Putin says that Russia won't use Oreshnik because it is designed for "special tasks".

Al-Hadath:

Israel destroyed two fighter jets (likely F-5s) showcased by the Houthis about two months ago.

Forces of the new Syrian government besieged the elements affiliated with the Lebanese Hezbollah in the city of Talkalakh in the Homs countryside.

Source: Sky News Arabia

BIG: Iran and Russia will sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement on January 17, 2025, in Moscow, according to Izvestia.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to visit Moscow for the signing.

In summer 2024, Russia signed a similar agreement with North Korea, leading to arms supplies and direct involvement of North Korean troops in combat.

Israel’s El-Al Airlines has canceled all flights to Moscow due to security concerns.

Iran reportedly banned all cryptocurrency transactions.

Starting a few hours ago, without prior notice, rial deposit services to all cryptocurrency platforms have faced restrictions.

Türkiye has sent a team of experts to help revitalize Aleppo and Damascus airports, Turkish Minister of Transport Uraloglu announced.

Israeli and American officials speaking to Jerusalem Post:

Chances of reaching an agreement in Gaza before Trump’s inauguration are slim.

The negotiations have not collapsed, but they are stuck.

Ukrainian forces claim to have captured a North Korean soldier in the Kursk region.

He would be the first captured North Korean soldier if the claims are true.

Israeli airstrikes on Yemen killed 6 people and injured 40 others, Houthis claim.

Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza:

About 50 people were killed, including 5 medical staff, in an Israeli bombing of a building adjacent to the hospital.

Syrian National Coalition condemns Iran's statements aimed at spreading chaos, destabilizing security, and inciting sectarian strife in Syria.

Syrian National Coalition condemns Iran's use of its agents and remnants of the former regime in sectarian protests and targeting Syrian security forces in terrorist operations that killed and wounded several personnel.

IDF officer Major Hod Shriebman,a platoon commander in the elite Multidomain Unit from Tzofit, was killed in northern Gaza.

Kadyrov awarded his nephew Hamzat with a medal "For Merit to the Chechen Republic".

Hamzat had previously reported destroying all targets over Chechnya on the day of Azerbaijan Airlines plane was shot down.

Of the 67 people aboard, 38 died and 29 survived.

Chinese creativity: 6th generation fighter jets against the background of PRC founder Mao Zedong.

Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893.

China leaked first flight footage of both of its 6th generation fighter jets on his birtday.

"Azerbaijan Airlines plane was shot down over Grozny, on Russian territory. This cannot be denied," said Azerbaijani MP Rasim Musabekov in an interview with Turan.

"Those responsible must face criminal charges and compensation must be paid," Musabekov stated.

He added that if Russia doesn't apologize, relations between Baku and Moscow "will move to a different level."

Shujaa Al-Ali, a top commander under Maher Al-Assad and notorious gang leader in Homs, was killed by Syrian Special Forces after hours of fighting.

He was known for kidnapping women and children for ransom and torturing civilians while leading a National Defense Militia group.