Russian Troops Strike Energy Facilities Used by Ukraine's Military-Industrial Complex in Past Day

Russian Troops Strike Energy Facilities Used by Ukraine's Military-Industrial Complex in Past Day

Sputnik

Russian forces have hit energy facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian defense industry, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Operational-tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces and artillery of groups of the armed forces of Russia have damaged energy facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian defense industry, a fuel depot, temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations, nationalists and foreign mercenaries in 144 areas," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia's Zapad battlegroup repelled three attacks of Ukrainian troops attempting to break into Kupyansk, up to 30 Ukrainian soldiers were eliminated

Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated up to 500 Ukrainian soldiers, a 155 mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system made in the United States and an electronic warfare station

Russia's Vostok battlegroup has eliminated up to 190 Ukrainian soldiers, while Russia's Yug battlegroup has eliminated more than 210 Ukrainian servicepeople 

Russia's Sever battlegroup has eliminated up to 210 Ukrainian servicepeople, the Zapad battlegroup has eliminated up to 190 Ukrainian soldiers, while the Dnepr battlegroup has eliminated over 50 Ukrainian military personnel

Iranian authorities tighten crackdown on fourth day of protests as unrest continues

Iranian authorities tighten crackdown on fourth day of protests as unrest continues

ALEX WINSTON

Security has been increased throughout Iran as protests entered their fourth day on Wednesday, with authorities stepping up measures to contain demonstrations spreading across multiple cities.

Despite many provinces being on an official shutdown due to cold weather and energy constraints, protesters gathered in the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Mashhad. Security forces were seen deploying covert units near protest sites in Mashhad, while videos from within Iran showed police and security officials positioning water cannons against demonstrators in Tehran.

Protests began after the bazaaris (merchant class) closed their shops on Sunday and took to the streets to protest the country’s dire financial situation. The market value of $1 reached 1.4 million rials, when its official value is 42,000 rials.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref tendered his resignation on Wednesday amid the unrest, but President Masoud Pezeshkian declined to accept it, a senior adviser at the presidency confirmed, according to Iran International.

Iran’s prosecutor-general also warned on Wednesday that authorities would respond firmly if economic protests were transformed into unrest or attacks on public property.

Mohammad Movahedi-Azad said the protests, driven by economic hardship, were understandable and should be dealt with through lawful means. However, he cautioned against what he described as organized attempts to hijack legitimate grievances.

He said the state would not tolerate what he called the “systematic manipulation” of protests, citing the role of coordinated media activity, misleading narratives, and the involvement of individuals who disrupt public order.

Protests regarding ongoing financial situation

Meanwhile, four students from the University of Tehran arrested on Tuesday were released late that night, the university announced on Wednesday afternoon. Mohammad-Reza Taghidokht, executive deputy of the university president’s office, told the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) that all four detained students had been freed by authorities.

Amid the nationwide unrest, rumors also circulated that a protester had become the first fatality of the demonstrations. Reports initially claimed that 18-year-old Mehdi Samavati had been shot and killed by security officials in the southern city of Fasa. However, sources told The Jerusalem Post that such claims were false.

A video later emerged that reportedly showed Samavati alive. It is believed that the Iranian regime deliberately spread news of his death in an attempt to sow fear among the protesters.

The reports were also disputed by a senior judicial official in Fasa. According to Iranian media, Hamed Ostovar, head of Fasa’s justice department, denied that anyone had been killed during the unrest while confirming that arrests and injuries had occurred.

“The claim is not true and is only a rumor,” Ostovar said.

He did, however, acknowledge that images circulating online showed alleged damage to part of the governor’s office.

“During the incident and after police entered the area, four of the attackers were arrested,” he said, adding that three police officers were injured.

Residents of Fasa, which has a population of 11,000, gathered outside the governor’s office and other official buildings to protest Iran’s worsening financial situation, witnesses said. Some demonstrators were heard chanting slogans critical of the Islamic Republic during the gathering.

A video carried by state media showed a group of people trying to break open the gate of the building. Reuters verified the location of the footage but was not able to independently verify the timing.

The governor of Fasa told state media that "the protests were caused by inflation and economic conditions. Individuals influenced by hostile channels and media participated in them... the situation is back to normal."

