The US is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East. Iran has warned its neighbors of a retaliatory strike on American bases.
The United States has begun withdrawing some military personnel from bases in Qatar. This is due to Iran's threats to strike American bases in the region.
The US State Department is suspending visa processing for 75 countries, including Russia and Iran, starting January 21. This is due to a review of applicant screening procedures that could lead to a public charge.
The United Kingdom is imposing new sanctions on Iran, targeting the financial, energy, and other sectors. This comes amid protests and reports of the country's violent response.
Canada recommends its citizens to immediately leave Iran by land. Iraq has suspended all passenger flights with Iran.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized US threats against Denmark regarding Greenland. He stated that Trump should thank Copenhagen for its loyalty, not threaten to seize territories.
Iraq is initiating the creation of a special commission to investigate the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian army. Official Baghdad expressed concern and reminded of the responsibility for mercenary activities.
Serbian company NIS, controlled by Gazprom Neft, received the first batches of oil for the refinery in Pančevo. This will allow the plant to operate at full capacity for at least nine days.
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Cyprus today, where the ceremony marking the country's assumption of the EU Council presidency will take place. He will meet with the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
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.
Syrian authorities announced the arrest of Taha al-Zubi, known as Abu Omar Tibiya, ISIS's "wali" of Damascus, during a "carefully planned" operation. A suicide belt and weapons were seized from him; the US Army Central Command did not confirm the operation.
The US Senate has approved a national defense bill worth almost $900 billion, which includes $800 million for Ukraine for 2026-2027. The funds will be distributed in equal parts for the procurement of weapons.
Commander of the Third Army Corps Andriy Biletskyi proposes to remove barriers for the growth of young officers to replace "paper generals".
US President Donald Trump has classified fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, giving the government additional powers in the fight against illicit trafficking. This move will allow the US to use military force against drug traffickers, particularly in Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump has announced "very serious retaliation" after two US servicemen and one civilian were killed in Syria. The attack, which the US blames on the Islamic State group, took place in an uncontrolled part of the country.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
Yemen's airspace was briefly closed after the separatist Southern Transitional Council group seized territory in Hadramaut province. This exacerbated internal divisions within the anti-Houthi forces and led to hundreds of passengers being delayed.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared the "irreversibility" of expanding negotiations with Israel to end the violence, while Hezbollah publicly criticized the move as a political mistake.
Large American banks are refusing to cooperate with the network of gas stations of the Russian giant "Lukoil" in the United States due to sanctions previously imposed against the company. Therefore, "Lukoil" is conducting transactions through small American banks.
Weeks after Iraq recognized Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah as terrorists, the authorities revoked the decision, citing a mistake.
Exxon Mobil is in talks with Iraq to acquire Lukoil's controlling stake in the West Qurna-2 field. This field accounts for 9% of Iraq's oil production, and potential buyers can negotiate until December 13.
US President Donald Trump is in excellent health, as evidenced by "absolutely normal" MRI results of his heart and abdomen. The 79-year-old president's examination was conducted in October and confirmed the absence of problems.
In November, Turkey reduced imports of Russian Urals crude oil by 100,000 barrels per day, to approximately 200,000 barrels per day. This comes amid tightening Western sanctions and the transition of Turkish refineries to alternative grades such as Kazakhstan's CPC Blend and Iraq's Basrah.
The Khor Mor field in Kurdistan has resumed operations after a drone strike caused widespread power outages. Gas supplies to power plants were restored at 2:00 AM on Sunday, stabilizing the region's energy system.
The Iraqi government plans to appeal to the US Treasury Department for a six-month waiver of sanctions against Lukoil. This would provide more time to sell the company's stake in the West Qurna-2 oil field.
Great Britain has temporarily suspended sanctions against the Russian company "Lukoil" for Bulgaria to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the oil refinery in Burgas. Bulgaria has also appealed to the United States to ease American sanctions against the company.
On the bustling streets of Tehran, there seem to be signs of change. However, according to a Reuters investigation, Iranian authorities are inviting foreigners in an attempt to "improve" the country's external image. Internal repression in Iran, on the other hand, is intensifying.
Lukoil shares on the Moscow Exchange fell to 4,900 rubles, and the company's capitalization decreased by $9. 6 billion after new US sanctions. This led to the blocking of sales of foreign assets and problems with operations in international markets.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's coalition won the parliamentary elections on November 11, securing about 50 seats. These are the sixth elections in the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
