Diplomatic Detainees

World

Putin Agrees to Temporary Halt on Kyiv Strikes Following Trump Appeal, as Deep Freeze Grips Ukraine

The Kremlin confirmed Friday that President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a week-long pause in strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, a move initiated by a personal request from U.S. President Donald Trump. The temporary ceasefire, set to expire Sunday, comes amid a brutal cold snap and ahead of a new round of negotiations.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Signals Openness to U.S. Talks, Draws Red Line on Missile Program

Iran's foreign minister stated readiness for 'fair' negotiations with Washington but firmly ruled out discussing its defense capabilities, as regional powers intensify diplomacy to avert a military confrontation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Pakistan Military Claims Major Strike: 41 Militants Killed in Balochistan Operations, Accuses Indian Backing

Pakistan's military says it has killed 41 armed fighters in two separate raids in restive Balochistan province, alleging—without presenting evidence—that the militants were supported by regional rival India. The operations come amid a surge in violence in the region.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Rules Out Direct U.S. Talks Despite Turkish Mediation Offer, Warns of Military Readiness

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Istanbul, stated Tehran is open to dialogue in principle but has no current plans for negotiations with Washington. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and a Turkish offer to facilitate talks.

Jan 30, 2026

World

ASEAN Holds Firm on Myanmar Peace Plan Despite Stalemate, Eyes Post-Election Engagement

As Southeast Asian foreign ministers gather in Cebu, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to a stalled five-point peace consensus for Myanmar. While acknowledging the plan's failure to halt the civil war, Thai diplomats suggest recent elections—though widely criticized—could offer a new avenue for dialogue and humanitarian access.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

China Cuts Import Tariffs on UK Whisky, Offering Boost to Scotch Exports

Following the UK Prime Minister's visit to Beijing, China has agreed to slash tariffs on UK-produced whiskies from 10% to 5%, a move welcomed by the industry as a potential catalyst for growth in a key premium market.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Trade Breakthrough: Scotch Whisky Tariffs Halved as New Deal Takes Effect

A landmark trade agreement secured during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing will see Chinese import duties on Scotch whisky cut from 10% to 5%, effective immediately. The move, hailed by industry leaders, is projected to inject £250 million into the UK economy and boost competitiveness in a key growth market.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Ceasefire Under Strain: Israeli Strikes Claim Five Lives in Gaza Amid Ongoing Tensions

Fresh Israeli military actions in central and southern Gaza have resulted in multiple casualties, testing the durability of a months-long, U.S.-brokered truce and hindering critical aid flows.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Israeli Military Reportedly Accepts Gaza Death Toll Estimate of Approximately 70,000

Israeli media reports indicate the military now estimates around 70,000 Palestinian fatalities in Gaza, a figure aligning with earlier Hamas-run health ministry counts it had previously questioned.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Israel to Reopen Key Gaza-Egypt Border Crossing After Two-Year Closure

Israeli authorities announce the reopening of the Rafah crossing this Sunday, ending a nearly two-year blockade of Gaza's sole passage to Egypt.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing to Reopen Sunday After Two-Year Closure, Easing Gaza Movement

Israel announces the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt this Sunday, permitting limited two-way movement for Palestinians after nearly 24 months of tight restrictions. The move is seen as a key development in international ceasefire efforts.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Putin Agrees to Trump's Request for Temporary Halt on Kyiv Strikes, Kremlin Confirms

The Kremlin stated President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a personal appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump to pause strikes on Kyiv until February 1, aiming to foster conditions for potential talks, though the scope and durability of the pause remain unclear.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Taiwan completes first undersea trial for domestically made submarine

TAIPEI, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Taiwan completed the maiden underwater sea trial for its first domestically developed submarine on Thursday, a big milestone in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence

Jan 30, 2026

World

Ukraine Cautiously Welcomes Trump's Claim of Russian Attack Pause Amid Winter Crisis

Kyiv expresses gratitude for a reported week-long halt to strikes on major cities brokered by the U.S. president, as freezing temperatures exacerbate the humanitarian situation. Moscow remains silent on the alleged agreement.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Russia's Unjammable Drones: Starlink Terminals Extend Reach and Evade Ukrainian Defenses

Russian forces are integrating Starlink satellite terminals into their drone fleet, creating a new generation of long-range, jamming-resistant weapons capable of striking deep behind Ukrainian lines and into NATO territory, according to intelligence reports and military analysts.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. Gaza Mission Leadership Shifts Amid Strategic Uncertainty

The U.S. military and civilian leaders of Washington's flagship Gaza mission are departing, with successors unannounced, as European allies reassess their participation and questions mount over the initiative's future direction.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Amnesty Hopes Rise Among IS-Linked Foreign Women in Syrian Camp as Government Offensive Shifts Power

Foreign women detained in Syria's Roj camp, linked to the Islamic State group, see a potential path to freedom following a government offensive that weakened their Kurdish guards. As political dynamics shift, their hopes for amnesty or repatriation collide with international reluctance and an uncertain future for the camps.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Threatens 50% Tariff, Decertification of Canadian Aircraft in Escalating Trade Dispute

In a late-night social media post, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S. and decertify new planes, citing Canada's alleged refusal to certify Gulfstream jets. The move, targeting Bombardier, risks disrupting U.S. regional aviation and corporate travel.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK PM Starmer Lands in Shanghai Amid US Trade Tensions, Leading Largest Business Delegation in Years

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai Friday with over 50 business leaders, aiming to deepen UK-China commercial ties. The visit, the first by a UK premier in eight years, comes against a backdrop of renewed US skepticism over Western engagement with Beijing.

Jan 30, 2026