Demonstrations expanded throughout Iran on Tuesday following expressions of support from President and other administration officials. In comments made Monday, Trump highlighted Iran's economic deterioration and persistent public dissatisfaction, though he refrained from explicitly demanding regime change., the protests marked their third straight day, moving beyond Tehran's commercial district. The exiled opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) reported extensive strikes and student demonstrations throughout Tehran and several provincial centers, noting confrontations with security personnel and slogans against the government. Footage acquired by the NCRI reportedly depicts demonstrators repelling security forces, compelling them to withdraw from Tehran's Jomhouri Street.According to Iran International, universities became key centers of protest activity, with gatherings at Tehran University, Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Elm-o-Sanat University, and Khajeh Nasir University. Authorities increased security at campus entrances and bolstered protection for facilities associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.Work stoppages extended through Tehran's Shoush and Molavi neighborhoods and reached Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, while sections of Tehran's Grand Bazaar and gold market ceased operations. Mobile phone vendors assembled outside major retail complexes after shuttering their shops. Several protest sites saw violence erupt, with tear gas deployed in Tehran and Malard and unconfirmed reports of gunfire in Hamadan. Evening demonstrations were documented from southern Qeshm Island to northern Zanjan and Hamadan, with footage capturing protesters shouting "death to the dictator."During a Monday press briefing at Mar-a-Lago, Trump stated he would "not talk about overthrow of a regime," choosing instead to emphasize Iran's worsening economic conditions and the government's forceful reaction to demonstrations. "They've got tremendous inflation. Their economy is busted, the economy is no good," Trump remarked.He stated that whenever Iranians assemble in protest, authorities respond with deadly force."Every time they have a riot or somebody forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people," Trump said. "You know, they kill people. All of a sudden people start getting shot and that group disbanded pretty quickly."Trump indicated he has observed the growing unrest for years, characterizing Iran's leadership as brutal."I've watched this for years — there is tremendous discontent," he said. "I've watched it for years, and vicious, vicious people." His comments coincided with escalating protests following the Iranian currency's plunge to record lows. The rial dropped to approximately 1.45 million per U.S. dollar on the unofficial market, sparking strikes and protests focused on Tehran's Grand Bazaar that extended to other major urban centers, per Iran International's live coverage. Video footage and witness reports depicted substantial security presence and tear gas usage as disturbances broadened.U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz delivered a clear message of solidarity. "The people of Iran want freedom," Waltz posted on X. "We stand with Iranians in the streets of Tehran and across the country as they protest a radical regime that has brought them nothing but economic downturn and war."A separate statement from the U.S. government's Persian-language Twitter account, @USAbehFarsi, affirmed Washington's support for Iranians' attempts "to make their voices heard," calling on the Islamic Republic to uphold basic rights instead of quashing demonstrations.Iranian authorities acknowledged the disturbances while defending their handling of the situation. Reuters cited government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stating that Tehran recognizes the right to protest and would establish a system for dialogue with demonstration organizers. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed his interior minister to respond to the "legitimate demands" of protesters and communicate with their delegates.Independent experts cautioned that the turmoil indicates deeper systemic pressures. The OSINT research organization SpecialEurasia indicated in a Tuesday assessment that Iran's internal stability has reached a "critical threshold," referencing the convergence of , renewed international sanctions, and persistent water and energy deficits. The organization observed that involvement by bazaar traders, historically a foundation of regime backing, suggests waning trust in official economic stewardship and increases the likelihood of extended disturbances.NCRI head Maryam Rajavi stated that the demonstrations express the fury of "tens of millions" pushed to their limit by inflation, graft, and religious governance. The NCRI's assertions represent opposition-sourced reports that cannot be independently confirmed because of limited access within Iran.Cameron Khansarinia, vice president of the National Union for Democracy in Iran, said the recent protests highlight an evolving public mood. "Iranians have once again taken to the streets," he noted. Referencing President Donald Trump's comments this week, he added that "each time they do, the regime tries to crush it," but contended that "Iranians' desire to be free is increasingly becoming greater than their fear of the regime." Khansarinia claimed that chants in support of have been growing in the protests, saying the protesters showed "remarkable bravery."While demonstrations persist, confirmation of injuries and detentions stays restricted, yet the magnitude and geographic reach of the turmoil highlight increasing strain on Iran's leadership during economic collapse and rising civic resistance.
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by: nicole
U.S. Declares Further Military Operations Against ISIS: ‘We Will Not Yield’
On Tuesday, U.S. Central Command announced that since a December 19 strike in Syria, the U.S. and partner forces have either terminated or captured nearly 25 individuals."U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partners across Syria killed at least seven ISIS members and captured the rest during 11 missions carried out from Dec. 20 - 29. The operations also resulted in the elimination of four ISIS weapons caches," an article posted by the CENTCOM X account stated."These recent missions followed the launch of Operation Hawkeye Strike on Dec. 19 when U.S. and Jordanian forces struck over 70 targets with more than 100 precision munitions. The massive strike executed by dozens of fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and artillery destroyed ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites across central Syria," the article explained.According to CENTCOM, the U.S. and partner forces in Syria have conducted activities in the last 12 months that led to more than 300 terrorists being detained and more than 20 being killed.The CENTCOM post noted that this year, there have been "at least 11 plots or attacks against targets in the United States" inspired by ISIS."We will not relent," CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement. "We are firmly committed to working with regional partners to eliminate the ISIS threat to U.S. and regional security.""Continuing to track down terrorist operatives, eliminate ISIS networks, and collaborate with partners to prevent an ISIS resurgence makes America, the region, and the world safer," Cooper added.Two Iowa soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed earlier this month in Syria. The soldiers were later identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres - Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa. The interpreter was Ayad Mansoor Sakat, 54.
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Eurostar compelled to cancel all services to and from London following ‘major disruption’ in Channel Tunnel
The international high-speed passenger rail service linking the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands had to cancel all services following a "major disruption.""Eurostar services between London and other destinations are suspended indefinitely due to overhead power supply problems in the Channel Tunnel, compounded by a malfunctioning LeShuttle train," Eurostar stated in an email sent to Digital. "We recommend our customers rebook their trips for another day, with free ticket exchanges available," the statement continued. "We apologize for the disruption and will keep customers informed with the most recent updates."Eurotunnel noted that "LeShuttle service began a very gradual resumption" just before 3:00 p.m. CET. The company added that service was "alternating in both directions with substantial delays." Additional shuttles will be added Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.Eurostar informed Digital that its services between London and other locations are set to resume around 6:00 p.m. GMT. The company is encouraging travelers to rebook their trips, as the power issues continue to affect operations. "Since the overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel persist, only one track is available for train operations. This will result in ongoing delays and longer-than-normal journey times this evening," Eurostar stated. Customers with canceled trains are advised not to go to the station, as those services will not be reinstated. Eurostar informed Digital that passengers with canceled trips can, within three months of their original travel date, select from several compensation options. These include a free exchange for a ticket on a different day, an e-voucher for the unused ticket valid for 12 months, or a refund for the unused ticket.Passengers stranded by the disruption are eligible for Eurostar to cover various expenses, including hotel stays up to roughly $199 per room per night, taxi fares up to about $70 per trip, and food and drink costs up to approximately $47 per person per day.Earlier on Tuesday, Eurostar warned travelers to postpone their trips due to a power supply issue. The company noted that passengers might face significant delays and last-minute cancellations. Customers were told not to go to the station unless they already had a ticket.The U.K.'s National Rail released a similar statement advising travelers to postpone their trips amid delays and cancellations between London St. Pancras International and Paris Nord, according to the BBC."An incident involving the train power supply occurred last night in a section of the Channel Tunnel, impacting train and shuttle traffic. A technical intervention is needed and is currently in progress," Eurotunnel stated in a message provided to Digital. "Service is temporarily suspended in both directions."Eurostar informed Digital that no passengers were left stranded in the tunnel and that the malfunctioning LeShuttle train had been removed.LeShuttle, distinct from Eurostar’s passenger-only rail service, operates between Folkestone, U.K., and , transporting passengers and their vehicles through the Channel Tunnel in 35 minutes.London North Eastern Railway (LNER) informed Digital that customers with December 30 tickets affected by the Eurostar disruption can travel to their home station on an alternative LNER train at no extra cost."Any LNER customers who had to abandon their journey at London King's Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no extra cost," LNER stated. "LNER customers who choose to reschedule their Eurostar travel to another day may use their existing LNER ticket for travel on that same day."When asked for comment, National Rail directed Digital to Eurostar's media center.LeShuttle did not immediately reply to Digital's request for comment.
