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Denmark and Greenland said talks in Washington did not change the Trump administration’s position on Greenland, while France announced it will open a consulate there as President Trump continues to argue US ownership is necessary for national security.

The United States also launched phase two of its Gaza plan, outlining a transitional Palestinian government, demilitarisation, and reconstruction, though key elements face uncertainty amid unresolved commitments and alleged violations by both sides.

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇬🇱🇺🇸 Denmark and Greenland reject Trump stance after Washington talks: Denmark and Greenland said talks in Washington failed to alter the Trump administration’s position, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen saying President Trump wants to “conquer” Greenland. Trump reiterated that US ownership was necessary for national security, a position Greenlandic officials rejected while saying cooperation does not imply consent.

2️⃣ 🇨🇳🇺🇸 China threatens retaliation over Trump Iran tariffs: China said it would retaliate after President Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, which he said would take effect immediately in response to Tehran’s protest crackdown. Beijing warned it would protect its interests as details on exemptions, implementation, and interaction with existing US tariffs remain unclear.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸🇵🇸 US launches phase two of Gaza peace plan: The United States announced phase two of President Trump’s Gaza plan, establishing a transitional technocratic Palestinian government and outlining demilitarisation and reconstruction following a ceasefire and partial Israeli withdrawal. The phase faces uncertainty as Hamas has not agreed to disarm, Israel has not committed to full withdrawal, violations are alleged by both sides, and humanitarian conditions remain severe.

4️⃣ 🇺🇸 US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries: The US will pause immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries from 21 January, with the State Department saying the move targets abuse of the system and potential reliance on public benefits while short-term visas are unaffected. Critics said the suspension could block nearly half of legal immigrants over the next year, while the administration said it will remain until safeguards are ensured.

5️⃣ 🇫🇷🇬🇱 France to open Greenland consulate amid Trump threats: France said it will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, a decision taken last year, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot calling it a political signal to increase French presence. The move comes as President Trump repeats calls to take over Greenland, which French and Greenlandic officials said does not wish to be owned or governed by the US.

Major Story

🇮🇷 Iran closes airspace as US military action remains under consideration

Iran closed its airspace to all flights, with flight tracking data showing commercial airlines diverting around the country amid escalating regional tensions. The closure was announced without detailed explanation, and the duration of the restriction remained unclear.

At the same time, reports indicated that US military action against Iran appeared increasingly likely, though no official confirmation of a decision or timeline was provided. The United States and the United Kingdom withdrew some military personnel from the Middle East, citing security concerns linked to the situation. President Donald Trump said Washington would “watch and see,” leaving potential military action neither confirmed nor ruled out.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇨🇾🇷🇺 Cyprus probes death of Russian diplomat: Cypriot authorities are investigating the death of Russian embassy employee Alexei Panov, which police said appears to be a suicide but is being treated as an “unnatural death” after access to the embassy was denied. The case coincides with the disappearance of Russian businessman Vladislav Baumgertner, though officials said there is no indication the incidents are linked.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧🇨🇳 UK set to approve ‘mega’ Chinese embassy in London: The UK government is expected to approve a large new Chinese embassy near London’s financial district by January 20 despite objections citing espionage and security risks linked to nearby infrastructure. British media reported approval is likely ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s planned trip to China as the government argues engagement should continue.

3️⃣ 🇺🇬 Uganda votes amid military presence and internet shutdown: Ugandans are voting in a presidential election under heavy security deployments and an internet shutdown imposed less than 48 hours before polling, with authorities citing risks of misinformation and violence. President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term against challenger Bobi Wine as analysts and rights groups raise concerns about military involvement and electoral interference.

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