The United States and other signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are pressing Iran to adhere to its commitments under the deal, which includes not developing a nuclear weapon. The snapback mechanism, set to expire in October, allows for reimposition of UN sanctions if Iran fails to comply. Iran has increased its production of enriched uranium, with levels reaching 60%, nearing the 90% required for an atomic bomb. Despite this, Iranian officials have expressed willingness to revive the deal and end their country's isolation, with President Masoud Pezeshkian favouring a return to the agreement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also stated that Iran is open to "constructive negotiations" based on the same formula as the previous JCPOA, which involves building trust in exchange for lifting sanctions.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/585190-iran-european-powers-to-hold-nuclear-talks-ahead-of-trump-returnA recent report suggests that jihadist attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast in 2015 and 2016 were linked to a common source of arms from the Middle East. The weapons used in these attacks included Iraqi-made assault rifles and Chinese-manufactured firearms, which are also utilized by the Islamic State.
https://cfr.org/sub-saharan-africa/ivory-coastJapanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr as part of a trilateral arrangement aimed at strengthening economic, security, and technological cooperation between their countries. This meeting comes after a virtual call between Ishiba, Marcos Jr, and outgoing US President Joe Biden, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties in the face of growing regional tensions.
https://www.asiaone.com/asia/japan-foreign-minister-gravely-concerned-about-maritime-tensions-escalatingA ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced on January 15, 2025, following 15 months of fighting in Gaza. However, hours after the announcement, Israel intensified airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave, despite the deal's planned start on Sunday. The agreement was mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, and was intended to bring an end to the violence that had devastated Gaza.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/israel-hamas-ceasefire-accord-followed-airstrikes-gaza-residents-sayA ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas after a year of intensive talks, but the agreement has raised questions about Gaza's future. Under the deal, 33 hostages are to be released over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli forces will pull back from many areas, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their homes, and humanitarian assistance is expected to surge. However, a second phase of negotiations is needed to release the remaining hostages, which Hamas has said it will not do without a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. The deal has been met with criticism from Israel's closest ally, the US, over the civilian toll in Gaza, while Hamas blames Israel for using disproportionate force.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-01-16-2024-dc0ef64dd52db395c5a54328518e8efdA ceasefire deal has been agreed upon between Israel and Hamas, with a 42-day pause in fighting set to begin on Sunday. The deal will allow for the exchange of hostages and Palestinian detainees, as well as the entry of 600 lorries of humanitarian aid into Gaza per day, 100 more than previously required. However, humanitarian agencies have expressed that this number is insufficient given the dire needs and desperation in the region. Meanwhile, Israel continues to conduct air strikes on Gaza, with the latest attack resulting in five deaths and ten injuries. The Israeli cabinet is expected to meet today to approve the ceasefire deal.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/podcasts/trending-middle-east/2025/01/16/gaza-ceasefire-and-next-steps-trending/US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is expected to begin on Sunday as planned, despite last-minute negotiations to tie up loose ends. Israeli warplanes have pounded Gaza with airstrikes, killing 77 people since the truce was announced. The deal, which would see hundreds of Palestinian militants released and Israel withdraw from strategic areas in Gaza, has been opposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has threatened to resign if it is ratified.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/gaza-ceasefire-to-start-on-time-despite-last-minute-loose-end-us-20250117-p5l52o.htmlIsraeli troops have spoken out about their involvement in alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict, a sensitive topic that has sparked controversy and debate. The comments were made as celebrations erupted across Arab countries following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This development comes as US President Joe Biden reflected on his presidency, warning of the dangers of an "oligarchy" of the ultrarich in the United States.
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/trump-and-biden-vie-for-credit-in-gaza-truce-deal-18254253A ceasefire deal in Gaza is expected to be backed by a majority of Israeli ministers. The deal would involve a halt to fighting and the release of some hostages, but not all 98 remaining hostages. This comes after a devastating war between Israel and Hamas, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that killed over 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials. The US, Qatar, and Egypt have been mediating the ceasefire deal, which is expected to be imminent. However, some families of hostages are opposed to the deal as they fear it will leave their loved ones behind.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-far-right-minister-ben-gvir-says-will-quit-cabinet-if-gaza-deal-approved-7491209