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US forces seized an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean as part of efforts to enforce sanctions, while Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet Donald Trump to discuss ongoing Iran negotiations. 

Air Canada suspended flights to Cuba due to an expected aviation fuel shortage affecting multiple airports, and the European Commission proposed a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy, banking and trade sectors. 

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣🇺🇸 US seizes tanker after Caribbean chase: US forces seized the oil tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean, with the Pentagon saying it violated a blockade on sanctioned vessels and was boarded without incident. The seizure is the eighth since December, with officials saying captures represent only a small share of the hundreds of sanctioned vessels believed to be operating globally.

2️⃣🇮🇱🇺🇸 Netanyahu to meet Trump over Iran talks: Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to the United States to meet Donald Trump to discuss ongoing negotiations with Iran, with Israel seeking limits on Tehran’s missile programme and support for regional groups to be addressed. Iran has said talks should focus only on nuclear issues, and both sides described recent discussions in Oman as a positive step while noting ongoing mistrust.

3️⃣🇮🇷 Iran offers to dilute uranium for sanctions relief: Iran said it could dilute its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium if all sanctions are lifted, though it was not specified whether this refers to all international measures or only those imposed by the United States. The proposal followed indirect talks in Oman and comes amid uncertainty over the location of more than 400kg of enriched uranium last recorded before the 2025 strikes.

4️⃣🇨🇦🇨🇺 Air Canada halts Cuba flights over fuel shortage: Air Canada said it is suspending services to Cuba as aviation fuel is expected to become unavailable at airports from February 10, while arranging empty flights to return about 3,000 customers to Canada. The disruption follows halted fuel shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, with nine airports affected and some routes cancelled while other airlines said their operations continue.

5️⃣🇪🇺🇷🇺 EU proposes 20th sanctions package targeting Russia: The European Commission proposed a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy, banking and trade sectors, including a maritime services ban for crude oil and additional restrictions on exports, imports and crypto activity. The measures also aim to expand listings of shadow fleet vessels and increase pressure for negotiations, though they still require approval by member states.

Major Story

🇺🇸 Trump opposes West Bank annexation

The White House said President Donald Trump opposes Israel annexing the occupied West Bank, with an official stating that maintaining stability there supports Israel’s security and aligns with efforts to achieve regional peace. The remarks came after Israeli ministers announced new measures expanding control over the territory and easing land acquisition for settlements, described as illegal under international law. 

Eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement condemning the steps as attempts to impose sovereignty, expand settlements, and accelerate displacement of Palestinians. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as the United Kingdom and Spain, also criticised the actions, with the UK calling on Israel to reverse the decision.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇯🇵 Japanese stocks hit record after election landslide: Japanese shares reached a record high after Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party secured a large election victory and a two-thirds majority with its coalition partner, seen as enabling fiscal stimulus plans. Markets reacted with equity gains and rising bond yields amid uncertainty over how tax cuts and spending proposals would be funded, with details on financing still unclear.

2️⃣ 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia to revise Vision 2030 strategy: Saudi Arabia plans to release an updated Vision 2030 strategy signalling a shift away from large megaprojects toward sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, logistics and technology, though no timeline was given. Officials indicated several projects have already been scaled back or redesigned as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil.

3️⃣ 🇮🇷 Iran arrests reformist figures after protest criticism: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards arrested several senior Reformists Front figures, including its head Azar Mansouri, following criticism of how authorities handled recent protests and statements about protester deaths. Prosecutors accused those detained of undermining national unity and cooperating with foreign adversaries, while some others were summoned for questioning.

4️⃣ 🇻🇪 Opposition leader taken after release in Caracas: Venezuelan opposition figures said Juan Pablo Guanipa was taken by armed men in Caracas hours after being released from detention, prompting demands for proof of life and his immediate release. Authorities later sought his re-arrest citing alleged violations of release conditions, though details were not disclosed, and at least 30 prisoners had been freed the same day.

5️⃣ 🇳🇴 Norway probes diplomat over Epstein links: Norwegian police opened an aggravated corruption investigation into diplomat Mona Juul and her husband over links to Jeffrey Epstein, including reports their children were named in a will and evidence of past contact. Juul resigned after being suspended, denied wrongdoing, and authorities searched a property while examining whether any benefits were received in connection with her role.

6️⃣ 🇬🇧 King expresses concern as police assess Andrew claims: King Charles said Buckingham Palace is ready to support police as they assess whether to investigate allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade information with Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities said they are reviewing a complaint to determine if there are grounds for an inquiry, while Andrew has denied wrongdoing.

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