Iran enters near total internet blackout as nationwide protests intensify
Iran remained largely cut off from the global internet on Friday as authorities enforced a nationwide digital blackout while protests continued to spread across the country, intensifying an already volatile political and economic crisis. Internet monitoring data showed that connectivity across Iran had dropped to almost zero for more than 12 hours, severely limiting access to online communication platforms as demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide. According to internet trackin
Iran enters near total internet blackout as nationwide protests intensify
Iran remained largely cut off from the global internet on Friday as authorities enforced a nationwide digital blackout while protests continued to spread across the country, intensifying an already volatile political and economic crisis. Internet monitoring data showed that connectivity across Iran had dropped to almost zero for more than 12 hours, severely limiting access to online communication platforms as demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide. According to internet trackin
Venezuela signals openness to energy ties amid sharp criticism of US policy
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has accused the United States of using allegations related to drug trafficking, democracy, and human rights as a pretext to pursue control over the country’s vast oil resources. Speaking before the Venezuelan Parliament, Rodríguez said that external pressure on the country has long been driven by energy interests rather than genuine political or humanitarian concerns, while emphasizing that Caracas remains open to energy cooperation based on
Venezuela signals openness to energy ties amid sharp criticism of US policy
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has accused the United States of using allegations related to drug trafficking, democracy, and human rights as a pretext to pursue control over the country’s vast oil resources. Speaking before the Venezuelan Parliament, Rodríguez said that external pressure on the country has long been driven by energy interests rather than genuine political or humanitarian concerns, while emphasizing that Caracas remains open to energy cooperation based on
Three Indian nationals among crew as US seizes oil tanker Marinera in North Atlantic
The United States intercepted and seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on January 7, marking a significant escalation in its global enforcement of sanctions linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, now identified as the Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was boarded in international waters after a pursuit that extended for more than two weeks across ocean routes from the Caribbean. U.S. European Command confirmed that the operation was conduc
Three Indian nationals among crew as US seizes oil tanker Marinera in North Atlantic
The United States intercepted and seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on January 7, marking a significant escalation in its global enforcement of sanctions linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, now identified as the Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was boarded in international waters after a pursuit that extended for more than two weeks across ocean routes from the Caribbean. U.S. European Command confirmed that the operation was conduc
Trump invites Colombia’s president to White House after diplomatic tensions over Venezuela and drug policy
United States President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have taken a step toward resetting strained bilateral relations following a period of heightened diplomatic tension. The two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in their first direct conversation since relations deteriorated sharply in early January amid wider regional developments. In a statement released by the White House, Mr. Trump said he invited President Petro to visit the White House in Washington for
Trump invites Colombia’s president to White House after diplomatic tensions over Venezuela and drug policy
United States President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have taken a step toward resetting strained bilateral relations following a period of heightened diplomatic tension. The two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in their first direct conversation since relations deteriorated sharply in early January amid wider regional developments. In a statement released by the White House, Mr. Trump said he invited President Petro to visit the White House in Washington for
FARA filings show Pakistan sought US mediation during India’s Operation Sindoor
Documents released under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act have shed new light on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during India’s Operation Sindoor in April last year, revealing an extensive and urgent campaign to seek Washington’s intervention as tensions escalated between the two South Asian neighbors. The filings indicate that Islamabad repeatedly appealed to US officials for assistance, offering a range of economic and strategic incentives in return for diplomatic engag
FARA filings show Pakistan sought US mediation during India’s Operation Sindoor
Documents released under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act have shed new light on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during India’s Operation Sindoor in April last year, revealing an extensive and urgent campaign to seek Washington’s intervention as tensions escalated between the two South Asian neighbors. The filings indicate that Islamabad repeatedly appealed to US officials for assistance, offering a range of economic and strategic incentives in return for diplomatic engag
Rubio says Trump seeks Greenland deal through talks, not military force
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensifi
Rubio says Trump seeks Greenland deal through talks, not military force
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensifi
US plans to control Venezuela oil sales as Rubio outlines leverage over interim leaders
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Washington holds significant leverage over Venezuela’s interim authorities and is preparing to execute a plan that would place control of the country’s oil exports firmly in US hands. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Rubio said the administration is finalising an arrangement to take possession of oil currently immobilised in Venezuela and sell it on global markets at full market prices. According to Rubio,
US plans to control Venezuela oil sales as Rubio outlines leverage over interim leaders
