{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Iran’s readiness to counter aggression is at all-time high — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi added that Iran has no intention of taking preemptive measures against countries threatening it

DUBAI, January 12. /TASS/. Iran’s ability to respond to any aggression directed against it is greater than ever, the country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

"Iran does not seek war, but it is ready to counter any aggression. And its readiness is higher than ever before," he emphasized during a meeting with heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Tehran. The event was broadcast by the Iranian state television and radio company.

Araghchi added that Iran has no intention of taking preemptive measures against countries threatening it.

Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would target Israeli and US military installations across the Middle East if the United States launched an attack.

Protests erupted in Tehran on December 29 following a sharp decline in the Iranian rial’s exchange rate, later joined by students and spreading to major cities. Clashes peaked on January 8, resulting in at least 13 civilian deaths, including a 3-year-old child, and 38 law enforcement fatalities.

Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani reported rioters burned 25 mosques, vandalized 26 banks, 3 medical centers, 10 government buildings, and over 100 emergency vehicles. Iranian authorities have classified the rioters as "terrorists," alleging that Israel and the US are orchestrating the protests.

Tags

Zelensky seeks to put off presidential election, needs time to 'manage' polls — MP

Alexander Voloshin said that elections are fraught with systemic risks for the Zelensky regime

Russia or China may seize Greenland if US does not do so — Trump

US leader added that the option of concluding a deal to transfer control of the island to Washington would "be easier"

Russian Doomsday Planes’ service life is 25-30 years — manufacturer

Doomsday Planes were designed as national airborne operations centres that could be used by the senior military leaders in case of a nuclear war or other very serious conflict

Wildberries launches sales in Germany

In the near future, Wildberries plans to enter the markets of France, Italy and Spain

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

5.6-earthquake recorded near Russia’s Kuril Islands

The tremors were recorded at a depth of 423 kilometers below the seabed, 214 kilometers north of the village of Reydovo on Iturup Island

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Trump says there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba

The US president also mentioned Venezuela, saying that the country "now has the United States of America" to protect it

Preliminary 130 civilian deaths in Selidovo may rise — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik noted that although the city was liberated by Russian armed forces over a year ago, it is still in the "red zone"

Lukashenko says there was collusion, betrayal in situation with Maduro's capture

The Belarusian leader also called for caution amid the events in the Bolivarian Republic

Finnish politician reveals Helsinki's secret plans to deploy nuclear weapons

According to him, some people in Finland feel like the country is at war with Russia

Cuba is ready to defend its independence to last drop of blood — President Diaz-Canel

He further noted that the United States has no moral standing to criticize Cuba, as it often reduces human lives and international relations to mere commodities

Iranian president calls on people to demonstrate to protest unrest

Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences to the families of civilians who lost their lives and cautioned young people against involvement in terrorism

EU will continue to churn out sanctions against Russia — expert

Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board at the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, characterized EU sanctions as more than mere punitive measures

China, South Africa will resist ‘the law of the jungle’, hegemony — Wang Yi

Wang Yi confirmed that Beijing will continue to work on eliminating tariffs on South African goods

Ukrainian lawmakers seek to abolish draft deferments for students over 25

According to head of the parliamentary Committee for Educational Affairs Sergey Babak, the average number of male students over the age of 25, which stood at about 30,000 before 2022, rose sharply to 250,000 by September 1, 2025

NATO is 'now done' — Tucker Carlson on Greenland

According to him, "the whole illusion has shattered in the past four days"

Iranian authorities ready to heed people’s demands, implement reforms — Pezeshkian

Iranian President asserted that the demonstrators are expressing their disagreement with the worsening economic situation, but they are not setting markets on fire or committing criminal acts

Aleppo airport to remain closed for another week — air traffic controllers

Previously, it was planned that the airport could resume operations after midnight local time on January 12

Russian forces hit Ukraine’s defense facility, energy sites used by Ukrainian army

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a total of 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 108,406 drones, 645 missile systems, 27,057 tanks

US statements on Greenland create uncertainty within NATO — Swedish Defense Minister

Minister Pal Jonson noted the sharp rhetoric of the US in foreign policy and described the current security policy situation as precarious

Russia opposes any Western military contingent in Ukraine — Medvedev

It’s been said a thousand times: Russia won’t accept any European or NATO troops in Ukraine, Medvedev wrote on X in English.

