The United States has reportedly started moving an aircraft carrier towards the Middle East as Donald Trump refused to rule out strikes on Iran.
The Pentagon was said to be moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the US Central Command’s area of control, which includes the Middle East, according to US outlet NewsNation, citing unnamed sources.
Satellite imagery showed the 100,000-ton USS Abraham Lincoln travelling west past the Philippines on Wednesday, according to Sky News.
Donald Trump meanwhile hailed his own efforts, sharing a report that Iran would refrain from executing 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani “after president Trump’s warnings”. He wrote: “This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue.”
Trump paused his threat of imminent strikes on Wednesday as Iran promised it would relent on its brutal crackdown of protests following more than two weeks of bitter nationwide unrest.
He did not rule out potential US military action, however, saying "we are going to watch what the process is" before noting that his administration had received a "very good statement" from Iran.
Key Points
- 'No plans for executions': Trump claims killings in Iran have stopped
- Airspace closure over Iran appears to have expired
- Iran's judiciary says Erfan Soltani will not be given death sentence
- UK ambassador and all staff evacuated from Iran
- UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Iran
Watch: How Iran’s internet blackout is reshaping everyone’s algorithm
16:30 , James ReynoldsThe world is getting more dangerous, says Putin
16:11 , James ReynoldsVladimir Putin said on Thursday that the international situation that the world was getting more dangerous - but stopped short of mentioning Iran and Venezuela.
The Russian president’s foreign ministry has repeatedly taken aim at the US in recent days over its military operations and threats overseas.
Putin himself has yet to comment in public on the toppling of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, the protests in Iran or Trump’s threats to Greenland.
"The situation on the international stage is increasingly deteriorating - I don't think anyone would argue with that - long-standing conflicts are intensifying, and new serious flashpoints are emerging," Putin said.
In conversation with NetBlocks: How Iran’s internet blackout is quietly affecting your social media feed
15:30 , James ReynoldsIn an exclusive interview with The Independent, Alp Toker, founder of NetBlocks explains how the internet shutdown in Iran is not just causing local disruption.
“When there is a void or an information vacuum from a certain area, the algorithm still has to satisfy its constraints”, Toker says.
“That content is no longer what the user actually expected or wanted. It's now less relevant information, potentially even misleading or disinformation or misinformation that's going from irrelevant sources or those trying to alter the narrative.”
Watch the full video:
How Iran’s internet blackout is affecting your social media feed
Trump unveils new sanctions on Iran
15:12 , James ReynoldsThe Trump administration has issued new Iran-related sanctions, targeting more than a dozen individuals and entities.
Red Crescent says staff member killed in Iran
15:00 , James ReynoldsThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said on Thursday it was deeply saddened by the killing of Amir Ali Latifi, an Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) staff member, and the wounding of five colleagues.
They were all in the line of duty in Gillan province, on 10 January 2026, a statement read. The organisation did not share details.
“The IFRC expresses its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all IRCS colleagues,” a statement read.
“The safety and protection of humanitarian personnel, as well as respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, are essential to ensure the continued delivery of impartial, life-saving assistance to people in need.
“The IFRC is deeply concerned about the consequences of the ongoing unrest on the people of Iran and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society.”
Canadian dies in Iran at the hands of the authorities, says Ottawa
14:57 , James ReynoldsA Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of the Iranian authorities, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Thursday.
"Peaceful protests by the Iranian people - asking that their voices be heard in the face of the Iranian regime's repression and ongoing human rights violations - has led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life," she said.
Analysis: Regime treating dissent as a 'proto-revolution', says research group
14:30 , James ReynoldsThe Institute for the Study of War, an American research group and advocacy think tank, assessed in its latest analysis that the Iranian regime has stopped distinguishing between legitimate protest and illegitimate anti-regime protests, viewing the unrest as a proto-revolution it must crush entirely.
The Iranians resisting the regime, in some cases violently, has reinforced the view that the protests retain the potential to turn into a revolution, it said.
