Overview
- President Donald Trump announced a 25% duty on any country that does business with Iran, calling the order final and immediate.
- A White House meeting on January 13 is set to review options on Iran that include airstrikes, cyberattacks and new sanctions, with officials stressing that diplomacy remains the first choice.
- Axios reported that U.S. envoy Stephen Whitkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the unrest and the possibility of a meeting to de‑escalate.
- Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad‑Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would deliver an “unforgettable lesson” if the United States attacks.
- On Cuba and Venezuela, Trump said Caracas will no longer send oil or money to Havana as the White House touts cooperation from transitional Venezuelan authorities and a major energy deal, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested pressure on Cuba and said Washington is not currently moving to block Mexican oil shipments.