US fighter jets deliver strikes against 35 Islamic State locations in Syria — Al Arabiya

According to the television channel, over 20 fighter jets struck terrorist locations in Syria firing some 90 high-precision missiles at IS targets

Moscow’s January 9 snowfall inks 146-year record — meteorologists

"The snowfall closes the top five for the entire period of meteorological observations," a source in the country’s Hydrometeorological Center said

Russian army disrupts Ukrainian troop rotation near DPR’s Konstantinovka

The Russian Defense Ministry added that reconnaissance troops from the 6th Motorized Rifle Division discovered an enemy observation post and temporary deployment site near the village of Konstantinovka

Potential EU sanctions on US companies unlikely to be effective — Russian senator

The Sunday Telegraph reported earlier that the EU was working on sanctions against American companies over US President Donald Trump’s plans to acquire Greenland

US seriously considering response to events in Iran — Trump

"We're looking at it very seriously," US Presudent said in response to a question about the possibility of a response to events in Iran, including the use of military force

One of Russia's oldest centenarians, Nafiza Zharylgapova, dies at 112 years of age

In her final days, she dedicated her time to visiting children in the Kazakh city of Uralsk, where she was laid to rest

Hong Kong not recognizing unilateral Western sanctions against Russia — Russian diplomat

Hong Kong is becoming an attractive jurisdiction for the Russian business, Anatoly Kargapolov said

FSB thwarts Kiev-planned terrorist plot on railway bridge in Perm Region

The Russian citizen, born in 1972, was detained in the city of Chusovoy

US capture of Maduro proves old world order truly fading — NYT

The news outlet notes that the world is undergoing processes that could lead to "radical uncertainty"

Drone strikes damage two apartment buildings in Sevastopol

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev pointed out that small debris from a downed drone had been found on the territory of a kindergarten

Russian artillery forces wipe out over 110 Ukrainian targets in past week

An artillery battalion commander with the callsign Kulak said that battlegroup members particularly targeted engineering and special equipment used by the Ukrainian army to strengthen fortifications

Putin discusses process industry, space developments with First Deputy PM

The Russian leader pointed to high results of the segment

Trump admits that US is profiting from Ukrainian conflict

The US leader reiterated his claim that he is making efforts to resolve the crisis solely because he "wants to save lives"

Ukraine attacks Belgorod Region with nearly 30 UAVs over past day

The Krasnoyaruzhsky district came under attack from 15 UAVs and 10 munitions, which damaged two private houses and a farm building

Russian sabre fencer Mikhailova wins Grand Prix in Tunisia

Yana Egoryan and Milena Sergeyeva advanced to the round of 16, whereas Olga Nikitina and Evelina Popova were eliminated after the round of 32

Defense chief points to unprecedented military activity along Belarusian border

Viktor Khrenin also pointed to violations of the country’s airspace

Russia-US talks on Ukraine experience difficulties, but they can be overcome — expert

Dmitry Suslov highlighted media reports about a potential meeting in Paris involving Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund

Ovechkin ranks second in number of NHL seasons with 20 or more goals

The 40-year-old Russian scored a goal in an away game against Nashville, which was his 20th of the season

Almost 1 million cubic meters of snow removed from Moscow streets over two days

Cleanup operations continue around the clock, as snowfall persists at a slightly reduced intensity

US exploring possibility of strikes, cyberattacks in Iran — newspaper

According to Politico, US President Donald Trump will be briefed on January 13 on potential responses to the situation in Iran

Brent oil price reaches $64 per barrel for first time since December 5, 2025 — trade data

By 3:08 a.m. Moscow time (12:08 a.m. GMT), Brent futures slowed their growth and traded at $63.7 per barrel

Iranian foreign minister reports armed terrorists among protesters

Abbas Araghchi said that rioters set fire to 53 mosques across the country and deliberately shot at law enforcement officers and civilians

Agonizing Kiev regime vents its anger on Russian civilians — MFA

Maria Zakharova called on international organizations to provide an impartial assessment of the terrorist assault carried out by the Ukrainian military against civilians in Russia’s regions

Lukashenko says situation on Belarusian borders remains tense

The Belarusian president said that the country almost completely surrounded by military units

Loss of Belogorye to complicate Ukrainian defenses near Zaporozhye city — defense source