This comes despite Donald Trump’s insistence that the regime is letting up on its vicious crackdown.
The organisation recorded zero protests on January 14, but said the regime is “sustaining repressive measures that impose a significant cost on the regime”.
“This suggests that the regime does not perceive that the threat from protests has subsided,” it said.
Watch: Exiled Iranian Crown Prince says protest death toll could more than 12,000
14:00 , James ReynoldsChina calls for 'dialogue' in mediating conflict
13:45 , James ReynoldsChina’s foreign minister called for ‘dialogue and restraint’ in resolving conflicts in a call with his Iranian counterpart today.
Wang Yi told Iran’s Abbas Araqchi that China opposed the use or threat of force in international relations.
He also said he believed the Iran and its people could overcome their ongoing difficulties and safeguard national stability - after a brutal crackdown on antigovernment protests over the last two weeks.
Yi added that Beijing was willing to play a constructive role in resolving differences.
ICYMI: Trump claims killing is stopping in Iran
13:30 , James ReynoldsA timeline of the Iran protests
13:00 , James Reynolds28 December: Protests break out in two major markets in downtown Tehran, after the Iranian rial plunged to a new low.
29 December: The central bank head resigns as the protests spread and police fire tear gas at protesters.
30 December: President Masoud Pezeshkian vows to work with business leaders to hear their demands as university campuses join protests.
31 December: Protests in Fasa allegedly turn violent after crowds break into the governor’s office.
1 January: The protests' first fatalities are officially reported, with authorities saying at least seven people have been killed.
2 January: Trump threatens Iran if it kills peaceful protesters.
3 January: Khamenei greenlights security forces to crack down on dissent. Protests reach 170 locations with 15 dead.
8 January: The government blocks the internet as opposition leader in exile Reza Pahlavi rallies calls for action.
9 January: Iran ramps up threats of punishment with 65 reported killed and 2,300 detained.
11 January: Iran’s parliament speaker threatens to strike US military bases in the region if Trump attacks, as rights groups say 538 people have now been killed. Arrests reportedly pass 10,000.
12 January: Trump announces tariffs on any country doing business with Iran. The ISW reports protests have thinned significantly since their peak on 8 January, likely due to the internet blackouts.
13 January: HRANA reports more than 2,000 verified deaths as Donald Trump tells protesters that help is “on the way”. Russia backs Iran, denouncing “subversive external interference” from the US.
14 January: Tehran says it will not execute protesters as troops clear out of Al Udeid in apparent preparation for strikes. Donald Trump climbs down and says Iran is not killing protesters.
Iran vows to 'firmly defend' border
12:48 , James ReynoldsIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi vowed to “firmly defend” the country’s borders in a call with his Saudi counterpart on Thursday.
The Saudi foreign minister shared concern over the potential consequences of escalation, emphasising the importance of diplomacy, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
ICYMI: Trump suspends visas for Iran, Russia
12:30 , James ReynoldsThe Trump administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from Iran and Russia, among 75 countries affected as part of an intensifying immigration crackdown.
The pause will begin on January 21, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.
"Applicants from these countries are at a high risk for becoming a public charge and recourse to local, state and federal government resources in the United States," a cable sent to US missions said.
The move, which was first reported by Fox News, does not impact US visitor visas, in the spotlight given the United States is hosting the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
What are the latest casualty figures in Iran?
12:00 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump said on Wednesday that “we’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping”.
Reporting on casualties has been hindered by the internet blackout across the country, now more than 156 hours in, per NetBlocks.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Wednesday that it had been able to verify 2,615 deaths, of which 2,435 were attributed to protesters and 153 were security forces and government supporters.
Some 882 deaths were still under investigation, it said.
13 of the deaths were attributed to people under the age of 18.
UN Security Council to hold a meeting on Iran
11:49 , James ReynoldsThe UN security council has scheduled an emergency meeting for this afternoon to discuss developments in Iran.
It was tabled at the request of the US.