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Radisson Reflects on a Successful 2025 and Provides 2026 Outlook
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Dec 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV: RDS) (OTCQX: RMRDF) ("Radisson" or the "Company") achieved significant progress during 2025 in the exploration and development of its 100%-owned O'Brien Gold Project ("O'Brien" or the "Project") located in the Abitibi region of Québec. The 2026 work program will build upon this success, with the largest ever drill program at O'Brien funded from the Company's largest ever treasury.2025 Milestones957 days of continuous site operations without a lost time incident;Completion of approximately 35,000 metres of drilling with deep step-out holes and directional wedges delineating significant high-grade gold mineralization over a broad area beneath the historic O'Brien gold mine and existing mineral resources (Figure 1);Of the 68 step-out holes and wedges completed, assayed and reported, 56 intersected new gold mineralization with grades and thicknesses consistent with the Project's Mineral Resource Estimate (Table 1), an impressive 82% success rate;A comprehensive metallurgical study demonstrating recoveries of between 86% and 96% based on flow sheet options developed in a milling assessment completed on the nearby Doyon mill under the auspices of a Memorandum of Understanding with IAMGOLD Inc1;A "snap-shot" Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") demonstrating a high-value, low-cost project based on the current mineral resources and use of off-site facilities for processing and tailings management, maximising value and minimising environmental impact;Completion of C$37 million in equity financings to long-term investors. Radisson expects to end 2025 with a treasury (cash and cash equivalents) of approximately C$32 million (unaudited), fully funding of the Company's 2026 work programs.Matt Manson, President and CEO: "Starting in late 2024, we elected to pursue a more aggressive exploration strategy at O'Brien based on the thesis that a significantly larger mineral resource might exist at the Project should its mineralizing system, previously delineated only at shallower levels, continue to depth. Over the last twelve months we have seen consistent success with large step-out drill holes beneath both the existing mineral resources and the historic mine. At the start of this program we drilled OB-24-337, the first ever hole below the final stope of the old mine since mining ended in 1957. This returned 31.24 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") over 8.0 metres (including 242.0 g/t Au over 1.0 metre) at 1,500 metres vertical depth. From this single pilot hole, operating continuously for more than 12 months, we have now completed 15 wedges and published results for 11, delineating a system of high-grade mineralization in multiple veins over a broad area. This achievement has delivered outstanding value to the Company and owes much to the skill of the Radisson exploration team and our drill contractor Akakodjici / RJLL, a joint venture between RJLL Drilling of Rouyn-Noranda, Québec and Longpoint First Nation. Overall, the 82% success rate of intersecting mineralization with grades and thicknesses consistent with the Project's mineral resources is a significant achievement for a step-out drill program designed to target open areas with no previous drilling. Currently, an additional 18 drill holes from the 2025 program are "in-progress" of logging, sample preparation or assaying, and awaiting publication."Matt Manson continued: "The PEA released in 2025 demonstrated the attributes of a high value project with a low capex and modest footprint based on the use of existing offsite facilities for processing, of which there are several in the Abitibi region. In 2026, we will continue to refine the Project's development path, with on-going engineering studies, environmental baseline work, community dialog, and engagement with potential processing partners; however, the 2025 PEA was only a "snap-shot" of a project that is continuing to grow. The focus of our work in 2026 and into 2027 will be the ongoing step-out drill program, which has now been expanded to 140,000 metres with eight rigs, fully funded from our strong treasury."Figure 1: Deep step-out drill holes completed and/or published by the Company since December 2024. Drill holes "in-progress" and awaiting final assay results and publication are shown as red traces.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/279191_c88cea96641e4b8a_001full.jpg2026 Work ProgramThe following 2026 work program has been approved by the Company's Board of Directors:72,500 metres of drilling focussed on new areas of potential gold mineralization. The objective of the program will be step-outs to increase the quantity of mineral resources rather than in-filling to upgrade the classification of an existing mineral resource. With a forecast of 35,000 metres of step-out drilling completed in 2025, a further 32,500 metres will be scheduled for 2027 to complete the 140,000-metre program. All-in drill costs are budgeted at C21 million, or approximately C$290 per metre depending on the average depth of drilling;Up to eight rigs will be deployed with pilot holes and directional wedges. Targets will include the extension of mineralization up to 2 kilometres vertical depth at O'Brien Mine East and beneath resource Trend #s 1 and 2 (see Figure 1). The apparent "gap" area between Trends 1 and 2, attributed primarily to lack of drill density versus lack of mineralization, will be tested, as well as the Thompson-Cadillac area west of the O'Brien mine, which will be drilled for the first time since 2021. Drilling is also planned in the gap area between O'Brien Mine West and East, and below Trends #3 and #4. Program objectives will be reassessed progressively based on results obtained;Progressive updates to the Project's Mineral Resource Estimate as the step-out drill program proceeds;Commencement of assaying by PhotonAssay method with 50-gram fire assay verification replacing Radisson's current two-stage fire assay/screen metallic procedure, designed to better capture whole-rock, coarse gold content and improve assay turnaround time;A program of mine plan optimization and design sensitivity analysis to be undertaken in conjunction with the ongoing drilling and development of the Project's geological and mineral resource models. This work will be conducted by Evomine and will include an assessment of the viability of incorporating existing O'Brien mine infrastructure, such as its 1,000-metre shaft, into a future mine development plan;Ongoing grassroots exploration on Radisson's New Alger property with prospecting and surface geochemistry, and an assessment of the prospectivity of gold mineralization in the Cadillac Sediments located north of the Larder Lake-Cadillac Break and the O'Brien Mine;A comprehensive environmental baseline study focussed on the Project site's biophysical attributes such as water, flora and fauna, to complement existing baseline data on air quality, vibration and noise;Ongoing engagement and dialog focussed on deepening the Company's relationships with communities located within the area of expected economic and social influence of the Project, including the township of Cadillac and the First Nations communities of Pikogan FN (Abitibiwinni) and Long Point FN (Anishinabeg).12-Month Record of Drill Results at the O'Brien Gold ProjectSince the end of 2024, Radisson has published results from 68 drill holes completed as part of the ongoing step-out drill program (Table 1). These are drill holes targeting new areas of mineralization, and as such are distinguished from "in-fill" type drill holes which seek to upgrade areas of known mineralization. Most of these step-out drill holes have intersected gold mineralization in O'Brien's characteristic quartz-sulphide-gold veins within alteration zones, and 56 have intercepts averaging greater than 3 g/t Au (expressed as core length, with minimum sample widths of typically 1.0 to 1.5 metres). Such intercepts are consistent in grade and thickness with the Project's current Mineral Resource Estimate, and Radisson considers them to have the potential to contribute meaningfully to future mineral resources. This is an 82% success rate, which reflects the scope of the O'Brien mineralizing system. At time of writing, an additional 18 drill holes from the 2025 program are "in-progress" of logging, sample preparation or assaying, and awaiting publication.Table 1: Drill Results Published for the O'Brien Gold Project since December 2024Date of PublicationTotal Number of Drill HolesDrill Holes with Intercepts >+3g/tSuccess Rate (%)28th October 2025151387%8th September, 2025151387%16th July 2025141179%2nd April 202533100%26th February 2025201575%16th December 202411100%Total685682% Grant of Equity IncentivesPursuant to the Company's annual short term incentive compensation plan, the Board of Directors has authorized the grant of an aggregate 246,875 Restricted Stock Units to certain officers of the Company vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant, in accordance with the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.QP DisclosureDisclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Richard Nieminen, P.Geo, (QC), a geological consultant for Radisson and a Qualified Person for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Luke Evans, M.Sc., P.Eng., ing, of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., is the Qualified Person responsible for the preparation of the MRE at O'Brien. Each of Mr. Nieminen and Mr. Evans is independent of Radisson and the O'Brien Gold Project.About Radisson MiningRadisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100%-owned O'Brien Gold Project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Québec. A July 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment described a low-cost and high-value project with an 11-year mine life and significant upside potential based on the use of existing regional infrastructure. Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 0.58 million ounces (2.20 million tonnes at 8.2 g/t Au), with additional Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 0.93 million ounces (6.67 million tonnes at 4.4 g/t Au). Please see the NI 43-101 "O'Brien Gold Project Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Québec, Canada" effective June 27, 2025, and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedarplus.ca for further details and assumptions relating to the O'Brien Gold Project. For more information on Radisson, visit our website at www.radissonmining.com or contact:Matt MansonPresident and CEO416.618.5885mmanson@radissonmining.comKristina PillonManager, Investor Relations604.908.1695kpillon@radissonmining.comForward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements including, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the ability to execute the Company's plans relating to the O'Brien Gold Project as set out in the Preliminary Economic Assessment; the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the O'Brien Gold Project; the absence of unforeseen operational delays; the absence of material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render the O'Brien Gold Project profitable; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance its operations; the ability to realize on the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; assumptions regarding present and future business strategies; local and global geopolitical and economic conditions and the environment in which the Company operates and will operate in the future; planned and ongoing drilling; the significance of drill results; the ability to continue drilling; the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource; and the ability to incorporate new drilling in an updated technical report and resource modelling; the Company's ability to grow the O'Brien Gold Project; and the ability to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources.Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements Forward-looking information is based on estimates of management of the Company, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others; the risk that the O'Brien Gold Project will never reach the production stage (including due to a lack of financing); the Company's capital requirements and access to funding; changes in legislation, regulations and accounting standards to which the Company is subject, including environmental, health and safety standards, and the impact of such legislation, regulations and standards on the Company's activities; price volatility and availability of commodities; instability in the global financial system; the effects of high inflation, such as higher commodity prices; the risk of any future litigation against the Company; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks relating to the drill results at O'Brien; the significance of drill results; and the ability of drill results to accurately predict mineralization. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company believes that this forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.Please refer to the "Risks and Uncertainties Related to Exploration" and the "Risks Related to Financing and Development" sections of the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated April 29, 2025 for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated November 26, 2025 for the three month period ended September 30, 2025, all of which are available electronically on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.1 The Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding and non-exclusive and contains no specific terms around potential commercial arrangements between the parties. The O'Brien PEA has been completed independently by Radisson and establishes criteria for the development of O'Brien based on processing and tailings management at an off-site facility under a toll milling arrangement.Source: Radisson Mining Resources Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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CBL International Facilitates Xiaomo Port’s First LNG Bunkering for BYD in Shenzhen
