Politics

Latest Politics News

đź“…January 11, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Global politics today is dominated by escalating Iran unrest, renewed Middle East and Ukraine tensions, US military and immigration moves, and pivotal elections and power struggles worldwide.
1

Iran protests intensify as security forces deepen crackdown

Nationwide anti-government demonstrations in Iran have entered a second week, driven by anger over economic collapse and political repression.Source 2 Rights monitors report **at least 65 people killed** and more than **2,300 detained**, as authorities deploy military units and vow “no leniency” toward protesters.Source 2Source 1 Iranian officials blame alleged US‑Israeli interference, while exiled opposition figures seek to capitalize on the unrest.Source 3

2

US launches airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria

The United States conducted **airstrikes against ISIS in Syria**, with U.S. Central Command warning, “If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world.”Source 2Source 4 The action underscores Washington’s intent to maintain a counterterrorism presence in the region despite broader debates over its Middle East footprint.Source 4

3

Russia escalates strikes on Ukraine with advanced missiles

Russia has carried out a new wave of strikes on Ukraine using **nuclear‑capable or hypersonic missiles** that hit energy infrastructure and residential areas.Source 1Source 3 At least **four people were reported killed**, while Western leaders, including Canada’s prime minister, condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation in the war.Source 1Source 3

4

Venezuela’s crisis draws in Trump administration and oil majors

At the White House, President Donald Trump urged US oil executives to invest **$100 billion in Venezuelan oil operations**, promising “total safety, total security” for companies entering the country.Source 1Source 2 The initiative comes as Venezuela’s interim authorities seek to ease tensions with Washington by releasing political prisoners, amid deep economic and political instability.Source 1Source 7

5

Protests against ICE spread across the United States

Hundreds of **anti‑ICE protests** have been organized in multiple US states, including Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio and Florida, following controversial ICE‑related shootings in Minneapolis and Portland.Source 2 The actions, many branded “ICE Out for Good,” highlight growing resistance to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.Source 2

6

Iran unrest fuels regional Middle East instability concerns

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi publicly accused the **US and Israel** of fomenting the current unrest, rejecting suggestions of imminent foreign military intervention even as domestic violence grows.Source 3 Regional media note fears that prolonged instability in Iran, combined with tensions involving Hamas and Israel, could trigger a wider Middle East crisis.Source 3Source 5

7

Myanmar’s first phase of national elections receives positive international reviews

The **first phase of Myanmar’s elections** has received a generally positive assessment from international observers, who cited improved procedures compared with past polls.Source 6 The acting president and state authorities portrayed the vote as a key step in the country’s political roadmap, though concerns remain about the broader democratic environment and inclusivity.Source 6

8

Trump faces new legal setback over attempt to condition state election funding

A US federal judge **blocked a Trump administration effort** to cut election funding to states that refused to change their voting forms under a March executive order.Source 4 It is at least the **third court ruling** against this directive, reinforcing judicial limits on federal interference in state‑run election procedures.Source 4

9

US domestic politics roiled by frustration with Congress and 2028 maneuvering

A growing number of **members of Congress are opting to run for governor instead of seeking reelection**, citing “intense frustration” with Washington gridlock.Source 2 At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s profile has risen over his handling of Venezuela, feeding speculation about a potential **2028 presidential bid** despite his own mixed signals.Source 2

10

Rising tensions over US immigration enforcement in Minnesota

Minnesota Democrats are demanding **greater oversight of ICE** after an incident in which immigration authorities allegedly blocked a state lawmaker’s entry to a facility.Source 2 The clash reflects mounting friction between some state leaders and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement practices and federal‑state authority.Source 2

11

Debate over Trump’s impact on the rules‑based international order

Commentary in major Western media argues that despite disruptive rhetoric, **Trump is unlikely to fully dismantle** the rules‑based international order or core US constitutional constraints.Source 8 Analysts contend that longstanding treaties, institutions and domestic checks limit the administration’s ability to fundamentally remake global norms, even as allies remain wary of shifting US policies.Source 8