January 7, 2026

MIDDLE EAST | Updates from regional conflicts:

• Reports say Israel has taken final steps to begin construction of the controversial E1 settlement project near Jerusalem in the West Bank. Analysts note that the project, which would involve the building of some 3,400 homes, extends deep into the occupied West Bank and is seen as potentially preventing the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state in the territory. [more]
• Following U.S.-mediated security talks in Paris yesterday, representatives of Israel and Syria issued a joint statement saying the meeting centered on respect for Syria’s sovereignty and stability, Israel’s security, and prosperity for both countries," and that they have agreed to communications protocols for intelligence sharing, diplomatic engagement, and dispute resolution. [more]
• United Nations officials said yesterday that, for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, aid groups have sufficient food supplies on hand to meet "100% of the minimum caloric standard" for people in Gaza. Reports cite aid groups as saying, however, that actual delivery of the food aid to Gaza residents remains challenging. [U.N. statement] [more]

UKRAINE | Today is day 1,411 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Here is your update:

• Representatives of Ukraine, the U.S., Canada, multiple European countries, the E.U., and NATO met in Paris yesterday to discuss a framework of international security guarantees to be activated after a future cease-fire or peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war. In a joint statement, participants said that while Ukraine itself would remain the "first line of defense and deterrence" against future Russian aggression, its partners are committed to long-term military assistance and armaments even after fighting ends, including through a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, a multi-nation deterrent force in Ukraine, and a binding commitment to support Ukraine in the event of a future armed attack by Russia. [full joint statement] [more]

U.S., DENMARK, AND GREENLAND | Amidst continuing pressure from the Trump administration for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement yesterday reaffirming that the self-governing Danish territory "belongs to its people" and that "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." The joint statement came on the same day that the White House said use of the U.S. military to take control of Greenland is "always an option." [full joint statement on Greenland] [more]

U.S. AND VENEZUELA | Following the weekend U.S. military raid to take now-deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro into custody, and amidst ongoing uncertainty about control of the South American country's government and policies, U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that Venezuela will provide 30-50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with proceeds from that oil benefiting the people of both countries. [more]

MORE U.S. AND VENEZUELA | Reuters cites unnamed U.S. officials as saying the U.S. is actively attempting to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after pursuing the vessel for more than two weeks, and that at least one Russian submarine and one Russian warship are located in the general vicinity of the tanker. [more]

U.S. SOCIAL PROGRAM FUNDING | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said yesterday that it is withholding funding for selected social programs that support needy families with children from five Democratic-led states – California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York – over concerns about fraud. Programs for which funds, which total about $10 billion, are being withheld include ones that subsidize day care for low-income households, provide cash assistance and job training, and support multiple other social service programs. [more]

U.S. IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT | The Department of Homeland Security said yesterday that it expects to deploy some 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis, Minnesota, region in what department officials say will be the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out by the agency. [more]

CALIFORNIA | Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, died yesterday during a surgical procedure for a yet-undisclosed medical emergency. Reports note that LaMalfa's death narrows the GOP majority in the House to 218-213 and that California Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to set a date for a special election to fill the remainder of LaMalfa’s term. [more]

IRAN | Responding to recent U.S. threats of intervention following multiple deaths among protesters, Iranian military chief Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami said today that Iran "considers the intensification of such rhetoric against the Iranian nation as a threat and will not leave its continuation without a response." [more]

KOREA AND CHINA | Following meetings between the two leaders this week, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said today that he has asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to serve as a mediator to help resolve issues and ease tensions between North and South Korea. [more]

FOOTBALL | The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh yesterday following the team's 8-9 season record. Harbaugh led the Ravens for 18 years and is considered among the top talent now available for numerous head-coaching positions available in the NFL. [more]

TODAY IN HISTORY | On this date in 2015, two gunmen connected to the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula militant group stormed the Paris offices of the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and killed 12 people in retribution for the satirical magazine's portrayals of the Prophet Muhammad. [more history]