Middle East: Trump and Netanyahu meet as Iran talks continue
Rising tensions in the Middle East frame a significant meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Israel is seeking a comprehensive agreement restricting Iran’s nuclear programme, missile development, and support for regional proxy groups, while Iran has signalled willingness to limit nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief but rejects broader demands. The USA has increased military presence in the region, warning of possible strikes if negotiations fail, yet leaders on all sides are continuing the dialogue. Iran’s position has been weakened by the huge recent protests, while Israel fears a deal that leaves long-term threats unresolved. At the same time, the Trump administration is pressing Israel and Hamas to implement the next phase of their ceasefire agreement in Gaza, with accusations of violations and little progress towards reconstruction.
Venezuela: president says no to new presidential election
The president of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, has said no presidential election will take place soon, stressing that the government’s priority is national stability. Following the controversial 2024 vote and the abduction of president Nicolás Maduro by the USA, vice president Delcy Rodríguez is now acting president. Authorities say they must rebuild institutions and reach agreement with opposition groups before setting an electoral timetable. A proposed amnesty law aims to release political prisoners and encourage reconciliation, though critics fear repression may continue in other forms. The re-arrest and house arrest of opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa has intensified concerns about civil liberties, while opposition leaders question whether genuine political participation will be allowed. The situation reflects a nation seeking normalcy amid deep division, uncertainty, and competing claims of legitimacy, highlighting the fragile path toward democratic stability and lasting reconciliation.
Japan: prime minister’s social media led to her party’s landslide victory
Growing social media interest in prime minister Sanae Takaichi appears to have significantly influenced Japan’s lower house election on 8 February, contributing to a decisive victory for her Liberal Democratic Party. Many voters reported seeing daily clips of her speeches and travel despite chronic illness, creating familiarity and sympathy. Her personal X account gained far more followers than other party leaders, with spikes occurring even during controversy over a missed debate due to medical treatment. Supporters’ viral posts often countered criticism, amplifying positive perceptions. On YouTube, campaign-related videos featuring Takaichi attracted extraordinary engagement, including an advertisement viewed over 150 million times. Independent creators further boosted her visibility, producing most election-related content online. Exit polls showed nearly a quarter of voters relied primarily on social media when deciding how to vote, with strong shifts toward the ruling party among them. Online popularity appears to have translated directly into ballots cast.
USA: Trump puts up racist video, deletes it later
A social media video shared by Donald Trump and later deleted drew widespread condemnation across political lines. The clip promoted false election claims and, near its conclusion, depicted Barack and Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto dancing apes. Posted during Black History Month, the video revived racist imagery historically used to justify slavery and segregation. The White House initially defended the post as a meme but later said a staff member had shared it in error. Politicians (including some Republicans), diplomats, and commentators criticised the content as dehumanising and harmful. Analysts noted that such inflammatory behaviour might not significantly affect Trump’s political support because public opinion around him is already polarised. One commentator said, ‘That Trump chose to post this video is yet another indicator of how reactionary racism has become mainstream and normalised within his Republican party, as the GOP continues to lurch dangerously rightwards.’
Zimbabwe: cabinet approves extending president’s term till 2030
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has approved constitutional changes that could extend president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule until 2030, sparking strong opposition concern. The proposals would lengthen presidential terms from five to seven years and allow parliament, rather than voters, to choose the president. Supporters say the measures would ensure political stability and continuity for development programmes, but critics argue the reforms undermine democratic processes and require a national referendum. Since coming to power in 2017, Mnangagwa has faced growing scrutiny from civil society groups who fear weakening constitutional protections. He has presided over a collapsing economy which has suffered hyperinflation and unemployment, undermined by alleged corruption and cronyism. The opposition, fragmented and weakened after years of repression, has failed so far to mount significant resistance to the proposal.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
– James 5:16
We are pleased to bring you the February edition of IPC Connections!
It really is a joy to have you with us as we seek to be ‘Exalting Jesus, catalyzing united prayer for Kingdom transformation of peoples, cities and nations’.
We trust that you will be blessed and encouraged as you read the articles, news and resources info this month.
We would encourage you to see Dr Jason Hubbard’s new year’s message video HERE
As we launch into 2026, our prayer is that our worldwide IPC family will continue to press in with faith and unity.
This is not a year for retreat, but a year for acceleration!
With gratitude, vision, and hope, let’s step forward together to exalt Jesus through united prayer.