KUALA LUMPUR, December 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – December 30, 2025, CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL), the listed entity of Banle Group, today announced that it has completed Xiaomo Port’s first-ever LNG bunkering operation, serving BYD in Shenzhen through a physical supplier, supporting BYD’s maritime decarbonization. The service was facilitated in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (“CNOOC”), which supported this inaugural bunkering at the port.This milestone strategically diversifies CBL’s revenue streams and expands its sustainable fuel offerings beyond its existing biofuels portfolio. Against the backdrop of the global shipping industry accelerating decarbonization, LNG serves as a mainstream marine clean energy source, capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% - with near-zero emissions of sulfur oxides and particulate matter- and lowering fuel costs by approximately 25%-30%. This initiative supports the maritime industry's transition toward cleaner energy solutions in line with regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and IMO 2030/2050 targets.“This is a strategic step in our journey to become a comprehensive marine energy services partner,” said Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and CEO of CBL International. “We are grateful to BYD and CNOOC for their trust and collaboration.”CBL International is a trusted bunkering services facilitator, serving nine of the world’s top twelve container liner companies. The company's expertise in coordinating complex fuel logistics transactions underscores its value proposition as a specialized service partner in the evolving maritime energy landscape.Photo Caption: CBL International Facilitates Xiaomo Port's First LNG Bunkering for BYD in Shenzhen.About the Banle GroupCBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistics company based in the Asia Pacific region that was established in 2015. We are committed to providing customers with a one-stop solution for vessel refueling, which is referred to as bunkering facilitator in the bunkering industry. We facilitate vessel refueling mainly through local physical suppliers in 65 major ports covering Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. The Group actively promotes the use of sustainable fuels and has been awarded the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications, as well as EcoVadis Silver Medal.For more information about our Company, please visit our website at: https://www.banle-intl.com. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Uni-Bio Science Joins Forces with WMU NERC and Ouhai District Government to Build Growth Factor Innovation Ecosystem and Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Strategy Layout
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 30/12/2025 / 17:36 UTC+8 [Hong Kong, December 30th, 2025] Uni-Bio Science Group Limited (“Uni-Bio Science Group”, “Uni-Bio” or “the Group”) is pleased to announce the official signing of a tripartite strategic cooperation agreement in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, with the National Engineering Research Center for Cell Growth Factor Drugs and Protein Formulations of Wenzhou Medical University (“WMU NERC”) and the People's Government of Ouhai District, Wenzhou. The parties also explored the subsequent co-establishment of the "Uni-Bio - WMU Joint Innovation Laboratory for Translational Medicine." This collaboration marks a key step for Uni-Bio in deeply integrating with a national-level research platform and a regional industrial ecosystem. Through a synergistic “government-university-enterprise” model, the three parties will focus on the core regenerative medicine field of growth factors to establish an end-to-end innovation system spanning basic research, clinical translation, and industrial application. This represents a milestone for the Group in consolidating its R&D pipeline and accelerating its strategic execution. （Photo: Strategic cooperation signing ceremony group photo） Focusing on Growth Factor Frontiers, Unleashing “1+1>2” Clinical and Market Potential Growth factors are key signaling molecules that regulate cell proliferation, migration, and tissue repair, representing some of the most transformative bioactive substances in regenerative medicine. Both EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) and FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) have demonstrated significant efficacy across major indications, including wound healing, ophthalmic diseases, and metabolic disorders, underscoring their substantial market potential. Uni-Bio possesses deep expertise in the EGF field, with its flagship products GeneTime® and GeneSoft® achieving large-scale production and nationwide commercial coverage. Concurrently, under the leadership of Academician Li Xiaokun, the WMU NERC has been a global pioneer in FGF drug R&D, having successfully translated several Class I New Drugs - including Recombinant Human Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor - and has accumulated substantial clinical data and authoritative expert consensus in trauma and metabolic diseases. Building on this foundation, the three parties will initiate collaborative research on combined EGF/FGF therapies for key areas, including burns, dermatology, and ophthalmology. The goal is to unlock powerful therapeutic synergies, develop superior combination products and advance delivery systems, set new treatment benchmarks, and establish a leadership position in shaping this multi-billion Yuan sector. Empowered by Academician Leadership & Platform, Creating a Fast Track from R&D to Production The WMU NERC is an independent legal entity established by Wenzhou Medical University based on the national-level platform, the National Engineering Research Center for Cell Growth Factor Drugs and Protein Preparations. It undertakes downstream functions including engineering technology research and development, transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and technical services. In synergistic collaboration with the National Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Drugs and Large-Scale Preparation, which focuses on upstream basic research, the Center has built a next-generation growth factor drug pipeline targeting multiple systems such as metabolism and dermatology. Through the ongoing research of Academician Li Xiaokun’s team, the Center has achieved internationally leading breakthroughs in key technologies, including long-acting Modification, targeted delivery, and aerosol inhalation. The planned "Uni-Bio – WMU Joint Innovation Laboratory for Translational Medicine" will conduct in-depth research into the synergistic mechanisms of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) in regulating metabolic homeostasis, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting tissue repair. It aims to develop novel compound formulations and drug delivery systems targeting conditions such as endocrine diseases represented by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), respiratory diseases represented by asthma, as well as bone tissue repair. These diseases affect a large global patient population, yet there remains a significant unmet clinical need for innovative therapies. Through this collaboration, it is expected to address treatment gaps in multiple specific indications, further unlocking clinical and commercial value in the broad chronic disease market. The "Government-University-Enterprise " Trinity, Systematically Strengthening Full-Chain Capabilities This collaboration extends beyond technological synergy to ecosystem co-development. The People's Government of Ouhai District, Wenzhou, is a key facilitator and supporter of this strategic cooperation, committed to building a first-class biomedical industry ecosystem. Its core platform, the "China Gene Valley," will provide comprehensive spatial support and specialized policy assistance for the cooperative projects across all stages – from R&D and pilot-scale testing to industrialization. For Uni-Bio, this tripartite cooperation delivers threefold empowerment: R&D Front: Direct access to the National Engineering Research Center’s source innovation and core technologies, elevating the starting point of R&D. Clinical Front: Collaboration with Wenzhou Medical University’s affiliated hospital network to accelerate clinical validation and indication expansion. Commercialization Front: Leveraging the advanced manufacturing capabilities and regional policy benefits of the China Gene Valley to ensure efficient project implementation and facilitate market access. This strategic partnership is a crucial step in the Group's pursuit of its vision "To Be the Global Leader in Regenerative Medicine, Redefining How Science Restores and Extends Human Life" Moving forward, the Group will continue to deepen collaborations with national scientific institutions and local governments, driving the translation of more cutting-edge research into clinical and market value. This will further consolidate and enhance its comprehensive competitiveness and leadership in regenerative medicine. End About Uni-Bio Science: Uni-Bio Science Group Limited is an innovative biopharmaceutical enterprise listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2001(Stock Code: 00690.HK). The Group is committed to powering the advancement of regenerative medicine with next-generation synthetic biology and complex peptide innovation. Focusing on four core research areas—muscular-skeletal regeneration, skin regeneration, ocular regeneration, and ENT regeneration—the Group has built a diversified product pipeline encompassing innovative biologics, high-value generic drugs, and medical aesthetics. The Group operates GMP-compliant production bases in Beijing, Dongguan, and Shenzhen, with fully integrated capabilities spanning R&D, manufacturing, and commercial sales. Uni-Bio Science Group is dedicated to becoming a global leader in regenerative medicine, redefining how science restores and extends human life. About the National Engineering Research Center for Cell Growth Factor Drugs and Protein Formulations of Wenzhou Medical University: The WMU NERC is an independent legal entity established by Wenzhou Medical University based on the national-level platform, the National Engineering Research Center for Cell Growth Factor Drugs and Protein Preparations. It undertakes downstream functions including engineering technology research and development, transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and technical services. Under the leadership of Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Li Xiaokun, the Center has long been engaged in foundational research and novel drug discovery for cell growth factor drugs, holding a globally leading position. It brings together top-tier scientific teams, undertakes major national science and technology projects, and has successfully developed a series of innovative FGF drugs with independent intellectual property rights. Through synergistic collaboration with the National Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Drugs and Large‑Scale Preparation, the Center forms a complete innovation chain from source discovery and key technological breakthroughs to industrial translation. As the important R&D engine of the China Gene Valley, it continuously promotes the incubation and translation of several original new drug candidates, including a long-acting FGF21 variant. About the People's Government of Ouhai District, Wenzhou: The People's Government of Ouhai District, Wenzhou, is a key facilitator and supporter of this strategic cooperation, committed to building a first-class biomedical industry ecosystem. Its core platform, the "China Gene Valley," will provide comprehensive spatial support and specialized policy assistance for the cooperative projects across all stages – from R&D and pilot-scale testing to industrialization. Through specialized industrial policies, "full-cycle escort" services, and clinical resource coordination, Ouhai District empowers the implementation and growth of innovation projects, serving as a vital driver for regional biomedical industry innovation and development. 30/12/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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GNMI (06616.HK) Won Two Awards in the 2025 ESG Value Rankings for Listed Companies for Investment Value and Leadership Influence
