The U.S. has seized a sixth oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This move is part of efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports, following seizures of tankers that defied President Trump's sanctions. The U.S. aims to manage Venezuelan oil sales with the interim government.
Key Facts
A U.S. military operation seized the oil tanker Veronica in the Caribbean Sea.
The tanker is linked to Venezuela and was seized without any incident.
The tanker defied President Trump's "quarantine of sanctioned vessels."
President Trump wants only lawfully coordinated oil to leave Venezuela.
The tanker was sailing under a Guyanese flag but was previously registered in Russia.
The U.S. intends to continue cracking down on the "dark fleet" transporting sanctioned oil.
The seizure occurred shortly before a meeting between President Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The U.S. recently completed a $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado plans to meet President Trump to discuss Venezuela's future leadership. Despite strong public support for Machado, Trump has shown support for Delcy Rodríguez, the acting leader, after the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro. Discussions about Venezuela's political stabilization and future elections are ongoing.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is an opposition leader in Venezuela who recently won a Nobel Peace Prize.
Machado is set to meet with President Trump to discuss political leadership in Venezuela.
President Trump remarked that it would be challenging for Machado to lead Venezuela.
Trump currently backs Delcy Rodríguez, the acting leader, after talks about stabilizing the country.
Polls show over half of Venezuelans support Machado as the leader.
U.S. officials want quick elections in Venezuela, but they might take over a year.
The U.S. has introduced an oil "quarantine" as a part of its strategy for Venezuela's stabilization.
Machado supports a peaceful transition and believes the military and police will back democratic changes.
Protests in Iran are declining after the government cut internet access and cracked down on demonstrators. The U.S. and other countries are considering new sanctions against Iran due to the response to the protests over economic issues. There is international concern over the situation, and Iran briefly closed its airspace.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran began over its troubled economy and currency issues.
Iranian authorities closed the internet and increased action against protesters.
There have been at least 2,637 reported deaths due to the crackdown.
The U.S. suggested de-escalation but remains open to various responses.
New U.S. sanctions target Iranian officials involved in suppressing protests.
The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on the situation in Iran.
Iran closed its airspace for over four hours without clear explanation.
International airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace due to safety concerns.
British Columbia decided to end its drug decriminalisation pilot program, which allowed adults to possess small amounts of illicit drugs without arrest. The program started in 2023 to address the opioid crisis but will not continue past January due to public concerns and unclear results.
Key Facts
British Columbia ended its drug decriminalisation project, which started in 2023.
The pilot allowed adults to have up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs without being arrested.
The program aimed to tackle the opioid addiction crisis in the area.
The province decided not to extend the program due to lack of clear results and public disorder concerns.
The health minister said it was hard to tell if it helped more people get treatment for addiction.
British Columbia was the only Canadian province to try this type of program.
Opioid-related deaths in BC increased by 5.8% from 2023 to 2024.
Other regions, like Ontario and Alberta, are also moving towards addiction recovery policies rather than harm reduction.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's former Shah, announced plans he would implement if he became Iran's leader. He stated he would recognize Israel and end Iran’s nuclear program. Pahlavi, who currently resides in the United States, supports efforts to change Iran's leadership.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran's former Shah, who was overthrown.
He lives in the United States.
Pahlavi proposed recognizing Israel if he led Iran.
He also intends to stop Iran's nuclear program.
Pahlavi supports efforts to replace Iran's current leaders.
People in Denmark and the U.S. reacted with concern to President Trump's interest in bringing Greenland under U.S. control. Danish and Greenland officials went to Washington to discuss the issue, but they did not reach an agreement. Some European countries sent soldiers to Greenland for a reconnaissance mission to better understand the situation.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to bring Greenland under U.S. control.
Danish and Greenland officials visited Washington to talk about the matter with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said there is a fundamental disagreement despite constructive talks.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
President Trump hinted that a deal might still be possible without using force.
European soldiers have been sent to Greenland's capital, Nuuk, for a reconnaissance mission.
President Donald Trump initially threatened to attack Iran in support of protesters but later downplayed the idea, stating that the situation had calmed. Despite this, there remains a possibility of U.S. military action against Iran. Previous actions, like strikes in Venezuela, suggest the threat is real.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to attack Iran over protests but then said the situation improved.
Trump mentioned that Iran's government claimed protestors would not be executed.
The potential for a U.S. strike on Iran still exists.
The U.S. deployed military forces in the Caribbean, conducting bombings against alleged drug smuggling operations in Venezuela.
Trump and Venezuelan President Maduro had a diplomatic call, and Maduro offered talks about drug trafficking and U.S. access to oil.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the U.S. eventually captured Maduro on drug trafficking charges.
In June, amid diplomatic talks, the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities with advanced weaponry.
