SDF/YPG militias deploying military reinforcements today to the Deir Hafer front line with the Syrian Army, contradicting SDF media claims that no troop build-up exists in the area.

Some elements declare their aim is to reach the coast.

IDF Spokesperson on Iran:

In recent days, many rumors have circulated regarding the situation in Iran.

As previously stated, the IDF is prepared defensively and remains on alert for surprise scenarios if needed.

The protests in Iran are an internal matter. We continue ongoing situation assessments and will update if anything changes.

I emphasize: do not spread rumors.

Iran's near-total internet shutdown reaches 100 hours, cutting connectivity to under 1%.

Authorities appear to be blocking public access while keeping state-linked platforms online.

📸 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ahmedabad’s kite festival.

Sudan Army drone strike hits UAE-backed RSF/SPLM-N camp in Kumo, Nuba Mountains.

Whole squad wiped out.

After SDF/YPG defeats in Aleppo, supporters in Qamishli burned a photo of U.S. Syria envoy Tom Barrack, accusing the U.S. of abandoning them, forcing a child to burn his picture.

UK's top military officer Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton:

We are not as ready as we need to be for the kind of full-scale conflict that we might face.

Zelensky:

What is happening in Iran now – large-scale protests, effectively an uprising – is a clear sign that things won’t get easier for Russia.

And every decent person on this planet truly wants the people of Iran to finally free themselves from the current regime that has brought so much evil to Ukraine and to other countries.

It is crucial that the world does not miss this moment when changes are possible. Every leader, every country, and international organizations must step in now and help the people remove those guilty of what Iran has sadly become.

Everything can be different.

Mexican President Sheinbaum on cartels:

Under Mexico’s constitution and laws, terrorism refers to acts against the government, not organized crime.

Therefore, cartels cannot legally be classified as terrorist organizations.

Mexican President Sheinbaum:

We don’t agree with President Trump’s government on many issues, but we seek a constructive relationship.

As neighbors and trading partners, we must work together while firmly upholding our principles.

Trump is considering military strikes against Iran in response to the killing of protesters, but has not made a final decision and is also exploring diplomatic options.

The issue will be discussed with Trump’s national security team this week, with diplomacy still described by the White House as the preferred option.

Source: Axios

Israel has turned to pro-Trump social-media influencers as part of a new lobbying strategy in Washington.

Disclosure filings show plans to spend about $900,000 on influencer campaigns aimed at U.S. audiences, as Israeli officials seek to counter rising anti-Israel sentiment on the American right.

Netanyahu has met repeatedly with conservative podcasters and influencers, urging them to promote pro-Israel views and support tougher policies toward Iran.

Source: WSJ

BREAKING: Trump:

Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive.

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Russia's Medvedev:

Trump needs to hurry. According to unverified information, in a few days a sudden referendum may take place, at which all 55,000 residents of Greenland could vote to join Russia. And then that’s it!

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U.S. Department of State:

Protests across Iran are escalating. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing.

Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16.

U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye.

Ukrainian Envoy to the UN, Andrii Melnyk:

Every time the international community believes that Russia has reached the limits of lies and barbarity, Moscow once again outdoes itself.

It finds a way to sink even lower, proving that there is no bottom to its criminal intent.

Ukrainian Envoy to the UN, Andrii Melnyk:

Russia deliberately waited until early January, when temperatures in Ukraine plunged to minus 15 degrees Celsius, to unleash some of its most devastating drone and missile strikes against our energy infrastructure, pushing millions of civilians into freezing conditions.

Reza Pahlavi:

Any campaigns of liberation has occurred at the time that the world finally took the side of those people vis-à-vis oppressive regimes that put an end to apartheid in South Africa. It put an end to the Soviet Union and liberated countries that were stuck behind the Iron Curtain.

There are precedents in history, and I think Iran should not be the exception.

Source: CBS News

Norah O'Donnell: Is it responsible to be sending citizens in Iran to their deaths? Do you bear some responsibility?

Reza Pahlavi: This is a war and war has casualties...

Source: CBS News

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