live IRGC closes Strait of Hormuz until 'U.S. interference ends'
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has promised to avenge the killing of his father, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran and Washingto...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 7th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Nationwide protests in Iran have continued with crowds returning to the streets during daylight hours and moving into major economic hubs. Security forces have deployed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, and reports suggest Iranian-backed Iraqi militias are assisting in the crackdown. Human rights organisations have raised alarms over increasing casualties and detentions, while the country continues to downplay the scale of the movement which now includes direct calls for political change and leadership transition.
Leaders from the U.S. and Europe have moved closer to finalising a legally binding security package for Ukraine, which includes a high-tech ceasefire monitoring system and a multinational force led by France and the UK. The guarantees are modelled on NATO’s Article 5 to provide long-term defence assistance and deter future Russian aggression, though the deployment would operate away from the contact line. While President Zelenskyy welcomed the initiative as a major step forward, the agreement still faces significant hurdles regarding ratification by Western parliaments and the U.S. Congress.
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is actively exploring options to acquire Greenland, viewing the resource-rich Arctic island as a vital national security priority to deter adversaries such as Russia and China. Despite adamant rejections of the idea from NATO and Danish leaders, U.S. officials indicate that the administration is considering various strategies, ranging from an outright purchase to a Compact of Free Association. While diplomacy remains the preferred route, the White House noted that the use of military options remains theoretically available, underscoring the President’s determination to secure a deal.
Tensions between Tbilisi and Brussels have deepened after the speaker of Georgia’s parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, publicly questioned the European Union’s ability to function as a global geopolitical guarantor. Citing recent international events, Papuashvili argued that the bloc has lost its capacity to uphold the global order and accused it of applying undue pressure on Georgia regarding democratic reforms and visa policies. Despite the sharp rhetoric, the government maintains that its strategic priorities remain the restoration of territorial integrity and the well-being of the Georgian people.
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake has struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, prompting residents to flee buildings but causing no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage. Seismologists confirmed that the tremors occurred at a significant depth, which effectively ruled out the threat of a destructive tsunami hitting the region. Authorities in the archipelago, which sits on the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire", have advised the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
Dozens of flights have been cancelled across East Asia as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches China. The typhoon, which has maximum sustained winds of 162 kph (100mph), is nearing a remote chain of Japanese islands, east of Taiwan on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi have discussed arrangements to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Department of Justice has ordered several New York Times journalists to testify before a federal grand jury.
A Miami-based tycoon wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner wants to build a controversial multi-billion dollar resort, the country’s organised crime agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering British politician Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, UK police have said.
Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Ukraine’s capital early on Saturday, injuring at least 10 people, officials said. The attack came as Kyiv faces a shortage of air defence munitions while awaiting fresh supplies to counter Russian strikes.
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