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 30/12/2025 / 16:10 UTC+8 On December 30, 2025, the Awarding Ceremony for the 2025 ESG Value Rankings for Listed Companies, jointly organized by the Global Commercial Newspapers Union, the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, and the Hong Kong Economic Herald, was held in Hong Kong. Over a hundred guests from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, industry associations, listed companies, and investment institutions attended the event. Mr. Dai Jie, Managing Director of Hong Kong Commercial Daily, and Mr. Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were present and delivered speeches. At the ceremony, the 2025 ESG Value Rankings for Listed Companies were announced. Global New Material International (or “GNMI”) (06616.HK) stood out among the participating companies for its outstanding practices and long-term value creation capabilities in the environment, social and governance (“ESG”) fields, thereby winning the “ESG Award for Outstanding Investment Value”; Chairman and CEO Dr. Su Ertian was granted the “Award for Outstanding Impact in ESG Leadership” for his visionary leadership in sustainable development. Winning two awards in the ESG Value Rankings, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in the new materials industryThemed “Rooted in Responsibility, Explore the Blue Ocean of Sustainable Value”, the 2025 ESG Value Rankings for Listed Companies focused on the outstanding practices of enterprises in the ESG fields, selecting outstanding enterprises and individuals who have embraced the concept of responsible development as a strategic “ballast” and an action “guiding star”. It is aimed to help enterprises build long-term competitive edges with outstanding ESG practices, navigate through cyclical fluctuations, and sail towards a broader blue ocean of sustainable value. The annual ESG Value Rankings for Listed Companies adopted an evaluation system with six key elements—strategic governance, environmental friendliness, social responsibility, value co-creation, innovation leadership, and sustainable development. Based on recommendations from the organizing committee and sponsoring institutions, scores were calculated using both objective and subjective indicators provided by shortlisted companies and professional consulting firms. Combining rigorous data analysis, company surveys, and scientific evaluation indicators, the rankings comprehensively assessed companies’ overall performance in areas such as ESG strategy integration, green technology application, achievement of emission reduction targets, promotion of social inclusion, and governance transparency. Following preliminary review of applications, data collection and research, evaluation by an expert advisory panel, and final selection by the organizing committee, the list of winners for the 2025 ESG Value Rankings for Listed Companies was finalized. GNMI (06616.HK) won two of the awards, which not only represented high praise for its deeply integrating ESG principles into core strategic operations, but also signified the capital market’s recognition of its comprehensive implementation of the ESG green development concept and its firm confidence in its inherent long-term investment value. A new pattern of sustainable growth driven by ESG initiatives As a global new materials technology platform enterprise, GNMI's core business encompasses pearlescent pigments, synthetic mica, high-end flake alumina, premium industrial functional materials, and surface-active materials. Its products are widely applied in automotive manufacturing, coatings, cosmetics, new energy, electronics, and electrical appliances. The company holds a leading global position in multiple specialized segments including pearlescent pigments, synthetic mica, and surface-active materials. In the context of global sustainable development, green manufacturing has become an inevitable choice for business development. GNMI has always adhered to the environmental philosophy of “Green Manufacturing and Eco-Enterprise”, deeply integrating the concept of high-quality, green and sustainable development into its development strategy, and actively practicing the concepts of energy conservation, emission reduction, recycling, and green development. The company saves energy at the source, controls waste in the production process, and reduces pollution at the end, striving to achieve harmless raw materials, clean production, resource utilization of waste, and low-carbon energy. The company’s environmental friendliness in its products and processes, as well as its fulfillment of social responsibility, directly impact the green transformation of downstream industries and the health and safety of end consumers. For many years, the company has built an ESG governance structure directly overseen by the board of directors, fully integrating ESG goals with R&D innovation, production operations, supply chain management, and customer service to ensure that the concept of sustainable development is adopted in every aspect of value creation. As the participating unit of the strategic emerging materials - synthetic mica project, “Strong Industrial Foundation Project”, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in the PRC, GNMI has mastered the world’s leading and core technology for the production of pearlescent materials and synthetic mica. As of June 30, 2025, the company had 156 core patents, and more than 2,000 standard products were exported to over 150 countries and regions globally. Guangxi Chesir Pearl Material Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the company, has been accredited as a “National Green Factory” by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the PRC and a “National Intellectual Property Superior Enterprise”; and CQV, a subsidiary of the company in South Korea, has received the Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for quite a few years in a row, acknowledging its excellence in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, thereby setting a benchmark for the industry. With the accelerated advancement of high-end production capacity layout upstream and downstream, a number of major projects have been successfully implemented. The Phase 2 Pearlescent Material Plant of Chesir Pearl has been gradually put into operation. This green production base was built by adopting globally advanced technology and the highest environmental standards. Equipped with advanced production management platform data center, it has achieved intensified, process-oriented, standardized and intelligent management. In addition, the synthetic mica project in Tonglu, Hangzhou, has entered the equipment installation phase. Leading a green revolution in the new materials industry through key technology upgradesAgainst the backdrop of global carbon neutrality goals and growing consumer awareness of environmental protection, green, safe, and traceable raw materials have become a rigid demand for downstream manufacturing industries. In particular, being “low-carbon and environmentally friendly” has become a key development trend in the pearlescent materials industry. The company holds core patents for synthetic mica manufacturing and is currently the only enterprise in the world to achieve full-category industrialization of mid- and high-end pearlescent materials such as high-performance synthetic mica-based products, flake aluminum oxide-based products, pearlescent flake-based products, and silicon dioxide-based products. It addresses the “bottleneck” challenges of depleted natural mica resources and reliance on imported high-end mica. On July 31, 2025, GNMI added another well-known brand to its portfolio by acquiring Merck’s Surface Solutions Business (SUSONITY) with €665 million. The company’s main business lines have expanded from pearlescent materials to cosmetic active materials and high-end industrial functional materials. Currently, SUSONITY maintains over 15-year partnerships with its top 10 clients, including top international clients in automobile and cosmetics industries, some of which with collaborations exceeding 30 years. This demonstrates profound brand credibility which ensures a stable presence in high-end markets. SUSONITY’s production bases in Germany, Japan and USA, combined with CHESIR and CQV manufacturing factories in China and South Korea respectively, have formed a globally integrated production network. Through acquiring SUSONITY, GNMI has obtained Merck’s global patent portfolio, proprietary formula library, and key R&D platforms in Europe, Japan and USA in the related fields. This breakthrough fully integrates the technology chain for high-end surface materials, establishing end-to-end R&D, production and commercialization capabilities from raw material development to end-use application innovation. Moving forward, the company will further integrate the worldwide sales network, broaden market coverage, enrich the product portfolio, optimize the global supply chain, and enhance the R&D capabilities. SUSONITY actively promotes responsible sourcing, running schemes of announced and un-announced audits of mines and processors, all to ensure optimal transparency in the supply chain. Meanwhile, it prioritizes sourcing programs that anticipate evolving legislation and align with the company values, and actively engages in partnerships that promote sustainable practices, improve processes and harmonize behaviors. As a co-founder of the Responsible Mica Initiative (“RMI”), the company supports the sustainable sourcing of natural mica in its supply chain. It subscribes to the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact (“UNGC”) and has incorporated these in its internal guidelines for good behaviors and practices. Rooted in responsibility, sailing towards a broader blue ocean of sustainable valueAccording to Dr. Su Ertian, the company’s leader, in an era of deep integration between technology and industry, new materials are becoming a key driving force for global sustainable development. As a pioneer in this field, GNMI is committed to empowering various industries with innovative materials and technologies and helping to build a greener, smarter, and lower-carbon future. As the chief architect of the company’s ESG strategy, and also the most active implementer and promoter of the ESG concept, Dr. Su Ertian led the relevant R&D program and invested R&D resources to promote breakthroughs in low-carbon and environmentally friendly pearlescent materials and synthetic mica technologies, ensuring that the company’s products always stay at the forefront of the industry’s green upgrades. “Rooted in Responsibility, Explore the Blue Ocean of Sustainable Value”. For GNMI, these awards represent a milestone and a new starting point. Under the leadership of Dr. Su Ertian, the company is actively leading the transformation and upgrading and the reshaping of the value chain of the global new materials industry, and is committed to creating long-term, shared, and outstanding value for shareholders, employees, customers, and the community, as it embraces the vast blue ocean of high-quality development. 30/12/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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The Coziest RPG Ever Made Has Just Been Quietly Added to Nintendo Switch 2
