President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a new 'Board of Peace' body focused initially on Gaza reconstruction but expandable to global conflicts, with permanent seats requiring a $1 billion cash contribution in the first year. Trump would serve as inaugural chairman with powers to invite, remove members, and designate successors. Draft charter seen by Bloomberg; invitations sent to select leaders and figures. Concept positions as efficient alternative to UN, bypassing veto powers and bureaucracy.

Two US senators from agricultural states wrote to President Donald Trump on January 16, 2026, urging him to press India to remove a 30% import duty on US yellow peas imposed in October 2025. The tariff disadvantages US producers in the world's largest pulse market, potentially retaliatory to Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods. The letter highlights ongoing US-India trade negotiations seeking broader agricultural access.

US President Donald Trump publicly praised Iran's leadership for canceling scheduled executions of over 800 protesters detained during nationwide unrest, stating "I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings... have been cancelled." The decision followed Trump's warning of "grave consequences" for further violence, with the White House noting eased killings and all options on the table. Protests, sparked by economic hardship, have resulted in over 2,000 deaths since December 2025, marking the worst unrest since 1979.

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck Israel's Negev Desert near the Dimona nuclear facility on January 15, 2026, causing brief tremors felt up to central Israel but no damage or injuries. Social media buzzed with speculation of a secret nuclear test amid Iran crisis and Trump threats, citing timing and location. Seismologists confirmed natural quake; officials dismissed test claims, noting coincidence with school drill.

India's embassy in Israel issued an advisory on January 15, 2026, urging Indian nationals to remain highly vigilant, avoid all non-essential travel, and strictly follow local safety guidelines from Israeli authorities amid escalating tensions with Iran. Citizens are advised to register with the embassy for updates and assistance via 24x7 helplines. Over 18,000 Indians live in Israel, many in border areas; the advisory echoes past ones during regional conflicts, emphasizing monitoring the security situation closely.

Iran has reportedly paused plans for mass executions of around 800 protesters following a direct warning from US President Donald Trump threatening action if killings continue amid nationwide unrest. The White House confirmed Trump closely monitored developments and received assurances violence would stop, keeping all options including military on the table. The move comes as protests over economic issues persist with international pressure mounting on Tehran.

The United States imposed sanctions on five senior Iranian officials and Fardis Prison for their roles in the violent suppression of nationwide anti-government protests and systematic human rights abuses, particularly cruel treatment of detained women protesters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused regime leaders of transferring stolen funds abroad while urging an immediate end to violence against peaceful demonstrators amid unrest that has claimed over 2,600 lives according to rights groups.

Iran executed 26-year-old Erfan Soltani by hanging, the first reported death sentence carried out over the current wave of anti-Ayatollah Khamenei protests fueled by economic hardships and regime criticism. Soltani was convicted of inciting violence and property damage in a trial widely criticized as rushed and unfair. Rights groups condemn the escalation amid increasing death sentences for protesters as unrest persists in major cities.

Turkey is actively pursuing membership in the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence alliance, having reportedly provided technical and intelligence assistance to Islamabad during India's Operation Sindoor strikes on terror camps. The move aims to bolster military cooperation among Islamic nations, with Ankara expanding defence exports while carefully balancing NATO commitments amid evolving regional tensions and great-power rivalries.

LeT deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri openly admitted the Pakistan Army invites him to military events and allows leading soldier funeral prayers, exposing deep terror-army nexus. He bragged India fears him as Pahalgam mastermind and vowed never back down on Kashmir. Kasuri called India's Operation Sindoor a mistake for targeting only hideouts in PoK. The admission contradicts Pakistan's official anti-terror stance and highlights cooperation with proscribed groups like JeM under Hafiz Saeed.