Iran has refused to allow inspections of its nuclear sites, bombed by the US in June, until the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sets rules for examining such sites after attacks. Iran wants the IAEA to define how to proceed in a post-war setting before allowing inspections. Iran expelled IAEA inspectors after the attacks and insists on a clear framework for future inspections.
Key Facts
Iran will not allow inspections of bombed nuclear sites until the IAEA sets clear guidelines for post-attack inspections.
The US bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict in June, killing over 430 people according to Iran's Ministry of Health.
Iran had previously expelled IAEA inspectors, accusing the agency of not condemning the attacks on its facilities.
The Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on dangerous sites like nuclear plants.
Iran criticized statements from a UN Security Council meeting on nuclear non-proliferation.
Iran claims that UN Resolution 2231, endorsing the Iran nuclear deal, will expire in 2025, losing its legal power.
Iran remains open to negotiations, emphasizing a need for diplomacy, while the US insists on specific terms for talks.
Republican Senator Rand Paul criticized President Donald Trump's foreign policy through a series of social media posts related to a secular holiday called "Festivus." Paul, who often disagrees with Trump on foreign policy, particularly noted actions related to Venezuela. Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have been rising, especially after recent military actions ordered by President Trump.
Key Facts
Rand Paul is a Republican senator from Kentucky.
He criticized President Trump's foreign policy on social media during "Festivus," which involves airing grievances.
Paul opposes Trump's military actions in Venezuela without Congress's approval.
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have increased due to military actions and oil tanker blockades.
President Trump called Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro "illegitimate."
Paul compared Trump's Venezuela policies to past U.S. actions in Iraq.
Paul released a report criticizing government spending, including some policies under Trump's administration.
Paul supported some Trump policies but disagreed on foreign policy issues like Venezuela.
Four prisoners in the United Kingdom linked to the banned group Palestine Action are continuing their hunger strike to protest various demands, despite serious health concerns. Two of their fellow strikers paused their protest after experiencing severe health issues. The prisoners are calling for things like bail, a fair trial, and the end of certain UK policies regarding their group.
Key Facts
Four prisoners in the UK are on a hunger strike, linked to the banned group Palestine Action.
They want immediate bail, a fair trial, and for the UK to stop labeling their group as a terrorist organization.
Two hunger strikers paused their protest due to severe health problems.
Kamran Ahmed, one of the strikers, was hospitalized for the third time.
The prisoners also want an end to alleged censorship and the closure of sites run by an Israeli weapons manufacturer.
The group is accused of break-ins at a factory and a military base, but they deny these charges.
One prisoner halted the hunger strike after 48 days due to severe abdominal pain.
Another striker, Amu Gib, needed a wheelchair due to weakness but has resumed eating temporarily.
The number of flu cases in England is decreasing as Christmas approaches, according to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency. Although this trend is seen as positive, experts warn that flu could return in the new year.
Key Facts
Flu cases in England are decreasing according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The agency uses hospital and GP sample testing to monitor flu rates.
Flu cases are also declining in Scotland over the past two weeks.
This year's flu season began early due to a mutated flu virus strain.
There were concerns about increased hospital pressure, but hospital admissions for flu are beginning to decline.
Experts advise taking preventive measures like washing hands and ventilating indoor spaces to reduce the spread.
People are encouraged to avoid close contact if they have cold or flu-like symptoms.
Experts warn that flu could make a comeback in the new year.
Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris proposed a new peace plan to the United Nations Security Council to end the civil war in the country. The plan includes an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of paramilitary forces from occupied territories, with oversight by international organizations. The proposal has faced rejection from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the main groups involved in the conflict.
Key Facts
Sudan has been in a civil war since April 2023, primarily between its armed forces and the paramilitary RSF.
The conflict has resulted in approximately 14 million people being displaced.
Prime Minister Kamil Idris suggests a ceasefire monitored by the UN, African Union, and League of Arab States.
Idris’s plan includes the withdrawal of RSF from about 40% of Sudan's territory, including key areas like Darfur and Kordofan.
The RSF controls significant regions and infrastructure in Sudan, while the SAF controls the remaining 60% of the country.
The RSF has rejected the proposed peace plan, calling it outdated and unrealistic.
The United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE (known as the Quad) have been mediating but support a different truce plan.
The UNSC has not yet voted on the peace proposal, and discussions continue.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reported that Christmas Eve will be the busiest ever for air travel in the UK, with over 335,000 people flying. Roads and railways are also expected to be extremely busy with major travel delays anticipated.
Key Facts
Over 335,000 people are expected to fly through UK airports on Christmas Eve, making it the busiest on record.
This is a 5% increase compared to Christmas Eve in 2024.
Major roads will be heavily congested, especially from 1pm to 7pm, with significant delays expected.
Rail services will have reduced schedules during the Christmas period, with no trains running on Christmas Day and limited services on Boxing Day.
