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.
Armenia’s national aspirations must be contained within its internationally recognised borders, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ...
Democrats' sweeping victory in the U.S. midterm elections has sent technology stocks plunging, as investors fear tougher AI regulations could s...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed to fight attempts to impeach him, dismissing the growing campaign against him as politically motivate...
Romanian authorities said late on Thursday that two additional planes had received bomb threats including a KLM flight to Tel Aviv that had a layover in Bucharest.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has blamed the war with Iran for the Republicans' defeat in the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that voters who supported President Donald Trump in 2024 turned to the Democrats because of foreign policy and economic concerns.
The war between Russia and Ukraine continued to claim civilian lives this week even as diplomatic activity intensified ahead of planned peace discussions in Abu Dhabi.
As oil prices surge amid conflict in the Gulf, energy leaders at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi are confronting two major challenges: securing global supplies and meeting soaring electricity demand from artificial intelligence.
A British healthcare worker who contracted Ebola while working in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being transferred to the United Kingdom for specialist medical care, according to British authorities.
Democrats' sweeping victory in the U.S. midterm elections has sent technology stocks plunging, as investors fear tougher AI regulations could slow infrastructure development and threaten the boom that has driven market gains this year.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed to fight attempts to impeach him, dismissing the growing campaign against him as politically motivated amid mounting criticism of his handling of the war in Iran.
Russia and Iran have signed new documents to allow engineering surveys along the full route of the Rasht-Astara railway, a long-delayed link between the two countries’ rail networks.
Romanian authorities said late on Thursday that two additional planes had received bomb threats including a KLM flight to Tel Aviv that had a layover in Bucharest.
China has said it looks forward to a deeper and more practical relationship with North Korea, in the latest sign of warming ties between the two neighbours.
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