US intercepts second merchant vessel off coast of Venezuela in international waters

Iran has closed its airspace to all flights as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied plans to execute protesters, stating that hangings are 'out of the question.' This comes amid a violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, which has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths and a significant international response.

The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

A global survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that Donald Trump's America-first policy is perceived as enhancing China's global standing rather than strengthening the United States. The survey reveals that traditional adversaries of the U.S. feel less threatened, while allies, particularly in Europe, express growing distance from the U.S. leadership.

The United States and the United Kingdom have begun withdrawing some military personnel from a base in Qatar due to escalating tensions with Iran, following threats from Tehran to target U.S. bases if military action is taken. This withdrawal comes amid a backdrop of significant unrest in Iran, where protests against the government have intensified, leading to a violent crackdown and rising death tolls among demonstrators.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently described a positive conversation with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the post-Maduro leadership. This dialogue comes amid ongoing tensions and U.S. sanctions against the Maduro regime, as Trump emphasizes the importance of political concessions and access to Venezuela's oil resources.

The United States and the United Kingdom are withdrawing some personnel from a military base in Qatar as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions with Iran. This decision coincides with President Donald Trump's consideration of potential military action against Iran following a violent crackdown on protests in the country.

The US government announced a blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Nigeria, and Somalia. This suspension will take effect on January 21, with no specified end date.

The United States has initiated the second phase of its Gaza peace plan, which includes the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government and aims at the reconstruction and demilitarization of Gaza, as stated by US envoy Steve Witkoff.