ConcernedApeIt's not hard to understand why cozy games have become so well - liked. As people more and more desire an escape from the real world, these games offer the chance to live an ideal virtual life. Nowadays, cozy games seem to be everywhere, but there's one particular game mainly responsible for this trend: Stardew Valley. Since its release, no other game has been able to reach the same level of coziness, and it has only improved due to a large amount of [missing content]. It's difficult to think of anything that could ever compete with Stardew Valley — it's simply one of the greatest games ever created. And if you haven't played it yet, the new [missing content] is the perfect opportunity to start.First launched in 2016, Stardew Valley has a setup similar to what you'd expect from a farming simulator like Harvest Moon. After your grandfather passes away, you inherit a run - down farm just outside Pelican Town. Your character moves there, hoping to start a new life, and works to restore the dilapidated farm while getting acquainted with the town's eccentric residents.Stardew’s beautiful pixel art and relaxing soundtrack contribute to its cozy and laid - back style. | ConcernedApeWhat makes Stardew Valley so excellent is the unlimited freedom it gives. It provides a framework to guide players, but eliminates any pressure or time limits. In doing this, Stardew strikes a perfect balance between the open - ended gameplay of Animal Crossing and the story - driven elements of Harvest Moon. There's no correct way to play Stardew Valley because the game encourages you to get what you want from the experience. If you want to manage your farm with extreme efficiency to get the highest yield possible, you can do it. If you prefer to focus on building relationships with the townspeople and getting married, you can do that too. And if you only care about decorating your house and creating an ideal living space, that's okay as well. Every aspect of Stardew Valley feels well - developed and worth it, and there's no obligation to complete tasks or follow specific storylines. You can approach the game according to your own preferences, and Stardew has a smart progression system to support this, allowing you to improve your skills in mining, farming, foraging, fishing, and combat.There are large parts of the game, like the monster - filled mines, that you can avoid if you wish. | ConcernedApeThere are also some clever features that make everything you do meaningful both in terms of the story and the game mechanics. Building a relationship with the charming non - player characters (NPCs) and getting married is a pleasant experience, and it also means your new spouse moves into your house and can assist with daily tasks. Opening and investing in the Community Center unlocks a wide range of new gameplay features, including a greenhouse where you can grow crops all year round and mine carts for quick travel. Everything you do in Stardew Valley seems to reward you in some way, and different playstyles can make each playthrough unique, which is why it's easy to spend hundreds of hours on the game. Beyond all the main features, Stardew Valley has dozens of small details and discoveries that make the world even more charming. You might find a mouse in an abandoned house who is willing to sell you hats. Or there's the cute bear in the woods that keeps asking you for food and will do you a favor if you keep feeding it. Maybe you're more interested in weapons and want to uncover the secret of the legendary Galaxy Sword. Stardew Valley is full of little secrets. | ConcernedApeThere are simply an incredibly large number of things to discover and do in Stardew Valley, and it's a great achievement that the game still feels fresh even after countless hours of play. If Stardew Valley is about anything, it's the pure joy of experimentation and discovery. It's one of the most refreshing video - game experiences because it's so fun and heartwarming. This is a game that has something for everyone, and if you're looking to fill your new Switch 2 with games, it can keep you engaged for a very long time.Stardew Valley is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, and PC.
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After Two Decades, A Misjudged Marvel Hero May Finally Receive His Due
Kerry Hayes/20th Century Fox/Kobal/ShutterstockFor dedicated Marvel fans who have been following leaked trailers for , a particular mutant's return is generating significant buzz in the MCU.According to a leaked trailer and reports from multiple sources, including , the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday trailer will likely showcase James Marsden reprising his role as Cyclops. While Mardsen's return was previously confirmed, the integration of the Fox X-Men universe into the MCU remains unclear. The leaked footage reportedly shows Cyclops wearing his classic blue and yellow costume for the first time.Throughout the X-Men films, Marsden's portrayal of Scott Summers cast him as the "serious guy" counterpoint to Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) "cool guy" persona. In X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Cyclops was abruptly killed off, seemingly penalizing the character for his stern disposition. The upcoming trailer scene appears to mirror the iconic opening sequence featuring Cyclops firing his optic blast skyward, potentially hinting at a reimagined version of the hero.Cyclops (James Marsden) lets out his optic blast in X-Men (2000). | Getty Images/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesBeyond his depiction in live-action films, Scott Summers represents more than a mutant with optic blasts who resents Wolverine's advances on Jean Grey. Across most X-Men iterations, he serves as the team's natural leader and emotional core—a characterization that animated series have captured effectively while live-action adaptations have struggled to convey.Now that Cyclops is rejoining the Marvel cinematic universe—likely as a variant—the character could return twenty years after his death in The Last Stand. While Marsden's performance wasn't the issue, the films consistently restricted the character's depth and appeal. Will Doomsday finally deliver the Cyclops fans have long desired? Perhaps a costume update and two decades of anticipation will prove sufficient.Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026.
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USAS Building System Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange: A Top-Three Industrial Prefabricated Steel Structure Solution Provider Enters a New Phase in the Capital Markets
HONG KONG, December 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – On 30 December, USAS Building System (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (the “Company” or “USAS”) was officially listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, marking the completion of an important step in the Company’s entry into the international capital markets and the commencement of a new development phase as a publicly listed company accessible to public investors.The successful listing represents not only a key milestone in the development history of USAS, but also brings the industrial prefabricated steel structure segment—long serving the manufacturing sector—into clearer view of the capital markets through a more representative business profile.As a prefabricated steel structure building solution provider focused on the industrial sector, USAS addresses the construction needs of manufacturing plants and industrial projects by offering integrated subcontracting services covering design optimisation, procurement, manufacturing and on-site installation. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, by revenue in 2024, the Company ranked third in China’s industrial prefabricated steel structure building market.A Stable Operating Scale Provides a Foundation After ListingFrom an operating perspective, USAS has established a relatively stable business scale. As disclosed in the prospectus, from 2022 to 2024, the Company recorded revenue of approximately RMB1,903 million, RMB1,453 million and RMB1,523 million, respectively, maintaining an overall scale at the level of over RMB1 billion. Among these, prefabricated steel structure building subcontracting services have consistently been the core source of revenue. In 2024, revenue from this business amounted to approximately RMB1,241 million, accounting for 81.5% of total revenue, demonstrating the Company’s high level of focus on its core industrial prefabricated steel structure business.Against the backdrop of pronounced project-based business characteristics, the Company’s profitability structure has also remained relatively stable. From 2022 to 2024, USAS recorded overall gross profit margins of 12.7%, 14.8% and 12.5%, respectively, while the gross profit margin of the core subcontracting business remained within the 13%–15% range over the long term, reflecting a relatively mature operating system in project management, cost control and delivery capability. At the same time, the prospectus shows that the Company’s operating cash flow performance has remained stable, with sound liquidity, providing the necessary financial support for the continued advancement of its business and the execution of projects.Clear Long-Term Logic for Industrial Buildings, with Overseas Business as an Incremental SupplementFrom an industry perspective, industrial prefabricated steel structure buildings primarily serve manufacturing plants and industrial projects, and their demand is highly correlated with the manufacturing investment cycle. As manufacturing develops toward higher-end, larger-scale and more intensive operations, industrial projects increasingly require higher construction efficiency, structural safety and system integration capabilities, giving prefabricated steel structures a clear industrial rationale for application in industrial buildings.While continuing to deepen its presence in the domestic industrial market, USAS has also gradually expanded its related overseas business. The prospectus discloses that revenue from the Company’s industrial environmental equipment business is mainly derived from overseas markets. Revenue from this segment increased from approximately RMB31.82 million in 2022 to approximately RMB100 million in 2024, with the gross profit margin rising to 18.9% over the same period. The relevant business has covered multiple overseas markets and has obtained certifications in China, the United States, Europe and Canada, laying a foundation for the Company’s cross-regional project execution and overseas expansion.Using the Hong Kong Listing as a New Starting Point to Advance Long-Term Industrial Building DeploymentFollowing the completion of its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, USAS has formally entered the public capital market system. In line with the development directions disclosed in the prospectus, the Company will continue to deepen its presence in the industrial building sector in the future. While consolidating its core prefabricated steel structure business, the Company will promote synergies among different business segments and steadily advance its overseas market expansion.Against the backdrop of manufacturing investment cycles, industrial building upgrades and the gradual release of overseas demand, USAS has built a verifiable business foundation through years of project accumulation, a stable revenue scale and a gradually taking-shape overseas footprint. With the listing platform now in place, the Company’s operational capabilities and development path in the industrial prefabricated steel structure segment are expected to continue advancing under conditions of higher transparency and broader market participation. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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HEYTEA Partners with POP MART’s Twinkle Twinkle for First Global Simultaneous Launch