The U.S. attack on Iran followed an Israeli strike that most experts believe was approved by Trump.
An online campaign about protests in Iran, using the hashtag #FreeThePersianPeople, was primarily driven by networks linked to Israel. Analysis showed that most of the posts lacked genuine interaction from within Iran, suggesting external influence. The campaign promoted Reza Pahlavi as a political alternative.
Key Facts
The hashtag #FreeThePersianPeople became popular during recent protests in Iran.
Most of the posts using the hashtag came from outside Iran, linked to Israeli or pro-Israel groups.
The posts often repeated the idea of an imminent critical moment in Iranian history.
Data showed 94% of 4,370 posts analyzed were retweets, not original posts.
There were only about 170 original content creators, yet the reach was over 18 million users.
This pattern aligns with a strategy called "astroturfing," where messages are falsely amplified to seem widely supported.
The campaign highlighted Reza Pahlavi as the main political alternative in Iran.
Some Israeli officials actively supported the message, calling for change in Iran.
French Olympic swimming champion Yannick Agnel will stand trial for charges of rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl after his appeal was rejected. The events allegedly took place from late 2015 to mid-2016. Agnel denies wrongdoing, insisting the relationship was consensual.
Key Facts
Yannick Agnel is a double Olympic gold medalist in swimming.
He faces charges of rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
His appeal to stop the trial was rejected by a court in Colmar, France.
The alleged incidents occurred between December 2015 and August 2016.
Locations involved include Mulhouse, Thailand, and Tenerife.
Agnel retired from professional swimming in 2016.
He won gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and 2013 World Championships.
Kemi Badenoch has removed Robert Jenrick from his position as a shadow minister. Badenoch claims that Jenrick was secretly planning to leave the political party. The party led by Nigel Farage has neither confirmed nor denied this plan.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick was a shadow minister.
Kemi Badenoch accused him of plotting to leave the party.
The party leader, Nigel Farage, joked about buying Jenrick a sympathy drink.
There is no official confirmation about Jenrick’s plans to defect.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats are reacting to the situation with political memes.
The incident has been covered in a BBC podcast episode called Newscast.
The podcast provides daily analysis of political news and is available on smart speakers.
European countries are sending troops to Greenland to support Denmark as talks with the U.S. reveal disagreements about Greenland's future. Denmark plans to increase its military presence, while European countries like France, Germany, and the U.K. are joining the efforts to show unity and address security concerns.
Key Facts
Troops from several European countries have started arriving in Greenland.
Denmark announced an increase in its military presence in Greenland.
Talks between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. showed disagreement over Greenland's future.
European countries involved include France, Germany, the U.K., Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
The military support aims to show unity and address Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French troops are already heading to Greenland.
About 15 French soldiers are in Nuuk for a military exercise.
The European actions are meant to demonstrate that NATO can secure the Arctic region.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Cui Lijie, a Chinese national involved with a failed casino on Saipan, a U.S. territory. The casino was linked to past controversies, including illegal employment and financial issues.
Key Facts
Cui Lijie, a Chinese national, was arrested by ICE in Saipan.
Saipan is part of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory in the Pacific.
Cui was involved with Imperial Pacific International LLC, which had the only casino license in Saipan.
The casino faced issues like bankruptcy and legal troubles due to illegal employment.
Cui and her son were previously in the junket business in Macao.
The casino license was sold for $12.95 million in August to Team King Investment.
Legal experts have concerns about President Trump's immigration enforcement and its potential effects on due process rights.
The Israeli military attacked a village in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah military sites. The attacks are part of larger efforts by Israel and the United States to push for Hezbollah's disarmament. Tensions are rising as both sides warn of potential further conflict.
Key Facts
The Israeli military attacked the village of Sohmor in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.
The Israeli army warned residents to leave before an attack on a building it said housed Hezbollah infrastructure.
Israel's attacks on Lebanon have increased despite a 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army aims to control weapons south of the Litani River.
Hezbollah warns that attempts to disarm it could lead to chaos or civil war.
Hezbollah insists it needs weapons to deter Israeli occupation attempts.
Israeli attacks have spread to multiple targets in Lebanon.
The Lebanese army plans to discuss broader disarmament strategies with the government next month.
President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to prepare for a possible attack on Iran. This decision follows advice that a large strike might not change Iran's leadership and could lead to a wider conflict. The U.S. is also watching how Iran responds to protests within its country before deciding on further action.
Key Facts
President Trump has told the military to get ready for a possible strike on Iran.
Advisers warned a big attack might not remove Iran's current leaders and could cause more conflict.
The U.S. is waiting to see how Iran reacts to protests before making a final decision.
More military power would be needed in the Middle East for a large attack and to protect American forces.
