AnewZ Morning Brief - 31 December, 2025

AnewZ Morning Brief - 31 December, 2025
AnewZ
Anewz

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 31st of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Iran protests escalate as economic woes deepen

Protests over Iran’s soaring cost of living have spread across the country, with students joining shopkeepers and merchants in Tehran. The rial’s sharp decline and inflation surpassing 42% have fueled frustration. President Pezeshkian has called for dialogue, but unrest continues to grow amid a worsening economic crisis.

Russia launches drone attack on Odesa, injuring four

Russia carried out an overnight drone attack on Ukraine’s Odesa region, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure, and injuring four people, including three children. The attack adds to a series of Russian strikes on the key Black Sea port, with extensive damage to high-rise apartments.

Germany’s military plan highlights hybrid attacks as early war indicators

Germany’s military planners warn that cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation could signal the onset of a new war, according to a confidential government document. The Operational Plan for Germany (OPLAN) details how the country would defend itself in a major NATO conflict. The plan underscores the importance of civilian infrastructure in military operations and highlights Germany’s role as a critical NATO logistics hub. Hybrid warfare tactics from Russia have already been on the rise.

Netanyahu defends Israeli strikes on Gaza after ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's airstrikes on Gaza following a ceasefire, stating U.S. President Donald Trump expressed no concerns about the actions. Netanyahu emphasised the need to disarm Hamas for peace in Gaza and warned Iran over its missile drills, stating any escalation would have serious consequences.

Thieves steal €10 million from German bank vault during Christmas closure

Thieves took advantage of the Christmas holiday closure to drill into a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, making off with at least €10 million in cash and valuables from customers’ deposit boxes. Police confirmed the crime was discovered early on 29 December after a fire alarm was triggered. Authorities are investigating the break-in, which involved drilling through a concrete wall and accessing several thousand vaults. Witnesses reported seeing suspects with large bags in a nearby parking garage and a stolen black Audi leaving the area. Police are still working to identify the perpetrators.

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