Iranian authorities have responded to previous protests over issues ranging from prices, drought, women's rights and political freedoms with forceful security measures and extensive arrests.

More....

Iranians set fire to building, chant against regime as protests ramp up across country

Iranians set fire to building, chant against regime as protests ramp up across country

JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Iranian protesters set fire on Wednesday evening to a building in Asadabad, in the Hamadan province of western Iran, footage circulated on social media by Iranian independent journalists and media outlets showed as protests intensified across the country.

Unverified reports claimed the targeted building to be a base of the Basij paramilitary forces, though this claim could not be independently verified.

Iranian semi-state-owned media outlet, ISNA, reported that a Basij officer was killed during the protests.

Iran International reported local security forces opened fire and deployed tear gas in attempt to disperse the protests in Asadabad. It further reported that demonstrators "remained in the streets."

'This is the national slogan: Reza, Reza Pahlavi'

Protests intensified across Iran as protesters were filmed chanting in support of the exiled Reza Pahlavi and against the Islamic regime in various cities across Iran.

Protesters in Khorramabad in the western Lorestan province were seen marching in the streets while chanting "Iranian, shout out, scream for your right," in footage shared by Radio Farda, part of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty media group.

In Dehloran, protesters reportedly chanted "This is the national slogan: Reza, Reza Pahlavi."

In the city of Arak, protesters were filmed shouting anti-regime chants, including "Basiji, IRGC, you are ISIS," in footage shared by IranWire.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian protesters tried to break into a local government building in the southern Fars province. Protests over high inflation and a slump in the value of the local rial currency began among shopkeepers in Tehran on Sunday and by Tuesday had spread to several universities in Tehran, with the reported break-in attempt on Wednesday.

This is a developing story.

NATO member 'apprehends Russian ship' after critical undersea cable damaged

NATO member 'apprehends Russian ship' after critical undersea cable damaged

Lauran O'Toole

Finnish police say they have apprehended a ship suspected of damaging a critical undersea telecommunications cable connecting Finland to Estonia.

The cargo ship, FITBURG, travelling from Russia to Israel, was boarded and seized by Finnish authorities after its anchor chain was found deployed in the water, dragging it from Estonia to Finland. The vessel is suspected of sabotaging the Elisa submarine telecommunications cable. Police said: "Finnish authorities have taken control of the vessel as part of a joint operation." The ship, sailing under the flag of St Vincent and the Grenadines, had departed from St Petersburg, Russia, and was en route to Haifa, Israel, according to MarineTraffic data.

Finnish officials located the ship using data provided by Elisa, which had detected the fault in one of its submarine cables early on Wednesday morning.

Finland’s president confirmed the incident on X, stating that Finnish authorities had inspected a vessel suspected of damaging cables in the Gulf of Finland.

Alexander Stubb wrote: "We are monitoring the situation in close cooperation with the government.

"Finland is prepared for security challenges of various kinds, and we respond to them as necessary."

The police have consulted the National Prosecutor's Office, which has issued a prosecution order.

Following consultations with the National Prosecutor’s Office, police have been granted a prosecution order.

The investigation is focusing on suspected aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

Estonian authorities have also been notified, and cross-border coordination is ongoing.

Russia flaunts 'unstoppable' nuclear missile for first time in Belarus as WW3 fears escalate

Russia flaunts 'unstoppable' nuclear missile for first time in Belarus as WW3 fears escalate

STACY LIBERATORE

Russia appears to have deployed its so-called ‘unstoppable’ nuclear-capable missiles, potentially bringing the threat of devastating strikes closer than ever. 

On Tuesday, the Defense Ministry released a video claiming to show combat vehicles in an undisclosed location in Belarus carrying the Oreshnik missile system. 

State news agency TASS said it was the first time the ministry had publicly shown the Oreshnik, which President Vladimir Putin has declared impossible to intercept, with speeds reportedly exceeding Mach 10.

The Belarusian Defense Ministry said that the Oreshnik has a range of up to 3,100 miles. Reports have suggested it could hit London in 'eight minutes.'

TASS boasted that it would take the missile only 11 minutes to reach an air base in Poland and 17 minutes to reach NATO headquarters in Brussels. 

