Over 2000 killed in Iran's anti-government protests
An Iranian security official reported that over 2,000 people have been killed during the crackdown on anti-government protests, a figure corroborated by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The protests, which have spread to 180 cities, were initially sparked by economic grievances but have escalated into calls for political change. Meanwhile, the family of arrested protester Erfan Soltani indicated he is facing imminent execution, highlighting the government's efforts to suppress dissent.
Trump Imposes Tariffs on Countries Trading with Iran
President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on all countries trading with Iran, a move that could significantly impact economic relations with major partners such as China and Germany. In response, China threatened to retaliate, with Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, stating that Beijing would take necessary measures to protect its interests. More than 140 countries continue to trade with Iran, with China being its largest trading partner, purchasing 77% of its oil exports in 2024.
Russia launches major drone and missile assault on Ukraine
Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting the power grid with nearly 300 drones and 25 missiles, resulting in at least four fatalities in Kharkiv and leaving hundreds of thousands without power as temperatures in Kyiv dropped to -12°C. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the strikes also caused damage to energy infrastructure and civilian facilities, while Ukrainian forces targeted a drone production factory in Russia's Rostov region, igniting explosions. The U.S. condemned Russia's escalating attacks, describing them as a dangerous escalation amid ongoing peace negotiations.
SpaceX Launches Starlink Service in Iran Amid Protests
SpaceX has activated free Starlink satellite internet service in Iran amid a near-total internet blackout and escalating protests against the government. Thousands of Starlink receivers, which remain illegal in the country, have been smuggled in, with estimates suggesting over 50,000 units are currently active. Despite the Iranian military's efforts to jam signals and track users, the service has become a crucial communication lifeline as the death toll from the protests has reportedly reached at least 2,000.
Earth's 2025 Temperature Hits 1.4 Degrees Celsius Rise
Scientists report that Earth's average temperature in 2025 reached approximately 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, making it the third-hottest year on record, following 2024 and 2023. The European Copernicus climate service indicates that the planet is on track to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement by 2030, as the last three years have consistently approached this critical limit. Experts warn that continued greenhouse gas emissions are driving this trend, leading to more extreme weather events globally.
Gazprom's Gas Exports to China Surpass Europe in 2025
Gazprom has reported that in 2025, it supplied more gas to China than to Europe for the first time, exporting 38.8 billion cubic meters via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline, a 24.8% increase from the previous year. This shift marks a significant change in Russia's energy exports, as supplies to Europe, excluding Turkey, dropped to 17.8 billion cubic meters, down from approximately 32 billion cubic meters in 2024.
Western Leaders Seek Trump's Support for Ukraine Security Guarantees
Leaders from Italy, Germany, France, Canada, and the UK are set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21 to secure his endorsement for security guarantees for Ukraine, which were agreed upon in Paris the previous week. The discussions will focus on proposed measures, including the deployment of French and British troops in Ukraine following a ceasefire, amid concerns regarding Trump's commitment to supporting Kyiv after a potential peace agreement.
EU Plans Maximum Pressure on China and India Over Russian Oil
The EU's sanctions envoy, David O’Sullivan, announced plans to exert 'maximum pressure' on China and India to halt their purchases of Russian oil, citing low oil prices as detrimental to Moscow's economy and its war financing. O’Sullivan emphasized the need to target 'enablers' of Russian oil sales, noting that Brent crude is currently priced at around $63 per barrel, significantly lower than its peak following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EU aims to finalize its 20th sanctions package against Russia by February 24, marking four years since the invasion.
Trump Threatens Military Action Amid Iran Protests
US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention in Iran in response to the government's violent crackdown on protests, stating that Iran's leaders 'will pay a big price' for their actions. The protests, which began on December 28, have resulted in at least 2,571 confirmed deaths, according to the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency, with over 10,000 arrests reported. Trump also indicated that countries conducting business with Iran could face a 25% tariff on their trade with the US.
China posts record trade surplus amid U.S. tariffs
China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion last year, despite ongoing tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The country's total foreign trade in goods reached 45.47 trillion yuan ($6.51 trillion), with exports amounting to 26.99 trillion yuan ($3.8 trillion), reflecting a 6.1% increase from the previous year. While exports to the U.S. fell by 28%, China diversified its trade partners, leading to significant growth in exports to emerging markets.
