World News Roundup: Amazon Cuts Jobs, Tensions Rise with Iran, and Belarus Joins Peace Initiative
Several major global developments unfolded on January 28, 2026, ranging from corporate restructuring to international political maneuvering and legal proceedings.
Amazon announced plans to cut approximately 16,000 jobs globally as part of an effort to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy, according to Sky News. Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, acknowledged the difficulty of the news in a message to employees, stating, "I recognise this is difficult news, which is why I'm sharing what's happening and why." The company has been investing heavily in AI and reducing its need for human employees in the process. It remains unconfirmed whether UK positions will be affected by the cuts.
Tensions escalated between the United States and Iran, with US President Donald Trump stating that "a massive armada" was heading towards Iran, Euronews reported. Trump warned Tehran to negotiate amid threats of a possible US military strike. "It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm and purpose," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without providing further details about the mission. The announcement comes amid ongoing protests in Iran, which began on December 28 over the collapse of the rial currency and the rising cost of living. Euronews reports that between 6,000 and 30,000 people are feared dead as a result of the Tehran regime's crackdown on protesters.
In other international news, Belarus joined US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative, despite concerns over the country's human rights record and support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, according to Euronews. The Board of Peace welcomed Belarus as a founding member in a statement on X, despite the country being under severe sanctions from Brussels and other entities.
Meanwhile, in France, former senator Joël Guerriau was sentenced to four years in prison for drugging MP Sandrine Josso with ecstasy, with the intent to sexually assault her, Euronews reported. A French court found Guerriau, 68, guilty of spiking Josso's champagne with MDMA at his Paris apartment in November 2023. He was sentenced to four years in prison, with 18 months to be served behind bars. Guerriau denied any sexual motivation and said he would appeal. "It's a huge relief," Josso said after the sentencing.
In the Middle East, Al Jazeera reported on the devastating impact of the Israeli destruction of fertility clinics in Gaza. The destruction has left thousands of Palestinians mourning children who were never born, stripping couples of their chance to become parents. Al Jazeera met with a couple in Gaza City who were directly affected by the destruction.
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