While the Oreshnik is not an intercontinental missile capable of reaching the US mainland, its reported range puts American allies within striking distance, meaning any attack on them could draw the US directly into the conflict. 

The announcement comes at a critical time for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday and insisted that Kyiv and Moscow were 'closer than ever before' to a peace settlement. 

However, days before, Trump warned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could spiral into a world war.

'Things like this end up in a third world war,' he told reporters on December 11. 'Everybody keeps playing games like this, you'll end up in a third world war, and we don't want to see that happen.'

Andrey Bogodel, the deputy chief of the General Staff department of the Military Academy of Belarus, told TASS that the deployment of Oreshnik was an anti-aggression warning to Western countries.

'Today, any good deed must, of course, be done with fists. Unfortunately, the world can no longer be organized any other way,' he said.

'Here, the "Oreshnik" isn't a weapon with which we want to attack, for example, Britain or Germany, but it's a message that we, above all, will protect our peace in this way. A way that will allow us to say that it's definitely better not to interfere with us.'

Bogodel added that Western nations had repeatedly crossed red lines during Russia’s so-called special military operation in Ukraine.

'Literally, there are red lines associated specifically with the use of missile systems, even nuclear weapons. After all, remember the appearance of the missiles they launched on us – SCALP, Storm Shadow, then ATACMS,' the expert continued.

'They also used drones against our radiation early warning stations. As well as attacks against our bombers, and so on. This is all an attempt to see how high Russia’s nuclear threshold is.'

The missile system was first used on November 21, 2024, in a test that saw it strike a defense plant in Ukraine. 

Once launched, the Oreshnik uses its rocket engines to accelerate rapidly until it reaches the upper atmosphere, where its first-stage boosters are discarded after fuel depletion, Matthew Powell, Teaching Fellow in Strategic and Air Power Studies, University of Portsmouth, wrote in The Conversation.

The missile’s multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) are then released, traveling through space toward their designated targets. 

Putin has claimed that conventional Oreshnik missiles could incinerate targets with temperatures reaching 7,200°F, nearly as hot as the surface of the sun, though the weapon is also capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

Putin said earlier this month that the Oreshnik would enter combat duty before the year's end. 

More....

Jan Markell: We Are The ‘Convergence Generation’ — Top Ten Bible Prophecy Stories Of 2025

We Are The ‘Convergence Generation’ — Top Ten Bible Prophecy Stories Of 2025

Jan Markell

As I reflect on the events of the year from a prophetic perspective, I am stirred, awed, and even alarmed. So much has happened. Let me cite ten stories that stand out in a prominent way!

1) President Trump is forming a “Board of Peace” made up of ten international leaders from Arab and Western nations—leaders who will collectively oversee the next phase of governance, security, and reconstruction in Gaza and the broader Middle East peace framework. Ten leaders. Not nine or twelve. Does this not prick the curious mind of the average Bible prophecy student?

2) Last days mockery and scoffing is front-and-center. It is from within–that is what is so heartbreaking. We all have loved ones who call us–in a deriding manner–“End-Times Eddie” or “Gloom and Doom June.” We are warning that time is running out. 

In 2025, some claiming to be Christians predicted a specific date for the rapture. Many sold all possessions and awaited the rapture of believers. In a sense, those folks deserved some scolding but it hit all believers in end-time eschatology and weakened our last days’ witness. And, there was more mocking and scoffing from believers and unbelievers.

3) There was much cheering for evil in 2025. Yes, the Bible says that in the last days, evil will wax worse and worse (II Timothy 3:13) so why are we surprised? Hamas was cheered. So was Zohran Mamdani. How nutty is this? Mamdani is preparing the world for the Antichrist! Somalis financially raided my home state of Minnesota and the Left celebrated their evil accomplishments and lies. Leftists thought Charlie Kirk’s murder was just fine. Some celebrated. Luigi Mangioni, who killed a healthcare executive in cold blood, is a modern-day hero to some. Jews were set on fire in Colorado. OK by some.

4) There was much destruction of “people of the book”—Jews and Christians. Zohran Mamdani was elected because he hated Jews. It is cool. This is the new normal but it will drive Jews to Israel, so God is causing good out of evil. It is clear that the Jews are the “burdensome stone” to the world (Zechariah 12:3). Australia’s Prime Minister blames guns, not people, for the slaughter of Jews on Bondi Beach recently. The cancellation of New Year’s Eve activities worldwide is a reminder that “globalize the Intifadeh” is real.