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Washington holds significant leverage over Venezuela’s interim authorities and is preparing to execute a plan that would place control of the country’s oil exports firmly in US hands. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Rubio said the administration is finalising an arrangement to take possession of oil currently immobilised in Venezuela and sell it on global markets at full market prices. According to Rubio,
US–Venezuela crisis – China condemns US pressure on Venezuela oil ties, calls it violation of sovereignty
China on Wednesday strongly criticized reported United States demands aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil partnerships, calling the move an act of coercion that violates both national sovereignty and international law. Beijing’s response follows media reports that Washington has sought exclusive control over Venezuela’s oil sector as part of its political and economic engagement with the South American nation. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spoke
US–Venezuela crisis – China condemns US pressure on Venezuela oil ties, calls it violation of sovereignty
China on Wednesday strongly criticized reported United States demands aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil partnerships, calling the move an act of coercion that violates both national sovereignty and international law. Beijing’s response follows media reports that Washington has sought exclusive control over Venezuela’s oil sector as part of its political and economic engagement with the South American nation. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spoke
US seizes Russia-flagged oil tanker in Atlantic amid sanctions enforcement
The United States has seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, escalating enforcement of American sanctions and drawing attention to an unusual maritime confrontation involving Russian military assets. The vessel, originally known as Bella-1, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a coordinated operation by US civilian and military authorities acting under a federal court warrant. According to official statements, the seizure was carried out after the tanker
US seizes Russia-flagged oil tanker in Atlantic amid sanctions enforcement
The United States has seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, escalating enforcement of American sanctions and drawing attention to an unusual maritime confrontation involving Russian military assets. The vessel, originally known as Bella-1, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a coordinated operation by US civilian and military authorities acting under a federal court warrant. According to official statements, the seizure was carried out after the tanker
Russia once offered US control of Venezuela for a free hand in Ukraine, ex-adviser reveals
A resurfaced claim from 2019 by former White House national security adviser Fiona Hill has drawn renewed global attention after a high-profile U.S. operation in Venezuela. Hill told a U.S. congressional hearing in 2019 that senior Russian officials informally signaled they would consider reducing Moscow’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro if Washington granted Russia greater latitude regarding Ukraine. The suggestion, described by Hill as a “very strange swap arrangement,?
Russia once offered US control of Venezuela for a free hand in Ukraine, ex-adviser reveals
A resurfaced claim from 2019 by former White House national security adviser Fiona Hill has drawn renewed global attention after a high-profile U.S. operation in Venezuela. Hill told a U.S. congressional hearing in 2019 that senior Russian officials informally signaled they would consider reducing Moscow’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro if Washington granted Russia greater latitude regarding Ukraine. The suggestion, described by Hill as a “very strange swap arrangement,?
Saudi-led coalition reports pre-emptive strikes amid rising tensions in Yemen
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south. According to the coalitio
Saudi-led coalition reports pre-emptive strikes amid rising tensions in Yemen
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south. According to the coalitio
European leaders reject U.S. interest in Greenland, stress collective Arctic security
European leaders have issued a coordinated response to renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, emphasizing that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively and in full respect of international law. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, leaders from several major European nations underscored that Greenland’s status is not open to unilateral negotiation and reaffirmed the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement, si
European leaders reject U.S. interest in Greenland, stress collective Arctic security
European leaders have issued a coordinated response to renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, emphasizing that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively and in full respect of international law. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, leaders from several major European nations underscored that Greenland’s status is not open to unilateral negotiation and reaffirmed the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement, si
Clashes erupt at Tehran Bazar as Iran protests turn deadly amid economic crisis
Violent clashes broke out at Tehran Bazar on Tuesday as Iranian security forces confronted demonstrators in one of the most significant flashpoints of a protest movement that has spread across the country over the past 10 days. The unrest, driven largely by public anger over worsening economic conditions, has left at least 27 people dead, according to estimates released by a human rights organization monitoring developments inside the country. The confrontation in the capital came a
Clashes erupt at Tehran Bazar as Iran protests turn deadly amid economic crisis
Violent clashes broke out at Tehran Bazar on Tuesday as Iranian security forces confronted demonstrators in one of the most significant flashpoints of a protest movement that has spread across the country over the past 10 days. The unrest, driven largely by public anger over worsening economic conditions, has left at least 27 people dead, according to estimates released by a human rights organization monitoring developments inside the country. The confrontation in the capital came a
Oil, power and principle: how Guyana reshaped US policy toward Venezuela
