Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi on Europe:

Europe, in truth, is a continent on the decline, and it has lost its role at the international level and is losing it more every day. I am surprised that they are doing this to themselves with their own hands.

This shows that Europe has neither a correct understanding of international conditions, nor a correct understanding of the conditions of our region, nor a correct understanding of its own interests.

The decision they have made was a major strategic mistake, much like their previous mistake regarding the so-called “snapback” [mechanism]. They have made their own role in regional issues increasingly insignificant.

I believe that very soon—just like with the snapback, where after some time they admitted they had made a mistake—on this issue as well, they will very quickly reach the conclusion.

Zelensky:

Imagine this: I know that ballistic missiles are being launched at our energy infrastructure. I know there are Patriots deployed. And I know there will be no electricity because there are no missiles left to defend it.

This is the situation I am in. And I negotiate for PAC-3 missiles, which arrive a day after we are almost plunged into a blackout.

I can publicly say that this is a delay. But why by one day? They should have arrived a month earlier.

The United States does not give us missiles for free. People may feel differently about this. Europe pays for them.

The tranche was not paid under the PURL program. The missiles did not arrive. I am simply stating what is happening.

Zelensky:

We are not ready for compromises that lead to a violation of our territorial integrity.

We will not hand Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant over to the Russians without a fight.

Zelensky:

As for Donbas, no compromise has been found so far.

The American side is proposing a compromise solution involving a free economic zone, but the issue of control must be fair — Ukraine controls the territories it currently controls.

BREAKING: A ceasefire has been agreed between the Syrian government and the YPG/SDF as part of a comprehensive deal that includes the gradual integration of military and administrative bodies.

The agreement provides for the withdrawal of forces from front lines, the deployment of Interior Ministry security forces in Hasakah and Qamishli, and the integration of YPG/SDF units into the Syrian army structure.

It also includes merging the Autonomous Administration’s institutions into state institutions, guaranteeing Kurdish civil and educational rights, and ensuring the return of displaced persons.

The deal aims to unify Syrian territory, enforce the law, and support national reconstruction.

Source: SANA

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NEW: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

President Erdogan said Türkiye is ready to play a facilitating role between Iran and the United States to help ease tensions and resolve issues.

He also noted that he will meet Iran’s Foreign Minister later today.

Companies including Palantir, Deloitte and Fisher Sand & Gravel have made over $22bn from US government contracts linked to Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown.

Spending by ICE and Border Patrol has surged since Trump’s return to office, especially after a major immigration bill passed in July.

Palantir has won contracts for tools used in tracking and deportation operations, while Deloitte and other tech and security firms provide data, IT and enforcement support.

Charter airline broker CSI Aviation has earned over $1.2bn transporting detainees.

Source: FT

Kremlin:

Russia has agreed to refrain from strikes on Ukraine until February 1 at Trump’s request — in order to create favorable conditions for negotiations.

Kremlin:

Putin did not take the initiative to invite Zelensky anywhere; it was Zelensky who requested a meeting.

In response, Putin told him: yes, we are ready — but only in Moscow.

Carney on Alberta:

I expect the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty.

U.S. F-35A jets were seen landing at Lajes Field in the Azores while en route to the Middle East.

Video: andre_spotter_lajes on Instagram

Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan meets Iran’s Araghchi in Istanbul.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

We are closely following the developments taking place in Iran.

We would like to reiterate that we are deeply saddened by the deaths that have occurred during the protests and extend our condolences to the people of Iran.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

We hope that Iran’s internal issues will be resolved peacefully by the Iranian people without external interference.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

We have conveyed to all our counterparts at every opportunity that we are opposed to any military intervention against Iran.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

We also observe that Israel is attempting to persuade the United States to carry out a military attack on Iran.

These efforts by Israel carry the potential to cause serious harm to the already fragile stability of our region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

The events taking place in our region are occurring as a result of the illegitimate interventions of certain powers from outside the region.

The Israeli regime is attempting to weaken the countries in the region through various schemes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

The Israeli regime’s intention and desire to provoke war has never diminished.

It is attempting to annex everything in the region to itself, which poses a very serious danger.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

Our past experiences have consistently shown that the United States has never been loyal and has not acted in good faith.

Nevertheless, Iran remains ready for all diplomatic processes.

We are in favor of a negotiation process that is legitimate, rational, fair, just, and respectful of our legal rights.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

We support the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity.

We call for an end to the occupation by the Zionist regime.

We want Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, and stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

There are clear contradictions in the stance of the United States.

A military attack is not an option; they carried out a military strike last June and failed to achieve any of their objectives.