At the same time, Christians are being persecuted and slaughtered more than any time in history. But here’s the twist of this story–you will be hard pressed to find details in today’s media.

5) It was made clear in 2025 that we are the “convergence generation.” We are on the cusp of digital money and an Antichrist system. Wars and rumors of wars cause us weariness and sorrow. The spirit of the Antichrist seems to reign. Natural disasters crush our spirit as we watch on various media platforms. The Middle East is a powder keg. The decline of society is staggering. Love is growing cold. People are without natural affection. It’s all coming together.

6) The rise of the predicted strong delusion (2 Thess. 2:11). When intelligent people promote delusional lies, you know the thinking is skewed and even demonic. We saw it over and over in 2025 with Tucker Carlson, Candice Owens, Nick Fuentes, and many more. Carlson rejected Israel and God’s people and embraced the terror capital of the world — Qatar. Delusion! 

7) While most weren’t looking, artificial intelligence (AI) advanced to the degree that it can rule the world - Most Christians have no idea what this is leading to. Along with Israel’s re-birth, it may be THE most stunning end-time development. It is the game-changer. But most pay far more attention to the latest football game and pretend this is just a fantasy of last days’ watchers. AI will be Antichrist’s primary tool.

8) The Charlie Kirk assassination was meant for evil but God used it for good - Since that September tragedy, younger people are opening the Bible in record numbers, downloading Scripture apps, buying physical Bibles, and–most unexpectedly–walking back into churches. I’m cautious with the word “revival”, but one cannot ignore the spiritual fire that was lit in a final days’ oupouring of interest in the gospel in the Western world. This may be the biggest faith story of 2025.

9) The rise of aberrant prophetic theology is staggering. I am told Dispensationalism is in decline. The message of a literal Antichrist, Tribulation, Millennial Kingdom, special end-time role for Israel, pre-Tribulation Rapture, all are diminishing. Few care that the King is coming! 

Theologies rising are Preterism (all prophecy happened in 70 AD), Kingdom Now/Dominionism, Amillennialism, Replacement Theology, and Postmillennialism. Simple “left behind” theology is in derision. Instead, the CHURCH will make the world better and better. Can you imagine??? 

10) My last point is to stress the supreme frustration that I must limit my observations to ten markers! There are hundreds! The world is rushing towards globalism. Violence and lawlessness are the order of the day. God’s timepiece, Israel, has enemies on seven sides! All creation groans! Islam is gaining ground.

So, the fact that things are all coming together—all falling into place—excites only a tiny remnant who will never grow weary of keeping their eyes on the sky! If you are among them, hang in there. He is coming soon. As things continue to deteriorate, we may be left with only one hope—the blessed hope.

We are the convergence generation. Someone get excited about it. Hang on for an even wilder ride in 2026!

It’s better to sound the warnings and be mocked than have multitudes come to us and ask us, “Why didn’t you warn us of all of this and of all of the things to come?”

US envoy: Israel has full right to recognize Somaliland

US envoy: Israel has full right to recognize Somaliland

Elad Benari

Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations Tammy Bruce on Monday strongly defended Israel’s recognition of Somaliland during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council convened to discuss the issue.

“Israel has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state,” Bruce stated, as quoted by AFP.

She noted what she described as a striking inconsistency in the Council’s behavior. “Earlier this year, several countries, including members of this Council, made the unilateral decision to recognize a nonexistent Palestinian state. And yet, no emergency meeting was called to express this Council’s outrage,” she said.

Bruce went on to criticize what she described as the Council’s misplaced priorities. “This Council’s persistent double standards and misdirection of focus distract from its mission of maintaining international peace and security,” she asserted.

Regarding Washington’s stance on Somaliland, the deputy ambassador clarified, “On the matter of Somaliland, we have no announcement to make regarding US recognition of Somaliland. And there has been no change in American policy.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated ahead of Monday’s session: "This is not a question of international security but of double standards. When countries in the UN unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, the issue is accepted without discussion and without objection. When Israel exercises its sovereign powers and acts in accordance with international law, the Security Council convenes for an urgent session. This illustrates the one-sidedness and hypocrisy of some of the council members."

