Iran signals plans for fast trials and executions while promising ‘decisive response’ to US, Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian officials signaled that fast trials and executions lay ahead for suspects detained in nationwide protests while the Islamic Republic promised a “decisive response” if the U.S. or Israel intervene in the domestic unrest. The threats emerged Wednesday as some personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate following President Donald Trump’s escalated warnings of potential military action over the killing of peaceful demonstrators. Mohammad Pakpour is the commander of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. He reiterated Iranian claims that the U.S. and Israel have instigated the protests but did not provide evidence. That’s according to Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

A construction crane falls onto a moving train in Thailand, killing at least 32 people

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand (AP) — A construction crane has fallen onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand, causing a derailment that killed at least 32 people. The accident happened Wednesday on a planned high-speed rail project connecting China with Southeast Asia. Authorities say four passengers are still missing. The crane was being used to build an elevated part of the railway when it collapsed. Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan has ordered an investigation. The project’s contractor, Italian-Thai Development, faces scrutiny due to past incidents, including a building collapse in Bangkok last year. Chinese companies are also involved in the project.

Japan’s Takaichi plans to dissolve lower house to set up an early snap election

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house of Parliament soon for a snap election to seek the public’s mandate for her policies. Takaichi, elected as Japan’s first female prime minister in October, wants to capitalize on her strong approval ratings of around 70%. Shunichi Suzuki, secretary general of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, said Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house after it convenes on January 23. Opposition lawmakers criticized the plan as a selfish move that would delay parliamentary discussion on the budget. Takaichi aims to secure a bigger share for the LDP and its new junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party.

Venezuela’s acting president vows to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez vows to continue releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro. She made the remarks during her first press briefing since Maduro was ousted by the United States earlier this month. Rodríguez served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, running Venezuela’s feared intelligence service and managing its crucial oil industry. A 56-year-old lawyer and politician, Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president two days after the Trump administration snatched Maduro from his fortified compound and claimed the U.S. would be calling the shots in Venezuela.