US Labels Israel Model Ally Ahead of Critical Military Assistance Negotiations
Model Ally Designation: Trump administration labelled Israel a “model U.S. ally” ahead of talks on major military aid packages, praising strategic partnership and defence contributions. Aid Negotiations Focus: Discussions centre on $3.8…
Trump Selects Former Fed Governor Warsh as Next Federal Reserve Chair
Nomination Announcement: U.S. President Donald Trump nominated former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair on January 30, 2026, to replace current leadership. Warsh’s Background: Warsh served on the Fed Board from…
Trump Urged by Chagossians to Veto Mauritius Handover with Island Rename
Chagos Islands exiles, led by First Minister Misley Mandarin, offered to name an island after U.S. President Donald Trump if he vetoes the UK-Mauritius sovereignty deal. Proposal aims to preserve British control, enabling Chagossian return; follows…
Congress Urged to Block DHS Funding Bill Pending ICE Reform Demands
Senate blocked six-bill funding package on 29 January 2026 over Democratic demands for DHS and ICE reforms, risking partial government shutdown by Saturday midnight. Pennsylvania House Democrats urged Senators Fetterman and McCormick to oppose DHS…
Russian President Putin Requests UAE Talks on Escalating Iran Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin told UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan he wants to discuss Iran-related tensions. The communication occurred during a Thursday telephone call initiated by Putin. Putin emphasised the need for coordination on…
Trump Issues Iraq Support Termination Threat Over al-Maliki’s Pro-Iran Return Effort
US President Donald Trump threatened to end all support for Iraq over former PM Nouri al-Maliki’s Iran-influenced political comeback bid. Trump linked continued US military, economic, and diplomatic aid to Iraq distancing from Tehran-backed figures…
Iranian Press Highlights High Bail and Legal Hurdles Detaining Protesters
Iranian newspapers report high bail requirements preventing protester releases, often exceeding millions of tomans. State media detail cases where financial demands surpass families’ means, requiring verified property guarantors. Courts impose…
Turkey’s President Erdogan Offers Trump Teleconference with Iran’s Leadership
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered US President Donald Trump a teleconference involving Iran on Thursday. The proposal emerged during a bilateral meeting in Ankara with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Erdogan aims to facilitate…
Germany’s Chancellor Merz Declares Europe Has Found ‘Joy of Self-Respect’ in Defending Rules-Based World Order
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Europe has rediscovered “self-respect” by defending the rules-based global order. Merz called for a stronger NATO presence and capabilities within Europe to enhance collective defence. He emphasised…
Trump Expands Use of Presidential Clemency Power in Second Term Actions
President Trump granted clemency to over 1,600 individuals in his second term’s first year, surpassing his first-term total of 237, including mass pardons for 1,500 January 6 Capitol riot participants. Actions encompass blanket pardons erasing…