Trump's Cuban oil embargo, US-Iran tensions escalate, Nipah virus warning in India and Indonesia

US President Trump plans to cut oil shipments to Cuba, targeting its government, and may impose tariffs on countries delivering fuel, escalating a decades-long effort to topple the Cuban government, sparking humanitarian crisis concerns. (NYT - Frances Robles)

Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warns that US tariffs on oil exports to Cuba could trigger a humanitarian crisis, affecting hospitals and food supplies.

US-Iran tensions escalate as diplomatic efforts falter, with a US military fleet heading towards Iran and Tehran planning drills in the Strait of Hormuz, amid warnings of a potential regional conflict. (Huffpost - Akbar Shahid Ahmed)

The Independent: Iran is open to US negotiations, but not under threat, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as tensions escalate with the US approving $15bn in arms sales to Middle East allies.

The Independent: Iran plans a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, prompting a US warning against "unsafe and unprofessional behavior" amid high tensions over Iran's protest crackdown and nuclear program.

ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ: US President Donald Trump stated a large military fleet is heading towards Iran, reiterating Tehran wants a nuclear deal, while leaving open the possibility of diplomatic resolution or further action.

Al Jazeera: Iran is open to "fair" talks with the US, but not under threat, as tensions rise and the US sends more ships to the region, with Iran's missile program off the negotiation table.

President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, potentially reshaping the central bank and its monetary policies, amid scrutiny from Congress and financial markets. (The Detroit News - Christopher Rugaber)

Global competition for critical minerals intensifies in 2026, driven by US, EU, and China's strategic interests, reshaping geopolitical risks, industrial policy, and national security. (ODI: Think change )

US enters partial government shutdown due to budget disagreements over immigration enforcement, despite a bipartisan spending package, with lawmakers aiming for a resolution by Monday. (ΤΑ ΝΕΑ )

Reforma: US Senate passes bipartisan spending bill, but a government shutdown remains possible without timely approval from the House of Representatives.

The Washington Times stories: News: Sen. Lindsey Graham is holding up a spending package to secure votes on ending sanctuary cities and addressing the Arctic Frost investigation, potentially causing a government shutdown.

The EU has approved a ban on Russian gas imports by 2027, citing a desire for energy autonomy, but critics argue this will increase dependence on costly US imports, harming the EU's economy and competitiveness. (La Jornada )

A US judge may dismiss Elon Musk's xAI lawsuit against OpenAI, citing lack of evidence for trade secret theft, with a hearing set for February 3 to address tentative dismissal. (The Hindu )

Chinese President Xi Jinping's purge of top military leaders continues, with General Zhang Youxia removed amid corruption and disloyalty allegations, as Xi modernizes China's military to achieve vast goals. (Foreign Policy - Cameron Abadi, Adam Tooze)

The US has approved a $9 billion sale of 730 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Saudi Arabia, enhancing its air defense and regional stability, following a recent F-35 jet sale, bolstering the kingdom's defense systems. (EurAsian Times )

Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS: US approves $9 billion sale of 730 Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia, enhancing regional security and stability.

Russia's oil revenue has plummeted, forcing the Kremlin to raise taxes and increase debt, amid ongoing peace talks with Ukraine and a struggling economy with sustained budget deficits. (NYT - Ivan Nechepurenko)

The EU sets new records in renewable energy production, with Greece among top performers, reaching 30% of electricity from wind and solar power in 2025. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

The EU-India free trade agreement eliminates tariffs on Greek olive oil, reducing barriers to the Indian market for European agricultural exports. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

The US approves $6.67 billion in arms sales to Israel, including helicopters and vehicles, amid rising Middle East tensions and potential US strikes in Iran. (The Independent - Matthew Lee)

Iran News Daily: US approves $6.5 billion in military sales to Israel, amid Iranian President's call for officials to prioritize justice and public satisfaction, and to reform their behavior towards citizens.

South China Sea tensions threaten $7.4 trillion in annual trade, risking global supply chain disruptions and economic instability. (news.prai.co )

Moody's changes Israel's outlook to stable from negative, indicating improved economic prospects (Ynetnews )

Poland's economy is expected to enter the global top 20, driven by strong growth, following a successful year of expansion and development, solidifying its position as a key European market. (The Wall Street Journal )

President Trump threatens 50% tariff on Canadian-made planes, potentially impacting US air travel, amid escalating trade tensions with Canada, sparking concerns for the aviation industry and trade relations. (Washington Post - Victoria Craw, Lori Aratani)

Le Journal de Montréal: Bombardier's stock plummeted 6% on the Toronto Stock Exchange after US President Donald Trump threatened to revoke certification for Canadian-built aircraft and impose 50% tariffs.

India and the US near completion of trade talks, says Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. India also set to buy Venezuelan oil, with US permission, to reduce reliance on Russian crude, marking a significant shift in its energy imports. (India News: Latest India News, Today's breaking News Headlines & Real-time News coverage from India | Hindustan Times )

Times of India: The US grants India permission to purchase Venezuelan oil, aiming to decrease reliance on Russian crude and diversify India's energy sources amidst global market shifts.

Analysts forecast a 15% growth surge in AI earnings for 2026, driven by advancements in digital infrastructure and increased adoption of AI technologies across various industries. (FinancialContent )

The FTSE 100 index remains stable, withstanding fluctuations in the tech and metals sectors, as overall market performance holds steady despite sectoral volatility. (investomania.co.uk )

President Trump's potential nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair sparks market uncertainty, prompting concerns among investors and economists about future monetary policy direction. (Rocky Mountain Outlook )

Gold and silver prices plummet following President Trump's latest announcement, experiencing a sharp decline in value amid market uncertainty and shifting investor sentiment. (پایگاه خبری تحلیلی انتخاب | Entekhab.ir )

Argentina denies negotiating a deal with the US to accept deportees from third countries, contradicting earlier reports of advanced talks amid the Trump administration's deportation efforts. (NYT > World News - Emma Bubola and Hamed Aleaziz)

Cronista: Argentina denies negotiating with the US to receive deported immigrants, contradicting a New York Times report that claimed the country was in talks to accept migrants from third countries.

Chile's President-elect José Antonio Kast visits El Salvador's maximum-security prison to study its crime model, amid criticism from NGOs over human rights abuses. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

Greece reassesses its US relations, exploring a new strategic doctrine to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance regional cooperation, amid shifting global dynamics. (ΤΑ ΝΕΑ )

African economies lose $6 billion annually due to climate-related water challenges, including floods, droughts, and disease outbreaks, according to a new report highlighting the economic impact of climate change. (Business Green - Stuart Stone)

Climate change is shifting Florida's avocado production north, with growers experimenting with cold-hardy varieties, including the coveted Hass, as warmer temperatures create new growing opportunities. (FreshFruitPortal.com - Eileen Rodriguez)

WHO reports two Nipah virus cases in eastern India, sparking concern due to 50% mortality rate and lack of vaccine or cure, with Indonesia also warning of potential spread via migratory animals. (اطلاعات آنلاین )

ANTARA News - Latest Indonesia News: Indonesia's Health Quarantine Office warns of potential Nipah virus spread via migratory bats and birds from countries like India, citing high fatality rates and urging close monitoring and preventive measures.

Millions of US homes are at higher wildfire risk than previously thought, with outdated models underestimating threats, prompting calls for updated assessments to protect communities. (Vox - Umair Irfan)