Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for comments that appeared to downplay the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan. In a television interview on Sunday, Albanese said Trump’s remarks were unacceptable, adding that even though Trump later acknowledged allied contributions, the damage from his earlier statement remained.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Australian forces joined NATO operations in Afghanistan, where 47 Australian soldiers were killed and more than 260 injured. Last week, Trump claimed that U.S. allies sent some troops but were not on the front lines. Albanese said such comments deeply hurt the families of fallen soldiers and emphasized that the bravery and sacrifice of 40,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan deserved the highest respect.

Trump’s earlier interview with Fox News also drew anger from several NATO allies, including Poland, Norway, Denmark, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Under pressure, Trump later praised British troops on his social media platform. Australia withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 2021.

A senior Cuban diplomat has accused the United States of committing 'international piracy' by blocking Venezuelan oil shipments in the Caribbean Sea. Carlos de Céspedes, Cuba’s ambassador to Colombia, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that Washington is preventing fuel from reaching Cuba by detaining Venezuelan tankers. He claimed that after the U.S. military attack and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. effectively imposed a maritime blockade against Cuba.

De Céspedes said Cuba has not faced such intense U.S. threats in the 67 years since its revolution, recalling decades of sanctions and military pressure. Following Maduro’s abduction earlier this month, oil flow from Venezuela to Cuba has nearly stopped, despite Venezuela being Cuba’s main supplier for decades. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba are now 'zero' and warned that this situation will continue.

According to Politico, the Trump administration is considering a full energy blockade on Cuba, which could trigger a humanitarian crisis. De Céspedes insisted that U.S. pressure will not subdue Cuba, saying the country will not bow to imperial threats even without a drop of oil.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced the deportation of more than 14,000 foreign nationals following a week-long nationwide campaign targeting violations of residency, labor, and border laws. The operation, conducted from January 15 to 21, led to the detention of approximately 18,200 individuals across the country. Among them, 11,400 were accused of violating residency laws, around 4,000 of breaching border regulations, and nearly 2,800 of breaking labor laws.

Authorities also detained 1,762 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, about half of whom were Yemeni and more than half Ethiopian nationals. Another 46 individuals were caught trying to leave the country illegally, while 11 others were arrested for allegedly transporting, sheltering, or employing undocumented migrants. Legal proceedings are ongoing against more than 25,000 people, and many have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.

The Interior Ministry warned that those aiding illegal entry, transport, or employment could face severe penalties, including long prison terms, heavy fines, confiscation of vehicles or property, and public disclosure of offenses.

A commentary published by Amar Desh Online on January 25, 2026, argues that Gaza’s reconstruction must prioritize the rights, history, and lived experiences of its people rather than being framed solely as an investment opportunity. The article criticizes the vision reportedly proposed by Jared Kushner, adviser and son-in-law to former U.S. President Donald Trump, which imagines Gaza as a site of luxury housing, commercial zones, and beachfront developments. It warns that such an approach could deepen crises instead of fostering genuine recovery.

The piece emphasizes that Gaza is home to more than two million Palestinians who have endured decades of blockade, displacement, and repeated assaults. It notes that for many families, their homes symbolize memory, social bonds, and the right of return to lands lost in 1948, giving them value beyond market price. The article contrasts global leaders’ reconstruction pledges at Davos with continued killings in Gaza, reporting at least 480 Palestinian deaths since an October 10 ceasefire.

It concludes that reconstruction will only be meaningful if it acknowledges Palestinian rights, dignity, and historical identity rather than treating Gaza as a failed economic project.

Israel has claimed that the United States has almost completed preparations for a large-scale military operation against Iran. According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the deployment of US forces may take a few more days to finish. The report said US military presence in the Middle East has reached its highest level in eight months, with assets including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, guided missile destroyers, cruisers, and multiple fighter squadrons. President Donald Trump has not yet issued a final order, but Israel has begun internal preparations for possible Iranian retaliation.