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 30/12/2025 / 10:08 UTC+8 Starting December 22, HEYTEA and POP MART’s popular IP Twinkle Twinkle officially launched their global co-branded campaign across HEYTEA stores worldwide. Timed to the Christmas and New Year season, the collaboration is built around the theme “Twinkle Twinkle for Winter.” Centered on the warm and comforting Twinkle Twinkle characters, the campaign introduces a multi-dimensional experience that includes custom character designs, co-branded drinks, themed merchandise, themed stores, and the Inspiration Bus pop-up activation.This marks HEYTEA’s first globally synchronized co-branded launch. Even before the official rollout, the partnership generated strong attention across social platforms. With the campaign spanning Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, as well as more than 100 HEYTEA stores across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other overseas markets, the collaboration brings a shared winter moment to cities around the world.Beyond its festive appeal, the campaign offers a glimpse into HEYTEA’s approach to international markets. While character-led collaborations help create seasonal resonance, HEYTEA’s broader focus lies in building meaningful, locally grounded brand experiences that feel relevant in different cultural contexts.Localized campaigns, shaped by local cultureAcross overseas markets, HEYTEA has consistently used collaborations and pop-up activations as a way to connect with younger audiences and spark cultural conversation. Over the past year, the brand has partnered with names spanning fashion, art, and entertainment, including alexanderwang, Sandy Liang, Wicked, and Yayoi Kusama. Each collaboration is paired with limited products and immersive offline experiences, encouraging consumers to engage, explore, and share.Rather than applying a single formula across regions, HEYTEA selects creative partners with strong local or cultural relevance, develops visually distinctive concepts, and designs in-store experiences that naturally translate into social moments. This approach allows the brand to build local presence while maintaining a coherent global identity rooted in inspiration and creativity. Product creativity as a shared languageProduct creation remains central to how HEYTEA expresses its brand globally. As the originator of “new-style tea,” the brand views innovation as a way to continuously reinterpret tea culture for contemporary consumers, both in China and overseas.Internationally, HEYTEA has introduced more than 20 localized drinks designed to reflect regional taste preferences while staying true to the brand’s emphasis on natural ingredients and modern tea aesthetics. Examples include Cloud Coconut Blue, Cloud Longjing Tea Latte, and Ocean’s Glow, which incorporate lighter flavor profiles, lower sugar options, and plant-forward elements to better align with local expectations.This philosophy is reflected in the Twinkle Twinkle collaboration itself. Alongside HEYTEA’s globally available classics, the campaign introduces two exclusive drinks, Tiramisu Milk Tea and Tiramisu Rich Chocolate, marking the brand’s first globally synchronized seasonal product release. For HEYTEA, seasonal storytelling is less about promotion and more about creating moments of comfort, warmth, and shared experience across markets.The U.S. as a key stage for cultural connectionThe United States continues to play an important role in HEYTEA’s overseas presence. Since opening its first U.S. store at the end of 2023, the brand has expanded into cities including New York, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Houston, Seattle, and Boston. HEYTEA now operates 36 stores across the country.For HEYTEA, the appeal of the U.S. lies not only in market scale, but also in its openness to new tastes and ideas. The brand sees tea as a cultural medium, one that can create connection through shared sensory experiences. This perspective has shaped both store design and product development, encouraging exploration rather than simple adaptation.In New York’s Times Square, HEYTEA opened its overseas flagship TEA LAB store, a space designed to reinterpret Chinese tea culture through an inspiration-driven lens. Featuring exclusive drinks and a carefully curated environment, the flagship serves as a creative showcase for how tea can be experienced in a modern, global city.Supporting experiences behind the scenesAs HEYTEA expands internationally, it continues to refine the systems that support consistent experiences across markets. The brand has extended its HEYTEA GO digital platform overseas and introduced a self-operated delivery model in the U.S., helping ensure a more seamless and reliable customer journey. These behind-the-scenes capabilities allow HEYTEA to focus on what consumers see and feel, while maintaining quality and coherence across regions. About HEYTEAFounded in 2012 in Jiangmen, Guangdong, China, HEYTEA is widely recognized as the originator of new-style tea beverages. The brand created the world’s first cheese tea using real tea and real milk, setting a new standard for the industry. HEYTEA is committed to using real ingredients, including real tea, real milk, real fruit, and real sugar, while continuously reimagining tea culture through products and experiences that resonate with young consumers. Today, HEYTEA operates around 4,000 stores worldwide, including more than 100 overseas locations across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.Company Name: HEYTEA Media Contact: Matthew Zhou Email（邮箱）: zhouhaoge@heytea.com Website（官网）: www.heytea.com 30/12/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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Hamas Confirms Death of Five Leaders, Including Its Masked Spokesperson, in Major Blow to the Terror Group
Hamas has officially confirmed the deaths of five senior leaders, a development marking one of the most significant blows to the terror organization since the start of the Gaza war, according to reports. In a Monday statement from the group’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas announced that Mohammed al-Sinwar—brother of former Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar—was killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza, according to the . Al-Sinwar had risen to a senior role within the organization and was widely viewed as a key figure in Hamas’ wartime command following the deaths of other top commanders. The Israeli military also stated in May that he was killed in an airstrike targeting a Hamas command center beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. Hamas did not immediately specify the exact date of his death but acknowledged he had been killed earlier this year. Hamas also confirmed the death of Abu Obeida, the longtime masked spokesperson of the al-Qassam Brigades who became the public face of the group’s military wing during the war, per . In its announcement, Hamas revealed for the first time that his real name was Hudhayfa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout. According to Israeli statements, Abu Obeida was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City in late August. While Israel had previously announced his death, Monday’s statement marked the first official confirmation by Hamas itself. Among the other senior figures confirmed dead was Raed Saad, a high-ranking commander within the al-Qassam Brigades, the reported. Israel announced on Dec. 13 that Saad had been killed in a targeted strike after months of tracking his movements through Gaza’s tunnel network. Israeli security officials described Saad as one of the key figures behind the , 2023, attack where around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage. Hamas also acknowledged the deaths of Mohammed Shabanah, head of its Rafah Brigade, and Hakam al-Issa, a veteran commander and one of the founders of the al-Qassam Brigades. Israel reported that both men were killed in separate incidents earlier this year, with al-Issa dying during attacks on the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. The confirmations came despite a ceasefire that took effect in October. Speaking Monday after meeting the Israeli Prime Minister at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, President Trump also warned that Hamas must disarm soon or face severe consequences. "They’re going to be given a very short period of time to disarm," Trump said. The president added that the next phase of the Gaza peace plan could move forward quickly if Hamas lays down its weapons.
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by: nicole
Amid nationwide unrest, Iranian protesters clash with security forces as tear gas fills Tehran’s streets
On Monday, demonstrators faced off against security forces in Tehran and Mashhad, with authorities using tear gas amid strikes and street clashes, per multiple reports.The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group, stated that a large crowd of protesters marched down Jomhouri (Republic) Street in Tehran before moving to adjacent areas like Naser Khosrow Street and Istanbul Square.Central districts of Tehran became conflict hotspots as protesters and regime-aligned security forces engaged in repeated street clashes near major government and commercial zones.Witness accounts from the scene indicate police units fired tear gas and wielded batons to disperse crowds in the city center.Protesters responded with chants of "Shameless! Shameless!" and pushed back, forcing security forces to withdraw from several locations.Merchant-led strikes and protests continued across Iran, with shops closed in key commercial hubs including Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, Lalehzar Street, Naser Khosrow Street, and Istanbul Square. Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans calling for the ruling clerics’ downfall and demanding the leadership step aside.Online-circulated videos showed protesters inside a major shopping complex in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar chanting "Have no fear, we are all together" while hurling insults at security forces and labeling them shameless.Additional footage from Tehran’s bazaar areas captured crowds chanting "Death to the dictator," urging merchants to shut their shops, and demanding President Masoud Pezeshkian resign—with voices in the videos noting businesses had closed in protest.Other video clips documented demonstrations across various parts of Tehran, including scenes of protesters attacking and vandalizing the car of a regime-aligned cleric.Another video featured an Iran International reporter providing subtitled commentary on protest scenes, describing clashes between demonstrators and security forces as unrest spread through the capital.By Monday afternoon, the unrest had reached the northeastern city of Mashhad, where demonstrators gathered in central squares and clashed with baton-wielding riot police. Protesters pushed back as confrontations escalated.Fars News Agency, run by the IRGC, reported: "Eyewitnesses told Fars that among a crowd of roughly 200 people, small groups of 5 to 10 individuals chanted slogans going beyond economic demands."The report continued: "Concurrent with these gatherings, Maryam Rajavi called for the formation of a ‘chain of protests.’ An informed source at the Ministry of Intelligence said this pattern aligned with what it termed an effort to turn economic grievances into political instability."Iran International also covered the protests, noting that [someone] said on Monday he had instructed his interior minister to open talks with protest representatives—marking his first official response to the unrest.The protests, which extended into the night, drew international attention. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted a video on X urging protesters to rise up."The Iranian people have a glorious past, and they can have an even more glorious future," Bennett said. "That future depends on every one of you."Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also weighed in, saying it was no surprise Iranians are taking to the streets amid a collapsing economy he blamed on the regime’s extremism and corruption."It’s no surprise that the people of Iran are taking to the streets to [missing action]," Pompeo said. "The Iranian regime has ruined what should be a vibrant and prosperous country with its extremism and corruption.""The people of Iran deserve a representative government that serves their interests—not those of the mullahs and their cronies," he added.Earlier in the day, the NCRI alleged that IRGC-linked security forces were placed on heightened alert in Tehran, with additional units on standby in nearby provinces. These claims could not be independently verified.In a statement, Maryam Rajavi, NCRI president-elect, said the protests reflected public anger over high prices, inflation, and political repression, and called on Iranians to support striking merchants.The Iranian rial has hit a new record low against the U.S. dollar. Official data show year-on-year [missing figure] in December, while average annual inflation stood at 42.2%.Online videos depict chants against government officials and growing frustration among merchants—a group traditionally viewed as a key pillar of regime support.Efrat Lachter of Digital contributed to this report.
