Monday morning news: February 9, 2026

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Iran talks » The United States and Iran have restarted indirect talks in Oman, focused on Iran’s nuclear program. 

Both sides described the first round as a “good start” and agreed to keep talking, but deep disagreements remain—especially over uranium enrichment and missile limits. Leaders in Tehran say they will not give up their nuclear rights.

Last year, the U.S. carried out a surgical military strike last year against nuclear targets in Iran. And U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says:

HUCKABEE: If they didn't learn it the first time, they probably aren't gonna learn it the second time. If they stand behind that mule once again, there's gonna be a resounding kick. / Mm-hmm. / And they need to be serious about negotiations and not to use it as just a stall tactic.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and unofficial envoy Jared Kushner also visited the flight deck of an aircraft carrier parked in the Arabian Sea to observe flight operations. Some saw that as another veiled threat to Iran that the U.S. may act to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program by force if necessary.

Negotiations are expected to resume soon.

Bessent touts economy » In the wake of a weaker than expected jobs report, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is defending the president’s economic policies, saying that other data paint a more positive picture, including recent inflation numbers:

BESSENT:  Inflation is in fact coming down. For the past three months, inflation is 2.1% close to the federal reserve’s target. And a measure called ‘true-flation’, which is daily observations, now is below 1%.

He also said economic growth is strong and pointed to recent record highs on Wall Street.

Democrats, though, insist the president’s tariffs and other policies are dragging down the economy and hurting working class Americans.

New FDA food dye rule » A new FDA rule gives food producers more flexibility to claim their products contain "no artificial colors."

The new approved natural dyes include beetroot red, and manufacturers are also allowed to use spirulina extract as a natural color.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary:

MAKARY:  We also are approving more natural dyes from natural ingredients so that there's alternatives to the traditional nine petroleum-based food dyes that parents don't want. And the food industry has been very cooperative.

The FDA says in a statement that the colors were requested by petition. The food industry has until next year to comply.

Venezuela frees several opposition members » Venezuela’s government has reportedly freed a number of opposition figures who were jailed on politically linked charges.

The human rights group Foro Penal confirmed at least 18 political prisoners were freed, and some reports state it was more than 30.

The moves come as Venezuela’s National Assembly has advanced an amnesty bill that could free hundreds more people imprisoned for political activity.

This comes amid heavy pressure from the United States to institute reforms.

Super Bowl » The Seattle Seahawks are champions once again … defeating the New England Patriots last night in Super Bowl LX.

AUDIO: And that will do it! Seattle reigns above them all in the NFL. The Seahawks, Super Bowl champions for the second time!

That courtesy of NBC Sports.

The final score was 29 to 13 from Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay area.

Seattle placekicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals. 

But Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl MVP after running for 135 yards (and adding 2 catches for 26 yards). That makes him the first running back to win that award in nearly three decades.

The Seahawks last won the Super Bowl in 2014.

I’m Kent Covington.

Still ahead: The Supreme Court tackles a question about sovereign immunity for states, on Legal Docket. Plus, the Monday Moneybeat with David Bahnsen.

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