Watch: 'Hanging is out of the question,' claims Iranian foreign minister
11:30 , James Reynolds‘I worry we will be the next Libya or Iraq’: Iranians living under blackout share hopes and fears for future
11:00 , James Reynolds“For the first time, I feel truly hopeful,” ‘Liyana’ said, after more than a week of unrest across Iran. “These protests are massive. Huge numbers of people are defying the curfews.”
She was speaking to The Independent’s Suha Kidwai through a borrowed StarLink dish, with the regime still blocking the internet and calls.
“This is so much bigger than what we saw after Mahsa [Amini]– I really think this could be it. This could be the time that Iran is freed.”
Iranians living through the protests spoke about their hopes and fears for the future. Read the full story:
Iranians living under blackout share hopes and fears for future
What happened overnight?
10:30 , James ReynoldsHundreds of troops and six refueling tankers were moved from the major US air base in Qatar on Wednesday, raising concerns Washington was preparing strikes on Iran over its treatment of protesters.
Saudi Arabia told Iran that its land and airspace would not be used in a strike, sources told the AFP news agency, and a Western military official said that “all the signals are that a US attack is imminent”.
Trump had warned Iran he would take “very strong action” if Iran started executing protesters. Attention was on 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, who rights groups said was scheduled to be executed on Wednesday for his involvement.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rushed to Fox News to insist that “there is no plan for hanging at all”. It was “out of the question”, he said.
And then, Trump pulled back. He told reporters: “We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping.”
“It’s stopped, it’s stopping,” he said. “There’s no plan for executions.”
Iranian state media subsequently reported that Erfan Soltani has not been sentenced to death.
Rights groups HRANA claimed that it had confirmed over 2,600 deaths and 18,470 arrests across the country. Information was still limited by the ongoing internet blackout, it noted.
High inflation, currency collapse and soaring food prices: The damning numbers behind Iran’s economic implosion
10:00 , James ReynoldsA currency crash led thousands of Iranians onto the streets late last month. Karl Matchett looks at how Tehran was plunged into economic crisis – and why it is unlikely to improve:
The damning numbers behind Iran’s economic implosion as currency crumbles
Trump remains unsold on Pahlavi
09:50 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump said on Wednesday he was unclear whether Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi would be able to muster support within Iran to eventually take over.
"He seems very nice, but I don't know how he'd play within his own country," Trump said. "And we really aren't up to that point yet.
"I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me."
Trump's comments went further in questioning Pahlavi's ability to lead Iran, after he said last week that he had no plans to meet with him.
It will come as a blow to the crown prince in exile, a fierce critics of the regime, who has been trying to rally support for the protests in Iran.
‘I worry we will be the next Libya or Iraq’: Iranians living under blackout share hopes and fears for future
09:00 , James Reynolds“For the first time, I feel truly hopeful,” ‘Liyana’ said, after more than a week of unrest across Iran. “These protests are massive. Huge numbers of people are defying the curfews.”
She was speaking to The Independent’s Suha Kidwai through a borrowed StarLink dish, with the regime still blocking the internet and calls.
“This is so much bigger than what we saw after Mahsa [Amini]– I really think this could be it. This could be the time that Iran is freed.”
Iranians living through the protests spoke about their hopes and fears for the future. Read the full story:
Iranians living under blackout share hopes and fears for future
What are the latest casualty figures in Iran?
08:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump said on Wednesday that “we’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping”.
Reporting on casualties has been hindered by the internet blackout across the country, now more than 156 hours in, per NetBlocks.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Wednesday that it had been able to verify 2,615 deaths, of which 2,435 were attributed to protesters and 153 were security forces and government supporters.
Some 882 deaths were still under investigation, it said.
13 of the deaths were attributed to people under the age of 18.
What happened overnight?
07:56 , James ReynoldsHundreds of troops and six refueling tankers were moved from the major US air base in Qatar on Wednesday, raising concerns Washington was preparing strikes on Iran over its treatment of protesters.