The buildup follows Trump’s earlier confirmation that a “massive fleet” was moving toward Iran after Tehran’s harsh crackdown on anti-government protests that began in December 2025. Human rights group HRANA reported around 4,000 deaths and thousands of arrests, though verification remains difficult due to internet restrictions. Iran has warned that any US attack would be treated as “total war,” with the IRGC commander vowing a devastating response to any provocation.

Analysts say the coming days are crucial for Middle East stability, as both sides remain firm and diplomatic solutions appear increasingly unlikely.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “confused clown” in response to Zelensky’s claim that Iran’s government kills civilians to stay in power. The remarks were made in a post on social media platform X, according to NDTV, on January 25, 2026.

Araghchi accused Zelensky of using U.S. and European taxpayers’ money to enrich himself and corrupt generals in his army. He wrote that Iranians know how to defend themselves and do not need to beg foreigners for help. Araghchi further alleged that Zelensky was exploiting the “illegal aggression” against Ukraine as an excuse to misuse Western funds while simultaneously calling for U.S. military attacks on Iran, which he said would violate the same UN Charter.

Addressing Zelensky directly, Araghchi said the world is tired of “confused clowns” like him and contrasted Iran’s self-reliance with what he described as Ukraine’s foreign-backed forces.

After a two-day meeting in Abu Dhabi, Russia and Ukraine agreed on Saturday to hold a second round of direct peace talks next week, scheduled for February 1 under U.S. mediation. A U.S. official described bringing all parties to the same table as a major step forward, noting significant progress in identifying key issues for a final decision. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions constructive and important.

The talks mark the first direct participation of both nations in discussions under U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end nearly four years of war. Their previous meeting in Istanbul last summer had been limited to a prisoner exchange agreement. However, tensions flared again on the second day of the Abu Dhabi meeting when Russia launched extensive drone and missile attacks, leaving millions without power in freezing conditions.

Kyiv authorities labeled the assault a “night of Russian terror,” accusing Moscow of trying to undermine the peace process. Despite the ongoing conflict, ordinary residents of Kyiv remain uncertain about a swift resolution.

Hamas leaders held a meeting with Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Istanbul to discuss the next phase following the Gaza ceasefire. The delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, focused on coordination to ease the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people and manage Gaza through a national committee.

Both sides emphasized the importance of opening the Rafah crossing for aid delivery and reaffirmed strong policies to support Palestinians in the occupied territories. During the meeting, the Hamas delegation expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his mediation and guarantor role in efforts to ensure peace in Gaza.

The delegation also thanked Ankara for its increasingly significant role in the second phase of the post-ceasefire plan, highlighting Turkey’s continued involvement in regional stabilization efforts.

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have visited Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for discussions on Gaza and Iran. According to the White House, the meeting included talks on President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The visit took place amid growing concerns about a possible US strike on Iran. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the meeting.

Israeli media reported that US Central Command chief Brad Cooper also arrived in Israel and is expected to meet senior Israeli security officials, including Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi and Air Force Commander Tomer Bar. The timing of these visits coincides with heightened regional tensions and speculation over potential US military action against Iran.

Iran has accused the United States of attempting to incite unrest, impose sanctions, and pursue regime change through pressure and destabilization efforts, according to reports from Israeli and international outlets.

At least three Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza despite a ceasefire remaining in effect, according to medical sources and witnesses cited by Anadolu Agency. The strikes occurred in several areas, including Beit Lahia and Khan Younis, where drone fire and gunfire also left several others injured.

Medical sources reported that two teenagers, 14-year-old Salman Zakaria and 15-year-old Mohammad Yusuf from the Al-Zawara family, were killed near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. Witnesses said the drone strike took place in an area from which Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw under the ceasefire agreement. Another Palestinian was killed in Khan Younis, and multiple injuries were reported in Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have continued since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 last year, killing 481 Palestinians and injuring 1,313. Since October 2023, more than 71,600 Palestinians have been killed and at least 171,300 injured during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The Syrian military and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have extended their ceasefire for another 15 days, according to a statement issued late Saturday by Syria’s Ministry of Defense. The new period began at 11 p.m. local time, with the stated goal of assisting the United States in transferring ISIL detainees from SDF-controlled detention centers to Iraq.

