform of radical economic reforms, including dollarization and austerity measures. The labor reforms are seen as a crucial test of his ability to deliver on those promises and restore confidence in the Argentine economy. Investors have been closely watching the bill’s progress as a signal of Milei’s political strength, with approval potentially lowering Argentina’s sovereign risk and paving the way for issuing international bonds. The reforms also arrive amid broader concerns about the rise of populism and political polarization in Latin America.

Clashes and Concerns over Escalation

The protests on February 11th were not without violence. France24 reported that protesters clashed with police, and Molotov cocktails were thrown . Even as most of the capital’s downtown operated normally during the demonstrations, the clashes raise concerns about potential escalation and further unrest as the bill moves to the lower house. The US News & World Report noted that the labor overhaul is considered crucial to Milei’s shock therapy program .

What to Watch Next

The labor reform bill now heads to the lower house of Argentina’s Congress, where it is expected to face further debate and potential amendments. The outcome of the vote in the lower house will be a key indicator of Milei’s ability to maintain political momentum and implement his broader economic agenda. The government’s next steps will likely involve engaging in further negotiations with labor unions and opposition groups in an attempt to mitigate resistance and build consensus. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further protests and social unrest remains high.

What are your thoughts on the labor reforms in Argentina? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below.