Tuesday, 13 January 2026
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that the death toll from ongoing anti-government protests in Iran has risen to 544, with at least 10,681 people arrested across 585 locations in 186 cities. The protests, which began in late December over economic grievances, have escalated into calls for the end of the Islamic Republic and the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting a severe crackdown by security forces.
Iran's rulers are facing their most significant challenge since the 1979 revolution as widespread protests against economic hardship have escalated into violent confrontations with security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 495 protesters and 48 security personnel, according to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency. Eyewitnesses report that security forces have used live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, leading to a severe crackdown that includes a near-total internet shutdown. In response to the unrest, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed not to back down, while the US has threatened military action amid calls for negotiations.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this week on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by President Trump, which have been in place since April 2025. These tariffs, affecting imports from countries including China and the EU, have raised the average effective tariff rate to 11.2 percent, the highest since 1943, and are projected to generate $2.2 trillion in revenue over the next decade, despite anticipated negative impacts on GDP and employment.
Greenland's government and Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have called for NATO protection in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed threats to take control of the territory, which is part of Denmark and a NATO member. Nielsen emphasized that Greenland's security must be ensured through NATO and that its future should be determined by its own people, amid rising tensions over the strategic importance of the Arctic. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. military action against a NATO member would jeopardize the alliance.
India's Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, ruling that plans to organize protests, such as chakka jams, could be classified as 'terrorist acts' if they disrupt essential services. This decision follows the court's denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are accused of playing central roles in the conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots, while five other co-accused were granted bail based on their lesser involvement.
President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods from any country conducting trade with Iran, effective immediately, impacting major trading partners including China, India, and Turkey. This move comes amid escalating tensions and reports of a crackdown on protests in Iran, where at least 648 people have been killed, according to rights groups. Trump stated that the new levies would target Iran's trading partners who also engage in business with the United States.
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