Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Starmer condemns Trump Afghanistan comments as ‘insulting’
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned President Donald Trump’s claim that NATO troops stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan, calling the comments “insulting and frankly appalling” and stressing that they diminish the sacrifice of British and allied forces. Starmer said the remarks caused genuine hurt and called for an apology, noting the UK lost 457 personnel. Prince Harry and veterans’ groups also criticised the comments, while the White House declined to respond directly.
Iran warns of ‘all-out war’ if attacked
A senior Iranian official has warned that any strike on the country would be viewed as an “all-out war,” as the U.S. reinforces its military presence in the Middle East with an aircraft carrier group and additional air defences. The official said Iran’s forces are on high alert and would “respond in the hardest way possible” to any attack. Washington says the buildup is defensive, while Tehran argues it risks triggering escalation. The warning comes amid Iran’s deadliest unrest in decades and continued U.S. pressure, though both sides say diplomatic channels remain open.
Trump thanks Azerbaijan and Armenia, announces Vance visit in February
U.S. President Donald Trump has thanked President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for maintaining last August’s peace deal, saying Vice President J.D. Vance will visit both countries in February to advance what he calls the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. He added that Washington would deepen its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, pursue peaceful nuclear cooperation with Armenia, and expand semiconductor and defence equipment deals, including sales of U.S.-made body armour and boats.
Germany divided over possible World Cup boycott
Germany is split over whether to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. if President Donald Trump moves ahead with annexing Greenland, a step widely seen in Europe as violating international law. CDU lawmakers Jürgen Hardt and Roderich Kiesewetter said participation would be difficult to justify under such circumstances. Sports Minister Christiane Schenderlein said the decision ultimately rested with sporting federations. An INSA poll found 47% support a boycott, while 35% oppose it, reflecting broader unease over Trump’s foreign policy.
Russia and China oppose Western ‘militarisation’ of Asia-Pacific
Russia and China have accused Western countries of trying to militarise the Asia-Pacific region, saying they will step up coordination with Southeast Asian states in response. After talks in Beijing, officials criticised plans for Nato-style military infrastructure and so-called Indo-Pacific strategies, while promising deeper engagement with Asean. Discussions also covered Myanmar, Afghanistan and the Korean Peninsula, with both sides highlighting growing trade and momentum in bilateral ties.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 Se...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told ...
Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest contract chipmaker, is investing $2 billion to build a new fabrication plant in Wuxi, China as p...
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
From mounting concerns over record global debt levels to growing tensions over China's trade surplus and Russia's return to the negotiating table, this year's G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, highlighted the challenges confronting the global economy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected claims that Moroccan authorities orchestrated July’s deadly mass border crossing into Ceuta, saying Spain has found no evidence that Rabat planned or carried out the incident.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service, PET, has warned that Russia is actively preparing sabotage operations against targets in the country, with defence companies supporting Ukraine seen as a particular focus.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The latest escalation between the United States and Iran is being fought not only on the ground and at sea, but increasingly in the skies above the Gulf where a missile launch or intercepted drone can force an aircraft thousands of metres above the region to change course.
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