In response to the escalating US military presence in the region, a senior Iranian official has issued a stark warning. The official stated that any form of attack on Iran will be considered an act of all-out war, met with the most severe response possible. This warning comes amidst a surge of US military assets, including an aircraft carrier strike group, and follows President Trump’s statements concerning Iranian protesters. The official emphasized Iran’s readiness for the worst-case scenario, particularly due to the recent US military build-up, and reiterated Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
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South Korea’s Foreign Ministry announced that it considers North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine to be South Korean citizens, a stance communicated to Ukrainian officials. The ministry cited the sensitive nature of the situation and the prisoners’ safety when declining to offer specific details. Furthermore, the ministry requested media outlets protect the prisoners’ identities and avoid exposing them to public attention, emphasizing their right to humane treatment under international law. This request followed media reports, including interviews that showed the faces of the POWs, where they expressed desire to seek refuge in South Korea.
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The UK will not immediately join Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” due to concerns regarding potential Russian involvement, according to the Foreign Secretary. While Britain supports the US president’s broader Middle East peace plan, its top diplomat has stated the UK will not be among the initial signatories due to worries about President Putin’s commitment to peace in Ukraine. The board, originally intended to oversee the ceasefire in the Middle East, has expanded its scope, with 35 countries having agreed to join. Trump indicated the board could extend its mission beyond Gaza, potentially encompassing other global conflicts in collaboration with the United Nations.
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Following recent discussions, Russian aide Yuri Ushakov stated that a durable peace in Ukraine is unattainable without addressing territorial matters according to the “Anchorage formula.” Ushakov emphasized Russia’s alleged interest in a political and diplomatic resolution, yet asserted that military operations would continue until their objectives are met on the battlefield, where Russia maintains the strategic initiative. The talks, lasting over three and a half hours, involved Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin.
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In a surprising turn of events, federal immigration authorities deported Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist, to South America in December, despite facing federal charges and potential prison time. Flores, who pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2022 theft of valuable jewelry from a Brinks truck, opted for voluntary departure during an immigration hearing. Prosecutors, who were unaware of Flores’ immigration proceedings, are now seeking to keep the charges against him open, while his attorney is trying to dismiss them. This unusual situation has left prosecutors, the jewelry companies, and legal experts questioning how Flores was deported before his criminal trial.
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Keir Starmer and other UK politicians have widely condemned Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting NATO troops, including British forces, stayed “a little off the frontlines” in Afghanistan, deeming his comments as diminishing the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers. Trump’s statements have been met with outrage across the political spectrum, with many citing the 457 British deaths in Afghanistan and questioning Trump’s own lack of military service. Military officials and veterans, including those who served in Afghanistan, have strongly refuted Trump’s claims, calling them insulting and inaccurate. These criticisms highlight the depth of the offense felt by many regarding Trump’s comments on the NATO forces.
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Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Europe’s slow and inadequate response to the ongoing conflict with Russia. He expressed frustration over the lack of decisive action, including slow defense spending, failure to enforce sanctions, and reluctance to utilize frozen assets to support Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted the need for Europe to become a stronger political force and mentioned his productive meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also suggested both sides are open to negotiations. Ongoing discussions regarding peace settlement are underway, with the future status of occupied Ukrainian territory and postwar security guarantees remaining key issues.
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Downing Street responded to President Trump’s statements, asserting he was incorrect in downplaying the role of NATO and British troops in Afghanistan. Trump’s remarks suggested allies stayed away from the front lines, leading to outrage from veterans and families. The UK and other allies joined the US in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, with the conflict resulting in 457 British service personnel fatalities.
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Local police chiefs in Minnesota have raised serious concerns regarding the tactics employed by ICE agents in the state, alleging that agents are targeting people of color and stopping off-duty officers. Specifically, an off-duty officer was reportedly boxed in, had her phone knocked away while attempting to record the interaction, and had guns drawn on her by ICE agents. These incidents, as well as similar accounts from other city employees, have sparked outrage and calls for the federal agents’ actions to cease. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that they cannot verify these claims.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agents Drew Guns on Off-Duty Officer in Minnesota, Chief Says
Local police chiefs in Minnesota have raised serious concerns regarding the tactics employed by ICE agents in the state, alleging that agents are targeting people of color and stopping off-duty officers. Specifically, an off-duty officer was reportedly boxed in, had her phone knocked away while attempting to record the interaction, and had guns drawn on her by ICE agents. These incidents, as well as similar accounts from other city employees, have sparked outrage and calls for the federal agents’ actions to cease. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that they cannot verify these claims.
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