Iran has suspended the execution of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was sentenced to death for participating in anti-government protests. His family and the Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw confirmed the suspension, according to CNN. Soltani, a small business owner from Karaj near Tehran, was arrested on January 8 for allegedly joining demonstrations. Within three days, he was tried and sentenced to death without the presence of family or friends in court. The Guardian reported that his sister, a registered lawyer, was not allowed to participate in the proceedings.

A relative named Somayeh said the family learned that the execution had not been carried out but had not yet been canceled, and they were awaiting further information. Hengaw later confirmed the suspension of the death sentence. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in Washington that killings of protesters in Iran had stopped and planned executions of detainees were on hold, with Soltani’s suspension reported hours after his remarks.

The United Kingdom has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, Iran, citing security concerns. A government statement released on Wednesday confirmed the decision, noting that the embassy will now operate remotely. According to a British official, the ambassador and all consular staff have been withdrawn from Iran after a review of the security situation, emphasizing that the safety of personnel was the top priority.

Iran is currently facing one of the largest waves of violent protests in its history, triggered by economic deterioration and the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial. The unrest began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and has since spread to several cities. The situation has been further strained by threats of intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Several European countries, including Italy, Poland, Germany, and Spain, have also issued urgent advisories for their citizens to leave Iran due to the worsening security environment. The ongoing instability and fears of possible U.S. military action have heightened regional tensions.

A closed-door meeting was held at the White House on Wednesday between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland amid escalating tensions over control of Greenland. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland. According to The Guardian, the meeting lasted less than an hour. Danish officials described the talks as positive, but Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen admitted that the two countries still differ on Greenland’s future.

Rasmussen said President Donald Trump clearly outlined his stance on Greenland, while Denmark maintained a different position and remained uncertain about reaching any agreement. Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stated that Greenland seeks stronger cooperation as an ally, not subordination to the US. Denmark’s Prime Minister echoed that Greenland’s takeover is unnecessary and dismissed claims of immediate threats from Russia or China. Hours before the meeting, Trump reiterated that US control of Greenland is vital for missile defense and NATO strength.

Denmark and Greenland firmly opposed Trump’s plan, declaring Greenland is not for sale. Denmark announced increased Arctic military presence in 2026, with Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway joining joint NATO deployments. Sweden has already begun sending troops under Denmark’s “Operation Arctic Endurance.”

South Korea has pledged to identify and punish those responsible for a recent drone intrusion into North Korea, following Pyongyang’s demand for an official apology. North Korea claimed that a South Korean drone crossed the shared border into Kaesong earlier this month, was shot down, and its wreckage displayed publicly. Seoul denied any military or government involvement but acknowledged the possibility of civilian participation.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated during a press briefing in Nara, Japan, that authorities are investigating whether the incident originated from the civilian sector and promised legal consequences if guilt is proven. He also noted that North Korea had previously sent drones into South Korea, calling such actions violations of the armistice agreement that ended the 1950–53 Korean War.

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a joint military and police investigation into the matter, warning that any civilian involvement would pose a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Iran has temporarily closed its airspace to nearly all flights except for international civilian arrivals and departures, according to an official aviation notice issued early Thursday. The notice stated that Tehran’s airspace would remain closed until January 15, with only limited operations allowed under approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The decision comes amid escalating anti-government protests, growing international scrutiny, and heightened security concerns across the country. Human rights groups claim that thousands have been killed or injured since demonstrations began in late December, though Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was informed that executions of protesters in Iran had been halted, warning that Washington would take “very tough measures” if they resumed. G7 foreign ministers condemned the “deliberate use of violence” against demonstrators and urged Iran to show restraint and respect human rights. Iranian officials, meanwhile, accused the United States and Israel of supporting unrest and terrorism, allegations denied by Western nations.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), announced that its forces have regained control of two strategic southern provinces from the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) after a month of fighting. The UAE-backed STC had seized the oil-rich Hadramaut and Al-Mahra provinces near the Saudi border in early December 2025. Saudi Arabia, which supports the PLC, viewed the move as a national security threat and responded with airstrikes on STC positions, including the key port of Mukalla.

The PLC, led by Rashad al-Alimi since 2022, operates from Aden and aims to unify anti-Houthi factions. The STC seeks an independent southern Yemen and rejected reports of its dissolution after its leader was dismissed from the PLC in January 2026. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to control much of northern and western Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea coast.

According to the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, the Houthis hold northwestern Yemen, while the government claims most of the rest. The UN reports that 17 million Yemenis face severe food shortages, with millions displaced and dependent on humanitarian aid.

Several European countries have issued urgent travel advisories instructing their citizens to leave Iran immediately due to escalating anti-government protests and a deteriorating security environment. Italy, Poland, Germany, and Spain released warnings on Wednesday, citing growing instability. Italy’s foreign ministry reported that around 600 Italian nationals are currently in Iran, mostly in Tehran, and reiterated its call for them to depart swiftly. Poland also advised against travel to Iran, while Germany urged its citizens to avoid visits and for those already there to leave, warning of potential arbitrary arrests. Spain similarly discouraged travel and asked Spanish nationals to exit using available means.

The unrest began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, sparked by protests over the sharp devaluation of Iran’s currency, the rial, and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations have since spread to multiple cities across the country. Recent fears of a possible U.S. military strike have further heightened tensions and uncertainty in the region.

The coordinated European advisories reflect growing international concern over Iran’s internal instability and the safety of foreign nationals.

Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military attack. Two sources close to the Saudi government told AFP on Wednesday that the message was delivered as the United States threatens possible military action against Tehran. Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya also reported the development.

