The White House announces the executive board of the Gaza Peace Council, chaired by Trump. Members include Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and officials from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt. Former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as High Representative.
US Envoy Steve Witkoff outlines four demands for Iran, including cutting missile inventories and surrendering 2,000kg of nuclear material. He warns of a "bad alternative" if Tehran refuses to "return to the League of Nations."
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt conducted frantic back-channel talks to talk Trump out of striking Iran, warning of economic ruin. Netanyahu also urged a delay, arguing Israel needs more time to prepare and that the current US plan is too weak.
In an NBC interview, Trump refused to say if he plans to strike Iran, stating "I won't answer that for you." The comment preserves strategic ambiguity as the U.S. moves an aircraft carrier to the region despite a potential pause in hostilities.
The US government secretly acquired a Russian-linked device in late 2024 that investigators believe causes Havana Syndrome. The backpack-sized unit, purchased for over $10 million, emits pulsed radio-frequency energy and is currently being tested by the Pentagon.
Trump demands any military action in Iran be "swift and decisive," but advisers warn they can't guarantee a quick regime collapse. As the U.S. evacuates troops from Qatar, the President weighs limited strike options against a potential diplomatic pause.
The Pentagon orders the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East, diverting it from the South China Sea. The move reinforces US naval power with a nuclear carrier and three guided-missile destroyers ahead of potential conflict with Iran.
Iran issues an urgent NOTAM closing its entire airspace to commercial flights. The move, coming amid US troop evacuations, signals imminent military action as Tehran clears the skies to avoid civilian casualties during a potential conflict.
The US has suspended visa processing for 75 countries effective Jan 21, 2026, citing "public charge" and security concerns. The massive list includes Brazil, Egypt, Russia, Iran, and dozens of others across Africa and the Americas.
Should Gulf residents worry about Iranian strikes? Yes. While initial retaliation would likely target US bases in Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain, a desperate Iranian regime facing collapse could target city centers to force a ceasefire.
Iran is set to hang protester Erfan Soltani today as the regime labels detainees "enemies waging war." In a final defiant message, Soltani urged Iranians to take over institutions, promising that "help is on the way."
Denmark deploys elite troops and military gear to Greenland, fearing Trump's intentions after his aggressive moves in Venezuela. Copenhagen is "not taking chances," fortifying the island to assert sovereignty against a potential U.S. purchase or intervention.
The US is evacuating hundreds of troops from Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base to hotels and other facilities. The move aims to protect personnel from Iranian retaliation ahead of potential military strikes ordered by President Trump.
Fears mount that over 12,000 people have died in Iran as verified footage shows bodies piled in morgues. Trump promises "help is on the way" while the UK warns of a massive death toll.
A summary of the split within the White House: President Trump favors military strikes to punish the regime and gain leverage, while VP JD Vance leads a faction urging the acceptance of a desperate nuclear offer from Tehran to avoid regional war.
