Since December 26, the US Department of Homeland Security has introduced new immigration control protocols. Now, mandatory photography of all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, at every point of entry and exit.
Russia has almost doubled its exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Central Asia and Afghanistan, reaching 1. 016 million metric tons from January to November 2025. This happened after the EU imposed restrictions on the import of Russian propane and butane in December 2024.
Iranian forces seized a foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, carrying approximately 4 million liters of smuggled fuel. 16 foreign crew members were detained, their nationalities were not disclosed.
Separatists in southern Yemen accused Saudi Arabia of airstrikes on their forces in Hadhramaut after a warning about troop withdrawal. This escalates the situation in the country and jeopardizes the coalition fighting the Houthis.
The US and Iran exchanged remarks at the UN Security Council regarding the resumption of nuclear talks. Washington is ready for direct negotiations, but Tehran rejects conditions related to uranium enrichment.
Kenyan authorities are investigating a network that recruited Kenyans to participate in hostilities on the side of the Russian Federation under the guise of employment. At least 200 citizens were lured to Russia with promises of work and then sent to war in Ukraine.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will visit the US next week to meet with Donald Trump. The main topics will be Iran's nuclear activity in light of its recent missile exercises, as well as the transition to the next stage of Trump's "Plan" for Gaza.
The global legal framework for nuclear arms control could face obstacles in 2026. On February 5, the bilateral treaty between the US and Russia, New START, expires, and in April, the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will take place in New York.
The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on Iran's 'shadow fleet,' used to export oil in circumvention of American restrictions. The sanctions affected 29 ships and the companies that operate them, which transported hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil products.
The European Union plans to introduce its 20th package of sanctions against Russia in early 2026, continuing pressure to end the war. EU leaders call for coordination with the G7 and stronger measures against sanctions circumvention, as well as condemning third-country support for Russia.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution on human rights violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol. 79 countries voted for the document, 16 were against, and 73 abstained.
The Indian government has confirmed the recruitment of over 200 of its citizens by Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. At least 26 Indians have died, and seven more are missing.
Information about 360,000 Russian troops in Belarus is not true. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation and Lithuanian intelligence, only a few thousand Russian servicemen are there.
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to tighten restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the United States. The restrictions apply to 5 new countries and individuals with Palestinian Authority travel documents, and are extended for 12 high-risk countries.
The Pan-African Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature was founded in Cairo, coinciding with the intensification of Russian information operations in Africa. Russia is creating structures to promote the Russian language and ideology, using mercenary formations.
Several countries held talks in Iran, agreeing to deepen coordination and calling for the lifting of sanctions against Kabul. Afghanistan, led by the Taliban movement, refused to participate despite an invitation.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry warned African countries against Russian recruitment after two Botswana citizens allegedly became victims of recruitment. The ministry emphasized that Russia systematically recruits foreigners under the guise of employment or education, which is an organized state policy.
The adaptation of the Iranian-made drone with a Soviet air-to-air missile is aimed at hitting Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft that hunt Russian drones.
The CCD reports on the intensification of Russia's recruitment campaign in Iran to replenish its troops. Iranians are offered a $20,000 "signing bonus" and $2,000 monthly for joining the Russian army.
A US special operations group in the Indian Ocean raided a vessel en route from China to Iran and confiscated military cargo. The cargo, consisting of components for the production of conventional weapons, was destroyed.
Ukrainian special forces, in cooperation with the Russian movement "Black Spark," struck two Russian vessels, "Kompozitor Rakhmaninov" and "Askar-Sarydzha," near Kalmykia. The vessels, which are under US sanctions, were transporting weapons and military equipment.
The US plans to intercept more vessels carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week. This increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that "we are Russia's next target" and called for an immediate increase in defense spending. He emphasized that Putin is engaged in empire-building, and China, North Korea, and Iran support his aggressive stance.
The Russian Embassy in Iran stated that letters offering to recruit Iranians for the war in Ukraine are being sent by malicious actors. The advertisement promises $20,000 for signing a contract and a monthly salary of $2,000.
NielsenIQ's Russian subsidiary is actively recruiting staff for high-risk markets, including occupied Ukrainian territories and Iran, as revealed by job postings on HH. ru. The company's internal research previously labeled occupied Ukrainian lands as "new Russian regions."
Brent crude futures rose to $63. 84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $60.16. Investors are anticipating a Fed interest rate cut and monitoring geopolitical risks related to supplies from Russia and Venezuela.
FIFA has released the schedule for the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighting matches with the highest expected temperatures, particularly in Inglewood and Philadelphia. Some teams, such as South Korea and Canada, will benefit from convenient logistics, playing consecutive matches in the same location.
The naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted two-day military exercises, carrying out a massive launch of ballistic and cruise missiles. This demonstrated their readiness to counter external threats.
Weeks after Iraq recognized Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah as terrorists, the authorities revoked the decision, citing a mistake.
Iran's national football team coach, Amir Ghalenoei, will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. This will happen despite the country's football federation announcing a boycott of the event due to the US refusing to issue visas to its members.