The SDF confirmed the extension, saying the agreement would help reduce tensions, protect civilians, and create conditions for stability. Reporting from Damascus, Al Jazeera’s Ayman Ogana noted that the announcement brought relief among the public. The ceasefire follows a broader effort by the Syrian government to integrate the SDF into state institutions.

After the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, current President Ahmed al-Shara signed an agreement with the SDF in March of the previous year to formalize that integration process.

British Prince Harry has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his comments on NATO allies’ involvement in the Afghanistan war. Trump, in a Fox News interview, claimed that NATO countries stayed somewhat behind the front lines during the conflict and questioned whether the alliance would stand by the United States if needed. His remarks drew widespread condemnation across the United Kingdom’s political spectrum.

Speaking while paying tribute to NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Prince Harry urged people to speak about their sacrifices with truth and honor. The Duke of Sussex, who served twice in Afghanistan, recalled losing friends and forming lifelong bonds during his service. He noted that 457 British soldiers and many other NATO troops were killed in the war.

Harry emphasized that NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in 2001, obligating member nations to stand with the United States for collective security. He said thousands of lives were changed forever and called for continued unity in diplomacy and peace.

US President Donald Trump unveiled his new 'Board of Peace' at the Davos Economic Forum this week, declaring it a platform to end decades of global suffering and build lasting peace. The initiative, originally conceived during US-led efforts to end the Gaza war, was approved by a UN Security Council resolution but has since expanded into a broader global project. A leaked draft charter shows Trump will serve as lifelong chairman with sweeping powers, including appointing members, creating or dissolving sub-bodies, and naming his successor. Permanent membership reportedly costs $1 billion.

The launch drew mixed international reactions. Poland’s prime minister warned against manipulation, while Hungary’s Viktor Orbán praised Trump’s leadership. The UK, Sweden, and Norway voiced concerns or withheld participation, and a coalition of Muslim-majority nations joined citing hopes for Gaza’s reconstruction—though the leaked charter made no mention of Gaza. France’s Emmanuel Macron faced tariff threats from Trump for hesitating to join, and Slovenia called the move a dangerous interference in global order.

UN officials described the initiative as reflecting the UN Security Council’s failures but cautioned that inclusivity is vital. Secretary-General António Guterres lamented the rise of power politics over rule of law, while observers questioned whether Trump’s board could replace the UN.

Belgium has imposed a ban on aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel from using its airspace. The restriction took effect on Thursday, according to Anadolu Agency. Local newspaper Le Soir reported that the decision was initiated by Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Under the new rule, all information related to flights transporting military goods to Israel must be submitted in advance to Belgian authorities.

The report stated that the main objective of the ban is to prevent the transport of Israeli arms and military goods. Inspection operations will be carried out by the Customs Authority and the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (SPF Transport). In Belgium, regional governments control arms export licenses, but the federal government oversees transport and transit activities. Therefore, this federal measure is expected to effectively limit the use of regional export licenses.

The decision comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which began in October 2023. The conflict has reportedly resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, with Israel continuing restrictions on essential supplies despite a ceasefire.

Several leading international airlines have suspended flights across the Middle East following U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that a powerful American naval armada is heading toward Iran. The move comes amid growing fears of a possible military confrontation between the United States and Iran. Airlines including KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France have temporarily halted services to key destinations in the region.

According to NDTV, the cancellations have severely disrupted air connectivity to major hubs such as Israel, Dubai, and Riyadh. Air France announced that its Dubai-bound flights on July 23 and 24 would not operate due to the current situation. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has indefinitely suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv, rerouting aircraft to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, and several Gulf countries. United Airways and Air Canada have also stopped flights to Israel amid concerns of a potential U.S. strike on Iran.

The White House stated that Tehran’s decision to suspend executions of protesters has not altered Washington’s military planning, further intensifying regional tensions.