Podcast Summary: Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET 02/19/2026 Newscast

Overview:
This episode delivers a rapid-fire roundup of major national and international news, focusing on rising tensions in the Middle East, ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, the formation of an international peace initiative for Gaza, political developments in the U.S. Congress regarding military action, an update on Prince Andrew's legal troubles, and key economic and market news. The tone is urgent and direct, matching the high-stakes events being described.

1. Middle East Escalation: Iran, Russia, and U.S. Response

• Iran-Russia Naval Drills
  • [00:03] Lisa Brady opens reporting that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is conducting live-fire naval exercises with Russia.

    “Iran flexing its muscle... The Revolutionary Guard holding live fire joint naval exercises with Russia as President Trump warns Iran again to make a new nuclear deal.” — Lisa Brady [00:03]

• U.S. Military Deployment
  • [00:14] Pentagon has sent over 120 warplanes and a second aircraft carrier to the region, showing a substantial U.S. escalation.

    “The Pentagon is deploying significant air power with more than 120 warplanes in the Middle East.” — Jennifer Griffin [00:14]

  • [00:26] Iran's atomic energy chief reiterates Iran will not give up nuclear enrichment rights.

    “Iran won't back down, adding no country can deprive Tehran of its nuclear enrichment rights.” — Jennifer Griffin [00:26]

• Nuclear Negotiations
  • [00:34] President Trump expects a formal response from Iran’s negotiation team “within 10 days” following indirect talks.

2. Gaza Aid and the Board of Peace Initiative

• Aid Commitments
  • [00:46] President Trump announces at the inaugural “Board of Peace” meeting that nine countries have agreed to pledge $7 billion in Gaza aid.

    “Nine members have agreed to pledge $7 billion in Gaza aid.” — President Trump [00:46]

  • The U.S. adds a $10 billion pledge to the effort.
• Notable Remarks: Vision for Peace
  • [00:54] Prince Andrew delivers an aspirational statement on long-term harmony in the region.

    “Together we can achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war, suffering and carnage.” — Prince Andrew [00:54]

• Structure and Objectives
  • [01:02] The Board of Peace was established as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and includes deployment of an international force to provide security and train a Palestinian police force.
• International Skepticism
  • [01:17] Key allies, notably the UK and Germany, are participating as observers, signaling reservations about the initiative.

3. Prince Andrew Arrested Amid Epstein Fallout

• Legal Action
  • [01:30] Prince Andrew, younger brother of King Charles, is arrested by Thames Valley police for investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
  • Charges relate to the revealing of alleged improper communication with Jeffrey Epstein about “government, business and investment opportunities.”

    “Police previously said that they were assessing if those emails show Andrew giving Epstein inside information...” — Lisa Brady [01:30]

• Ongoing Investigation
  • [01:50] King Charles pledges “full cooperation,” while Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing.

4. U.S. War Powers Debate over Iran

• Congressional Pushback
  • [02:06] Bipartisan House members Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) will pursue a war powers resolution to require Congressional approval before U.S. military action against Iran.
  • The resolution could pass the House with near-unanimous Democratic support plus a single additional Republican vote. Senate passage and overcoming a likely presidential veto remain steep challenges.

    “If every Democrat votes yes on the resolution, just one more Republican other than Massie would have to join them for it to pass in the House.” — Chris Foster [02:06]

5. U.S. Domestic Affairs: Trump on Affordability Tour

• Presidential Visit to Georgia
  • [02:37] President Trump visits a steel facility in Rome, Georgia, touting affordability and safety as top priorities leading into the midterms.
  • President frames current policies as corrections of those left by the previous administration.

    “...reminding them that his policies last year were sent about changing what the Biden administration had left him. And this year it's about Main street workers and feeling safe and life is more affordable.” — Edward Lawrence [02:44]

6. Economic and Market News

• Trade Data Update

  • [03:12] U.S. trade deficit rose in December to over $70 billion, but the annual deficit fell to $901 billion, slightly down from 2024.
  • Import surge early in the year was driven by anticipation of tariffs, then slowed. December saw imports rise 3.6% and exports dip 1.7%, with gold trading and tech equipment imports influencing figures.

    “The Commerce department says the U.S. trade deficit rose in December, topping $70 billion. But for the whole year, it declined to 901 billion.” — Jenny Cosola [03:12]

• Stock Market Downturn

  • [03:47] The Dow dropped 396 points and the Nasdaq fell by 134 points, reflecting market turbulence amid international and domestic uncertainty.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Iranian Defiance:

  “No country can deprive Tehran of its nuclear enrichment rights.” — Iran’s atomic energy chief, via Jennifer Griffin [00:26]

• On Middle East Peace:

  “Together we can achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war, suffering and carnage.” — Prince Andrew [00:54]

• On Congressional Check:

  “...plan to force Congress to vote on a war powers resolution on Iran when lawmakers return from recess next week.” — Chris Foster [02:06]

Key Timestamps

• 00:03–00:34: Iran-Russia naval drills, U.S. military escalation, and nuclear negotiation updates
• 00:46–01:17: Gaza aid pledges, U.S. commitment, and skepticism from allies
• 01:30–01:50: Prince Andrew’s arrest and investigation details
• 02:06–02:37: Congressional war powers resolution effort
• 02:37–03:02: President Trump’s Georgia tour, economic policy rhetoric
• 03:12–03:47: Trade deficit and market update

This compressed, content-rich newscast delivers the latest headlines and underlying themes shaping U.S. foreign policy, domestic politics, and the economy, spotlighting the friction between executive decisions and Congressional oversight, as well as the international ripple effects of American leadership.