According to the sources, Riyadh clarified its stance amid warnings that Washington might take military steps in response to Iran’s harsh crackdown on ongoing protests. In reaction, Tehran has warned that any new attack would prompt it to target US military bases and naval assets. A source close to the Saudi military said the kingdom directly told Tehran it would not participate in any military operation against Iran.

Analysts noted that the presence of significant US military assets across the Gulf region, including in Saudi Arabia, makes the situation more sensitive amid rising tensions.

The United Arab Emirates has granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners as part of celebrations marking its 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Ittihad. The announcement was made through a press release from the UAE Embassy in Dhaka, noting that the pardon was part of the 2025 Eid Al Ittihad festivities. During this period, the UAE leadership extended clemency to thousands of prisoners from various countries across the nation.

According to officials, the royal pardon program, implemented toward the end of 2025, allowed many inmates, including Bangladeshis, to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families. The initiative is described as a reflection of the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian values and commitment to compassion.

Eid Al Ittihad, observed annually on December 2, commemorates the 1971 unification of the emirates under one flag, symbolizing national unity and solidarity.

The United States has announced the suspension of all types of visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, effective from January 21, 2026. According to reports from Reuters and Fox News, the U.S. Department of State has sent instructions to consular offices in these countries to halt visa issuance indefinitely while the department reviews its current vetting procedures.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the ministry is reassessing visa processing based on long-standing experience, aiming to prevent entry of foreign nationals who might rely on U.S. public assistance or welfare programs. The suspension follows a November 2025 directive that required consular officers worldwide to strictly enforce the “public charge” provisions of immigration law.

That directive also instructed officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public aid, including those with poor health, limited English proficiency, or long-term medical needs. The suspension will remain in place until the review process is completed, with no specified end date.

Some members of the US military were advised on Wednesday evening to leave Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, according to Reuters citing three diplomats. The development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran and Washington’s warnings against interference. One diplomat described the move as a routine change rather than a directed relocation, adding that it was unclear whether any specific reason was behind it. The US Embassy in Doha did not immediately comment, while Al Jazeera reached out to Qatar’s foreign ministry for a response.

Al Udeid is the largest US base in the Middle East, hosting around 10,000 troops. Last year, before a US airstrike in Iran, some personnel and families were relocated from American bases in the region. Following that strike, Iran launched missile attacks on the Qatari base. An Iranian official had earlier warned that Tehran might target US military installations in regional countries in response to Washington’s actions.

Located in the desert outside Doha, the 24-hectare base serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command, overseeing operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan.

Iran has warned neighboring countries that US military bases across the Middle East will be targeted if Washington launches an attack on Iran. According to Reuters, Tehran issued the warning after US President Donald Trump threatened military action in response to ongoing protests in Iran. A senior Iranian official said Tehran has urged regional states to prevent Washington from attacking Iran, naming Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey among those cautioned.

The official added that direct communication between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been suspended amid rising tensions. An Israeli assessment cited by Reuters suggested that Trump has decided to intervene in Iran, though the scope and timing remain unclear. Meanwhile, US forces are stationed at several Middle Eastern bases, including Qatar’s Al Udeid base and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Reuters also reported that some US troops at Al Udeid have been advised to relocate to safer areas, though no specific reason was provided for the precaution.

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday that statements resembling military rhetoric could further aggravate the situation. His comments came in response to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who encouraged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations, saying that help was on the way.

Dujarric emphasized that all member states should prioritize diplomacy over military-style language. He also clarified that the UN currently has no plans to withdraw its personnel from Iran, where 46 international staff and 448 local employees are working. The UN’s position reflects its caution amid growing unrest and economic deterioration in Iran.

In recent weeks, Iran has witnessed widespread protests triggered by economic decline and the rapid devaluation of the Iranian rial. Reports indicate multiple deaths among protesters and police officers across several cities, with incidents of violence adding to the instability.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 150 undocumented foreign nationals, including 25 Bangladeshis, during anti-illegal immigration operations in Kuala Lumpur early Wednesday. The raids took place at an apartment block in Selayang and near Old Klang Road, according to The Star. Datuk Lokman Efendi Ramli, Deputy Director General (Operations) of the Immigration Department, said 52 officers conducted the Selayang raid based on intelligence, arresting 79 people aged between 17 and 55.

Those detained were accused of lacking valid passports or work permits and overstaying their visas. Among them were 39 Indonesians, 25 Bangladeshis, 10 Nepalis, two Indians, two Pakistanis, and one Myanmar national. Ramli stated that the detainees were employed in various sectors, including security, food service, laundry, housekeeping, and construction.

A second operation near Old Klang Road led to the arrest of 71 more foreigners, comprising 33 Indonesian men, 33 Indonesian women, two Myanmar men, one Myanmar woman, one Indian man, and one Pakistani. The operations reflect Malaysia’s continued enforcement against undocumented migrant workers.

Thirteen-year-old Omar Halawa from northern Gaza lost his right leg after being hit during an Israeli attack in October 2025 while fetching water near the Jabalia area. His mother, Yasmin Halawa, told Al Jazeera that the family had been displaced more than 15 times and that Omar’s injury occurred amid severe water shortages. The family buried his severed leg near their tent, and Omar visits the grave daily, saying his leg has gone to heaven before him.

Omar’s sister Layan was also injured in a November 2023 airstrike, and their eight-year-old cousin was killed. Yasmin said her children have been deeply traumatized, with Omar now frightened even by small noises. UNICEF spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf told Al Jazeera that Gaza’s children are living in the world’s most terrifying place instead of enjoying their childhood. According to the report, more than 71,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, have been killed in two years of Israeli attacks, and around 42,000 children have been injured.

UNICEF noted that even after a ceasefire, over 95 children have been killed, underscoring the continuing danger for Gaza’s young population.