According to the report, Russian unmanned systems troops played an important role in liberating Belogorye

Iranian protests lose momentum — authorities

Tehran Province Governor Mohammad-Sadegh Motamedian said there is no more cause for concern

NATO would collapse if US annexed Greenland — Danish lawmaker

Rasmus Jarlov also called the hypothetical annexation of the island by the US "probably the most unjustified territorial claim in history"

Iran reports damage to 150 ambulances during riots

The unrest peaked on the evening of January 8, when at least 13 civilians, including a child, lost their lives due to rioters’ actions

Trump posts screenshot stating that he is allegedly Venezuela’s acting president

Accordintg to it, US President "took office" in January 2026

Nordic nations reject Trump’s claim of Russian threat facing Greenland — newspaper

"There are no ships, no submarines," a senior diplomat said

Russia-EU economic relations unlikely to recover even within decade — economist

According to the economist, the Russian economy and budget system have already adapted to the severing of old ties

EU foreign policy chief reports readiness to propose new sanctions against Iran

According to the DPA news agency, the first measures will likely be taken against those responsible for actions against protesters, possibly including ministers

US weighs possibility of cyberattack against Iran — Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph noted that Washington could employ secret cyber weapons against Iran, with military and civilian facilities potentially being the targets

Iran’s readiness to counter aggression is at all-time high — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi added that Iran has no intention of taking preemptive measures against countries threatening it

US envoy to Greenland says Denmark occupies island in violation of UN rules

Jeff Landry said that Greenland’s attitude toward the US "should be about hospitality, not hostility"

US President Trump ponders several options regarding strikes on Iran — NYT

Donald Trump has not made a final decision, the New York Times daily reported

Over $300 bln paid for Russian gas stolen by West from Russia - Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that Russia has decided to switch to rubles in payments for its gas in order to stop "the shameless robbery" by the West

Europe’s wrong Ukraine policy leads to dead end, Swiss politician says

Guy Mettan pointed out that ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former French President Francois Hollande had pretended to comply with the Minsk Agreements in order to cover up Ukraine’s rearmament and Kiev’s plans to take back control of Donetsk and Lugansk by force rather than through diplomacy

Russia developing stratospheric fighter drone called 'Predator'

The drone's design utilized monowing technology, which enhances the aircraft’s flight speed, payload capacity and stealth

Trump does not intend to pardon Maduro — NYT

The US President also made it clear that he has "no intention of pardoning" the other individuals

Putin's envoy reminds Kallas no defense system can stop Oreshnik

This is how Kirill Dmitriev commented on Kaja Kallas's statement about the Russian strike with the Oreshnik missile

Press review: Ukraine attempts to stall peace talks as Trump takes control of Venezuela

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 12th

Fico calls for Kallas's removal as EU head of diplomacy

The EU is facing an unprecedented crisis, the Slovakia’s prime minister declared

Trump issues executive order to protect Venezuelan oil revenues from legal action

The proceeds from oil sales are sovereign property of the Venezuelan government held in custody in the United States, according to the document

Russian Armed Forces liberate six settlements during the New Year holidays

The battlegroups East, Dnepr, North, West and South took control of Zelenoye, Belogorye, Grabovskoye, Podoly, Bratskoye and Bondarnoye

Situation in Venezuela stable, authorities maintaining order — Russian envoy

"The authorities confidently control public order," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov added

If Trump listens to Europeans, he might think Russia will ‘take’ all of Europe — senator

Earlier, the US leader told reporters that China or Russia could "take" Greenland if the US did not do so

Iran announces arrest of two Mossad-affiliated organizers of protests

According to the Tasnim news agency, the detainees played "a key role in organizing mass unrest in the country"

US tech billionaire Musk slams UK government as ‘fascist’

That is what he said in response to a previous media reports that more than 12,000 people were arrested in the UK for online comments

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Venezuelan authorities declare constancy of foreign policy — Russian envoy

"Venezuelans, in their contacts with us, confirmed their commitment to adhering to the provisions of this document and, in general, to the spirit and principles of our partnership," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Unusually cold winter brings Western European countries to their knees — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister said that Hungary continues to operate normally

Ukraine loses about 1,330 troops in special military operation zone in past day

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup North hit the forces of two Ukrainian mechanized brigades and an assault regiment near Kondratovka, Miropolye, and Andreyevka in the Sumy Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Europe has no strategy to prevent possible takeover of Greenland by US — FT