Lavrov: Russia Ready to Help Iran Find Solutions to Nuclear Program Crisis

Russia Calls for End to Escalation Around Iran, Its Nuclear Program – Moscow

Sputnik

Russia is calling on "hotheads" to refrain from escalating tensions around Iran and its nuclear program, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. 

"We call on hotheads to recognize the full perniciousness of their destructive course, to refrain from escalating tensions around Iran and its nuclear program, and not to repeat the fatal mistakes they made in June 2025, which led to the serious undermining of the IAEA's verification activities in Iran," Zakharova said in a statement. 

Israel's threats to strike Iran have a detrimental effect on the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, Zakharova added.

European Hawks Backing Zelensky Don’t Realize How Dangerous He's Become - Expert

European Hawks Backing Zelensky Don’t Realize How Dangerous He's Become - Expert

Sputnik

“The Europeans are behaving in an extremely irrational manner,” prolific Iranian-American international affairs analyst Mohammad Marandi told Sputnik, commenting on Sunday’s drone attack on Putin’s residence in Novgorod region.

Not ruling out that European or British intelligence was involved in the provocation, Marandi said “it’s not clear if they really recognize the danger” it “can create for Europe and beyond.”

European powers “seem hell-bent on escalation,” even as Ukraine teeters on defeat, and the situation in their home countries grows increasingly dim. “They’re very unpopular. Their economies are floundering, and people don’t want war,” the observer emphasized.

The drone provocation “strengthens” Russia’s position, both at the negotiating table, and in terms of giving Moscow “a legitimate reason to strike back at Zelensky himself,” Marandi added.

The Ukrainian regime has crossed a red line. It attacks the heads of states or leaders. And this is not something that’s acceptable to the world. We’ve already seen condemnation from major powers across the globe. It’s going to make things only more difficult for Zelensky,” the observer said.

“I think that in general, the regime in Kiev is not very rational. It’s not making decisions based on thought. And that is why it’s only making things worse for itself,” Marandi summed up.

Drone Attack on Putin's Residence A 'Dangerous Provocation'

Drone Attack on Putin's Residence Could Have Triggered a Nuclear War: Here's Why

Sputnik

The 91-drone attack on the presidential residence in Novgorod region was an extremely dangerous provocation. And one that “could not have been carried out without the participation of European hawks" because "Zelensky would not have dared to plan or carry out such an operation on his own,” military expert Alexey Leonkov told Sputnik.

Intricate planning was required, and the timing – while Zelensky was in the US for talks with Trump, was designed to give him an alibi, “which he is now using, claiming Ukraine had nothing to do with it,” Leonkov said.

The provocation “wasn’t simply an attack on the president,” the observer emphasized. “It was a strike on a nuclear weapons control center, as each such residence contains communications nodes through which the head of state can issue the command to use the country’s nuclear forces.”

“It was intended to provoke a conflict between the US and Russia,” Leonkov said. “This was precisely the calculation: at worst, provoking a global conflict; at a minimum, disrupting the negotiation process between the US and Russia. And it’s clear that European hawks favor only this scenario,” particularly Britain.

While he issues denials now, Zelensky essentially blabbed about the attack ahead of time twice in the past two weeks: a press conference on December 18, when he said “politicians change, somebody lives, somebody dies,” and on Christmas eve, when he openly called on Ukrainians to wish for Putin’s death.

“All this suggests Zelensky was aware of the impending attack, but was playing his assigned role – pretending he had nothing to do with it and ‘advocating for peace’,” Leonkov emphasized.

Analyzing Moscow’s public reaction carefully, Leonkov said two things are certain: first, Russia will respond appropriately, and the targets and time of the response have already been determined; second, the response will be carried out in such a way as not to affect the negotiation process between Russia and the US.

Israel, U.S. Give Hamas Two-Month Deadline to Disarm

Israel, U.S. Give Hamas Two-Month Deadline to Disarm

Emmitt Barry,

Israel and the United States have agreed to give Hamas a two-month window to disarm, according to a report by Israel Hayom, following an overnight meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

Professional teams from both countries are currently working to define clear, mutually agreed criteria for what would constitute the practical disarmament of Hamas, including the dismantling of its military infrastructure. Israeli officials have expressed concern that Hamas may attempt to retain much of its existing weaponry and capabilities, a scenario both Jerusalem and Washington say would be unacceptable.

