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.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday made public more than three million pages of documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted s...
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any U.S. military attack on Iran would spark a wider regional conflict, Iranian semi-of...
Israel has reopened Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt in what Israeli media described as a “pilot operation,” marking the first opening of...
Iran will treat the armies of European Union member states as “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the EU’s decision to list Iran’s Islamic R...
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has arrived in China for an official visit, where he is due to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ...
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday made public more than three million pages of documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, including investigative records referencing Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk and Britain’s former Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any U.S. military attack on Iran would spark a wider regional conflict, Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.
Israel has reopened Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt in what Israeli media described as a “pilot operation,” marking the first opening of the crossing in two years.
Iran will treat the armies of European Union member states as “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the EU’s decision to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday.
Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian actress and comedy legend, has died at the age of 71, her publicist confirmed on Friday. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday made public more than three million pages of documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, including investigative records referencing Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk and Britain’s former Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
The United Nations faces the risk of “imminent financial collapse” because of unpaid contributions, including substantial arrears from the United States, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.
Vladimir Putin said Russia earned more than $15 billion from defence exports in 2025 and fulfilled all military-technical contracts despite what he described as growing pressure from Western countries.
Explosions shook parts of southern Lebanon on Friday night as Israeli strikes rippled across the Zahrani district, with the blasts travelling toward the coastal city of Sidon.
Israel has reopened Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt in what Israeli media described as a “pilot operation,” marking the first opening of the crossing in two years.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has arrived in China for an official visit, where he is due to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss international and regional security issues, Russian state media reported on Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington may be able to reach a deal with Cuba, days after he threatened tariffs on any country supplying the island with oil.
Xi Jinping praised China–Algeria co-operation on Saturday following the successful launch of an Algerian remote sensing satellite from northwest China, calling it another milestone in bilateral space ties.
U.S. president Donald Trump said Iran is “seriously talking” with the United States and expressed hope that negotiations could lead to an outcome acceptable to Washington.
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