Explosions Rock Iran as Israel Denies Involvement; Ukraine War Continues
Two explosions were reported in Iran on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as tensions remained high in the region. One blast occurred in Iran's southern port of Bandar Abbas, killing a four-year-old girl and injuring 14 others, according to local media reports and Euronews. A second explosion, over 1,000 kilometers away in Ahvaz, resulted in the deaths of four people, local officials said. Israel has denied involvement in the incidents, Sky News reported.
The explosion in Bandar Abbas occurred in an eight-story building, severely damaging the lower floors and shattering windows throughout the building, according to Euronews. Hormozgan's Crisis Management Organisation stated that investigations into the cause of the Bandar Abbas incident are ongoing. Local media attributed both incidents to gas explosions, Sky News noted.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, fighting with Russia continued for the 1,438th day. On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Russian attacks killed one person and wounded seven others in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to Ukraine's emergency service, as reported by Al Jazeera. High-rise buildings, homes, shops, and cafes were also damaged. Shelling in the Zaporizhia region wounded another person and destroyed three residential buildings and 12 homes. At least two people were reported dead in the Donetsk region, Al Jazeera stated.
In other news, protests took place in Europe against the United States. In Copenhagen, hundreds of Danish veterans, many of whom fought alongside US troops, held a silent protest outside the US Embassy on Saturday, Euronews reported. The demonstration was in response to comments by the Trump administration that downplayed their combat contributions and over threats to take control of Greenland. Parallel protests in Milan opposed ICE's role at the upcoming Winter Olympics, according to Euronews.
Adding to global economic developments, Venezuela announced a massive overhaul of its petroleum sector, easing state control and opening the door for private firms to invest in the country, Al Jazeera reported. This move follows earlier statements by then-US President Donald Trump expressing interest in Venezuela's substantial oil reserves. The changes could pave the way for US oil giants to return to Venezuela with significant investments, according to Al Jazeera.
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