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International Tensions Rise as EU, Niger, and U.S. Take Action
International tensions escalated on multiple fronts as the European Union added Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list, Niger's military ruler vowed retaliation for attacks in the capital, and the U.S. threatened tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba.
The European Union's decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization came in response to Tehran's crackdown on protesters in recent weeks, according to the BBC. The bloc's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated that "repression cannot go unanswered," and that the move would place the IRGC on the same level as groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, dismissed the EU decision as a "stunt" and a "major strategic mistake," the BBC reported. Human rights groups estimate that thousands of protesters were killed by security forces, including the IRGC, during unrest in December and January.
In Niger, heavy security was deployed around the main airport in Niamey after overnight gunfire and explosions. General Tchiani, the country's military ruler, blamed France, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire for the attack near Niamey's airport, The Guardian reported. Tchiani offered no evidence to support his accusations. The Guardian also noted that Tchiani thanked Russian troops for their defense efforts. The shooting and detonations began shortly after midnight.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, as Washington increased pressure on the Caribbean nation, according to BBC Business. The proposed new levies were outlined in an executive order, but no specific tariff rates or targeted countries were identified. Trump has repeatedly threatened action against Cuba and its communist leadership. On Tuesday, Trump said Cuba "will be falling pretty soon," as Venezuela no longer sends oil or money to the country after President Nicolás Maduro was seized by U.S. forces on January 3, BBC Business reported. Previously, Venezuela was believed to be sending about 35,000 barrels of oil a day to Cuba.
In other news, NATO is preparing to hold a military exercise without the participation of the United States, its largest member, The New York Times reported. Approximately 10,000 troops from 11 nations will participate in the exercise. Four Turkish Navy ships, including a new amphibious assault ship, were scheduled to arrive at a Spanish port to take part. Heavy winds delayed the Turkish vessels, but they will eventually form a fleet with Spanish ships and sail around the continent, rendezvousing with French, German, Polish, and Dutch vessels. The ships will then travel to Germany's Baltic Sea coast, bringing tanks, landing craft, helicopters, drones, and troops from southern Europe to northern Germany. The exercise was conceived long before President Trump was accused of undermining the alliance, according to The New York Times.
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