Saudi Arabia told Iran that its land and airspace would not be used in a strike, sources told the AFP news agency, and a Western military official said that “all the signals are that a US attack is imminent”.
Trump had warned Iran he would take “very strong action” if Iran started executing protesters. Attention was on 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, who rights groups said was scheduled to be executed on Wednesday for his involvement.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rushed to Fox News to insist that “there is no plan for hanging at all”. It was “out of the question”, he said.
And then, Trump pulled back. He told reporters: “We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping.”
“It’s stopped, it’s stopping,” he said. “There’s no plan for executions.”
Iranian state media subsequently reported that Erfan Soltani has not been sentenced to death.
Rights groups HRANA claimed that it had confirmed over 2,600 deaths and 18,470 arrests across the country. Information was still limited by the ongoing internet blackout, it noted.
Iranians attend the funerals of security forces personnel killed in Tehran
07:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Oil drops as Trump calms Iran fears
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices retreated from multi-month highs today and gold eased from a record peak after US president Donald Trump calmed market anxiety over potential US military action against Iran.
A selloff in tech stocks extended into Asian trading, following declines on Wall Street, as investors rotated out of high-flying chip and artificial intelligence-related names while searching for bargains in other parts of the market.
Brent crude futures dropped 3.4 per cent to $64.25 and Nymex futures sank 3.4 per cent to $59.89, after vaulting as high as $66.82 and $62.36, respectively, in the previous session.
Mr Trump yesterday claimed that he had been told that killings in Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests were subsiding and he believed there was currently no plan for large-scale executions.
Who is Erfan Soltani?
07:11 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarErfan Soltani,26, was arrested at his home and rushed through the justice system to face the death penalty on Wednesday as the regime steps up its brutal crackdown on dissent, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, an independent NGO based in Norway.
More here.
Who is Erfan Soltani and why is Iran expected to execute protester today?
Middle East nations advise US to avoid Iran conflict, diplomat says
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarMajor Middle East governments are discouraging the Donald Trump administration from waging a war with Iran, fearing "unprecedented consequences" in the volatile region, an Arab Gulf diplomat told The Associated Press.
The Cairo-based diplomat, who was given anonymity because he wasn't authorised to speak to the media, said major governments in the region, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, have been "in constant contact" with the US administration over a potential American strike on Iran that could explode into a "full-blown war”.
Such a war will "certainly" have dire repercussions, not only on the Middle East but also on the global economy," he said.
Iran's judiciary says Erfan Soltani will not be given death sentence
06:57 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarErfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian man arrested during protests, has not been sentenced to death, the country's judiciary said, according to local media.
The judiciary said Mr Soltani, currently held in the central penitentiary of Karaj, is being charged with "colluding against the country's internal security and propaganda activities against the regime" but that the death penalty does not apply to such charges if they are confirmed by a court.
Mr Soltani was arrested at his home and rushed through the justice system to face the death penalty on Wednesday as the regime steps up its brutal crackdown on dissent, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, an independent NGO based in Norway.
He is among 18,434 individuals who have been arrested by Iranian authorities for joining the protests.
Tens of thousands of mourners attend mass funeral in Tehran
06:25 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarTens of thousands of mourners thronged the streets near Tehran University for a mass funeral of security forces and civilians.
Iranian state television reported that 300 coffins would be on display at Tehran University.
Many held Iranian flags and identical photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and their relatives. The caskets, covered in Iranian flags, were stacked at least three high in the backs of trucks and covered with red and white roses and framed photographs of people who were killed. The crowd chanted and beat their chests in response to an emcee speaking from a stage.
One man in the crowd held up a photo of US president Donald Trump during the Pennsylvania assassination attempt, emblazoned with: "The arrow doesn't always miss!"
The presenter, his voice booming across the crowd, blamed the US for the unrest.
"All of our problems are because of America, today's economic problems are because of American sanctions. Death to America!" he yelled, prompting the same chant from the tens of thousands of people, dressed mostly in black.
UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Iran
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe UN Security Council will meet this afternoon to discuss the situation in Iran after the US requested an emergency meeting.
