The United States has slowed down the sale of international assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil to put pressure on Russia in peace talks on Ukraine. OFAC extended the deadline for concluding deals until April 1, and the next round of negotiations between the US, Russia, and Ukraine is scheduled for March.
ISIS claimed responsibility for two new attacks on Syrian security forces, part of an escalation in the region. The army of Syria's transitional government announced the start of a new phase of offensive operations.
Relations between the US and Iran are escalating over Tehran's nuclear program, threatening a major war in the Middle East. Ukraine is interested in peace to avoid rising oil prices and the strengthening of the Russian Federation.
The US is withdrawing approximately 1,000 troops from Syria, concluding a decade-long military operation. American forces have already departed from the Al-Tanf and Al-Shaddadi garrisons, with the remaining bases to be evacuated within two months.
The US Central Command reported a series of 10 airstrikes on more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria from February 3 to 12, 2026. Operation "Hawkeye Strike" eliminated or captured more than 50 militants, destroying over a hundred infrastructure facilities.
Oil prices rose more than 1% after a fall, but are heading for their first weekly decline in almost two months. Investors are focused on US-Iran talks.
Around 10,000 veterans in Copenhagen protested against Donald Trump's words regarding the role of allies in the war in Afghanistan. They marched to the US embassy, placing flags in honor of the fallen.
Russian company "Lukoil" has reached an agreement to sell its foreign assets to the American investment fund Carlyle. The deal does not include assets in Kazakhstan and requires approval from the US Treasury.
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.
US President Donald Trump threatens to cut off aid to Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is reappointed as prime minister.
The UN has taken over responsibility for managing displaced persons camps in Syria following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. This affects approximately 28,000 civilians, mostly women and children, associated with ISIS.
The US has successfully transferred 150 ISIS militants from Syria to Iraq. This move is part of a plan to relocate up to 7,000 prisoners amid instability in the region.
Indian refiners are changing their oil import strategy, reducing purchases from Russia and increasing supplies from the Middle East. This could help New Delhi conclude a trade deal with the United States and lower tariffs.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced on January 17 the complete withdrawal of US troops from the Ain al-Asad airbase. The facility is now fully under Iraqi control, in accordance with the 2024 agreements.
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.
