US Secretary of State Rubio:

Russia's attack on Sumy is a tragic reminder of why President Trump made the effort to end the war.

White House cites Trump’s “frequent victories in golf events” as evidence of his health.

Trump:

We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations. What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China.

Trump:

There was no Tariff “exception” announced on Friday.

Trump:

Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good. Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them, and bring them to swift Justice.

Republican lawmakers fear Trump’s trade war could lead to a political wipeout for the Republican Party in 2026, The Hill reports.

Fox News Host Jesse Watters on tariffs:

What that does to China, it collapses their economy. Mass unemployment. And then possibly the regime gets toppled. So if they don't want their regime getting toppled, they have to cut a deal with us.

Panama's Deputy Foreign Minister:

Washington's view that the Panama Canal is allegedly under Chinese control is a misconception. Panama will have to explain this to the new US administration.

Steve Bannon:

President Trump is going to run for third term and President Trump is going to be elected again — on the afternoon of January 20th of 2029, he's going to be president of the United States.

Houthis:

We shot down a US MQ-9 drone in Hajjah Governorate with a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile.

This is the fourth drone we have shot down in two weeks and the 19th during the Battle of the Promised Victory.

Trump on Russia's Sumy attack:

I think it was terrible, and I was told they made a mistake. But I think it's a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing.

Friedrich Merz has expressed willingness to supply Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles.

“Our European partners are already supplying cruise missiles. The British are doing it, the French are doing it, and the Americans are doing it anyway,” Merz said.

The Taurus missile has a range of 500+ km, enabling strikes deep behind Russian lines.

Germany joins UK, France & US in potentially supplying cruise missiles—but coalition politics could still block the move.

Source: FT

Iran, U.S. talks set to resume in Rome Saturday

A second round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran is scheduled for Saturday in Rome, following initial direct talks in Oman.

Iran's economy is on the ropes—and it's pushing Tehran back to the nuclear negotiating table.

“Money is like ice—it melts fast,” says one Iranian citizen.

With inflation soaring past 30%, a crashing currency, and sanctions biting hard, even middle-class Iranians are struggling to afford basics like bread and medicine.

Sanctions—especially since Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA—have choked Iran’s oil and finance sectors. Inflation, joblessness, and a crashing currency have led to widespread hardship.

The negotiations - if prove successful - could offer Iran a chance to improve its economic situation.

Source: WSJ

BREAKING: Algeria requests the expulsion of 12 French embassy staff within 48 hours.

Source: France 24

Zelensky:

Russian forces have killed up to 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 13,000 civilians.

Zelensky to Trump:

Mr. Trump, come to Ukraine before making decisions.

See the people, the hospitals, the destruction—then decide how to end this war.

You’ll understand who you’re dealing with and what Putin has done.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed the political leadership during recent discussions that there is a significant shortage of soldiers in the army.

Source: Yediot Ahronot

Xi Jinping’s Visit to Vietnam Amid U.S. Tariff Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping began a three-nation Southeast Asia tour in Vietnam, seeking to deepen trade and supply chain cooperation as China faces steep U.S. tariffs (145%). Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub for U.S. markets, is negotiating to avoid its own 46% tariffs.

Key points from Xi’s visit:

• Xi called for stronger economic ties, including collaboration on AI and green tech.
• Despite close economic links, tensions persist over the South China Sea and Vietnam's moves to limit Chinese imports and accept U.S.-aligned tech like Starlink.
• Both sides aim to sign around 40 agreements, including rail infrastructure projects backed by Chinese loans.
• Xi’s visit underscores China’s efforts to maintain influence in Southeast Asia amid U.S. trade pressure.

Source: Reuters

Arson Attack Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence

An arson attack damaged the south side of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in Harrisburg.

Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated.

Authorities are investigating the incident as arson, offering a $10,000 reward for information.

Thailand and Japan to Launch High-Stakes Trade Talks with Trump Administration Over Tariff Relief and Economic Ties

Thailand plans to hold talks with Trump administration officials next week to discuss relief from a planned 36% reciprocal tariff on its goods.

Thai delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, will present proposals to cut Thailand's $46 billion trade surplus with the US.

Japan is set to begin high-stakes trade negotiations with the Trump administration this week, with Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa visiting the US as chief trade negotiator.

The talks are expected to cover issues such as cars, agricultural products, non-tariff barriers, and foreign exchange, with Japan seeking exemptions from US tariffs and a new relationship with the US.

Source: Bloomberg