"I can now confirm that the [Security Council] presidency intends to schedule a briefing on the situation in Iran .... on Thursday ... requested by the United States," said Khadija Ahmed, the spokesperson for the Somali mission.
'No plans for executions': Trump claims killings in Iran have stopped
05:30 , Mike BediganAirspace closure over Iran appears to have expired
05:25 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAn order by Iran closing its airspace to commercial aircraft appeared to have expired and several domestic flights were in the air just after 7am local time this morning.
The closure lasted for over four hours, during which time international carriers had diverted north and south around Iran.
Iran had also issued a notice to pilots stating that the closure was estimated to last until 7.30 am local time.
Oil drops as Trump calms Iran fears
05:01 , ReutersOil prices retreated from multi-month highs on Thursday and safe-haven gold eased back from a record peak after U.S. President Donald Trump calmed market anxiety about potential U.S. military action against Iran.
A selloff in tech stocks extended into Asian trading, after further declines on Wall Street as investors rotated out of high-flying chip- and artificial intelligence-related names, looking for bargains in other parts of the market.
Trump said on Wednesday afternoon that he had been told that killings in Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests were subsiding and he believed there was currently no plan for large-scale executions.
UK ambassador and all staff evacuated from Iran
04:45 , Mike BediganThe UK ambassador to Iran and all his staff have been evacuated from from the embassy in Tehran, British officials said Wednesday.
The decision had been taken based on the assessment of the security situation and to prioritize the safety of staff, as the U.S. weighs up launching strikes on Iran, according to Politico.
“We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely. Foreign Office travel advice has now been updated to reflect this consular change,” a UK government spokesperson said.
Trump says 'any regime can fall' when pushed on Iran
04:30 , Mike BediganSpeaking to the Reuters news agency in a new interview, US President Donald Trump said it was possible the government in Tehran could fall due to the protests, but added that "any regime can fail."
"Whether or not it falls or not, it's going to be an interesting period of time," he said.
Flights appear to resume as Iranian airspace tentatively reopens
04:15 , Mike BediganSome domestic flights in Iran have appeared to be resuming, shortly after the nation’s airspace was closed to all flights except those with prior permission.
“With the NOTAM [notice to airman] closing Iranian airspace expired, some flights are now making their way toward Tehran,” flight tracker website Flightradar24 said on X.
With the NOTAM closing Iranian airspace expired, some flights are now making their way toward Tehran. https://t.co/IGaj36AUvI pic.twitter.com/Rhs03kbsmr
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 15, 2026
Several commercial flights were airborne Thursday morning local time, and heading towards airports in Tehran, the data showed.
It comes after US President Donald Trump said he has been told that the killing of protesters in Iran had been stopped.
Trump says Iranian opposition figure 'seems very nice'
04:00 , ReutersUS President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi "seems very nice" but expressed uncertainty over whether Pahlavi would be able to muster support within Iran to eventually take over.
"He seems very nice, but I don't know how he'd play within his own country," Trump told Reuters. "And we really aren't up to that point yet.”
The president added: "I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me."
Trump's comments went further in questioning Pahlavi's ability to lead Iran after saying last week that he had no plans to meet with him.
Watch: Iran closes airspace as US escalates attack threats
03:45 , Mike BediganExiled Iranian crown prince says victory is 'so close'
03:30 , Rachel DobkinExiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, said the Iranian people are “so close” to victory as he thanked the US for its support.
“Thank you so much for all your words of support for my compatriots in the darkest time in our history,” Pahlvi said, following a meeting with US Senator Lindsey Graham Wednesday.
“But hopefully, as we say in Iran, in Farsi, the end of the dark night is light, and this is probably the first time we have our so close to victory.”
He added: “To witness the resilience of my compatriots... They are fighting a great fight, and any solidarity can only help them achieve that goal sooner.”
“I believe with all my heart, that help is on the way,” Graham said while sitting next to Pahlavi in a video shared online.
