Author: tut0ugh
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The United States has seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers as part of its sanctions enforcement campaign. • The Bella-1 / Marinera, a re-flagged Russian-linked tanker, was seized near Iceland after tracking by U.S. and allied forces for sanctions violations involving Venezuelan oil. • The M/T Sophia, described as a stateless “dark fleet” tanker, was intercepted…
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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch presses Starmer over troop plans and rising international tensions
At the first Prime Minister’s Questions of 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced sustained pressure from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch over the government’s handling of fast-moving international events. Badenoch criticised the absence of an immediate parliamentary statement following political agreements linked to possible UK troop involvement in Ukraine, alongside US military action in Venezuela…
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Iran’s currency fell to a fresh record low this week, underscoring rising inflation and public frustration over living costs. Facing protests that began in late December 2025 sparked by the deepening economic crisis, Iran’s government has announced plans to provide most citizens with a monthly payment equivalent to about $7. Government spokeswoman Fatameh Mohajerani said…
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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun his 2026 New Year diplomatic tour of Africa, focusing on trade routes, infrastructure and political ties across eastern and southern Africa. The visit runs until 12 January and covers Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho, which Beijing views as strategically important for logistics, resources and export growth. Key developments:…
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US President Donald Trump said the interim authorities in Venezuela ‘will be turning over’ 30–50 million barrels of oil to the United States, following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social on Tuesday (Jan. 6), Mr Trump wrote: “I am pleased to announce that the…
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The Trump administration is considering a range of options — including potential military involvement — to pursue control of Greenland, describing the Arctic territory as a US national security priority. “President [Donald] Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter…
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China has introduced new export controls on Japan, citing national security concerns linked to rising tensions over Taiwan. China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had banned exports of ‘dual-use’ items that could have military applications, accusing Japan of making “erroneous” and “egregious” statements about Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign…
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Economist and professor Jeffrey Sachs briefed the UN Security Council on 5 January on what he described as a long-standing pattern of unlawful United States regime-change operations, with a focus on Venezuela. Sachs argued that US actions — including military force, covert operations, sanctions, and political pressure — violate the UN Charter and contribute to…
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a declaration of intent in Paris setting out plans for a possible post-ceasefire security presence in Ukraine. The framework would allow British, French and partner forces to operate on Ukrainian territory following a peace deal, focused on securing Ukraine’s airspace…
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Israel and Syria have agreed during U.S.-mediated talks in Paris to set up a communication mechanism to coordinate on security, intelligence and commercial issues, according to a joint statement released by the U.S. State Department. However, a Syrian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Damascus will not engage on “strategic files” without…
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