Manchester Airport expects 75,000 passengers on Christmas Eve, with popular destinations including Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin.
Heathrow expects its busiest December ever, with 152,000 passengers anticipated on Christmas Day.
The M27 will have a temporary closure affecting travel between Southampton and Portsmouth starting on Christmas Eve night.
National Express coaches will run on Christmas Day, serving 96 destinations.
Federal prosecutors in New York and the FBI have provided over one million new documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case to the Department of Justice. The DOJ is reviewing these documents for potential public release, taking several weeks due to their large volume.
Key Facts
The FBI and New York prosecutors found over one million new documents about the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is checking these documents to see if they can release them to the public.
Lawyers are working to remove sensitive information from the documents to protect victims and follow court rules.
The process of reviewing the documents is expected to take a few weeks because there are so many.
The DOJ has already released 30,000 pages of documents related to Epstein, which mention President Donald Trump and his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The release of these documents follows guidelines set by federal laws and President Trump's directive, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The DOJ aims to make these documents public as soon as they are legally able to do so.
A tornado warning was issued for parts of Los Angeles County due to a strong storm, known as an atmospheric river, hitting California. The warning affects areas like Altadena, Pasadena, and Monterey Park and was set to last until 10:45 a.m. local time.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Los Angeles County.
The warning comes as a powerful atmospheric river storm affects California.
Areas under the warning include Altadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, and East Los Angeles.
The warning is valid until 10:45 a.m. local time.
A tornado warning means spotters or radar have reported a tornado threat in the area.
Residents in affected areas are advised to take cover.
An explosion in Gaza injured an Israeli soldier, leading Israel to accuse Hamas of breaking a ceasefire agreement. The incident occurred during ongoing talks in Turkey about advancing the ceasefire's terms. The ceasefire, mostly holding since October, faces challenges including political and military issues.
Key Facts
An explosive device injured an Israeli soldier in Gaza, leading to Israel's accusation against Hamas for ceasefire violation.
The explosion happened while soldiers were working in southern Gaza to dismantle militant structures.
Hamas claims the blast was due to unexploded ordnance and denied responsibility.
Israel and Hamas each accuse the other of violating the current truce, which began on October 10.
The ceasefire was part of an agreement to release hostages taken during a Hamas-led attack in October.
Turkish officials are involved in talks for the second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas in Ankara.
Major challenges for the next ceasefire phase include forming a governing body for Gaza and disarming Hamas.
A family member of the last remaining hostage from the October attack is urging the return of his remains before the ceasefire progresses.
A narrowboat named the Pacemaker was on the edge of falling into a hole after a part of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire collapsed. The boat was safely pulled away from the hole using a special winch operation. The canal section is being refilled, and investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing.
Key Facts
A boat named Pacemaker was nearly falling into a large hole after the Llangollen Canal's embankment collapsed.
The canal collapse occurred in Whitchurch, Shropshire.
The boat owner, Paul Stowe, escaped with his family and pets during the incident.
The boat was rescued using a specialist winch operation by Shropshire Council.
Water levels are being restored in the canal, allowing nearby boats to refloat.
Investigations into what caused the collapse are underway and will continue after the new year.
Repairs to the canal are expected to be lengthy and expensive.
The Canal and River Trust is coordinating efforts to restore navigation and provide updates to the community.
A 17-year-old dog named Chip was adopted by a new family after being found wandering alone. The adoption was facilitated by a Georgia-based rescue organization and occurred just in time for the holidays. Social media played a role in connecting Chip with his new family, who drove a long distance to adopt him.
Key Facts
Chip is a 17-year-old dog found as a stray and later taken in by Georgia Canine Rescue and Rehabilitation.
Chip's previous owner had passed away, making his adoption more challenging due to his age.
Statistics show about 25% of senior dogs get adopted, compared to about 60% for younger dogs and puppies.
Chip's story was shared on social media, leading to his adoption by a family that drove over 2.5 hours.
The adoption was described as "a Christmas miracle" by the rescue team.
Photos of Chip in his new home were shared, showing him comfortable and wearing pajamas.
The rescue organization expressed gratitude for the family who adopted him, recognizing the preciousness of time with a senior dog.
New York's congestion pricing program, which charges drivers $9 to enter busy parts of Manhattan, has reduced air pollution and traffic. President Trump opposes this program and is working to end it through legal means. The program has led to a decrease in air pollution and fewer traffic delays, but legal challenges continue as the Trump administration seeks to terminate it.
Key Facts
New York's congestion pricing started in January and charges drivers $9 to enter busy areas.
Air pollution south of 60th Street decreased by 22% in the program's first six months.
Traffic in New York dropped 11% from January to June.
The congestion pricing program is expected to generate over $500 million in revenue by 2025.
President Trump and his administration are attempting to end the program and have taken legal steps against it.
A federal judge blocked any immediate changes to the program while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Cornell University researchers reported an improvement in air quality across all five boroughs and nearby suburbs.
