The European Union designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization January 29, placing the state military force on the same list as al-Qaeda and ISIS. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed 6,479 deaths with another 17,091 under investigation during protests that began December 28. Iran claims 3,117 total deaths. Security forces raided hospitals to seize corpses. Families pay $5,000-$7,000 ransom for bodies.
The United States completed withdrawal from the World Health Organization January 22 after the one-year notice period. WHO contends the exit isn’t legally binding until the US pays $270 million in unpaid dues for 2024-2025. The WHO constitution contains no withdrawal mechanism.
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez signed legislation privatizing the oil sector January 29. Trump lifted sanctions and awarded $500 million in contracts to Vitol and Trafigura. Vitol paid $135 million in 2020 after pleading guilty to international bribery. Trafigura paid $126 million in 2024 for bribery convictions. House Democrats demand communications between the companies and Trump administration.
Panama’s Supreme Court ruled January 30 that CK Hutchison’s port concessions were unconstitutional following Trump administration pressure. China warned it would “take all necessary measures.” Mexico halted oil shipments to Cuba after Trump threatened tariffs on nations providing Cuban oil. Cuba now operates with 10% of previous supply from three major sources.
British Prime Minister Starmer became the fourth US ally visiting Beijing in January. None scheduled Washington visits. The EU finalized trade deals with Mercosur (700 million people, 31 countries) and India (2 billion people). European Commission officials stated the Mercosur agreement responds to “business lost to US tariffs.”
Trump claimed January 3 that “American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again.” The EU signed the Mercosur deal with four South American countries January 17, three days before Trump’s inauguration. The agreement locks in 15-year implementation through 2041.
Full coverage of Iran protests, WHO withdrawal, Venezuela operations, Panama Canal ruling, Cuba oil crisis, and trade realignment available in detailed articles.
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