ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 7 February 2026
From US - Iran’s discussion, to Malaysia’s media freedom, to Russia - Ukraine’s prisoner swapped, to SpaceX acquisition and to Spain’s social media ban
Top news in Asia this week:
1. US and Iran hold ‘positive’ nuclear talks amid tariff threats
Senior US and Iranian officials have concluded their first direct talks since June, meeting in Oman to address the country’s nuclear programme. President Donald Trump described the dialogue as "very good", whilst Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted a "positive atmosphere" prevailed. However, these diplomatic efforts coincide with renewed pressure; Trump simultaneously signed an executive order threatening tariffs on nations trading with Tehran and sanctioned 15 entities. With negotiators returning to their capitals for consultations, Trump warned of "steep" consequences if a deal remains elusive, though a follow-up meeting is expected next week.
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4glgz2l83vo.amp
2. Govt prepared to review laws for greater media freedom.
The Malaysian government is open to expanding media freedom and reviewing related laws to reflect the nation's political maturity, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. While emphasising the importance of free expression, Anwar cautioned that it is not absolute and must not incite racial or religious tensions. He plans to discuss legal reforms with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to streamline regulations and strengthen the Malaysian Media Council. Additionally, Anwar urged the younger generation to reject divisive sentiments and prioritise national unity.
Read more:
3. Russia - Ukraine agreed on prisoner swap
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 157 prisoners each following US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such swap in four months. The negotiations, led by Trump administration officials, aim to end the four-year conflict but have yet to produce a breakthrough. Major obstacles remain regarding Russia’s demands for territorial concessions in the Donbas and Kyiv's insistence on robust security guarantees. While President Zelensky pushed for faster results, the war continues, with Russia renewing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid the ongoing diplomatic deadlock.
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62np09q7l1o
4. Musk’s Space X acquire xAI
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence startup, xAI, in a historic deal valuing the AI firm at $250 billion. This merger aims to unify Musk’s ambitions, combining satellite infrastructure with advanced AI to compete against tech giants like Google. The move further consolidates Musk’s vast business empire ahead of a planned public offering that could value the combined company at over $1.5 trillion. However, the agreement may face significant regulatory scrutiny regarding conflicts of interest and governance due to Musk’s overlapping leadership roles.
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6vnrye06po
5. Spain to ban social media for under-16s.
Spain plans to ban social media access for children under 16, requiring platforms to implement strict age-verification systems rather than simple check boxes. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the initiative at the World Government Summit to protect youth from the "digital Wild West," citing dangers like hate speech and disinformation. The government intends to introduce legislation holding executives accountable, criminalising algorithmic manipulation, and tracking illegal content. Additionally, Spain is forming a European "Coalition of the Digitally Willing" and may investigate platforms including Grok, TikTok, and Instagram.
Read more:
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/791575
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/03/spain-teen-social-media-ban-tech-giants-australia.html
