AnewZ Morning Brief - January 18th, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The EU has announced sanctions over a dozen individuals from Iran, including top officials and three airlines, due to providing Russia with military equipment
At a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, European Union foreign ministers imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials and entities accused of involvement in supplying missiles and drones to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. The sanctions target seven individuals, including Iran’s deputy defense minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, as well as seven entities, such as Iran Air.
The EU claims these companies have been involved in transferring military equipment and drones to Russia through transnational procurement networks.
The measures also target two firms linked to the production of rocket and missile propellants. The individuals and companies involved will face an asset freeze and a travel ban within the EU.
This move follows similar sanctions imposed by the UK, France, Germany, and the United States over Iran’s military support to Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for the sanctions but emphasized the need for further action. “The Iranian regime's support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable and must stop,” von der Leyen stated on social media.
The sanctions come amid broader tensions in the Middle East, with the EU foreign ministers also urging Israel to halt attacks on UN peacekeepers stationed at the Israel-Lebanon border.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Kazakh political scientist Dimash Alzhanov claims that the leaked transcripts of alleged conversations between AZAL pilots and Russian ground services are an attempt to exert informational pressure on Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan during the investigation into the December crash
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