Pollution declines in New York were larger than similar programs in places like London and Stockholm.
President Donald Trump announced a 20-point peace plan for the Middle East aimed at improving conditions in Gaza, but the plan is still in its first phase. A think tank leader says the ceasefire helped reduce violence, but there's no long-term strategy yet.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced a 20-point peace plan for the Middle East.
The plan's focus includes achieving peace in Gaza.
The plan has only progressed to its initial phase.
The ceasefire resulted in less bombing in Gaza by Israel.
An expert from Chatham House expressed concerns about the lack of a future plan.
Iran's influence in the region seems to be weakening.
Israel continues to take actions that may lead to more conflicts, affecting neighboring countries like Syria.
Libya’s top military leader, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, died in a plane crash in Turkiye while returning from Ankara to Tripoli. The crash also killed four other Libyan military officials and three crew members. The incident has led to national mourning in Libya, where al-Haddad was a key figure in unifying the country's military.
Key Facts
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad was Libya's top military commander.
The crash happened when the private plane tried to make an emergency landing due to electrical failure.
The crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Ankara, Turkiye.
Al-Haddad had been Libya's chief of the General Staff since 2020.
Libya's government has declared three days of mourning for al-Haddad and the victims.
The crash also killed four senior Libyan military officials and three crew members.
General al-Haddad was involved in efforts to unify Libya’s military among political divisions.
A tanker carrying liquid propane gas exploded on a motorway between Rome and Naples, creating a large fireball. The explosion occurred after the tanker was involved in a crash with a truck, but everyone nearby was evacuated safely. The road and nearby buildings were damaged, but the motorway reopened several hours later.
Key Facts
A tanker carrying liquid propane gas exploded on an Italian motorway.
The motorway was between Rome and Naples.
The explosion happened after a crash with a truck.
Everyone in the area was evacuated safely before the explosion.
The explosion caused damage to the road and nearby buildings.
The motorway was closed but reopened several hours after the incident.
Christmas is being celebrated again in Bethlehem. Palestinian Christians worry about their presence diminishing due to Israeli settlement growth and violence in the area.
Key Facts
Christmas celebrations are happening in Bethlehem.
Palestinian Christians are concerned about losing their presence in the region.
Israeli settlements are growing near Bethlehem.
The area is considered the birthplace of Jesus.
Palestinian Christians face challenges due to settlement expansion and violence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is open to withdrawing troops from eastern Ukraine if Russia also agrees to pull back. He proposes creating a demilitarized and monitored free economic zone in the area. Any peace plan would need approval through a public vote.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy is willing to remove troops from eastern Ukraine.
For this to happen, Russia must also withdraw its forces.
The proposal includes making the area a free economic zone without military presence.
International forces would monitor this area to ensure safety and compliance.
Control of the Donbas region is a key issue in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
A similar proposal might apply to the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Zelenskyy says any peace agreement would be decided by a public vote, called a referendum.
India successfully launched its heaviest ever satellite into space. The satellite, named BlueBird Block-2, aims to provide cellular broadband service from space.
Key Facts
India launched its heaviest satellite to date.
The satellite is called BlueBird Block-2.
It is the largest commercial communications satellite in orbit.
The satellite will provide cellular broadband to smartphones from space.
An Indian-made launcher was used for the satellite launch.
South Korean forces seized two Chinese fishing boats accused of illegal fishing in South Korea's waters. South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung warned that future violators would face stronger penalties. The issue is a point of tension between South Korea and China.
Key Facts
South Korea seized two Chinese vessels accused of illegal fishing in its waters.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called the illegal fishing "utterly unacceptable."
South Korea's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends 230 miles from its coast.
Chinese fishing boats reportedly used smaller illegal nets and resisted capture.
The seized boats carried two tons of fish caught without a license.
South Korea and China agreed to work together to stop illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea.
The incident may influence future discussions between South Korea and China.
Russia plans to build a power plant on the moon by 2036 to support its lunar research efforts in partnership with China. The project, involving Russia's space and nuclear agencies, aims to provide energy for a long-term scientific presence on the moon. This initiative is part of a growing international interest in establishing a continuous presence on the moon for future exploration and research.
Key Facts
Russia wants to build a power plant on the moon by 2036 to support a joint base with China.
The project involves Roscosmos, a Russian space agency, and Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
The power plant will help run robotic rovers, a scientific observatory, and other infrastructure.
The goal is to create a permanent lunar presence and move beyond short-term missions.
Russia's space exploration ambitions have been challenged by recent setbacks, like the crash of the Luna-25 spacecraft.
Nuclear power is seen as a reliable energy source for the harsh lunar environment where sunlight is limited.
The U.S. plans to deploy a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, linked to strategic competition with China.
Interest in the moon includes its potential resources, like helium-3 and rare earth elements, important for future technology.
