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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. support, as debates continue over defence spending, strategic autonomy, and alliance tensions linked to President Donald Trump’s Greenland remarks.

These developments unfold as the United States confirmed a carrier strike group has entered the Middle East region amid rising tensions with Iran, while officials stressed no final decision on military action has been made.

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇪🇺 NATO chief warns Europe cannot defend itself alone: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Europe is unable to defend itself without U.S. military support and would need to more than double current defence spending, potentially including its own nuclear capability, to do so independently. His comments come amid alliance tensions over President Trump’s Greenland threats, new defence spending pledges targeting 5% of GDP by 2035, and debate over European strategic autonomy.

2️⃣ 🇨🇦🇨🇳🇺🇸 China says Canada deal does not target US: China said its recent trade agreement with Canada is not aimed at any third country after President Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs if Ottawa finalises a deal with Beijing. Canada said it is not pursuing a free-trade agreement with China, while the deal includes reduced Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola oil and lower Canadian taxes on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles.

3️⃣ 🇩🇪🇷🇺 Germany warns Russia stance could stall peace talks: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Russia’s refusal to show flexibility on territorial issues could prolong or derail peace talks following U.S.-mediated discussions in Abu Dhabi. He welcomed the talks while stressing Europe must be involved in security decisions, as officials disclosed limited details and Ukraine said a U.S. security guarantees document is ready but unsigned.

4️⃣ 🇭🇺🇺🇦 Hungary accuses Ukraine of election interference: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere in Hungary’s upcoming elections and ordered Kyiv’s ambassador to be summoned, citing alleged coordinated actions and unspecified statements by Ukrainian leaders. The claims come amid an intensified anti-Ukraine campaign ahead of Hungary’s April election and public criticism exchanged between Orbán and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

5️⃣ 🇪🇺🇮🇳 EU and India finalise trade agreement: The EU and India have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, with a formal announcement planned for 27 January. The deal is expected to cut Indian tariffs on cars, machinery and agricultural goods while expanding cooperation in services, following talks that have been intermittent since 2007.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇮🇷 US carrier strike group enters Middle East region

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is now operating in the Indian Ocean within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, according to two sources cited by CNN, positioning it closer to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran. US officials said the deployment does not indicate a final posture for military action, as President Donald Trump continues to consider options against Iran without having made a decision.

The move comes as allies urge Washington to avoid military escalation, while the US administration has reiterated that it remains open to talks with Tehran under defined terms.

Separately, Iranian officials warned that any US attack would be met with force, as authorities unveiled symbolic displays, issued public warnings, and said their armed forces are prepared to respond, while Iran-backed groups in the region called on supporters to prepare for conflict.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇰🇷 Trump threatens new tariffs on South Korea: President Donald Trump said he would raise tariffs on South Korean exports including automobiles, lumber and pharmaceuticals from 15% to 25%, accusing Seoul of failing to enact a trade deal reached last year. South Korea said it was not notified in advance and plans talks in Washington, as the proposal would reverse earlier tariff cuts and briefly hit carmaker shares.

2️⃣ 🇭🇺🇸🇰🇪🇺 Hungary and Slovakia to sue EU over gas ban: Hungary and Slovakia said they will challenge the EU in court over its planned ban on Russian gas imports once the law formally enters into force. Both countries argue the measure undermines national interests and would raise energy costs, after voting against the plan to end Russian gas purchases by 2027.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧🇲🇺 UK delays Chagos treaty debate amid backlash: The UK government delayed a House of Lords debate on legislation transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after Conservative peers sought a pause. Ministers said they remain committed to the deal, which includes leasing back the Diego Garcia military base, amid concerns over national security, U.S. treaty obligations and comments from President Donald Trump.

4️⃣ 🇱🇧🇮🇱 Lebanon files UN complaint over ceasefire breaches: Lebanon filed a complaint with the United Nations accusing Israel of violating a November 2024 ceasefire, saying it documented 2,036 breaches of its sovereignty between October and December 2025. Beirut called on the Security Council to press Israel to halt attacks, withdraw from Lebanese territory and release detainees, following renewed Israeli air strikes.

5️⃣ 🌍💵 IMF prepares for potential dollar sell-off: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the Fund is preparing scenarios that include a rapid sell-off of U.S. dollar assets amid investor unease over U.S. tariffs and institutional concerns. She said the EU should consider issuing more common debt to offer an alternative safe asset, while noting political resistance and that the dollar remains dominant for now.

6️⃣ 🇮🇱 Gaza hostage recovery clears path for next phase: Israel said it has recovered the remains of the final hostage held in Gaza, police officer Ran Gvili, who was killed during the 7 October 2023 attack. The government said the retrieval removes the last obstacle to advancing the next phase of the ceasefire and peace plan after all other hostages had been returned.

7️⃣ 🇲🇽 Gunmen kill at least 11 at Mexico football pitch: At least 11 people were killed and around a dozen injured after gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered at a football pitch in Salamanca, central Mexico. Authorities said the motive remains unclear and are investigating the attack, which occurred in Guanajuato state amid ongoing gang-related violence.

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