{"id":58580,"date":"2026-02-16T08:38:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T12:38:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T08:38:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T12:38:37","slug":"geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/","title":{"rendered":"Geopolitics and Energy Take Center Stage: Chevron Expands in Greece as Eli Lilly Hits Clinical Milestone"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/#Chevron_Expands_Mediterranean_Footprint_with_Greek_Leases\" >Chevron Expands Mediterranean Footprint with Greek Leases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/#Eli_Lilly_Achieves_Breakthrough_in_Early-Stage_Lung_Cancer\" >Eli Lilly Achieves Breakthrough in Early-Stage Lung Cancer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/#Rubio_Expresses_Skepticism_Over_Iran_Negotiations\" >Rubio Expresses Skepticism Over Iran Negotiations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/#Global_Diplomacy_Modi_to_Israel_and_Italys_Gaza_Proposal\" >Global Diplomacy: Modi to Israel and Italy\u2019s Gaza Proposal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/geopolitics-and-energy-take-center-stage-chevron-expands-in-greece-as-eli-lilly-hits-clinical-milestone\/58580\/#US_Domestic_Outlook_DHS_Shutdown_Concerns_Ebb\" >US Domestic Outlook: DHS Shutdown Concerns Ebb<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chevron (<a href=\"\/stock\/CVX\">CVX<\/a>) secures a 70% operating interest<\/strong> in four major offshore exploration blocks in Greece, marking a significant expansion in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eli Lilly (<a href=\"\/stock\/LLY\">LLY<\/a>) reports that its Phase 3 LIBRETTO-432 trial met its primary endpoint<\/strong>, demonstrating that Retevmo significantly improves event-free survival in early-stage lung cancer patients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signals a difficult path for Iran negotiations<\/strong>, insisting that any future deal must address ballistic missiles and regional proxy support.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on February 25-26<\/strong>, a high-profile trip aimed at deepening strategic and defense ties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Italy offers to deploy its Carabinieri police forces<\/strong> to train future Palestinian security units in Gaza, signaling a growing European role in regional stabilization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chevron_Expands_Mediterranean_Footprint_with_Greek_Leases\"><\/span>Chevron Expands Mediterranean Footprint with Greek Leases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chevron (<a href=\"\/stock\/CVX\">CVX<\/a>) has officially entered a new phase of exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean after signing lease agreements with the <strong>Hellenic Republic<\/strong>. The energy giant, through four Dutch subsidiaries, will lead a consortium holding a <strong>70% operating interest<\/strong> in four offshore blocks located south of Crete and the Peloponnese. Its partner, <strong>Helleniq Energy<\/strong>, retains the remaining <strong>30% interest<\/strong> in the venture.<\/p>\n<p>The consortium is tasked with completing an extensive <strong>2D and 3D seismic exploration program<\/strong> during the first phase of the leases. These efforts are part of a broader European strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce long-term reliance on Russian natural gas. While seismic research will begin later this year, officials noted that any potential test drilling is unlikely to occur before <strong>2030-2032<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eli_Lilly_Achieves_Breakthrough_in_Early-Stage_Lung_Cancer\"><\/span>Eli Lilly Achieves Breakthrough in Early-Stage Lung Cancer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Eli Lilly (<a href=\"\/stock\/LLY\">LLY<\/a>) announced positive topline results from its <strong>Phase 3 LIBRETTO-432 study<\/strong>, evaluating <strong>Retevmo (selpercatinib)<\/strong> as an adjuvant therapy. The trial met its primary endpoint, showing a <strong>statistically significant improvement in event-free survival (EFS)<\/strong> for patients with early-stage (Stage II-IIIA) RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).<\/p>\n<p>While <strong>overall survival (OS)<\/strong> results currently trend in favor of Retevmo, the data remains immature due to a low number of observed events at this stage. The company plans to present detailed findings at an upcoming medical congress and submit the data to global health authorities. This development could accelerate the adoption of <strong>genomic testing<\/strong> for early-stage cancer patients to identify those who could benefit from targeted therapies.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rubio_Expresses_Skepticism_Over_Iran_Negotiations\"><\/span>Rubio Expresses Skepticism Over Iran Negotiations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>US Secretary of State <strong>Marco Rubio<\/strong> has tempered expectations for a diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran, stating that &quot;it&#39;s going to be hard making a deal with Iran.&quot; Speaking at the <strong>Munich Security Conference<\/strong>, Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration requires a comprehensive agreement that goes beyond nuclear restrictions. He insisted that any meaningful deal must also address Iran&#39;s <strong>ballistic missile program<\/strong> and its sponsorship of regional proxy groups.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the skepticism, Rubio noted that President Trump remains open to a meeting with Iranian leadership if it leads to a &quot;meaningful&quot; resolution. However, the Secretary of State warned that the US retains &quot;a number of options&quot; should negotiations fail to progress. The comments come as the US maintains a high military profile in the region, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Diplomacy_Modi_to_Israel_and_Italys_Gaza_Proposal\"><\/span>Global Diplomacy: Modi to Israel and Italy\u2019s Gaza Proposal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In a move to strengthen the &quot;tremendous alliance&quot; between India and Israel, Prime Minister <strong>Narendra Modi<\/strong> will visit Jerusalem from <strong>February 25-26<\/strong>. During the two-day trip, Modi is expected to address the <strong>Israeli Knesset<\/strong> and engage in high-level discussions regarding defense cooperation and a potential <strong>Free Trade Agreement (FTA)<\/strong>. This marks Modi&#39;s second visit to the country, following his historic 2017 trip.<\/p>\n<p>Separately, Italian Foreign Minister <strong>Antonio Tajani<\/strong> announced that Italy stands ready to train Palestinian police forces in Gaza and the West Bank. Tajani proposed using Italy\u2019s <strong>Carabinieri<\/strong>\u2014a paramilitary police force\u2014to conduct training, likely in <strong>Jordan<\/strong>. This offer coincides with Italy&#39;s <strong>\u20ac60 million investment<\/strong> in Gaza\u2019s reconstruction and its efforts to support a long-term two-state solution.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"US_Domestic_Outlook_DHS_Shutdown_Concerns_Ebb\"><\/span>US Domestic Outlook: DHS Shutdown Concerns Ebb<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>On the domestic front, reports from <strong>Punchbowl News<\/strong> indicate a lack of urgency in Washington regarding a potential <strong>Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown<\/strong>. Despite the looming deadline, legislative leaders appear focused on other priorities during the Presidents Day holiday. Meanwhile, Senator <strong>Lisa Murkowski<\/strong> and other moderate voices continue to navigate the internal party dynamics surrounding federal funding and border security.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Chevron (CVX) secures a 70% operating interest in four major offshore exploration blocks in Greece, marking a significant 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