Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran protest deaths surpass 500 as Tehran threatens U.S. bases
Deaths linked to nationwide protests in Iran have risen to more than 500, according to the U.S.-based rights group HRANA, prompting Tehran to warn that it will retaliate against American military targets and Israel should Washington intervene. Iranian officials caution that any aggression would be deemed a ‘miscalculation’ risking a wider conflict.
Trump weighs military options as Iranian unrest intensifies
President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on Tuesday regarding specific options to address the escalating unrest in Iran, including potential targeted strikes, as authorities in Tehran impose nationwide internet restrictions to mask the crackdown. Whilst the White House has ruled out deploying ground troops, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has coordinated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the IDF maintains high operational readiness to respond to any developments involving Iran.
Ukraine strikes Russian Lukoil platforms in Caspian Sea
Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces conducted a strategic strike on Russian Lukoil drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea overnight on 10–11 January, targeting infrastructure used to supply fuel to the Russian military. The attack damaged three ice-resistant fixed platforms, with Ukrainian officials describing the operation as an asymmetric measure designed to exhaust Moscow’s war-waging capabilities and disrupt its logistics in the region.
Britain to develop new long-range missiles for Ukraine
The United Kingdom has launched ‘Project Nightfall’, a fast-track programme to develop ground-launched ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometres to aid Ukraine in striking high-value targets deep behind Russian lines. Defence Secretary John Healey revealed the initiative following a visit to Ukraine, emphasising the necessity for Kyiv to combine strong air defences with offensive capabilities, with plans to award development contracts to industry teams by March 2026.
Azerbaijan backs Somalia at emergency OIC meeting
During an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst tensions regarding the breakaway region of Somaliland. Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev emphasised Baku’s commitment to international law and collective diplomatic efforts to uphold Somalia’s recognised borders, joining other member states in adopting a resolution that rejects moves to undermine the nation’s unity.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to res...
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint militar...
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middl...
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
Five years after Evergrande's debt crisis rattled global markets, founder Hui Ka Yan has been sentenced to life in prison, marking a dramatic new chapter in the downfall of China's former property giant.
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