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by: nicole
‘Only Trump can stop Russia’: Millions face freezing winter, warns Ukraine energy executive
Ukraine’s leading energy executive has warned that Russian attacks on the country’s power grid will persist unless President Trump intervenes, with millions facing the threat of a winter without heat or electricity.DTEK’s Maxim Timchenko made his remarks as Ukraine prepared for additional on energy infrastructure, one day after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the third time in an effort to end the nearly four-year war.“Yesterday’s meeting gave us fresh hope. But our job isn’t to rely on hope alone — it’s to keep doing what we’ve done for four years: addressing urgent challenges and fighting every day,” Timchenko told Digital.“We are extremely thankful to President Trump for his leadership. We believe he and his team are the only ones capable of pressuring Russia to negotiate and end the war, alongside the support of our European Union partners and other nations,” the DTEK chief executive stated.Founded by Ukrainian entrepreneur Rinat Akhmetov, DTEK is and a cornerstone of the country’s power grid.Prior to Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion, the company ran eight thermal power plants. Three were subsequently seized by Russian troops.“Today, we operate , and every one of them has been targeted at least five times since the full-scale invasion began,” Timchenko confirmed.He characterized the damage as unprecedented. “The scale of destruction is unlike any energy system globally. Nothing like this has occurred in modern times,” he noted.At one stage, he said, almost all of DTEK’s power generation capacity was damaged or destroyed, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.“And I can state that at one point, 90% of our generation capacity was either damaged or destroyed,” he elaborated.“Because of this destruction, we’ve incurred hundreds of millions in direct damages — and that’s not even accounting for lost revenue. For 2025 alone, our recovery budget was approximately $220 million, but since the start of the full-scale invasion, it’s been hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars,” Timchenko said.Despite the destruction and losses endured, his company has repeatedly reconnected power to .“Since 2022, we’ve succeeded in reconnecting over 30 million households and customers,” Timchenko said. “We’re fighting, and we’re quick.”“The past two years have been extraordinarily tough. Attacks have grown so frequent that we operate in crisis mode every day — our equipment is destroyed, power plants are damaged, and our only focus is restoring power as quickly as possible,” Timchenko said.He also noted that recovery efforts involve restarting gas drilling, proceeding with construction of Eastern Europe’s largest wind farm, and partnering with U.S. firm Fluence to build a major battery storage system.In Odesa, for instance, roughly 600,000 people have been impacted by outages, with some neighborhoods going without power for multiple days.But arrived on Dec. 26, when and surrounding areas, leaving over 1 million people without electricity amid freezing temperatures.“People have adapted to living without essentials like electricity,” Timchenko said.“In Kyiv, temperatures were minus 10 degrees Celsius, and because of this attack, we had no water, no heat — and obviously, no electricity,” he said.“They hit us with ballistic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and other munitions, followed by 500 drones and additional missile types,” he added.Looking to the future, Timchenko emphasized Ukraine’s need for ongoing support.“The energy system is the heart of this struggle. Modern life is impossible without electricity. We require sustained global support,” he concluded.
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by: nicole
George Clooney leaves Hollywood culture behind for France, obtains citizenship with wife and twins
Actor George Clooney, alongside his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney and their two children, have become . Per a naturalization decree, the couple and their 8-year-old twins—Ella and Alexander—have been granted citizenship. In October, the Oscar-winning actor and director noted that he and his wife have been residing in France with their kids after relocating the family to escape Hollywood’s culture. In a chat with Esquire, 64-year-old Clooney opened up about his life in France and shared the reason behind moving his family to the countryside. "You know, we live on a . A big part of my childhood was spent on a farm, and as a kid I couldn’t stand the whole thing. But now, for them—it’s like, they aren’t glued to their iPads, right? They eat dinner with adults and have to clear their plates. Their life is way better." "I was concerned about bringing up our kids in L.A., within that culture. I thought they’d never get a fair shot at life," he added. Aside from their family home in France, George is said to own an estate in England, a villa on Italy’s Lake Como, and another property close to his relatives in Kentucky, per People. Digital has gotten in touch with Clooney’s representatives to request a comment. In his Esquire interview, Clooney discussed living in France, far from Hollywood’s glitz. "France—they pretty much don’t care about fame," he stated. "I don’t want them walking around stressing about paparazzi. I don’t want them to be compared to other famous people’s kids."
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by: jenn
Three Decades Later, Terry Gilliam’s Sci-Fi Masterpiece Remains Unmatched
Polygram/Kobal/ShutterstockLong before River Song, there was 12 Monkeys. The 1995 sci-fi thriller is renowned for its grim vision of the future and its stubbornly deterministic theme that one likely cannot escape their fate. While Jay Gatsby believed the past is unrepeatable, Terry Gilliam's time-travel film argues that it is also unchangeable.Gilliam's distinctive movie 12 Monkeys was released in theaters three decades ago, on December 29, 1995. In the years since, it has become a cult classic and even inspired an excellent, though significantly different, television series. But if we approach the film as if for the first time, what do we discover? Essentially, if you look past the now-common time-travel paradoxes, the movie's heart is profoundly humanistic and intensely romantic.For those needing a refresher, the plot of 12 Monkeys is deceptively simple: After a devastating global pandemic in the future, a convict named James Cole (Bruce Willis) is dispatched from 2035 to the past to collect information on the virus, aiming to help develop a vaccine. As expected in a time-travel story, the mission goes awry, and Cole finds himself briefly in World War I and in 1990 before arriving at his intended destination of 1996.During his journey, he encounters and falls for a psychiatrist, Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe). Initially, she diagnoses him as mentally ill, and in 1990 he is institutionalized alongside the certifiable lunatic Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt). While Pitt's wildly exaggerated performance as Goines received much attention upon release, the film's true genius, in hindsight, is the chemistry between Stowe and Willis. A relationship that starts as a hostage scenario, reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar’s Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, evolves into a tender and surprisingly credible connection.Madeleine Stowe’s return to 12 Monkeys in 2016. | SYFY/NBCUniversal/Getty ImagesAfter realizing his sole desire is to remain in the past, Cole tries around the film's midpoint to persuade Railly that he is crazy and to convince himself that the impending global disaster is not real. Analyses of 12 Monkeys frequently highlight Cole's fragmented perception of reality and potential hallucinations. However, a fresh viewing reveals the film is surprisingly direct: a heartsick time traveler decides he despises his own era and frantically searches for a way to remain in 1996 with the woman he loves.When the television adaptation was developed, Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett embraced the love story concept from 12 Monkeys and expanded upon it. Although Gilliam may not have endorsed this modern interpretation, both the film and the series share tragic romantic elements.Rewatching the original film, especially with the knowledge that Madeleine Stowe guest stars in Season 2 of the 12 Monkeys TV show, enhances its legacy. This is because every version of 12 Monkeys is fundamentally about Cole and Railly.The on-screen electricity between Willis and Stowe is so potent it sparks curiosity about whether they could have starred in a romantic comedy together. A prime example is one of the film's most humorous scenes, which takes place after Cole retrieves Railly from a car trunk, having failed to get answers from Goines at an upscale party. As Cole prepares to time travel, they argue about his misplaced handgun. Amidst this, he mentions attending the party, to which she responds with disbelief: “You went to a PARTY?” In a time when predestination paradoxes are standard, it is these human moments that showcase the true brilliance of 12 Monkeys.Terry Gilliam directing Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis in 12 Monkeys. | Phillip Caruso/Polygram/Kobal/ShutterstockThe film also cleverly uses the art of cinema to comment on memory and human experience. While watching Hitchcock's Vertigo and The Birds in a theater, Cole observes: “It’s just like what’s happening to us... like the past... the movie never changes... It can’t change, but every time you see it, it seems different, because you’re different.”This idea effectively protects 12 Monkeys from ever becoming obsolete. It is a film about eternal themes like fate and love. Each viewing offers a new perspective, transforming this tragic romance into something strangely uplifting.12 Monkeys (1995) is available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other platforms.
