Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Trump sees halt to Iran executions as West pulls staff
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he has received assurances that the execution of anti-government protesters in Iran has ceased, a claim echoed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi who insisted there are "no plans" for hangings. Despite these diplomatic signals, human rights groups report that capital punishment remains common in the country, and Washington has threatened "very strong action" should the crackdown escalate, prompting the U.S. and UK to withdraw some personnel from regional bases as a security precaution.
Iran airspace closure causes regional travel chaos
Commercial aviation across the Middle East faced significant disruption on Wednesday after Iran temporarily closed its airspace for five hours amid fears of military escalation with the United States. Although restrictions were eventually lifted, major carriers including Lufthansa and IndiGo were forced to divert routes or suspend services, with aviation safety groups warning that the heightened risk of missile activity and misidentification in the conflict zone continues to pose a threat to civil aircraft.
Trump questions exile Pahlavi’s support in Iran
President Trump has expressed scepticism regarding whether Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of the late Shah, commands sufficient domestic support to lead Iran should the current clerical regime collapse. Speaking to Reuters, Trump described the exiled figure as "very nice" but emphasised that political change must originate from within the nation, signalling a reluctance to openly endorse specific opposition leaders despite the administration's condemnation of Tehran’s actions over the recent unrest.
Denmark and NATO allies boost Arctic defence
Citing rising security tensions in the High North, Denmark has announced an immediate expansion of its military presence in Greenland, supported by deployments from NATO allies including Sweden, Norway, and Germany. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated that the increased allocation of aircraft and vessels is essential for maintaining a robust defence posture, a move confirmed ahead of high-level talks in Washington regarding the territory's strategic future and sovereignty.
Zelenskyy declares energy emergency as Trump blames Kyiv for war
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declares a state of emergency in the energy sector following Russian airstrikes and freezing temperatures, President Donald Trump has publicly blamed Kyiv for stalling peace negotiations. In stark contrast to the stance held by European allies, Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to end the nearly four-year conflict, asserting that it is Zelenskyy who remains "less ready" to reach a deal, despite Ukraine’s insistence that it cannot constitutionally cede territory to Moscow.
The UK economy grew more strongly than expected in November, according to official figures, offering signs of resilience after months of weak performa...
Canada and China have signalled a reset in bilateral relations during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official visit to Beijing, with both sides ...
A SpaceX capsule carrying a four-member crew home from orbit in an emergency return to earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition ...
U.S. citizens in Iran have been advised to leave the country as soon as possible, amid growing instability in the region and concerns that travel rout...
Russia has said it is ready to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States as tensions escalate over protests in Iran and warnings of possibl...
A SpaceX capsule carrying a four-member crew home from orbit in an emergency return to earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts splashed down safely early on Thursday (15 January) in the Pacific Ocean off California.
Russia has said it is ready to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States as tensions escalate over protests in Iran and warnings of possible military action.
Iran reopened its airspace late on Wednesday after a near five-hour closure that disrupted airline traffic, amid heightened concerns over possible military escalation involving the United States.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector after sustained Russian attacks severely damaged power and heating infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
Canada and China have signalled a reset in bilateral relations during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official visit to Beijing, with both sides highlighting progress toward closer cooperation after years of strained ties.
A SpaceX capsule carrying a four-member crew home from orbit in an emergency return to earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts splashed down safely early on Thursday (15 January) in the Pacific Ocean off California.
The foreign ministers of Iran and India have held high-level talks by telephone, discussing bilateral ties as well as a range of regional and international issues, against the backdrop of continuing tensions in the Middle East.
A crane collapse at a construction site near Bangkok has killed two people and injured five others on Thursday, Thai police said, a day after a separate crane accident derailed a train in northeastern Thailand, killing dozens.
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Wednesday that her government will continue releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, calling it part of a “new political moment” since his ouster by the United States earlier this month.
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