The agreement reportedly includes the full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, with particular emphasis on the destruction of Hamas’ extensive underground tunnel network. If Hamas refuses to comply within the allotted timeframe—as many in Israel expect—responsibility for the next steps would revert to Israel and the Israel Defense Forces.

President Trump reinforced the warning publicly, stating that Hamas would be given only a “very short period of time to disarm.” Speaking alongside Netanyahu, Trump said that failure to do so would result in “hell to pay,” signaling firm U.S. backing for decisive action if the terror group does not comply.

The remarks came amid broader comments by Trump on regional security, including U.S. support for Israel against Iranian nuclear and missile ambitions, and assessments of shifting dynamics involving Turkey and Syria.

Netanyahu says Hamas must surrender all its rifles for Trump’s peace plan to advance

Netanyahu says Hamas must surrender all its rifles for Trump’s peace plan to advance

Times of Israel is liveblogging Wedenesday

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Hamas must surrender all its rifles and tunnel infrastructure in order for Washington’s Gaza peace plan to advance.

When asked by Fox News what is complicating the transition to the second phase of the plan, Netanyahu replies, “One word: disarmament,” adding that “Hamas committed to disarm” but “refuses to do it.”

While US officials have claimed that the terror group agreed to disarm shortly before the first phase of the deal was signed on October 9, Hamas has repeatedly denied this.

Netanyahu says that Hamas has “got still about 20,000 people with basically Kalashnikov rifles, which they use periodically to execute anyone who doesn’t want the continuation of their tyranny.”

“And they have altogether 60,000 AK rifles. That’s what disarmament means – got to take all these rifles, take them away from them, and break up those terror tunnels that they have, still hundreds of kilometers of terror tunnels. Hamas refuses to do it,” he says.

Asked if he believes phase two of the Gaza plan can be reached even if Hamas is unwilling to disarm, Netanyahu says, “I think we have to give it a chance.”

“There’s an attempt to bring an international force,” he continues, referring to the International Stabilization Force that would be deployed in Gaza as part of the US plan. “So far, it hasn’t come to fruition, but we’ll give it a chance. Because if it can be done… the easy way, fine. And if not, it will be done another way.”

Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Just Played On Russia's Doomsday Shortwave Radio Station

Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Just Played On Russia's Doomsday Shortwave Radio Station

TYLER DURDEN

X users are reporting that a mysterious Russian shortwave radio signal, nicknamed "The Buzzer" and informally known as the "doomsday radio station," that has been continuously broadcasting since the late 1970s, has just transmitted the classical piece Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

UVB-76 is transmitted on 4625 kHz and is occasionally interrupted by Russian voice messages, often containing names, numbers, or coded phrases. These voice messages are rare, irregular, and often nonsensical, making the transmission of Swan Lake highly abnormal.

Western military analysts associate UVB-76 with Russia's military communications and strategic command infrastructure. It reportedly remains operational as a fail-safe in the event that satellites, fiber, or cellular networks are disrupted.

The broadcasting of Swan Lake, a four-act ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and premiered in 1877 in Moscow, on UVB-76 could be interpreted as a mistake or operator error, a test transmission, accidental audio bleed from equipment at the transmitter site, or even signal hijacking.

Earlier, Russia showcased the deployment of its nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile system in its close ally, Belarus.

Fun fact, Swan Lake was repeatedly broadcast across Soviet state television during the August Coup in August 1991.

European outlet NEXTA asked, "So how should we interpret the latest transmission? A soundtrack for the flight of the Oreshnik?"

‘Death To The Dictator’: Iran Protests Turn Openly Defiant

‘Death To The Dictator’: Iran Protests Turn Openly Defiant As Markets Shut Down

Worthy News / Press

Chants of “death to the dictator” rang out across Tehran as thousands of merchants, students, and residents joined expanding protests sparked by Iran’s deepening economic collapse. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets as large sections of the capital, including parts of the Grand Bazaar, were shuttered in protest.

