Reuters

Thursday 15 January

1. Listen0:35

   Trump says Iran has no plan to execute protest detainees

   President Trump claims Tehran has told the US it has "no plan" to execute protesters and will not carry out hangings, though the US has not ruled out military action in response to Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators that began in late December. The US and UK are reducing personnel at their military base in Qatar as a precautionary measure, and multiple countries have temporarily closed embassies or advised citizens to avoid Iran amid escalating tensions.

   15 January 2026 · The Namibian →

2. Listen0:35

   Somalia cancels UAE port agreements over Somaliland recognition

   Somalia's federal government announced the cancellation of all port management and security cooperation agreements with the UAE, accusing it of undermining the country's sovereignty after Israel recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland as independent. The deterioration stems from Somalia's belief that the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting Somaliland's recognition and allegations that UAE helped Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi flee the country.

   15 January 2026 · The Namibian →