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by: nicole
Trump vows to ‘knock the hell out of’ Iran if its nuclear program is rebuilt again following high-stakes meeting
The President stated on Monday that the United States and Israel have already dismantled Iran’s nuclear program and cautioned that Tehran would encounter fresh military action if it tries to reconstruct it, as new reports claim the regime is developing chemical and biological warheads for its ballistic missiles.During a speech at Mar-a-Lago alongside Israeli Prime Minister, Trump delivered a direct warning to Tehran regarding its nuclear and missile aspirations."Now I’m hearing that Iran is trying to rebuild, and if they are, we’ll have to take them down," Trump remarked. "We’ll thoroughly defeat them." He further noted that Iran would be "far wiser" to seek a deal.Trump presented Iran’s defeat as crucial to regional stability, asserting that combined U.S.-Israeli military operations had fundamentally changed the."We just achieved a victory," he stated. "If we hadn’t defeated Iran, there wouldn’t have been peace in the Middle East. We eliminated it."When asked if he would back additional Israeli military action should Iran continue progressing with its missile or nuclear programs, Trump answered positively. "If they keep going with the missiles — yes," he said. "The nuclear — definitely."The Trump-Netanyahu meeting occurred as the currency has reached all-time lows, and Tehran shopkeepers have held strikes due to skyrocketing inflation and a failing economy.When queried about supporting the overthrow of Iran’s regime, Trump dismissed the notion while highlighting internal unrest."I won’t discuss regime overthrow," he stated. "But they’re facing severe inflation. Their economy is in ruins." Trump further mentioned that with lethal force by Iranian authorities.These comments came after a Sunday report by Iran International claiming that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is speeding up work on non-conventional missile payloads, including chemical and biological ones, citing anonymous military and security sources.Iran denies seeking chemical or biological weapons and insists its missile program is defensive. Tehran ratified the in 1997, and analysts note the reported developments align with a broader trend."The ability of Tehran’s ballistic missiles to carry non-conventional payloads is not a new development," said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.Taleblu referenced Iran’s recent military conduct. "What should highlight the chemical threat is Tehran’s use of cluster munition warheads during the 12-day war," he noted. "These warheads can readily carry poison gas canisters. In essence, the conflict served as a rehearsal for a possible chemical attack."He further noted that Iran’s history increases concern, citing Tehran’s prior use of chemical agents during the 1980s Iran-Iraq War and its transfer of such weapons to Libya.Later that day, in a press conference following the meeting with Netanyahu, Trump reiterated his threats to Iran, cautioning that the United States would act quickly if Tehran tries to rebuild its weapons programs."Regarding Iran, I hope they aren’t trying to rebuild, because if they are, we’ll have no option but to rapidly eliminate that reconstruction," Trump stated. He added that he has been reading reports indicating Iran is "building up weapons and other items," potentially at "different sites" from those the U.S. previously "destroyed."When reporters asked about the risk of another conflict with Iran, Trump stated the information "hasn’t been confirmed," but warned that "the consequences will be very severe," possibly "more severe than the last time," if the reports are accurate. He also mentioned he had heard Iran is "not yet nuclear," but "exploring other sites," advising that if Tehran is doing so, "they’re making a major error."Trump also stated he would support direct talks with Tehran, noting he had backed negotiations even prior to the war. "I support that," Trump said. "Before the war, I said, let’s negotiate."Analysts noted that Trump’s comments represent a notable change in U.S. stance toward Iran’s missile capabilities. Taleblu stated that Trump’s statements go beyond mere rhetoric. "Trump has just done something no president has ever promised: to address Iran’s ballistic missile program directly and militarily in support of Israel," Taleblu said. "This is historic."He added that Iran’s missile threat extends far beyond Israel. "Iran’s ballistic missiles have been used not only against Israel but also against U.S. forces and U.S. bases in the region, both directly and through proxies." Taleblu concluded, "Committing to countering this threat is the top priority for creating a better and safer Middle East."
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by: nicole
Zelenskyy Refutes Russian Claim That Ukraine Attacked Putin Residence
Zelenskyy on Monday rejected assertions from senior Kremlin officials that Kyiv had targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence, dismissing the claim as a "complete fabrication."Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy adviser to Putin, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, leveled the accusations in separate statements posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's official Telegram channel, claiming Ukraine conducted a drone strike on a Russian presidential residence in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia."This supposed 'residence strike' narrative is a total fabrication designed to justify further attacks on Ukraine, including Kyiv, along with Russia's continued refusal to take essential actions to end the war. Classic Russian disinformation. Moreover, Russia has previously struck Kyiv, including the Cabinet of Ministers building," Zelenskyy stated."Ukraine does not engage in actions that could sabotage diplomacy. Conversely, Russia consistently does. This represents one of numerous distinctions between us," he added.Lavrov cautioned in a statement published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's official Telegram channel that "such reckless actions will not go unanswered.""The targets for response and the timing of their execution by the Russian Armed Forces have been determined. At the same time, we do not intend to withdraw from the negotiation process with the United States," he added.A White House official confirmed to reporters on Monday that Trump had spoken with Putin for the second time in two days, following the president's Sunday meeting in Florida with Zelenskyy.White House press secretary said the call was "positive" and centered on discussions regarding the war in Ukraine.Trump informed journalists at Mar-a-Lago Monday afternoon that he had been briefed about the alleged drone strike during his earlier phone call with Putin."This is inappropriate timing. It's acceptable to be aggressive when they're aggressive. But attacking his residence is different. The timing is wrong for such actions — it cannot happen. President Putin informed me about it, and I was extremely upset," he remarked.Trump on Sunday described his discussions with senior Ukrainian officials as fruitful as talks progressed regarding possible routes to ending Russia's nearly four-year war against Ukraine."I genuinely believe we are likely, Mr. President, considerably — by far — closer than ever before with both sides," Trump declared at a joint press conference with the Ukrainian leader.Trump indicated that the most difficult outstanding issue remains territory in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region that Russia seeks but doesn't completely control, and recommended that Kyiv should pursue an agreement sooner rather than later.
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by: nicole
Zelenskyy states Trump said the U.S. will consider providing Ukraine with decades of security guarantees
Ukraine's President noted in a post on X that Ukraine seeks 30, 40, or even 50 years of security guarantees from the U.S., and that former President Donald Trump stated the U.S. would consider this.Zelenskyy held a meeting with Trump in Florida on Sunday, as his country continues to be engaged in a lethal, long-running war against Russia, with the U.S. administration seeking to aid in brokering peace.In a Monday post on X, the president of the embattled Eastern European country stated that Trump had "confirmed robust security guarantees" during their discussion."He verified the details that our negotiating teams had worked out so far regarding these security guarantees, and he confirmed they would be submitted to a vote by the U.S. Congress. This is a very solid agreement," Zelenskyy stated.During a joint press conference with Zelenskyy on Sunday, Trump was asked if he had provided any pledges or security assurances for Ukraine."I did. We want to collaborate with Europe," Trump replied, noting that Europe will "take on a significant portion of it" but the U.S. will offer support.In another Monday post on X, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine desires multi-decade security guarantees from the U.S."The documents outline the guarantees for 15 years, with an option for extension. I brought this matter to the President's attention. I informed him that our war has already persisted for over a decade, so we strongly wish the guarantees to be longer-term. We want to explore the possibility of 30, 40, or 50 years. That would make it a historic decision by President Trump. The President said the U.S. would consider this," the foreign leader wrote in the post.Digital contacted the on Monday for comment, though they did not respond promptly.
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by: nicole
Iran is reportedly developing chemical and biological warheads for missiles as protests spread over a collapsing economy
Iran is said to be developing chemical and biological warheads for its ballistic missiles, even as the nation grapples with increasing domestic unrest driven by a plummeting currency and skyrocketing inflation, according to an exclusive report from Iran International published on Sunday.The outlet, citing anonymous military and security sources, stated that work on unconventional missile payloads has been accelerated alongside upgrades to command-and-control systems. If confirmed, these developments would spark significant concerns in Washington and Israel—especially as Tehran works to contain rising public anger at home.This report arrives as Israeli Prime Minister is set to meet with U.S. President on Monday, with Iran’s missile program and broader regional security threats expected to be key topics, according to Israeli and U.S. officials familiar with the discussions. The talks will also likely address the Gaza war, amid U.S. officials’ concerns that Netanyahu has put off advancing a postwar framework and ceasefire-related measures.Per Iran International, missile infrastructure has been relocated and expanded, with some launch assets reportedly moved to eastern Iran to minimize vulnerability. The report claims the IRGC is investigating nonconventional warhead configurations for long-range missiles.Tehran has long denied pursuing chemical or biological weapons, maintaining that its missile program is defensive in nature. Iran is a signatory to the , though Western governments have repeatedly accused the Islamic Republic of breaching international norms.The missile report aligns with escalating economic unrest within Iran. reported on Monday that shopkeepers in Tehran closed major markets for a second straight day, protesting inflation and the collapse of the national currency.A shared on Simay Azadi’s TV X account on Monday depicted a large crowd marching in the streets and shouting slogans against the regime.The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group, stated that the strikes have spread across several commercial districts—including the Gold Bazaar and central arcades—with crowds gathering in adjacent streets. The group also alleged that security forces affiliated with the IRGC have been placed on heightened alert in Tehran, with additional units on standby in nearby provinces. These claims could not be independently verified.In a statement, Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI’s president-elect, noted that the protests reflect public anger over high prices, inflation, and political repression, and urged Iranians to back the striking merchants.The Iranian rial has dropped to a new all-time low against the U.S. dollar. Official data indicates that year-over-year inflation reached 52.6% in December, while average annual inflation stood at 42.2%. Videos circulating online show chants directed at government officials and increasing frustration among merchants—a group traditionally seen as a key pillar of support for the regime.