What to Know in the World Today: Pakistan Violence, Iran Talks, and the Winter Olympics
From deadly insurgent attacks to nuclear diplomacy and global competition—your February 7 briefing
By US Daily Letter World Desk
February 7, 2026
From coordinated insurgent attacks in Pakistan to high-stakes nuclear diplomacy and the opening of the Winter Olympics, here’s what’s happening around the globe today.
PAKISTAN: Deadly Week in Balochistan Ends with 250+ Dead
Pakistan concluded one of its bloodiest counterterrorism operations in recent history this week, with authorities claiming to have killed 216 insurgents following coordinated attacks across Balochistan province that left nearly 60 civilians and security personnel dead.
The crisis began early Saturday morning, January 31, when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)—a separatist group designated as a terrorist organization by the US, EU, and Pakistan—launched “Operation Herof 2.0,” simultaneous attacks across at least nine districts targeting banks, schools, markets, and security installations.
By the time Pakistani forces regained control Thursday, the death toll had reached over 250, including 22 security personnel, 36 civilians, and 216 militants according to Pakistan’s military. The BLA claimed responsibility for what analysts describe as one of the largest and most coordinated insurgent operations in Balochistan’s history.
The desert town of Nushki remained under insurgent control for three days before Pakistani forces deployed helicopters and drones to retake it. Seven police officers were killed in that operation alone.
Why It Matters: Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by area but also its poorest and most restive. The region sits atop massive mineral deposits—coal, gold, copper, and gas—and hosts critical infrastructure for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including the strategic Gwadar deep-water port. The BLA accuses Pakistan’s government of exploiting the province’s resources while marginalizing local Baloch populations, fueling a separatist insurgency that dates back decades.
The violence couldn’t come at a worse time for Pakistan economically. Foreign direct investment plummeted 43% in the first half of fiscal year 2026 compared to the previous year, falling to just $808 million. Pakistan had been pitching both the US and China on investment opportunities in Balochistan’s mineral wealth—Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir even brought samples to show President Trump in September. These attacks underscore the security risks that keep investors away.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister blamed India for backing the militants—an allegation India categorically denied, calling it “baseless.” The US condemned the attacks, with its charge d’affaires calling them “acts of terrorist violence.”
The UN Security Council also condemned what it called “heinous and cowardly” attacks, though the broader question of how Pakistan addresses underlying grievances in Balochistan—economic marginalization, lack of political representation, and perceptions of resource exploitation—remains unanswered.
US-IRAN: Cautious Diplomacy in Oman Amid War Fears
In a sign that diplomacy hasn’t completely collapsed despite weeks of threats, the United States and Iran concluded indirect talks in Muscat, Oman on Friday—the first negotiations since the US and Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities last June.
Both sides described the talks as “a good start” and agreed to reconvene after consultations with their capitals, likely early next week. But the path forward remains deeply uncertain.
The talks were mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who shuttled between the US delegation—led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner—and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Notably, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper attended in full dress uniform, a reminder that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other American warships are currently positioned off Iran’s coast in the Arabian Sea.
President Trump called the talks “very good” but maintained pressure, warning that if Iran doesn’t make a deal on its nuclear program, “the consequences are very steep.” He has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran uses lethal force against protesters or refuses to denuclearize.
Iran’s position: Tehran insists talks must focus exclusively on its nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. Iranian officials flatly refuse to discuss their ballistic missile program, support for regional proxy groups, or the government’s brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that killed thousands of Iranians in recent months.
The US position: The White House says Trump is seeking “zero nuclear capability” from Iran and wants comprehensive negotiations covering missiles and Tehran’s support for groups across the Middle East. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reminded Iran that Trump has “many options at his disposal, aside from diplomacy, as the commander-in-chief of the most powerful military in the history of the world.”
The stakes: Before the June 2025 war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity—a short technical step from weapons-grade levels. Gulf Arab nations fear a US military strike could spark a regional war that drags them in, especially since Iran has warned that countries hosting US military bases could be targeted in retaliation.
Analysts are skeptical. As one expert told the Times of Israel: “It’s very difficult to see them conceding enough in talks for the US credibly to be able to claim that it’s made a breakthrough. And this is where I think military conflict is more likely than not.”
Still, the fact that both sides are talking—and agreed to talk again—suggests neither wants an immediate military confrontation, even if the gap between their positions remains vast.
WINTER OLYMPICS 2026: Milan and Cortina Welcome the World
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened Friday night with a glitzy ceremony in Milan, Italy, marking the first time since 1956 that Italy has hosted the Winter Games. The event is being co-hosted by Milan and the mountain resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Pop star Mariah Carey kicked off the ceremony, followed by performances celebrating Italian history, art, and fashion. In an Olympic first, twin cauldrons were lit simultaneously in both host cities.
The games feature athletes from around the world competing in skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, and other winter sports. Israel’s small delegation marched to a smattering of boos during the opening ceremony, reflecting ongoing tensions over the Gaza conflict.
One notable disruption: The match between Finland and Canada in women’s ice hockey has been postponed to February 12 after a norovirus outbreak affected 13 members of the Finnish team.
The games come as Italy showcases not just athletic prowess but also its capacity to host major international events, with significant infrastructure investments in the Alps and northern cities.
ALSO HAPPENING TODAY:
GAZA: At least 23 Palestinians, including seven women and five children, were killed by Israeli military airstrikes and drone strikes in Gaza on Friday after a Palestinian militant attack injured an Israeli soldier. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Northern Gaza Brigade commander Ali al-Razayneh was killed in an airstrike. The violence continues despite a ceasefire deal that took effect in October 2025, which has been repeatedly violated.
UKRAINE-RUSSIA: Russian forces struck a market in Druzhkivka, Donetsk Oblast, with cluster munitions, killing at least seven civilians and injuring 15 others. Ukraine continues to face brutal winter conditions with ongoing power grid attacks. Meanwhile, in Moscow, the deputy head of Russian military intelligence, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, was shot and critically injured in what appears to be an assassination attempt.
COSTA RICA: Laura Fernández Delgado was elected as Costa Rica’s new president, making her the country’s first female leader.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: More than 400 people were killed in a mine collapse, one of the deadliest mining disasters in recent African history.
SPORTS WORLD:
TENNIS: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open men’s singles final, winning his first Australian Open title and becoming the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam.
HANDBALL: Denmark defeated Germany 34-27 to become European Champions, adding to their World and Olympic titles in what’s being called handball’s “triple crown.”
CRICKET: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicked off today with opening matches in India and Sri Lanka, bringing fast-paced cricket action to millions of fans across the subcontinent.
LOOKING AHEAD
The world faces a particularly volatile moment: nuclear diplomacy that could either prevent or precipitate conflict with Iran, ongoing insurgencies threatening stability in South Asia, persistent violence in Gaza and Ukraine despite ceasefire agreements, and economic uncertainty as nations grapple with security costs and investment risks.
For now, diplomacy continues—but so do the threats, the violence, and the uncertainty about what comes next.