Trump Backs Off Iran Military Strike
Anti-government protests have swept across Iran over the past few weeks, beginning in Tehran's historic bazaars after the Iranian rial collapsed to new lows against the dollar. The demonstrations have since evolved into a broader revolt against the country's clerical rulers, spreading from the capital to universities and impoverished towns throughout the nation. Government forces have responded with violence, and a human rights organization has documented over 500 protester deaths, though the actual number may be significantly higher due to internet blackouts and frozen phone service that have made verification difficult.
President Trump initially warned that U.S. military intervention might be necessary if the violence continued, telling reporters it appeared Iran had crossed a red line with deaths of people who "weren't supposed to be killed." He announced the military was examining several options for potential action. However, on Friday, Trump signaled he had decided against strikes after Iran reportedly canceled over 800 scheduled executions. "I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that the administration had communicated to Tehran that continued killings would bring "grave consequences.” The President has also imposed a 25 percent tariff on any country conducting business with Iran as part of his strategy to isolate the nation, while officials say he continues exploring diplomatic possibilities alongside military options.
Denmark and Greenland Clash with White House over Trump's Territorial Demands
Foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland met with the U.S. Vice President and Secretary of State at the White House on Wednesday, emerging from closed-door talks with a fundamental disagreement over Greenland's future. President Trump insists that the United States should take control of the Danish protectorate, arguing on Truth Social that NATO becomes more formidable and effective with Greenland in American hands.
The Trump administration wants Greenland for its mineral resources and strategic location near Canada, Europe, and Russia via the Arctic Ocean, making it valuable for tracking Chinese and Russian naval ships crossing new routes through melted ice and for monitoring missiles due to its proximity to the North Pole.
On Saturday, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., Netherlands, and Finland to go into effect February 1st. The tariff will increase to 25% on June 1st and will remain in effect until the U.S. reaches a deal to buy Greenland.
Trump reportedly told oil executives in a recent meeting that he was going to do something on Greenland, which is home to 57,000 people, whether they like it or not. During his first term, when President Trump said he wanted Greenland, everyone thought he was joking. He certainly wasn’t.
Minneapolis Descends into Chaos as Federal Vehicles Destroyed in Anti-ICE Riots
CBS news reports that the Justice Department has opened an investigation into Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, over an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration agents.
And on Thursday, an ICE agent shot a man in the leg reportedly after a shovel attack. The man, a Venezuelan migrant, is expected to recover well.
Already-red-hot tensions exploded into violence as rioters destroyed and looted multiple ICE and FBI vehicles in Minneapolis. Video from the scene showed agents' gear, laptops, and personal information littering the streets. Anti-ICE activists used a tow rope attached to a pickup truck to rip a weapons locker out of a federal vehicle while Minneapolis police initially stood down from responding to the mayhem, later deploying tear gas and pepper balls to disperse the crowd.
The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7. New information shows that Good's wife, Becca Good, was a participant in the Minnesota ICE Watch movement, which held a seminar just days before the incident, instructing activists on how to disrupt ICE operations. It has also been reported that ICE agent Ross suffered internal bleeding in his torso from being hit by the car, further bolstering a case of self-defense.
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