Violent clashes continue in Iran between anti-government protesters and security forces. The unrest, caused by the economic crisis, has engulfed 111 cities and towns, leading to the deaths of at least 34 protesters and four security personnel.
Oil prices rose after a reduction in US inventories and events in Venezuela. Brent futures rose to $60.34, WTI to $56.36.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recommends that citizens leave Iran due to the deteriorating security situation. Departure is possible through Tehran airport and border crossings with Armenia and Turkey.
US President Donald Trump said that the interim government of Venezuela would transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. The sale of oil at market prices and the revenue will be controlled by Trump for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
The city of Abdanan in Ilam province has completely come under the control of protesters, becoming the first settlement captured by opponents of the government. Security forces sided with the protesters, and riots and car arsons took place in the city.
Russia sent a submarine and other naval forces to escort an empty, rusty oil tanker. This has become a new "hot spot" in relations between the US and Russia, according to a US official.
The Trump administration has informed Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, that the country must expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and grant the US an exclusive partnership in oil production. This is a condition for increasing oil production, as Venezuela's existing tankers are already full.
Iran's leaders are trying to quell protests, as US actions in Venezuela are causing concern in Tehran. Tehran's capabilities are limited by Trump's threats and a prolonged economic crisis.
The official Russian and Persian language accounts of the US State Department called President Trump a "man of action" after the special operation in Venezuela. They warned against playing games with him, emphasizing his determination.
The US State Department stated that the Western Hemisphere is a zone of Washington's interests. President Trump will not allow threats to US security in this hemisphere.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is considering fleeing to Moscow with his entourage if protests in Iran intensify. This plan follows the example of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
The Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, has regained control of the city of Mukalla and Hadramaut province. This happened after a series of Saudi coalition airstrikes on separatist positions.
High-ranking Venezuelan officials declare unity and support for Nicolás Maduro after his capture by a US special unit. Maduro is being held in a New York detention center on charges of drug trafficking.
Tensions in Venezuela and Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran have provoked expectations of rising oil prices. Venezuelan oil exports have almost stopped due to the US embargo, which led to a reduction in PDVSA's production.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made demands on Venezuela, warning against turning the country into a hub for gangs, drugs, and states hostile to the US. He also noted that the US is not interested in Venezuela's oil but seeks to limit competitors' investments in its oil infrastructure.
At least 16 people have died in Iran during a week of unrest as protests against soaring inflation spread across the country, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
OPEC+ agreed to maintain stable oil production, despite an 18% price drop in 2025 and tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Eight countries raised their production targets by 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December 2025.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys recalled that Nicolás Maduro's regime supported Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Lithuania did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called on security forces to brutally suppress protests, calling the demonstrators "rioters. " According to human rights activists, the death toll has risen to 15 people.
A rare US Air Force RQ-170 "Sentinel" drone was spotted in Puerto Rico after a night operation against the infrastructure of the Nicolas Maduro regime in Venezuela. The RQ-170 Sentinel is one of the most classified developments of the US Army, designed for high-resolution image collection and electronic intelligence.
The US special operation in Caracas and the detention of Nicolás Maduro caused a resonant reaction from world leaders. The international community was divided in its assessment of the legality of Washington's actions, from full support to harsh condemnation.
This refers to advanced weapon systems, including ballistic missiles and drones, for cryptocurrency. This would allow Tehran to circumvent Western financial restrictions.
US President Donald Trump has threatened the Iranian authorities with "actions" if peaceful protesters are killed, he wrote on the Truth Social social network. He added that Washington is ready for "actions."
In Iran, demonstrations caused by the deteriorating economic situation have spread to rural provinces, claiming the lives of at least seven people. These deaths may indicate increased measures by the Iranian authorities in response to the protests.
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has stated his readiness for dialogue with the United States on combating drug trafficking and oil. This comes amid increased American pressure on his government, including attacks on vessels and port infrastructure.
The Russian Federation officially appealed to the US State Department with a demand to stop pursuing the oil tanker Bella 1, which the American authorities consider a stateless vessel. The tanker, en route from Iran to Venezuela, is currently trying to evade the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean.
Several people died in clashes between police and protesters in western Iran on January 1. The protests began due to the fall of the rial and inflation.
In Iran, protesters attempted to break into a local government building, injuring three police officers and leading to the arrest of four individuals. Authorities declared December 31 a non-working day, closing schools and institutions to quell the unrest.
Trump reposted a NY Post article claiming that Russia is the only obstacle to ending the war. The material states that Putin systematically opposes Trump's policies, and his statements are a manipulation to disrupt peace initiatives.
Iran has appointed a new head of the Central Bank, Abdolnaser Hemmati, who replaced Mohammad Reza Farzin. This happened amid the sharpest economic crisis in three years and protests over the record depreciation of the rial.
