Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the full combat readiness of the country's armed forces. This came amid threats from US President Donald Trump regarding a possible military strike on Tehran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the territorial issue regarding "Donetsk" is a key obstacle to a peace agreement. This issue remains the only one being worked on to reconcile the parties' positions.
Brent crude prices exceeded $69 per barrel, and WTI – $64, due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The market is also affected by reduced US inventories and a winter storm.
The US presented a strategy for the demilitarization of Gaza to the UN Security Council, which includes buying back weapons from militants. The plan aims to remove Hamas from power and destroy its military infrastructure under international supervision.
Tesla is investing $2 billion in Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, despite a failed shareholder vote. This will allow the integration of neural networks into physical products and accelerate the development of robotaxis.
Singer Springsteen presented his new song, in which he ridiculed Trump's policies and ICE's involvement in Minneapolis.
The Trump administration has decided to hand over the supertanker M/T Sophia, detained by the US Coast Guard in January 2026, to the Venezuelan authorities. This is the first time a vessel from the "shadow fleet" has been returned after the naval blockade of Venezuela.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced improved relations with Venezuela, which removes the question of immediate use of force. The US is satisfied with the actions of the new government and is preparing to open an embassy.
Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported an attempt by an ICE agent to enter their consulate in Minneapolis. Official Quito sent a note of protest, considering this a violation of diplomatic immunity.
The U. S. Marshals Service is investigating a hack of government accounts holding confiscated digital assets. Over $60 million has been withdrawn from the wallets, raising questions about the security of federal digital holdings.
US President Donald Trump called on Iran to negotiate on a nuclear deal, warning of the consequences of refusal. Tehran declared full combat readiness and threatened retaliatory strikes.
The Democratic minority in the US Senate blocked a government funding package, demanding restrictions on Trump's immigration agents. This occurred two days before the deadline, threatening a shutdown of key government agencies.
The US, Denmark, and Greenland held talks in Washington regarding a new security agreement in the Arctic. This was in response to pressure from Trump, who had previously threatened to annex the island.
The US Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate at 3. 5-3.75% despite criticism from Trump. This decision led to a record rise in the S&P 500 index.
The Center for Countering Disinformation reports on new Russian history textbooks for 10th and 11th grades that justify the war against Ukraine. They present the aggression as a "forced step" to save the world from NATO.
Donald Trump has unveiled an initiative: every child born in the USA between 2025 and 2028 will receive $1000 in a "Trump Account. " The funds will be invested in index funds, accessible from age 18, and can be supplemented by families and employers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania handed a diplomatic note to Belarus over another incident involving the use of balloons to smuggle contraband. The large-scale launch of objects led to the Vilnius airport being closed three times and disrupted the plans of over 1,700 passengers.
Acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala inadvertently leaked government materials by uploading them to OpenAI's public chatbot. The incident occurred after receiving exclusive permission to use ChatGPT, which is blocked for other DHS employees.
The US Secretary of State stated that the increased US military presence in the Middle East was implemented to protect against the Iranian threat to "our personnel. "
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced successful negotiations on a security agreement in the Arctic. The US seeks to strengthen NATO's presence and limit Russia's and China's access to Greenland's mineral resources.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a visit to China to reset economic relations. This is the first visit of a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.
Experts explained why the dollar is the main currency for pricing in Ukraine and the best choice for long-term savings. The euro is more appropriate for short-term speculation due to its instability.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denied a Politico report about his concerns over Donald Trump's condition. He called the article "a lie" and stated that he did not speak at the summit where he allegedly made such assessments.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized Donald Trump's threats to cut support for Iraq if he returns to power. Trump stated that Maliki would be a "very bad choice," adding that the country descended into chaos when he was in power.
Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov stated Russia's readiness to meet with Zelensky in Moscow if he is ready for negotiations. The Russian side guarantees security and conditions for work but demands preparedness and a focus on results.
The American president stated that a "huge armada" of American ships led by the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" is heading to Iran.
The price of gold rose to $5305. 65 per ounce, reaching a record high of $5311.31. This occurred as the dollar fell to a nearly four-year low ahead of the US Federal Reserve's decision.
Zelenskyy announced active work with the US on an agreement regarding post-war reconstruction, thanking representatives of President Trump. The Ukrainian side aims for the fastest possible result.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about Donald Trump's "psychological state" after their meeting on January 17. Fico called Trump "dangerous," which shocked European diplomats.
