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.
US President Donald Trump said it was time to seek new leadership in Iran, accusing Ayatollah Khamenei of destroying the country. This came after Khamenei accused Trump of being responsible for the violence in Iran.
A lull has settled in Iran after the protests, but authorities are calling for the execution of detainees. A high-ranking cleric is threatening Donald Trump, who has adopted a soft tone.
Venezuela signed its first-ever liquefied petroleum gas export contract on January 16, 2026. This is part of a strategy to transform the country into one open to investment after the removal of Nicolás Maduro.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said that the deployment of European troops to Greenland would not affect Trump's decision on the island. US-Danish negotiations on Greenland's status ended without an agreement.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the defense of Greenland is a common NATO concern. This is due to the arrival of troops on the island following threats from Donald Trump and discussions on ways to strengthen security in the Arctic.
Germany is urgently sending a Bundeswehr reconnaissance group to Greenland. This operation is Europe's response to US ambitions regarding the island.
US senators are proposing a bill that would prohibit the Pentagon and the State Department from using funds to occupy or annex NATO territories, including Greenland. This comes amid concerns over Donald Trump's interest in Greenland.
Oil prices fell after four days of gains as Venezuela resumed exports and US crude and product inventories rose. However, concerns about supply disruptions from Iran continue to impact the market.
Germany and the Netherlands want Ukraine to be able to buy American weapons with the €90 billion EU loan. France insists on preferential treatment for EU military companies.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the US has no intention of annexing Greenland. He also called for stronger sanctions against Iran and emphasized the strength of the partnership between Germany and the US.
The US has accused Russia of a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation" of the war in Ukraine, citing the launch of the "Oreshnik" missile. This comes amid attempts by the Trump administration to push for peace talks.
Two Chinese supertankers, en route to Venezuela to load oil, have changed course and are returning to Asia. This occurred amid the ongoing oil embargo imposed by the US against Venezuela.
The Government of Greenland rejected Donald Trump's idea of the territory coming under US control, emphasizing the impossibility of annexation. The island confirmed that its defense would be carried out through NATO.
US President Donald Trump said he could block ExxonMobil's investments in Venezuela after the company's CEO called the country "unsuitable for investment. " Trump noted that his administration would decide which companies would be allowed to operate in the country.
The District of Columbia Attorney's Office has launched a criminal investigation against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The case concerns the reconstruction of the Fed's headquarters and alleged misinformation provided to Congress regarding the project's details.
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.
Asian stock markets opened the week with gains due to positive US employment data. Oil prices are rising amid escalating protests in Iran.
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius proposed creating a joint EU military force of 100,000 soldiers. This force could replace the American contingent in Europe and ensure the continent's independent defence.
Donald Trump ordered the Joint Special Operations Command to prepare a plan for a military invasion of Greenland. This initiative is being promoted by a group of political "hawks" to preempt Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic.
The IDF has developed plans to resume hostilities in Gaza in March 2026. The operation depends on the Trump administration's stance and aims to disarm Hamas.
Thousands of protesters marched in Minneapolis over the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by a federal agent. The incident sparked widespread protests and escalated political tensions over immigration policy.
Slovakia and the US will sign an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in nuclear energy. It envisages the construction of a new 1200 MW power unit at the Jaslovské Bohunice NPP.
The Trump administration is discussing possible airstrikes on Iranian military facilities. This is in response to the likely escalation of violence against protesters.
Donald Trump said he would accept the Nobel Peace Prize from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The Nobel Committee noted that the prize cannot be canceled or transferred.
Russian analysts have acknowledged the Russian Navy's inability to protect 'shadow fleet' vessels after the US seizure of the tanker Marinera on January 7, 2026. The fleet lacks the resources to convoy tankers over long distances.
Bitcoin ends the first week of 2026 unchanged, hovering around $90,000, down 2% from a year ago. Investors are awaiting tariff decisions and future Fed guidance.
Trump's team is preparing potential deals to strengthen US influence in Greenland, including mineral extraction. Denmark, which controls the island, refuses to sell but offers to strengthen the US military and economic presence.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who is negotiating with Washington on Russia's war against Ukraine, was in Paris on January 7. He was seen on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and was also received at the US Embassy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss, among other things, security guarantees for Ukraine for a period of more than 15 years. This issue was raised by Zelenskyy in December in Mar-a-Lago.
