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.
German voters cast ballots on Sunday in two state elections that could add to the political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as his governmen...
Iraq has returned restricted airspace across the western part of the country to civilian authorities, ending limits imposed for military operations...
Denmark and Greenland have moved to reassure the public that their sovereignty will remain intact under a new security agreement with the United St...
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that additional news organisations could be barred from the White House, hours after announcing bans on CNN, MS NOW and Politico over coverage he described as “fake news”.
German voters cast ballots on Sunday in two state elections that could add to the political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as his government faces growing public frustration and a resurgent far right.
Iraq has returned restricted airspace across the western part of the country to civilian authorities, ending limits imposed for military operations against Islamic State since 2016, the Transport Ministry said.
Denmark and Greenland have moved to reassure the public that their sovereignty will remain intact under a new security agreement with the United States.
World leaders are set to gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York for several days of high-level debate, with Iran, Ukraine, artificial intelligence (AI) and a range of global crises expected to dominate discussions this week.
Ed Sheeran has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his U.S. tour, apologising for decisions made after rapper Macklemore was removed from the line-up over his public support for Palestine.
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