Top International News January 15, 2026

Iran protests show signs of subsiding on January 15, 2026, after a deadly crackdown kills over 2,600, prompting U.S. sanctions and regional evacuations amid Trump’s intervention threats. White House talks on Greenland yield a working group but no resolution, as Trump insists on U.S. control for security. G7 condemns Iran’s violence, while global ripples hit markets and alliances.[jinsa]​

Iran Protests Subside Amid Crackdown

Protests triggered by economic collapse since December 28, 2025, have largely quieted by January 15, per Reuters sources, after 617 events in 187 cities; HRANA tallies 2,615 confirmed deaths and 18,470 arrests, while Iran International claims 12,000 killed during January 8-9 internet blackout. Regime imposes de facto curfew with patrols and checkpoints; family of protester Erfan Soltani says his execution postponed, but judiciary vows swift trials. Tehran mayor reports $20M infrastructure damage; IRGC at “peak readiness.”[aa.com]​

Iran briefly closed airspace January 14 fearing U.S. strikes, reopening January 15; Foreign Minister Araghchi claims “full control,” urging Trump against “June mistake.” U.S. withdraws personnel from Middle East bases like Al Udeid in Qatar; G7 blasts “deliberate violence” on protesters, eyes more sanctions.[aljazeera]​

Greenland Talks Stall

White House meeting January 14 with Denmark’s FM Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Greenland’s Vivian Motzfeldt, VP JD Vance, and Sec. State Rubio ends without changing Trump’s stance on U.S. control. Trump reiterates Greenland vital for national security against Russia/China, doubting Denmark’s defense: “Can’t rely on Denmark.” Parties agree to high-level working group on issues like minerals, Arctic security; Rasmussen calls talks “frank but constructive,” but “no sale.”[cnbc]​

Denmark boosts military presence; Europe sends troops to Greenland; Macron warns of “cascading consequences” for violations; Germany deems threats alliance-killing. Trump hints “something will work out,” references Venezuela op.[dawn]​

U.S. Foreign Policy Ripples

Trump hosts Venezuela opposition leader María Corina Machado, praises interim head Delcy Rodríguez; U.S. sells $500M Venezuelan oil, pro-Maduro protests demand release. Gaza enters “demilitarization” phase per U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff; Kremlin backs Trump blaming Zelenskiy for Ukraine peace holdup. New $11B U.S. health initiative replaces USAID aid model.[havanatimes]​[youtube]​

Travel ban expansions target Afghanistan, Brazil, Congo, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen from January 21.[youtube]​

Other Global Headlines

Thailand crane collapse kills 3 on train; India shuts Kashmir med college over Muslim admissions; Uganda elections amid repression; Tanzania probe; Carney resets Canada-China ties; Quebec PM Legault resigns; Hungary eyes extraditing Poles. FBI raids WaPo reporter home amid press freedom concerns.[globalnews]​[youtube]​

Market and Security Impacts

Oil holds near $85 amid Iran fears; rare earths volatile on Arctic tensions; WEF geoeconomic risks rise. NATO strains over Greenland; Saudi supports Yemen politically.[aljazeera]​

FAQs

Status of Iran protests January 15, 2026?
Largely subsided post-crackdown; limited comms due to blackout.[jinsa]​

Iran death toll?
2,615 confirmed (HRANA); up to 12,000 claimed.[jinsa]​

Outcome of Greenland White House talks?
Working group formed; Trump unchanged on control.[cnbc]​

Trump’s Greenland rationale?
National security vs. Russia/China; Denmark unreliable.[aa.com]​

U.S. response to Iran?
Evacuations, sanctions; G7 condemns violence.[npr]​

Venezuela updates?
Trump meets opposition; $500M oil sale.[havanatimes]​[youtube]​

Airspace issues in Iran?
Closed briefly Jan 14, reopened Jan 15.[jinsa]​

European reaction to Greenland?
Troops deployed; Macron warns sovereignty breach.[aljazeera]​

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