Meeting with @PahlaviReza, the exiled crown prince of Iran.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 14, 2026
We stand with the people of Iran and against the brutal regime.
Make Iran Great Again. pic.twitter.com/4eNcBwIqmQ
US President Donald Trump has threatened strikes over the regime’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.
Iranian American warns of total blackout in Tehran, says 'it's not looking good at all'
03:15 , Rachel DobkinAn Iranian American woman has warned of a total blackout in Tehran.
The woman, who now lives in the US after fleeing the Iranian regime, told News Nation White House Correspondent Kellie Meyer that her brother is still in Tehran and she is not able to contact him.
"It’s not looking good at all,” she told Meyer.
Just spoke on the phone with one Iranian American woman that lives here in the U.S. and had previously fled the regime.
— Kellie Meyer (@KellieMeyerNews) January 14, 2026
She tells me her brother is still in Tehran, and she cannot contact him. She said it is a complete blackout.
She told me, "It’s not looking good at all."…
Pakistan says it will play role in regional peace
03:00 , Bryony GoochPakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a call Wednesday with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani that Pakistan would continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, a statement from Sharif's office said.
The two leaders discussed recent developments in the Middle East and expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar, according to the statement.
Sharif praised Qatar's role in promoting peace, dialogue and mediation in the region and acknowledged its efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic means.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, the statement said.
France considers sending satellite terminals to Iran to provide internet connectivity
02:30 , Alex CroftFrance's foreign minister has raised the possibility of Paris sending Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran, where millions of people are living under internet blackout as the Tehran regime looks to suppress ongoing protests.
"We are exploring all options, and the one you have mentioned is among them," Jean-Noel Barrot told lawmakers in parliament responding to a question about sending Eutelsat terminals to Iran.
Watch: Iran minister denies plans for hanging when asked about protests
02:15 , Mike BediganIranians and Germans protest in Berlin
02:00 , Bryony GoochAt a protest march of 900 Iranian exiles and German supporters in Berlin on Wednesday night, Maryam Nejatipur, 32, told The Associated Press how unbearably worried she was about her family back home.
"They're in a complete blackout. We don't have any news," said the former teacher who was forced to leave her home country about two years ago.
She said she didn't know how to get through the days since Iran shut down the internet and phones and she could not longer find out if her family was still alive.
She sobbed and said really she was not only worried about her immediate family but all Iranians. "There are 90 million people inside Iran and they are killing all of them," she said.
Iran extends airspace closure: report
01:49 , Rachel DobkinIran has extended its order to close its airspace to commercial planes, according to the Associated Press.
The airspace closure was announced by Flightradar24 at around 10:20 p.m. GMT Wednesday, saying that it was valid for a little more than two hours.
That order has been extended without explanation as US President Donald Trump has threatened strikes over the regime’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.
Air India rerouting flights in region as tensions continue
01:45 , Mike BediganAir India says it is rerouting some of its flights in region as tensions continue.
“Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays,” the airline wrote on X.
“Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled.
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Safety of our passengers and crew remain top priority.“
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) January 15, 2026
Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where…
Watch: Anti-Iranian regime protesters gather in Whitehall
01:30 , Bryony GoochGOP Senator meets with exiled Crown Prince of Iran, says US action must happen 'sooner rather than later'
01:15 , Mike BediganRepublican Senator Lindsey Graham says he is pushing for the US to take action in Iran “sooner rather than later.”
“I believe that President Trump is serious when he says help is on the way,” he told reporters, adding that “an attack on the regime is the only help that really matters.”
Graham also posted a video after meeting with the Exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi.
“I have followed you your passion the way you articulate the hope of your people,” Graham told Pahlvi.
“It will be up to the people of Iran to pick their next leader. I can't wait until they have a chance to do that, but you are really risen to the occasion... and I believe with all my heart that help is on the way.”
Watch it here:
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is meeting with the Exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi. pic.twitter.com/fhhQp4X84N
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 14, 2026
Iranian government holds mass funeral
01:00 , Bryony GoochA mass funeral was held in Tehran for some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The caskets, draped in Iranian flags, stood stacked at least three high. Red and white roses and framed photographs of the dead covered them.
