U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials exchanged sharp threats as widespread protests erupted across Iran following the collapse of the rial and recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. At least eight people have been killed in the demonstrations, now in their sixth day and the largest since the 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death. Trump publicly warned Iran against violently suppressing protesters, … Continue reading Trump and top Iranian officials exchange threats over protests roiling Iran

Chinese President Xi Jinping used his New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm his commitment to reunifying Taiwan with China, calling it an “unstoppable” trend of the times. The speech came after China conducted its largest military drills near Taiwan in over a year, involving 200 warplanes, missiles fired near the island, and naval encirclement, actions widely criticized by the U.S., EU, and regional allies. Xi … Continue reading Xi Jinping vows to reunify China and Taiwan in New Year’s Eve speech

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised his troops fighting in Ukraine as forging an “invincible alliance” with Russia in a New Year’s message, according to state media. Thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been sent to support Russia’s nearly four-year invasion, with at least 600 dead and thousands injured. Analysts say Russia provides Pyongyang with financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies … Continue reading Kim Jong-un hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia in New Year’s message

The Russian government claims Ukraine targeted President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Novgorod this week with 91 drones, all of which were reportedly shot down without damage or injuries. U.S. intelligence, however, has found no evidence that Ukraine aimed at Putin, and Kyiv denies the allegation, suggesting Russia may be using the story to disrupt peace talks. CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly informed former President Trump … Continue reading Russia claims it has proof Ukraine aimed drone at Putin residence

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said his government is open to negotiating with the U.S. on combating drug trafficking, though he declined to comment on a recent CIA-led strike on a Venezuelan docking area. Maduro reiterated that he views U.S. actions—including months of military and economic pressure—as an effort to force regime change and access Venezuela’s oil reserves. He emphasized that Venezuela is willing to discuss … Continue reading Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated Thursday, pledging to govern as a Democratic Socialist and revive “the era of big government.” He took the official oath with his hand on a Quran and later a ceremonial oath from Sen. Bernie Sanders. Mamdani vowed to transform City Hall into a proactive government that serves all New Yorkers rather than wealthy interests and said he … Continue reading Mamdani Vows to Govern as Democratic Socialist in Inauguration Speech