{"id":58809,"date":"2026-02-19T18:08:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T22:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T18:08:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T22:08:32","slug":"trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump Weighs Iran Strike as Fed Clears Fulton Financial Expansion and North Korea Touts Growth"},"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\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/#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\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/#Geopolitical_Tensions_Trump_Issues_Iran_Ultimatum\" >Geopolitical Tensions: Trump Issues Iran Ultimatum<\/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\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/#Financial_Regulation_Fed_Greenlights_Fulton_Expansion\" >Financial Regulation: Fed Greenlights Fulton Expansion<\/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\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/#Trade_and_Industry_Steel_Tariffs_Labeled_a_%22Game-Changer%22\" >Trade and Industry: Steel Tariffs Labeled a &quot;Game-Changer&quot;<\/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\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/#International_Affairs_North_Koreas_9th_Party_Congress\" >International Affairs: North Korea&#39;s 9th Party Congress<\/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\/trump-weighs-iran-strike-as-fed-clears-fulton-financial-expansion-and-north-korea-touts-growth\/58809\/#Domestic_Policy_FBI_Lowers_Standards_Amid_Staffing_Crisis\" >Domestic Policy: FBI Lowers Standards Amid Staffing Crisis<\/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>President Trump is weighing a &quot;limited military strike&quot; on Iran<\/strong> to force a nuclear deal, as the U.S. assembles its largest air power concentration in the Middle East since 2003.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Federal Reserve approved Fulton Financial Corporation&#39;s (<a href=\"\/stock\/FULT\">FULT<\/a>) acquisition<\/strong> of Blue Foundry Bancorp (<a href=\"\/stock\/BLFY\">BLFY<\/a>), a move set to create a <strong>$34 billion<\/strong> community banking powerhouse by mid-2026.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trump labeled steel tariffs a &quot;game-changer&quot;<\/strong> for domestic industry, even as trade officials signal potential &quot;adjustments&quot; to ease compliance burdens for U.S. businesses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>North Korea&#39;s 9th Party Congress<\/strong> opened with Kim Jong Un claiming the country has overcome recession and completed its five-year growth plan while unveiling <strong>50 new AI-enhanced rocket launchers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The FBI is drastically scaling back vetting and training<\/strong> for new agents, cutting Quantico training from <strong>18 weeks to 8 weeks<\/strong> to address a projected loss of <strong>5,000 employees<\/strong> by September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Geopolitical_Tensions_Trump_Issues_Iran_Ultimatum\"><\/span>Geopolitical Tensions: Trump Issues Iran Ultimatum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>President <strong>Donald Trump<\/strong> is reportedly considering an initial limited military strike against <strong>Iran<\/strong> to pressure the regime into a new nuclear agreement. According to the <em>Wall Street Journal<\/em>, the administration has been briefed on options ranging from targeted strikes on nuclear facilities to a broader campaign against political and military leadership. Trump recently posted on <strong>Truth Social<\/strong> that the U.S. may utilize the <strong>Diego Garcia<\/strong> airbase if a &quot;meaningful deal&quot; is not reached within the next <strong>10 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. military is currently overseeing its largest buildup in the region in over two decades, deploying <strong>F-35<\/strong> and <strong>F-22<\/strong> fighter jets alongside the <strong>USS Gerald R. Ford<\/strong> aircraft carrier. <em>Oil markets are showing increased volatility<\/em> as traders weigh the risk of a sustained, weeks-long air campaign that could disrupt global energy supplies. While Iranian officials claim to be drafting a framework for talks, the White House has warned that &quot;bad things happen&quot; if Tehran fails to meet U.S. demands.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Financial_Regulation_Fed_Greenlights_Fulton_Expansion\"><\/span>Financial Regulation: Fed Greenlights Fulton Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Federal Reserve Board<\/strong> officially announced its approval for Fulton Financial Corporation (<a href=\"\/stock\/FULT\">FULT<\/a>) to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp (<a href=\"\/stock\/BLFY\">BLFY<\/a>). This acquisition allows <strong>Fulton Financial<\/strong>, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to indirectly acquire <strong>Blue Foundry Bank<\/strong>, significantly expanding its footprint in the competitive northern <strong>New Jersey<\/strong> market. The merger is expected to close in the second quarter of <strong>2026<\/strong>, with operations fully consolidated by mid-year.