Gulf nations de-escalate US-Iran tensions, Fitch warn of potential downgrades for European states, Canada to eliminate 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs

Gulf states, Turkey, and Arab countries warn US strikes on Iran could spark major conflict, urging diplomatic solutions to avoid regional escalation and instability, and promoting peaceful resolution. (The Guardian )

Reuters: Four Arab states caution against escalating US-Iran tensions, citing rising concerns and potential regional instability, according to an official statement.

Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: Gulf nations ramp up diplomatic efforts to de-escalate US-Iran tensions, aiming to prevent conflict escalation in the region through intensified negotiations and dialogue.

Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia consider forming a defence partnership, potentially shifting regional dynamics amid escalating US-Iran tensions and evolving global alliances. (News - South China Morning Post - Tom Hussain)

Fitch warns of potential downgrades for European states if NATO unity falters over Greenland, citing proximity to Russia and potential geopolitical tensions. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

Canada reduces 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower taxes on Canadian agricultural products, strengthening Sino-Canadian trade relations and diverging from US trade policies. (Boston Herald - Associated Press Spanish)

South China Morning Post: Canada to eliminate 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, as announced by the Prime Minister, aiming to increase EV accessibility and affordability in the country.

NYT > Top Stories: Canada and China announce reciprocal tariff reductions, with Canada cutting tariffs on Chinese EVs and China lowering tariffs on Canadian canola products, boosting bilateral trade.

France will deploy additional land, air, and sea forces to Greenland for a European military exercise, enhancing regional security and cooperation among participating nations. (The Local France )

Former US Rep. Jane Harman warns of a precarious geopolitical landscape, citing heightened risks of global conflict and instability, amid rising tensions between major world powers. (Bloomberg )

Subsea cables face dual risks from geological events and geopolitical tensions, potentially disrupting global communication networks and data transmission. (Marine News Magazine )

The US plans to allocate $413 million to support counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria and other African nations, aiming to enhance regional security and stability. (Politics Archives - NNN - Ibrahim Garba)

Former US President Trump establishes a peace committee to promote governance and stability in the Gaza region, aiming to foster cooperation and peaceful resolution. (Politics Archives - NNN - Musa Shehu)

The US launches phase two of its Gaza plan, aiming to establish a technocratic Palestinian government to promote stability and economic growth in the region, as part of President Trump's broader peace initiative. (https://saudigazette.com.sa/ )

Times of India: US President Trump establishes a "board of peace" to oversee post-conflict administration and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, aiming to promote stability and cooperation in the region.

The World Bank and Wells Fargo offer mixed 2026 forecasts, with the World Bank predicting slower growth and Wells Fargo revising its forecast upward, indicating resilience and potential for improvement amidst trade and economic challenges. (Reuters )

Mexico News Daily: The World Bank predicts slower economic growth for Mexico and the global economy in 2026, citing various factors affecting international trade and development.

Investing.com: Wells Fargo revises global economic growth forecast for 2026 upward, indicating a positive outlook for the year ahead, driven by improving market conditions.

Audi reports decline in car deliveries amid geopolitical and economic challenges impacting global demand and sales performance. (The Wall Street Journal )

The US has completed a $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil, marking the first such transaction since taking control of the country's oil assets. (News - South China Morning Post - Agence France-Presse)

The US will reduce tariffs on Taiwanese goods following a pledge to invest in boosting US semiconductor production, strengthening bilateral trade ties and economic cooperation. (BBC News )

US proposes tax code changes that may impact sovereign wealth funds, potentially altering their tax obligations and investment structures, sparking global economic concerns among investors and governments. (World )

World: The US is considering taxing sovereign wealth funds, which could have significant economic implications and impact global investment strategies, sparking concerns among international investors and governments.

Northern Trust predicts AI-driven growth in private markets, with the US, Japan, and Australia expected to lead global equity returns, driven by innovative technologies and investment strategies. (01net )

Global investor confidence remains fragile due to escalating geopolitics and Trump's rhetoric, causing cautious risk appetite among investors. (Investing.com )

FP columnists analyze potential US foreign policy moves in the Middle East for 2026, discussing implications and possible strategies for the region. (Iran – Foreign Policy - Steven A. Cook)

Bulgaria will hold early elections after three major parties failed to form a new government, following the current administration's resignation, sparking a fresh round of political uncertainty in the country. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

Greece's Foreign Minister announces plans to expand territorial waters in the Aegean, citing environmental protection, national sovereignty, and security concerns, aiming to bolster maritime presence and conservation efforts. (ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ - Γκρήγκοβιτς Ελένη)

ΤΑ ΝΕΑ: Greece's Foreign Minister unveils plans to expand territorial waters, citing national security and sovereignty as key priorities, in a move to bolster the country's maritime presence.

A recent Canadian poll shows one-third of respondents fear a potential US invasion, citing concerns over former President Trump's past aggressive rhetoric and threats towards the country. (The Independent - Owen Scott)

Climate change alters agroecosystems in Western Himalayas, affecting farming practices and crop yields, posing significant challenges to regional food security and sustainability. (BIOENGINEER.ORG )

Somalia's drought has pushed millions into crisis, warns the IOM, citing severe humanitarian impact and urgent need for aid to mitigate devastating effects on vulnerable populations. (AL24 News )

Argentina's Instituto Malbrán confirms H3N2 cases in eight provinces, with 30% requiring hospitalization, mostly unvaccinated individuals (Clarin.com - Home - Lo último - Clarin.com - Home)

The UN has launched a pact to safeguard 10 million marine species from climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining, promoting ocean conservation and sustainability. (Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera )

Australia expresses concern over ChatGPT providing unregulated health advice, citing lack of oversight and potential risks to public health due to inaccurate or misleading information. (Digital Journal )