Iran

The presidents of Russia and Iran met in Moscow and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. The content of the document has not been disclosed, but it is known that it covers military, political, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Former US Director of Intelligence John Ratcliffe spoke about Russia's attempts to compete with the US in hypersonic technology. He noted that Russia's Texas-sized economy forces it to choose narrow areas of competition.

John Ratcliffe, a candidate for the post of CIA director, said that the risk of a US conflict with a nuclear power is growing because of the war in Ukraine. He also called the current situation the most difficult for US national security in history.

The US president welcomes the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. Biden said the deal was the result of pressure on Hamas and U.S. diplomacy.

At a meeting of the NATO Military Committee, Mark Rutte called for increased support for Ukraine. He emphasized the growing hostility of Russia and its allies against democratic countries.

Iran and Russia are preparing a 20-year strategic partnership agreement. The 47-article document will not include the recognition of Crimea and other occupied territories of Ukraine as Russian.

Andriy Yermak called on Brazil to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The coalition currently includes 41 countries, and Brazil can become an important partner in restoring a just peace.

Chinese state-owned oil companies are buying crude oil from the Middle East and other regions in large quantities. This is due to fears of supply disruptions after new sanctions against Russia and Iran.

On January 17, Iranian President Massoud Peseshkian will visit Moscow to sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement. The agreement envisages expanding cooperation in trade, defense, and transportation.

The War & Sanctions portal has a new section with information on 79 Russian UAV manufacturers. The database contains data on enterprises that produce "Shaheds", "Lancets" and other drones for the war against Ukraine.

The US President and Israeli Prime Minister held talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Biden emphasized the changed regional circumstances after the fall of the Assad regime and the weakening of Iran's influence.

The Iranian army has added a thousand new high-security drones to its arsenal. The drones have considerable destructive power and are able to overcome air defense systems due to their low radar footprint.

Keith Kellogg, Trump's new special envoy for Ukraine, has called for the return of a “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. At an event in Paris, he said economic and diplomatic pressure on the country was necessary.

Russia uses more than 1,000 vessels to circumvent sanctions, which is 17% of the world's oil tanker fleet. The shadow fleet has brought Russia more profit than Ukraine has received in international aid since the beginning of the war.

Brent and WTI crude oil prices rose by 0. 9% due to low temperatures and growing demand for fuel. Over the past three weeks, Brent has risen by 6% and WTI by 7%, also affected by sanctions against Russia and Iran.

The Lebanese parliament elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president after a 2-year vacuum. The new leader promised to ensure a state monopoly on weapons and develop a strategy to deter Israel.

Lloyd Austin said that achieving Russia's goals in Ukraine will lead to significant losses for it in the future. To maintain the occupied territories, Russia will have to spend huge resources and engage significant ground forces.

Shandong Port Group has banned tankers under US sanctions from entering its ports in Shandong province. This could affect oil imports from Russia, Venezuela and Iran, which account for 17% of China's total oil imports.

On the fifth anniversary of the PS752 tragedy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recalled Iran's crime and reaffirmed its intention to seek justice. The international group continues legal actions against Iran at the ICAO and the International Court of Justice.

The United States lifts some sanctions restrictions to support financial transactions with the new Syrian government. The easing applies to transactions with oil, gas and electricity, but does not apply to transactions with Iran.

The Government of Brazil has announced the official accession of Indonesia to BRICS as a full member. The decision was made on the basis of consensus after the presidential elections in Indonesia.

The Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted a missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen before it entered the country's airspace. Israel has warned the Houthis and Iran of the possibility of devastating strikes in response to the attacks.

The US State Department informs Congress of plans to sell Israel $8 billion worth of weapons. The deal includes ammunition for fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery shells.

The US National Security Advisor presented Biden with options for a potential attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The discussion focused on a possible U.S. response if Iran moves closer to developing nuclear weapons by January 20.

An Israeli air strike on a tent camp in Gaza killed Hamas police chief Mahmoud Salah and security chief Husam Shahwan. A total of 11 people, including children and women, were killed in the attack.

In Switzerland, starting from January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to cover your face in public places. Violations are subject to a fine.

The United States imposed sanctions on the Russian Center for Geopolitical Expertise and the Iranian Cognitive Design Production Center for disinformation during the election. The organizations created fake videos and news to manipulate voters.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon warned the Houthis of a “miserable fate” if they continue their attacks. He also stated Israel's readiness to strike any targets in the Middle East, including Iran.

The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100 after refusing further treatment. The Nobel laureate fought melanoma and spent his last days under hospice care at home.

The newly appointed head of the Syrian intelligence services, Anas Khattab, announced the complete disbanding of all Assad-era intelligence organizations. It is planned to create a new security system that takes into account the interests of the people.