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion, the combined entity is projected to operate as a <strong>$34 billion<\/strong> community bank under the <strong>Fulton Bank<\/strong> brand. Executives stated the move will provide <strong>Blue Foundry<\/strong> customers access to over <strong>200 locations<\/strong> across the mid-Atlantic. <em>Analysts view the approval as a signal of continued consolidation in the regional banking sector<\/em> as mid-sized firms seek scale to compete with national players.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trade_and_Industry_Steel_Tariffs_Labeled_a_%22Game-Changer%22\"><\/span>Trade and Industry: Steel Tariffs Labeled a &quot;Game-Changer&quot;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In a recent statement, President Trump praised the impact of <strong>steel tariffs<\/strong>, calling them a &quot;game-changer&quot; for the American manufacturing sector. The administration currently maintains a <strong>50% levy<\/strong> on foreign steel and aluminum, which officials argue is necessary to combat Chinese overcapacity. However, U.S. Trade Representative <strong>Jamieson Greer<\/strong> recently signaled that the administration is open to &quot;adjusting&quot; how these tariffs are applied to reduce the &quot;bean counting&quot; and compliance costs currently burdening domestic firms.<\/p>\n<p>While the underlying metals tariffs are expected to remain in place, the <strong>Commerce Department<\/strong> is reviewing a list of over <strong>400 products<\/strong> for potential exemptions. <em>Industrial stocks remained sensitive to the news<\/em>, as manufacturers of heavy equipment and appliances have complained that high input costs are hurting consumer prices. The move to ease compliance is seen by some as an effort to address <em>cost-of-living concerns<\/em> ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_Affairs_North_Koreas_9th_Party_Congress\"><\/span>International Affairs: North Korea&#39;s 9th Party Congress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>North Korean leader <strong>Kim Jong Un<\/strong> opened the <strong>9th Workers&#39; Party Congress<\/strong> by declaring a successful end to the nation&#39;s five-year economic plan. State media reported that the country has &quot;strengthened self-reliant power&quot; in both defense and diplomacy, purportedly overcoming a period of recession. During the event, the regime showcased <strong>50 new 600mm large-caliber multiple rocket launchers<\/strong>, which Kim described as the &quot;world&#39;s most powerful&quot; attack weapons.<\/p>\n<p>The new weaponry is reportedly equipped with <strong>artificial intelligence<\/strong> and advanced guidance systems capable of targeting the entirety of <strong>South Korea<\/strong>. Kim vowed that the Congress would unveil a new roadmap for &quot;self-defense force construction,&quot; signaling further military escalation. <em>Regional security experts suggest the display is intended to project strength<\/em> amid stalled nuclear diplomacy with the United States.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domestic_Policy_FBI_Lowers_Standards_Amid_Staffing_Crisis\"><\/span>Domestic Policy: FBI Lowers Standards Amid Staffing Crisis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>FBI<\/strong> is preparing to significantly lower recruitment and vetting standards to combat a massive staffing shortage. Sources indicate the Bureau anticipates losing more than <strong>5,000 employees<\/strong> by September due to a wave of early retirements and buyouts. Under a new plan led by Director <strong>Kash Patel<\/strong>, the agency will no longer require a college degree for certain agent positions and will slash the <strong>Quantico<\/strong> training program from <strong>18 weeks down to just 8 weeks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The shift has sparked alarm among veteran officials who worry the move will undermine the agency&#39;s ability to conduct complex national security investigations. The administration has framed these changes as part of a broader effort to <strong>slash the federal workforce<\/strong> and reduce the budget. <em>Internal critics argue that the rapid reduction in vetting<\/em> could leave the Bureau vulnerable to security risks and decreased operational efficacy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways President Trump is weighing a &quot;limited military strike&quot; on Iran to force a nuclear deal, as the U.S. 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