In pictures: Protesters across the globe set alight pictures of the Ayatollah
00:42 , Bryony Gooch
US government warns against non-essential travel for citizens in Qatar
00:26 , Mike BediganThe US government says it has urged caution on its staff at the embassy in Qatar, which lies across the Persian Gulf from Iran.
“Given ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase,” the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs wrote on X.
“ We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same. The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the situation.”
Qatar: Given ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase. We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same. The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the… pic.twitter.com/wGXYW8uF0G
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) January 14, 2026
Lufthansa rejig flight operations across Middle East
00:01 , Jane DaltonGermany issued a directive cautioning the country's airlines from entering Iranian airspace, Flightradar24 says.
Lufthansa had rejigged its flight operations across the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.
Lufthansa said on Wednesday that it would bypass Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice while it would operate only day flights to Tel Aviv and Amman until Monday next week.
🇩🇪✈️🇮🇷⚠️ German authorities have issued a new NOTAM cautioning German airlines from entering Iranian airspace. Lufthansa was scheduled to resume flights to Tehran on Friday. The airline last operated the route in June 2025.
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 14, 2026
A) EDGG EDWW EDMM B) 2601141705 C) 2602102359 E)… pic.twitter.com/MN68wzzSep
Iran says 'hanging is out of the question'
Wednesday 14 January 2026 23:58 , Bryony GoochIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday "there is no plan" by Iran to hang people, when asked about the anti-government protests in the Middle Eastern nation.
"There is no plan for hanging," the foreign minister told Fox News in an interview on the "Special Report with Bret Baier" show. "Hanging is out of the question," he said.
Tehran blames US and Israel again
Wednesday 14 January 2026 23:15 , Jane DaltonTehran is still blaming the US and Israel for starting the popular street activism that has swept the country.
Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, reiterated claims, without providing evidence, that the US and Israel have instigated the protests, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.
He added that those countries will "receive the response in the appropriate time".
Iran restricts airspace in new NOTAM
Wednesday 14 January 2026 22:46 , Bryony GoochIran is closing its airspace to all flights except international flights to and from the country with permission, according to Flightradar24.
The NOTAM is valid for a little more than 2 hours.
❌ New NOTAM just issued by Iran closing airspace to all flights except international flights to/from Iran with permission. NOTAM is valid for a little more than 2 hours.
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 14, 2026
Live view of Iranian airspace: https://t.co/8pUMTxjSkS pic.twitter.com/8GTGUZw0po
Iran hints at rapid trials and executions
Wednesday 14 January 2026 22:30 , Jane DaltonIranian officials have signalled that fast trials and executions lie ahead for suspects detained in nationwide protests.
Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran's judiciary chief, said the government must act quickly to punish more than 18,000 people who have been detained through rapid trials and executions.
Activists warned that hangings of detainees could come soon.
Six US Air Force KC-135s depart from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar
Wednesday 14 January 2026 22:00 , Bryony GoochSix US Air Force KC-135s have departed from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to Flightradar24 after the US announced personnel would be leaving the military base.
Topping our most tracked flights list right now: six US Air Force KC-135s departing Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. https://t.co/ihPOMLNRtN
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 14, 2026
⚠️ All tracked via MLAT, so coverage will be variable. pic.twitter.com/4dr3uSS3rO
Starmer calls out 'sickening repression' and says UK is working on sanctions
Wednesday 14 January 2026 21:29 , Alex CroftThe Government is working with allies on further sanctions against the Iranian regime, the Prime Minister has said.
Speaking at the start of Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Can I start by condemning in the strongest possible terms the sickening repression and murder of protesters in Iran.
“The contrast between the courage of the Iranian people and the brutality of their desperate regime has never been clearer.
“We’ve called out this brutality face to face, we’re working with allies on further sanctions and doing all we can to protect UK nationals.”
