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.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found ...
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the c...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to secu...
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapi...
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, re...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapid urban growth is placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has opened in Baku, bringing together governments, international organisations, city leaders and civil society to address mounting global urban challenges.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are negotiating summer water allocations as rising temperatures, agricultural demand and pressure on shared rivers intensify water security concerns across Central Asia.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found dead after the attack, authorities have confirmed.
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, residents said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
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