European leadership circles are considering retaliatory measures, including closing US military bases or banning the purchase of US Treasury bonds

US President Trump instructs JSOC to draft Greenland invasion plan — UK daily

US president has repeatedly stated the need for Greenland to join the United States

EU is pursuing increasingly irresponsible policy — Chinese expert

Yan Xuetong further explained that EU member states are "considering the possibility of deploying troops in East Asia, yet they are unable to guarantee their own security"

Iran to retaliate against Israel, US if attacked, parliament speaker warns

US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s readiness to come to the "rescue" of Iranian protesters

Danish ambassador to US responds to Trump envoy's statement on Greenland occupation

Jesper Moller Sorensen stressed that only the people of Greenland have the right to determine their future

Iranian police general killed during riots

Protests erupted in Tehran following a sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial

Tehran, Washington maintain contact via special channel — Iranian MFA

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that relevant messages are transmitted through it whenever necessary

Russian says warning systems failed during US strikes on Caracas

According to Ivan Pavlov, there is still silence on television

Trump open to meeting with Iranians on nuclear program — White House press pool

The Reuters news agency also pointed out that the US leader noted that Washington is in contact with Iran’s opposition forces

Ukrainian drone attack leaves civilian injured in Zaporozhye Region

According to governor Yevgeny Balitsky, four deliberate attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces targeting populated areas were recorded in the past day

Putin signs law on reliable Russian Internet

The document presupposes the centralized operation of the Runet if it is disconnected from the global network infrastructure

Europeans well aware of Kiev's attacks on Russia, hence no reaction — diplomat

"We have not heard any outrage or appropriate comments from the Europeans regarding the attempted strikes on the presidential residence or the bloody terrorist attack in the Kherson Region", Rodion Miroshnik noted

US Fed Chair says Justice Department prepares to bring criminal charges against him

Jerome Powell emphasized that the investigation is merely a pretext and that the real reason is that the Fed "sets interest rates based on the best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president"

Russian air defenses shoot down seven Ukrainian drones in five hours

Four drones were shot down over the Belgorod Region and another three over the Kursk Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Gold price reaches new all-time high, exceeding $4,600 per troy ounce

As of 3:55 a.m. Moscow time (12:55 a.m. GMT), the price of gold accelerated its growth

Japanese youth celebrate Coming of Age Day

For young Japanese residents, Coming of Age Day is an important occasion that offers an opportunity to look their best

Russian forces launch Oreshnik strike in response to Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

According to the ministry, "the strike goals were achieved"

What Solzhenitsyn said about Putin, and vice versa

The prominent writer and historian, who was exiled to GULAG camp, was born on December 11, 1918

Thousands of New Yorkers protest against Trump administration’s policies

The demonstrators gathered near Central Park in Manhattan, then marched down Fifth Avenue, where the Trump Tower skyscraper, owned by the US leader, is located

US may restore Iranians' access to internet, including with Starlink — Trump

The US leader confirmed that this includes the possibility of transferring Starlink terminals, owned by Elon Musk, to Iran, bypassing the authorities in Tehran

EU fails to find its place in changing world, pursues war with Russia — Hungarian MFA

Peter Szijjarto argued that the return of Republican Donald Trump to the US presidency and the strengthening of right-wing parties worldwide are driving fundamental changes in international politics

Cuba denies US accusations of receiving compensation for security services

Havana also reiterated its right to import fuel from willing markets, free from interference or unilateral coercive measures imposed by the US, Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, said

Pro-government demonstrations against riots take place in Iran — TV

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated earlier that the country’s authorities had evidence of US and Israeli involvement in the terrorist acts of rioters

Iran has evidence of US, Israeli involvement in riots — top diplomat

As Abbas Araghchi said, ex-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo admitted that agents of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad were guiding the terrorist movement together with rioters

EU working on sanctions against US over Greenland plans — newspaper

The Sunday Telegraph points out that "a more extreme option could be to evict the US military from its bases in Europe, denying it a key staging post for operations in the Middle East and elsewhere"

At least 200 rebel leaders detained in Iran — Tasnim

During the operations, a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, grenades, and Molotov cocktails were seized from the hiding places of the pogromists, the agency said