TUESDAY Global News Brief | January 13, 2026

Image Credentials: Image Title: Monday Global News Brief | January 13, 2026 Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.

By Open Chronicle News Desk

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026 — From the corridors of the White House to the ports of the Horn of Africa, the geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly. This morning, we cover President Trump’s sweeping new tariff orders, a major diplomatic rupture in Somalia, and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

TOP STORIES

Trump Orders 25% Tariff on All Nations Trading with Iran

In a move that has sent shockwaves through global markets, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will impose a 25% tariff on “any” country doing business with Iran.

The order, issued via Truth Social, was described by the President as “final and conclusive,” and takes effect immediately. The move is seen as an attempt to completely isolate the Islamic Republic as nationwide protests continue to challenge the regime’s authority. Paradoxically, the announcement came just hours after White House officials suggested the President still had an “interest” in diplomatic paths with Tehran.

Somalia Annuls UAE Port Deals Over Sovereignty Concerns

The Somali government has officially cancelled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the strategic ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s office cited “strong evidence” of actions by the UAE that undermined Somalia’s sovereignty and political independence. Alongside the annulment, the Cabinet approved a new draft law focused on protecting territorial unity, signaling a significant cooling of relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi.

UN: 95,000 Children Facing Malnutrition in Gaza

The United Nations has issued a dire warning regarding the Gaza Strip, reporting nearly 95,000 cases of child malnutrition in 2025. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that harsh winter conditions are currently erasing the fragile humanitarian progress made over the autumn months. In December alone, over 4,900 cases of acute malnutrition were identified among 76,000 children screened.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Gazprom’s Pivot to Asia: China Now Outpaces Europe

For the first time in history, Russian energy giant Gazprom supplied more natural gas to China than to Europe in a single year. The 2025 figures represent a fundamental shift in global energy flows following years of Western sanctions. Additionally, Gazprom reported significant shipment increases to Georgia (40%) and Central Asian nations like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (22%).

Alphabet Hits $4 Trillion Milestone

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, joined the “Four Trillion Club” on Monday. Driven by breakthroughs in generative AI and a 1.6% share price surge, the tech titan joins Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple as the only companies in history to reach this valuation.

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

• Diplomatic Departures: France has evacuated non-essential staff from its embassy in Tehran.

• Venezuela Talks: Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is scheduled to meet President Trump this Thursday.

• Deepfake Crackdown: The UK will introduce a new criminal offense this week targeting non-consensual AI-generated intimate images.

• Arctic Security: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance is discussing “next steps” to counter increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.

• The Pharaoh Post: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei posted an image depicting Trump as an ancient pharaoh, warning of a “tyrant’s fate.”

2026 GEOPOLITICAL SNAPSHOT

As the global community reacts to Trump’s new tariff regime, the focus remains on the humanitarian toll in Gaza and the shifting energy alliances in the East. This Tuesday marks a critical juncture for international trade and Middle Eastern diplomacy.