For decades, the United States has presented itself as a global guardian of democracy and international law, drawing legitimacy from its own origins in resistance to unchecked authority. Its constitutional structure was designed to restrain executive power, particularly in decisions involving war and foreign intervention. Yet the conduct of contemporary US foreign policy increasingly reflects a different reality, one in which strategic interests and economic leverage often shape moral languag
Oil, power and principle: how Guyana reshaped US policy toward Venezuela
For decades, the United States has presented itself as a global guardian of democracy and international law, drawing legitimacy from its own origins in resistance to unchecked authority. Its constitutional structure was designed to restrain executive power, particularly in decisions involving war and foreign intervention. Yet the conduct of contemporary US foreign policy increasingly reflects a different reality, one in which strategic interests and economic leverage often shape moral languag
US–Venezuela crisis – Gunfire reported near Venezuela’s presidential palace after Maduro’s capture
Gunfire was reported late Monday night in the vicinity of Venezuela’s presidential palace, unsettling residents in central Caracas just days after former leader Nicolas Maduro was captured in a dramatic United States military operation. Witness accounts indicated that the shots were fired around 8:00 pm local time near the Miraflores Palace, a location that has long served as the symbolic center of political authority in the country. According to sources cited by AFP, the incident
US–Venezuela crisis – Gunfire reported near Venezuela’s presidential palace after Maduro’s capture
Gunfire was reported late Monday night in the vicinity of Venezuela’s presidential palace, unsettling residents in central Caracas just days after former leader Nicolas Maduro was captured in a dramatic United States military operation. Witness accounts indicated that the shots were fired around 8:00 pm local time near the Miraflores Palace, a location that has long served as the symbolic center of political authority in the country. According to sources cited by AFP, the incident
US–Venezuela crisis – US-Venezuela crisis: Nicolas Maduro transferred to Brooklyn jail after US court appearance
The diplomatic and legal standoff between the United States and Venezuela intensified after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were transferred to a federal detention facility in Brooklyn following their appearance before a Manhattan federal court. The couple was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they will remain in custody as legal proceedings continue in the United States. During the court hearing, Maduro formally entered a plea of not guilty
US–Venezuela crisis – US-Venezuela crisis: Nicolas Maduro transferred to Brooklyn jail after US court appearance
The diplomatic and legal standoff between the United States and Venezuela intensified after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were transferred to a federal detention facility in Brooklyn following their appearance before a Manhattan federal court. The couple was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they will remain in custody as legal proceedings continue in the United States. During the court hearing, Maduro formally entered a plea of not guilty
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump warns Mexico, Colombia and Cuba after US operation captures Maduro
US President Donald Trump issued a series of sharp warnings directed at Mexico, Colombia and Cuba following a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and airstrikes in the capital, Caracas. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested that Washington could expand its actions in the region, using language that raised concerns about escalating tensions across Latin America. The president claimed that the operation, whi
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump warns Mexico, Colombia and Cuba after US operation captures Maduro
US President Donald Trump issued a series of sharp warnings directed at Mexico, Colombia and Cuba following a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and airstrikes in the capital, Caracas. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested that Washington could expand its actions in the region, using language that raised concerns about escalating tensions across Latin America. The president claimed that the operation, whi
Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty in US court, calls himself prisoner of war
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, January 5, alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, where both entered pleas of not guilty to charges filed against them in the United States. Addressing the court directly, Maduro asserted his position as the sitting president of Venezuela and described himself as a “prisoner of war,” claiming he was captured at his residence in Caracas. He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and said he wished to personall
Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty in US court, calls himself prisoner of war
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, January 5, alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, where both entered pleas of not guilty to charges filed against them in the United States. Addressing the court directly, Maduro asserted his position as the sitting president of Venezuela and described himself as a “prisoner of war,” claiming he was captured at his residence in Caracas. He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and said he wished to personall
Colombia’s Petro condemns US action in Venezuela, warns of armed response
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday issued a sharp response following reports that United States forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, escalating already heightened tensions across Latin America. Petro’s remarks came in the wake of renewed warnings and threats from US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela, a country that has remained at the center of prolonged geopolitical friction in the region. In a message posted on social media, Petro suggested he
Colombia’s Petro condemns US action in Venezuela, warns of armed response
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday issued a sharp response following reports that United States forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, escalating already heightened tensions across Latin America. Petro’s remarks came in the wake of renewed warnings and threats from US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela, a country that has remained at the center of prolonged geopolitical friction in the region. In a message posted on social media, Petro suggested he