Trump has not made a final decision yet but wants military options available.
The Wall Street Journal reported on these developments.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected to follow.
Robert Jenrick has been removed from the Conservative Party after being accused of planning to join another party, Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch, the party leader, claims there is strong proof of his intentions to leave, a story that has developed over months of speculation.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick has been removed from the Conservative Party.
He was accused by Kemi Badenoch of planning to join Reform UK, a competing political party.
Jenrick has not responded to the claims of his possible defection.
Jenrick served as the shadow justice secretary before his removal.
In the past, he lost the Conservative leadership race to Kemi Badenoch.
He has previously adopted strong positions on immigration and criticized court rulings in such cases.
Jenrick has built a significant online presence, often sharing videos that capture public attention.
Protests in Iran, which started over economic problems, have grown into a challenge against the country's leadership. The US-based group HRANA reports a death toll of over 2,600 protesters, while the Iranian government claims the figure is much lower. President Trump has discussed possible US military intervention, but tensions have eased slightly after Iran assured him that protestor killings have ceased.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran began in December 2025 due to economic issues.
The protests have expanded to challenge Iran's clerical leadership.
HRANA, a US-based group, says 2,615 protesters have died, while Iranian officials report around 300 deaths.
President Donald Trump suggested possible US military action if Iran cracks down on protesters.
Iran and the US have had increased tensions, affecting the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar.
Iranian authorities say over 100 security personnel have died; opposition says more than 1,000 protesters have been killed.
Iran continues to experience an internet blackout, hindering accurate death toll reporting.
HRANA is affiliated with Human Rights Activists in Iran and operates from the US.
U.S. forces have seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea that they say is linked to Venezuela. This action is part of an effort to control Venezuela's oil under President Trump's orders.
Key Facts
The U.S. has taken control of another oil tanker, named the Motor Tanker Veronica, in the Caribbean.
The tanker is said to have connections to Venezuela.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the news on social media.
The U.S. Coast Guard carried out the operation early on a Thursday.
President Trump's quarantine on certain vessels in the Caribbean includes the seized tanker.
The operation involved the U.S. Southern Command, including Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford.
The military reported that they seized the ship without any problems.
A video was shared showing helicopters and armed troops boarding the tanker.
A report from the Christian charity Open Doors reveals that Christian persecution is at a high level worldwide, with Nigeria being the most dangerous country for Christians. The report indicates that one in seven Christians globally faces high levels of persecution. President Trump and the U.S. government have expressed concerns about the ongoing violence against Christians, especially in Nigeria.
Key Facts
Open Doors reports an "all-time high" in Christian persecution globally.
In 2026, over 388 million Christians experienced high persecution, up 8 million from the previous year.
Nigeria is identified as the "global epicenter" of deadly violence against Christians.
The U.S. Department of State has taken a stance supporting action against the killing of Christians.
The Nigerian government acknowledges Christian deaths but claims violence affects multiple faith groups.
In the World Watch List 2026, Nigeria accounted for 3,490 of the 4,849 Christians killed worldwide.
Open Doors' data comes from various sources, but Newsweek could not independently verify these figures.
Other reports similarly point to high levels of Christian persecution in Nigeria and other countries.
NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, which will be the first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years. The mission involves a 10-day space flight taking astronauts further into space than ever before. The crew will test the Orion spacecraft and prepare for future Moon landings.
Key Facts
The Artemis II mission could launch in early February, with initial dates starting on February 6.
NASA will use the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion Space Capsule for this mission.
The mission lasts about 10 days and involves flying thousands of kilometers beyond the Moon.
The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch from NASA, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.
The astronauts will test Orion's systems, focusing on life-support, propulsion, power, and navigation.
The mission will gather data on living conditions in space, including radiation levels.
Artemis II aims to pave the way for an eventual lunar landing with Artemis III, which could happen by 2028.
The Artemis III mission aims for a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Iran's judiciary denied plans to execute Erfan Soltani, a protester recently arrested during nationwide demonstrations. Reports initially suggested he faced execution, but official sources clarified that his charges do not carry the death penalty. President Donald Trump commented that there are no planned executions in Iran and warned of strong U.S. action if protesters were executed.
Key Facts
Erfan Soltani is among many protesters detained in Iran amid recent unrest.
Iran's judiciary stated Soltani faces charges that do not include the death penalty.
Human rights organizations initially reported fears of Soltani's imminent execution.
Iran's judiciary accused foreign media of spreading false news on executions.
President Trump warned of "very strong action" from the U.S. if Iran executed protesters.
Protests in Iran began due to economic issues and opposition to the clerical leadership.
The unrest has resulted in thousands of detentions and reports of many deaths.
Demonstrations have spread across the country, including calls for the Supreme Leader to step down.
