Politics

Latest Politics News

📅January 16, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Escalating crises dominate global politics: massive Iran protests with over 3,400 deaths, US actions in Venezuela after Maduro capture, Trump pushes Greenland control, Middle East tensions rise amid military moves.
1

Iran Protests Surpass 3,400 Deaths Amid Government Crackdown

Nationwide protests in Iran have resulted in over 3,400 deaths, with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi gaining Trump’s attention as a potential leader. Security forces have intensified crackdowns, leading to internet blackouts entering the seventh day. France has summoned Iran’s envoy in condemnation.Source 1Source 2Source 5

2

US Captures Venezuela's NicolÃĄs Maduro, Opposition Leader Meets Trump

US military captured Venezuelan President NicolÃĄs Maduro, prompting political prisoner releases and a $500 million energy deal cooperation. Trump met opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as Vance casts tiebreaking vote against war powers resolution. Airspace closure disrupts South American flights.Source 2Source 3Source 6

3

Trump Insists on Controlling Greenland, Sparking Geopolitical Crisis

President Trump demands US control of Greenland for national security, citing China and Russia interests in its minerals, turning the Arctic island into a hot spot with international media flocking to Nuuk. Denmark warns force could end NATO; Europe anxious over his unyielding stance. France, Germany, Norway join exercises there.Source 1Source 7Source 6

4

US Deploys USS Abraham Lincoln Toward Middle East Amid Iran Tensions

The US carrier USS Abraham Lincoln redirects from South China Sea to Middle East as Qatar-based forces withdraw urgently with Britain. Saudi Arabia reportedly closes airspace for war preparations; fears of further Iranian attacks grow. White House briefs on flashpoints including Iran.Source 1Source 3

5

White House Claims 'Killing Has Stopped' in Iran After Trump's Message

Trump states killings and 800 scheduled executions in Iran have halted following his message to leadership, as revealed in White House briefing. Press Secretary confirms Netanyahu discussions but withholds details. Protests continue with heightened Tehran security.Source 1Source 3

6

US Seizes Sixth Tanker in Caribbean Amid Venezuela Operations

US authorities seize another tanker in the Caribbean without incident, escalating actions post-Maduro capture. This follows Venezuela's limbo state and opposition gains. Trump’s Monroe Doctrine reboot puts US on collision with Russia.Source 6Source 2

7

Israel Severs Ties with UN Agencies Over Gaza Criticism

Israel cuts ties with UN agencies citing bias in Gaza war critiques, amid regional tensions. Prospects of strikes on Iran remain high-risk. Travel warnings issued for Israel visits.Source 5Source 2

8

US to Suspend Visa Processing for 75 Countries Starting Next Week

State Department halts visa processing for immigrants from 75 countries as part of foreign policy shifts. This coincides with critical minerals executive order and broader Trump priorities. Ties to global partnerships emphasized.Source 6Source 11

9

Saudi-UAE Tensions Rise Over Yemen, F-35 Sales Approved

Cascading Saudi-UAE frictions emerge post-Maduro events, with long-resisted F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia approved. Saudi opens capital markets fully to global investors. Turkey eyes defense pact with Saudi.Source 2Source 5

10

Ukraine Fortifications Slow Russian Advances at High Cost

Enhanced Ukrainian defenses increase costs for Putin’s invasion, with Russian forces suffering huge losses for minimal 2025 gains. NATO frictions and peace talks linger in background. Poland faces hybrid attacks.Source 10Source 2

11

China Fills Pacific Funding Void After US Withdrawal

China matches US contributions to Pacific environmental body a week after Trump pulls out, amid Indo-Pacific buildup in Thailand and beyond. NIO eyes Australian market entry. BRICS exercises signal hard power shift.Source 5Source 2

12

Europe Pressures Iran on Rights, Condemns Crackdown

France summons Iranian envoy; Italy joins EU push on human rights amid protests. EU single market issues persist in spheres of influence world. Portugal amends labor reforms post-strike.Source 5