Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 23rd of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Trump confirms seizure of Venezuelan oil and vessels
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. will retain control of oil tankers and ships recently seized off the Venezuelan coast, suggesting the confiscated crude may be added to the Strategic Reserves. The move follows Trump’s declaration of a "total blockade" on sanctioned tankers last week, with American forces currently pursuing a third vessel in the region as part of heightened efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent Venezuelan oil from reaching global markets.
Netanyahu to discuss Iranian military drills with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is closely monitoring recent Iranian missile exercises and intends to raise the matter with President Trump during his visit to Washington next week. Speaking at a trilateral summit with Greek and Cypriot leaders, Netanyahu warned that any hostile action from Tehran would meet a "severe response", whilst also discussing regional security cooperation and energy initiatives intended to link India to Europe via the Middle East.
U.S. unveils plans for new ‘Trump-class’ battleships
President Trump has approved plans to construct a new fleet of "Trump-class" battleships, described as being significantly larger and more powerful than any previous U.S. warship. The administration aims to commission between 20 and 25 of these massive vessels—each equipped with nuclear-armed cruise missiles—as part of a "Golden Fleet" initiative to expand naval power, with the first ship set to be christened the USS Defiant.
Zelenskyy warns of intensified Russian attacks over Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of a heightened risk of large-scale Russian strikes over the Christmas period, citing intelligence reports of increased threats between 23 and 25 December. Whilst Kyiv negotiates with Washington for additional Patriot air defence systems to counter a critical shortage, Zelenskyy noted that Moscow had rejected holiday ceasefire proposals, even as tensions rise following the reported assassination of a Russian general in Moscow.
Ellison backs Paramount’s £86bn bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount has reaffirmed its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at approximately $108.4 billion (£86bn), now bolstered by a $40.4 billion personal equity guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison. Despite the target company’s board urging shareholders to reject the offer in favour of a competing deal with Netflix, Paramount remains committed to the takeover, extending its tender offer deadline to January 2026 and arguing that its proposal delivers superior long-term value.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran with renewed military action on Sunday if Tehran-backed Hezbollah continues attacks from Lebanon, even as ...
Britain's Observer newspaper reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to resign on Monday and outline a timetable for his departure. ...
More than 41 million Colombians headed to the polls on Sunday to decide whether the country will continue the left-wing policies of President Gustavo ...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has instructed officials to resume discussions on reopening the historic Halki Seminary near Istanbul, a long-...
Bolivia showed signs of returning to normality on Sunday after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency to end a 50-day social crisis that ...
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran with renewed military action on Sunday if Tehran-backed Hezbollah continues attacks from Lebanon, even as Vice President JD Vance held the first talks with Iranian officials under a week-old peace agreement in Switzerland.
More than 41 million Colombians headed to the polls on Sunday to decide whether the country will continue the left-wing policies of President Gustavo Petro or elect conservative outsider Abelardo De La Espriella in a closely watched presidential runoff.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has instructed officials to resume discussions on reopening the historic Halki Seminary near Istanbul, a long-standing issue that was raised by U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of an expected NATO summit visit to Ankara next month.
Bolivia showed signs of returning to normality on Sunday after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency to end a 50-day social crisis that had paralysed transport networks across the country.
A train driver has been killed and nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital, after two trains collided near Beford in the east of England on Friday. The passenger trains heading to London collided at around 17:15 local time (1615 GMT).
Morocco captain and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France after an appeals court ruled there was enough evidence for the case to proceed.
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck southwest of Greece’s island of Crete on Saturday, with no immediate reports of damage.
Paraguay kept their World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Türkiye, but the celebrations were tempered by a costly red card for veteran forward Miguel Almirón.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a senior U.S. official has said. Hezbollah has released a statement saying Israel must leave southern Lebanon. Israel has said it agrees to the ceasefire, but has said its armed forces won't leave Lebanon and will resume hostilities if attacked.
More than 41 million Colombians headed to the polls on Sunday to decide whether the country will continue the left-wing policies of President Gustavo Petro or elect conservative outsider Abelardo De La Espriella in a closely watched presidential runoff.
Britain's Observer newspaper reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to resign on Monday and outline a timetable for his departure.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has instructed officials to resume discussions on reopening the historic Halki Seminary near Istanbul, a long-standing issue that was raised by U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of an expected NATO summit visit to Ankara next month.
Bolivia showed signs of returning to normality on Sunday after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency to end a 50-day social crisis that had paralysed transport networks across the country.
Ukraine's improved position on the battlefield has done little to ease the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people displaced by the conflict, according to the head of the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
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