Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is “prepared” for war if the United States intervenes, but added that Tehran does not want a conflict. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said Washington is considering “very strong options” over Iran. Protests have spread across several cities since late December after the national currency fell sharply. The US-based group HRANA says nearly 500 people have been killed in the crackdown. Iran has imposed a wide internet blackout, making information hard to verify. Foreign media have limited access inside the country. An Iranian source contacted by the BBC said the suffering should not remain hidden. (PC: BBC)

The United Arab Emirates has ended state funding for students seeking to study at British universities, citing fears of Islamist radicalisation on UK campuses. The move followed Britain’s refusal to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, which the UAE lists as a terrorist group. Emirati officials removed UK institutions from the list of overseas universities eligible for scholarships and official degree recognition. Officials said they do not want their students to be “radicalised on campus”. Students may still study in Britain using private funds. UK data show UAE student visas fell 27 percent by September 2025 and 55 percent compared with 2022. Both sides say overall ties remain strong. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump posted a digitally altered image on social media that calls him the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The image showed a fake Wikipedia page with that title under his name. His post came after a US operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife earlier this month in Caracas. Venezuelan authorities said Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez took over as acting president under the country’s constitution. Trump’s claim is not recognised by Venezuela’s legal system or any official body. He also shared a post saying Marco Rubio could be “President of Cuba,” saying “Sounds good to me.” The situation has drawn global attention and debate. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said the military is reviewing “very strong options” in Iran as deadly protests entered a third week. The Human Rights Activist News Agency said it had verified nearly 500 protester deaths and 48 security deaths. It also reported more than 10,600 detentions. Trump said Iranian officials had called him “to negotiate”, but added the US “may have to act before a meeting”. Iranian leaders called protesters “vandals” and urged supporters to join rallies. They also announced three days of mourning for people killed in what they called a national battle. Internet access in Iran remains restricted, limiting independent reporting.

The International Court of Justice begins three-week hearings today on Myanmar's alleged genocide against Rohingya Muslims during the 2017 military crackdown. The Gambia filed the case in 2019, accusing Myanmar of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, reporting mass rape, arson, and murder; 1.17 million now inhabit Cox's Bazar refugee camps. The ICJ ordered provisional measures in 2020 requiring Myanmar to prevent genocidal acts. The US declared the violence genocide in 2022. Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, now detained since 2021, previously defended Myanmar, calling it an "internal armed conflict." Legal experts view this case as precedent for similar accusations against Israel regarding Gaza. (PC: AFP)

President Trump revealed Iranian leaders contacted him Saturday seeking negotiations as anti-regime protests have resulted in 538 deaths and 10,600 detentions nationwide. "A meeting is being set up, but we may have to act before the meeting," Trump stated aboard Air Force One, receiving hourly situation reports while evaluating "very strong options" from military planners. The demonstrations, sparked by economic collapse on December 28, have escalated into revolutionary challenges despite internet blackouts since January 8. Trump indicated Tehran crossed his red line with protester killings, warranting serious review. The administration considers consulting Elon Musk on deploying Starlink to bypass regime communication restrictions, while Secretary Marco Rubio affirms US support for Iranians against clerical repression.

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said the government has a duty to hear public concerns but warned that “rioters” must not be allowed to disrupt society as protests spread across the country. Speaking to state TV, he said protesting was a right but claimed some groups were backed by the United States and Israel. Activists cited by the Associated Press said at least 538 people have died since demonstrations began in late December over inflation and a weak currency. Large crowds have taken to the streets since Thursday, prompting authorities to cut internet and phone services. Rights groups say hundreds have been arrested, including women and children. The government has blamed unrest on foreign influence. (PC: X)

Iran warned it would retaliate if attacked by the United States as protests continued across the country despite a heavy security response. Verified videos showed clashes in Tehran, Mashhad, Ilam and other cities. Hospital staff told the BBC that dozens of bodies had been brought in over two days, and rights groups say the true toll is far higher. Iran’s parliament speaker said US military and shipping sites, and Israel, would become targets if Washington acted. President Donald Trump said the US “stands ready to help”. Iran’s leaders blamed the unrest on the US and Israel. Authorities have imposed a near total internet shutdown and arrested thousands since late December. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has warned Cuba that it must strike a deal with the United States “before it is too late,” as Venezuelan oil and financial support to the island is set to stop. Trump said Cuba had long depended on Venezuelan oil and money but added “zero” will go to Havana now. His message, posted on social media, did not explain specific deal terms or consequences. The warning follows a recent US operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolás Maduro and has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments. Cuba has not formally replied to Trump’s call to negotiate. (PC: X)

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel as nationwide protests continue for a third week. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said US military centres, bases and ships in the region, along with Israel, would be “legitimate targets” if Iran is attacked. Lawmakers chanted “Death to America” during the session. Qalibaf praised security forces and warned protesters of strict punishment. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of stirring unrest but said peaceful concerns should be heard. Iran says protests began after the rial fell sharply and living costs rose across the country.