The International Court of Justice begins three-week hearings today on Myanmar's alleged genocide against Rohingya Muslims during the 2017 military crackdown. The Gambia filed the case in 2019, accusing Myanmar of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, reporting mass rape, arson, and murder; 1.17 million now inhabit Cox's Bazar refugee camps. The ICJ ordered provisional measures in 2020 requiring Myanmar to prevent genocidal acts. The US declared the violence genocide in 2022. Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, now detained since 2021, previously defended Myanmar, calling it an "internal armed conflict." Legal experts view this case as precedent for similar accusations against Israel regarding Gaza. (PC: AFP)

President Trump revealed Iranian leaders contacted him Saturday seeking negotiations as anti-regime protests have resulted in 538 deaths and 10,600 detentions nationwide. "A meeting is being set up, but we may have to act before the meeting," Trump stated aboard Air Force One, receiving hourly situation reports while evaluating "very strong options" from military planners. The demonstrations, sparked by economic collapse on December 28, have escalated into revolutionary challenges despite internet blackouts since January 8. Trump indicated Tehran crossed his red line with protester killings, warranting serious review. The administration considers consulting Elon Musk on deploying Starlink to bypass regime communication restrictions, while Secretary Marco Rubio affirms US support for Iranians against clerical repression.

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said the government has a duty to hear public concerns but warned that “rioters” must not be allowed to disrupt society as protests spread across the country. Speaking to state TV, he said protesting was a right but claimed some groups were backed by the United States and Israel. Activists cited by the Associated Press said at least 538 people have died since demonstrations began in late December over inflation and a weak currency. Large crowds have taken to the streets since Thursday, prompting authorities to cut internet and phone services. Rights groups say hundreds have been arrested, including women and children. The government has blamed unrest on foreign influence. (PC: X)

Iran warned it would retaliate if attacked by the United States as protests continued across the country despite a heavy security response. Verified videos showed clashes in Tehran, Mashhad, Ilam and other cities. Hospital staff told the BBC that dozens of bodies had been brought in over two days, and rights groups say the true toll is far higher. Iran’s parliament speaker said US military and shipping sites, and Israel, would become targets if Washington acted. President Donald Trump said the US “stands ready to help”. Iran’s leaders blamed the unrest on the US and Israel. Authorities have imposed a near total internet shutdown and arrested thousands since late December. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has warned Cuba that it must strike a deal with the United States “before it is too late,” as Venezuelan oil and financial support to the island is set to stop. Trump said Cuba had long depended on Venezuelan oil and money but added “zero” will go to Havana now. His message, posted on social media, did not explain specific deal terms or consequences. The warning follows a recent US operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolás Maduro and has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments. Cuba has not formally replied to Trump’s call to negotiate. (PC: X)

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel as nationwide protests continue for a third week. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said US military centres, bases and ships in the region, along with Israel, would be “legitimate targets” if Iran is attacked. Lawmakers chanted “Death to America” during the session. Qalibaf praised security forces and warned protesters of strict punishment. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of stirring unrest but said peaceful concerns should be heard. Iran says protests began after the rial fell sharply and living costs rose across the country.

Iran’s state media report that over 100 security personnel, including police and special units, have been killed amid nationwide anti-government protests driven by economic hardship and discontent with the clerical regime. Authorities claim fatalities occurred across several provinces during clashes as demonstrators continue to defy government crackdowns. The unrest, among the largest in years, has seen thousands take to the streets, with an ongoing internet blackout restricting communication. Iranian officials have threatened protest participants with death penalty charges, while parliament leaders warn the United States and Israel against intervention. International concern is mounting over rising casualties and the potential for wider instability in the region. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Widespread anti-government protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and inflation, have entered their second week, spreading across major cities nationwide. Demonstrators continue to demand political change amidst heavy crackdowns by security forces, with dozens reportedly killed and thousands arrested. The government has imposed a near-total internet and communications blackout, limiting information flow and drawing criticism from artists and rights groups as a tool to suppress dissent. Amid mounting unrest, US President Donald Trump warned of possible intervention if civilians are harmed, prompting Israel to remain on high alert for potential regional escalation. Tehran responded with threats of retaliation against US and Israeli targets should military action occur, further heightening international tensions as the crisis unfolds. (PC: Reuters)

An audio clip attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar claims the group has “thousands” of suicide bombers ready for missions. In the recording circulating online, Azhar says the number of recruits is more than a thousand and that revealing it would shock global media. He adds these recruits seek only martyrdom and not material rewards. The exact timing and authenticity of the message have not been independently verified by authorities. JeM is a Pakistan-based banned terrorist group long accused of plotting attacks in India. Security agencies are analysing the clip and have not issued an official confirmation. (PC: India Today)

Hospitals across Iran are under heavy pressure as protests continue and casualties rise, medical workers said. Staff at a hospital in Rasht said 70 bodies were received in one night and the morgue was full. Bodies were moved to other rooms to make space. Doctors in Tehran said many young protesters arrived with gunshot wounds and died soon after reaching emergency wards. Medics in Kashan and Shiraz reported eye injuries and shortages of surgeons. Reports said more than 110 people have been killed and about 2,600 detained so far. A near-total internet blackout has made independent reporting difficult as unrest has spread to over 100 cities nationwide. (PC: X)