Several locally-developed instant messaging applications were reportedly restored in Iran on Tuesday (20 January), partially easing communications restrictions imposed after recent unrest.
On Friday, 23 January, Japan’s parliament was officially dissolved, paving the way for a snap election on 8 February. The speaker read out the dissolution letter as lawmakers shouted the traditional “banzai” cheer. The 465-seat lower house now enters a 12-day campaign period starting Tuesday.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Wednesday (14 January) that any attempt to affect the sovereignty of Greenland, a European ally, would have serious consequences, amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to take control of the Arctic territory.
Armenia has announced plans to allocate 150 billion drams (approximately $400 million) to the development of its defence industry for the 2026–2028 period, in a significant move to strengthen its national security.
Latvia has completed construction of its border fence with Russia, marking a major step in strengthening national and EU external border security. Authorities say work will now focus on expanding surveillance technology and additional infrastructure along the eastern border.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Ali Akbar Ahmadian, former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), as his special representative and head of the Headquarters for the Advancement of National and Strategic Projects.
Two senior advisers to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have been placed on administrative leave as the Pentagon investigates an alleged unauthorised disclosure of sensitive national security information.
US Vice President JD Vance denied reports of Elon Musk leaving his government role, confirming he’ll remain an advisor. Vance also touched on efforts to cut government spending and the upcoming decision on TikTok’s future in the US.
Poland's prime minister visited the Belarus border to highlight a $2.55 billion defence plan amid growing European fears of a future Russian threat.
Israel’s far-right politician and leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is set to return to Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amid an intensification of the war in the Gaza Strip.
Turkish police arrested 282 individuals allegedly connected to the PKK terrorist group during nationwide raids over the last five days. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Tuesday.
U.S. lawmakers have given TikTok a January 19 deadline to comply with new measures or face removal from app stores due to data privacy and national security concerns, highlighting geopolitical tensions surrounding the short-video app.
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