Latest Politics News
Iranian protests intensify as regime’s grip appears to weaken
Nationwide anti-government protests in Iran have entered a third week, with activists reporting at least 538 people killed and thousands detained amid a harsh crackdown. Analysts warn that sustained unrest, combined with economic collapse and recent Israeli strikes on Iran and its proxies, is pushing the Islamic Republic closer to a potential revolutionary moment that could reshape regional geopolitics and global energy markets.
Trump administration weighs military and cyber options against Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump is being briefed on options ranging from targeted strikes inside Iran to offensive cyberattacks in response to Tehran’s crackdown on protesters. Key lawmakers like Senator Rand Paul publicly oppose bombing, arguing that military action is not the answer and warning against deeper U.S. involvement in Iran’s internal conflict.
Iranian president urges calm, blames U.S. and Israel for unrest
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appealed to citizens to avoid “destructive actions,” saying his government is determined to tackle economic grievances and is ready to listen to the public. In a televised interview, he accused the United States and Israel of directing “rioters” to create instability in Iran following last year’s 12‑day Israel–Iran war, framing the protests as externally driven.
Trump warns Cuba over Venezuela ties and oil support
Trump declared on social media that there will be “no more oil or money” going to Cuba, urging Havana to “make a deal” with Washington “before it is too late.” He linked Cuba’s economy to past Venezuelan support, signaling that U.S. pressure will intensify as Washington leverages sanctions and energy flows to weaken the Havana–Caracas axis.
Cuba demands U.S. release detained Venezuelan President Maduro
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned what he called the “brutal kidnapping” and “illegal detention” of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by the United States. Havana demanded that Washington respect Maduro’s immunity, end what it described as a judicial and media “farce,” and guarantee the Venezuelan leader’s safety.
U.S. capture of Maduro and Venezuela operation roil Latin American politics
Analysts highlight that the U.S. special forces operation to seize Maduro, which reportedly killed around 80 Cuban and Venezuelan forces, has dramatically escalated tensions in the region. The move is cited as evidence that Washington is “back in the regime change business,” raising questions about sovereignty, international law, and regional stability.
Macron signals Europe may need to ‘walk out’ on U.S. over Trump policies
In a major foreign‑policy speech, French President Emmanuel Macron urged European states to confront the reality that their long‑time American partner has become “coercive, even violent” under Trump. Commentators argue 2026 could mark a “transatlantic divorce,” as Europe considers leveraging the threat of distancing itself from Washington to curb U.S. actions on issues from Iran to Greenland and Venezuela.
Trump vows U.S. will act on Greenland ‘whether they like it or not’
Trump stated that the United States will “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” claiming that if Washington does not move, Russia or China will take control. His renewed talk of annexing the Danish territory alarms European allies and is cited by analysts as proof that U.S. policy toward NATO partners has become aggressively unilateral.
Protests and political backlash grow in U.S. over ICE shootings and enforcement
Anti‑ICE protesters assembled across multiple U.S. states after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, while hundreds of demonstrations under the banner “ICE Out for Good” were reported nationwide. In Minnesota, Democratic lawmakers are demanding oversight after ICE blocked legislators from entering a detention facility, and the fatal shooting of a protester by an immigration‑enforcement agent is intensifying scrutiny of Trump’s domestic security policies.
Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi considers early snap election
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is weighing a snap general election as early as February 8 or 15, far ahead of the October 2028 deadline. With approval ratings near 70%, she may move quickly to regain the Liberal Democratic Party’s majority in the lower house, prompting concerns about further fiscal loosening and reactions in financial markets.
UK Parliament faces petition‑driven debate on immediate general election
In the UK, MPs will debate an e‑petition calling for an immediate general election after it gathered over one million signatures, reflecting public dissatisfaction with the political status quo. The session comes amid broader debates over the health of British democracy, fallout from the 2024 election, and government defeats in the Lords on the Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory bill.
China deepens strategic partnership with Lesotho as it courts Africa
China and Lesotho issued a joint communiqué pledging to elevate their strategic partnership and make it a model of cooperation between countries with different systems. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit and talks in Maseru underscore Beijing’s continued diplomatic and economic outreach in Africa at a time of shifting global alignments.