This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news coverings foreign affairs and international relations. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action Against Hizballah-Linked Entities and Vessels

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued sanctions on February 10, 2026, targeting entities JOOD SARL (Lebanon), Brilliance Maritime Ventures S.A. (Panama), Platinum Group International Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey), and Sea Surf Shipping Limited (Turkey) for providing material support to Hizballah. Additionally, vessels Brilliance (Panama flag) and Lara (St. Kitts & Nevis flag) were identified as blocked assets. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from transactions with these parties, and all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction is blocked under Executive Order 13224, as amended.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions – Updates to Sanctions List Entries

OFAC published updates to sanctioned entities on February 12, 2026, correcting and improving data standardization for entries across multiple OFAC sanctions lists. The changes apply to names first updated on November 27, 2024, and are accessible at ofac.treasury.gov. These actions ensure accuracy and consistency for industry compliance and screening processes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions – Amendments to Sanctions List Entries

On February 12, 2026, OFAC released additional updates to identifying information for entries on its sanctions lists, correcting records dating back to April 22, 2025. These modifications serve to improve data integrity for parties subject to OFAC programs. Updated records are available at the referenced OFAC website for industry due diligence and compliance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Agency Information Collection Activities; Official Actions Under Defense Priorities and Allocations System

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security on February 10 announced a request for public comment on new information collection activities related to the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). The notice seeks feedback for 60 days prior to OMB approval and covers procedures for recordkeeping, placement of priority-rated contracts, allocation orders, directive actions, and compliance audits under Title I of the Defense Production Act and Military Selective Service Act. Respondent obligations are mandatory, with 500 respondents and an estimated 9,000 annual burden hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Delegation of Authority Under Presidential Proclamation 10998 for Foreign Entry Restrictions

On February 11, 2026, the Department of State issued Delegation of Authority No. 614, permitting the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs to determine whether foreign nationals' travel serves U.S. national interests under Presidential Proclamation 10998 and associated provisions in INA 212(f). The delegation supersedes prior Delegation of Authority 588, may be redelegated, and applies to entries requiring national interest determinations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Executive Order – America First Arms Transfer Strategy

Executive Order 14383, announced February 6, 2026, establishes the America First Arms Transfer Strategy. The order mandates the development of prioritized catalogs of defense articles, enhanced advocacy for U.S. exports, new criteria for Enhanced End Use Monitoring, and a review of third-party transfer processes. The Promoting American Military Sales Task Force will oversee implementation with quarterly performance reviews. Sales will prioritize allies investing in self-defense and contributing to domestic industrial growth.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Modifying Duties for Russian Federation Threats; Lifting India Tariffs

Executive Order 14384, issued February 6, 2026, removes 25% duties on Indian goods previously imposed due to indirect Russian oil imports, effective February 7, 2026. The move follows India's commitment to stop Russian oil purchases, increase U.S. energy imports, and expand defense cooperation. Refunds for collected duties will align with standard Customs procedures. Commerce and State are authorized to monitor compliance and recommend further actions should India resume purchases.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Fact Sheet: United States-India Historic Trade Deal

On February 9, 2026, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced a trade deal that reduces U.S. tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 18%, conditioned on India's cessation of Russian oil purchases. India will lower tariffs on U.S. industrial, agriculture, and food products and purchase over $500 billion in U.S. goods, remove digital services taxes, and increase supply chain and security cooperation. The agreement is part of broader Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Joint Statement: United States-Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

On February 9, 2026, the United States and Bangladesh agreed on reciprocal preferential market access. Bangladesh will grant greater access to U.S. goods, accept U.S. regulatory standards, and permit free data transfer. U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi textiles and apparel will be reduced, and investment financing through EXIM Bank and DFC will be promoted. Bangladesh committed to purchasing $3.5 billion in U.S. agriculture and $15 billion in energy, with further negotiation on the agreement’s implementation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Joint Statement: US-North Macedonia Framework for Reciprocal Trade

On February 12, 2026, the U.S. and North Macedonia established a framework for a bilateral trade agreement. North Macedonia will eliminate duties on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, while the U.S. maintains a 15% tariff on Macedonian goods, with possible adjustments for select products. Both countries agreed to strengthen supply chain and energy cooperation, facilitate trade in services, and finalize the agreement for implementation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Strengthening National Defense with Coal Generation Fleet

President Trump issued an executive order on February 11, 2026, directing the Department of War to prioritize coal-fired power generation for military installations and defense production. The Secretary of War and Secretary of Energy are instructed to secure long-term power purchase agreements with coal facilities to maintain baseload power and grid reliability during emergencies. The order follows prior actions supporting coal’s role in national security and economic stability.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

PROTECT Taiwan Act

H.R. 1531, the PROTECT Taiwan Act, passed the House and was received in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The bill covers international affairs policy tied to U.S. engagement with Taiwan.

Sources: www.congress.gov

No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act

H.R. 260, the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders, No. 330, after House passage. The bill relates to restrictions on federal funding and international affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The legislation addresses public lands and natural resources, aiming to protect undersea cable infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025

H.R. 755, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025, was ordered to be reported with amendments by unanimous consent. The bill addresses consistency in the classification and handling of critical minerals for energy and national security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada’s Muscular New Anti-Trump Strategy Debuts in Greenland: Canada launches a new foreign policy approach in Greenland in response to Trump-era pressures.
• Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Foreign Call About Person Close to Trump: Whistleblower complaint stems from a foreign intelligence call regarding an individual tied closely to Trump.
• Starmer set to call for multinational defence initiative to cut rearmament cost, FT reports: UK opposition leader Starmer plans a multinational defense plan to reduce rearmament costs.
• Jamil Jivani’s POTUS pop-in: Canadian Conservative Jamil Jivani discusses his official trade trip to Washington.
• How Europe Woke Up to Trump: European leaders review security policies in response to Trump’s presidency and global shifts.
• Inside Seoul’s bid for Canada submarine contract: South Korea seeks a Canadian submarine contract as part of expanding defense ties.
• The Russia‑Ukraine energy shock: Why geopolitics demands a clean energy shift: Russia-Ukraine conflict prompts calls for accelerated energy transition in Europe.
• Erratic US is spurring 'middle powers' into action and investors are noticing: Unpredictability in U.S. leadership is leading middle powers to act, with market implications.
• Trump the ‘demolition’ man of world order, European security experts warn: European security experts warn of disruptive effects of Trump's foreign policy.
• E&E News: House committee to examine enviro groups’ foreign ties: House committee investigates environmental groups’ connections to foreign actors.

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