Global Day of Prayer for Buddhist Peoples - 17th February 2026
We invite you to join millions of believers from churches and Christian ministries around the globe, as we unite for 24-hours of prayer for Buddhist Peoples.
This will be an opportunity to pray together, exalting Jesus Christ as King throughout the Buddhist world, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers to every unreached Buddhist people group!
We have produced a Prayer Guide that is available in multiple languages online HERE
We are encouraging everyone to pray where they are - at home, at church, at cell groups, at work or in houses of prayer! Pray solo, in couples, as families, and devote some time in worship and prayer, upholding Buddhist peoples in 7 key cities and regions of the world.
Our Global Family 24-7 Prayer community will be praying with us across the 24 hours.
Register to join them online HERE
Jon Shabaglian, leader of Psalmist Mission has written an awesome anthem for the Day of Prayer entitled ‘Tsunami’. Read more about it below!
Let's be praying for Kingdom breakthrough across these key Asian cities, the USA and the wider Buddhist diaspora!
7 Days of Prayer for Buddhist Peoples - 10th-16th February, 2026
Launching this coming Tuesday! - we invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us as we pray for 7 days, in the lead up to the Global Day of Prayer - for Great Commission breakthroughs across the Buddhist World.
To guide your prayers, IPC colleagues have researched and written an adult prayer guide entitled ‘Until the Light Breaks Through’ that has been published in 30+ languages (online), free, from the 110 Cities website. It’s a brilliant resource. The IPC Media Team have published a companion Childrens Guide entitled Listen - Live – Love that includes songs, daily stories and ‘Justin’s Thoughts’ written by Justin Gunawan.
This will be the first of our 5 worldwide days of prayer for 2026! – Watch this Intro Video!
Editorial – ‘Jesus be our Fix in 2026’ - Dr Jason Hubbard
We would encourage you to read this month’s Editorial article entitled ‘Jesus be our Fix in 2026!’.
As International Prayer Connect steps into 2026, Dr Jason Hubbard calls the global IPC family to fix their eyes on Jesus, steward their words and walk in the fear of the Lord, as we believe for a year of supernatural increase, for God’s Glory!
Read it below or download it HERE
Regional Update
IPC’s 24 Regional Prayer Council leaders are regularly meeting to pray with their national and regional leaders, and to share news, resources and encouragements.
This last month, we facilitated a Global Day of Prayer for Iran through our Global Family 24-7 online community. The nation is a tinderbox that needs our ongoing prayers at this time. See prayer pointers below.
We are delighted to have recruited more than 23,000 subscribers for ‘Praying God’s Word – 365 Days of Prayers’ on the YouVersion Bible app! Do join us HERE!
2BC’s next 24 hour Shine! Online initiative takes place this Tuesday 10th February!
We will be praying for the vision of 2BC, for children and youth across Indonesia and for the success of the Light of the World movie and its Gospel vision.
Will you become an IPC Prayer Flame Partner?…
“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13)
This past year, your faithful prayers have been such a blessing to us - and for that, we’re deeply grateful.
As we look ahead in 2026, the opportunities before us are vast and urgent. To fully embrace this moment, we need a devoted family of monthly supporters to help keep the fire of prayer burning brightly across the nations - just as God commanded His altar fire never to go out.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become an IPC Prayer Flame Partner.
Your monthly gifts - no matter the size - will help sustain and spread this global movement of united prayer, ensuring that the flame on God’s altar of intercession never dies out.
We’ve made it simple and secure to give monthly online through PayPal. Every gift matters. Every prayer fuels the vision. Will you help keep the fire burning?
Click Here to support IPC monthly via PayPal, or visit www.ipcprayer.org/donate
Together, let’s keep the fire on the altar blazing - and see the world transformed by prayer!
The Power of People Group Thinking
IPC’s joint founder and former Director, John Robb has shared with us some useful resources, info and insights into praying for the remaining Frontier People Groups, along with an opportunity to download his latest book for free. Read more below.
With Grateful Thanks…
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
Thank you for your continued partnership with International Prayer Connect. Your prayers, passion, and perseverance are making an eternal difference.
You are part of a growing army of intercessors - lifting up the name of Jesus and contending for Kingdom breakthrough across the nations.
Together, we are lighting the fires of revival and preparing the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3).
May your heart be strengthened, your faith renewed, and your prayers filled with fresh fire from Heaven.
Every blessing,
Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect
Disclaimer… The views and opinions expressed in IPC Connections and the articles on our website are those of individuals and our partner organisations. They do not necessarily represent the policies or views of IPC or its individual leaders.
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