What began as demonstrations over soaring prices and the rapid fall of the rial quickly escalated into direct political defiance. Crowds openly targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling a sharp shift from economic grievances to calls for regime change. Pro-monarchy chants praising Iran’s former royal family were also heard, an increasingly rare development in public protests.

Clashes were reported across central Tehran as security forces attempted to disperse demonstrators. Social media footage showed confrontations reminiscent of historic moments of civil resistance, with protesters facing armed forces head-on before being beaten and removed.

The unrest spread well beyond the capital, with demonstrations reported from Hamadan and Zanjan in the north to Kerman in the southeast. In several locations, protests continued into the night, with crowds repeating anti-regime slogans and vowing to remain in the streets.

Students at major universities, including Amirkabir and Shahid Beheshti, announced solidarity protests and hunger strikes, adding momentum to the movement. Meanwhile, merchants said the collapse of the rial—after the U.S. dollar surged above 140,000 tomans—has made it impossible to price goods or keep businesses operating.

In response, President Masoud Pezeshkian replaced the head of Iran’s central bank in an emergency move aimed at calming markets. The decision failed to ease tensions, as shopkeepers pledged to continue strikes for a third consecutive day.

As chants grow louder and more explicit, Iran’s latest unrest is increasingly defined not just by economic desperation, but by open rejection of the country’s ruling authority.

Volcanic Activity is Increasing Surrounding a Supervolcano Lurking Beneath the Mediterranean

Volcanic Activity is Increasing Surrounding a Supervolcano Lurking Beneath the Mediterranean

VIDEO

Mt. Etna continues to erupt from its northeast crater, with eruptive activity first starting on December 27th, and nearby Campi Flegrei has been showing exponential increases in earthquake activity for years now since 2020. Situated directly between these two large volcanoes - Mt. Etna being Europe's "largest" and Campi Flegrei being a known supervolcano - is a massive submarine volcano and caldera structure nearly 150 km across. Scientist call the central submarine volcano Marsili Volcano, but Marsili Volcano may in fact be MUCH LARGER than officially recognized, making it a supervolcano and by far Europe's largest. Problem is, it's hidden beneath the waves of the ocean, making it difficult to study and leading to an "out of sight, out of mind" effect. Geophysicist Stefan Burns describes the recent activity at Mt. Etna and Campi Flegrei, and speculates on the true nature of Marsili Volcano.

Anti-Iran Regime Protests Grow Across Country

Anti-Iran regime protests grow across country as Trump admin boosts demonstrators offering support

Efrat Lachter

Protests spread across Iran on Tuesday after President Donald Trump and other administration officials voiced support for demonstrators. Speaking Monday, Trump pointed to Iran’s economic collapse and long-standing public discontent while stopping short of calling for regime change.

Inside Iran, demonstrations entered a third consecutive day, expanding beyond the capital’s commercial center. The exiled opposition coalition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) reported widespread strikes and student protests across Tehran and multiple provincial cities, describing clashes with security forces and anti-government chants. A video obtained by the NCRI appears to show protesters pushing back security forces, forcing them to leave the scene on Tehran’s Jomhouri Street. 

Iran International reported that universities emerged as major protest hubs, with rallies at Tehran University, Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Elm-o-Sanat University and Khajeh Nasir University. Security forces tightened entry controls at campuses and reinforced offices linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Strikes spread across Tehran’s Shoush and Molavi districts and into Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square, while parts of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and the gold market shut down. Mobile phone traders gathered outside major shopping centers after closing their stores. Protests turned violent in several locations, with tear gas fired in Tehran and Malard and reports of live fire in Hamadan. Nighttime demonstrations were reported from Qeshm Island in the south to Zanjan and Hamadan in the north, with videos showing chants of "death to the dictator."

Speaking at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, Trump said he was "not going to talk about overthrow of a regime." Instead, he focused on Iran’s deteriorating economy and the state’s violent response to protests. "They’ve got tremendous inflation. Their economy is busted, the economy is no good," Trump said. 

"Every time they have a riot or somebody forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people," Trump said. "You know, they kill people. All of a sudden people start getting shot and that group disbanded pretty quickly."

Trump said he has watched the unrest build for years, describing Iran’s leadership as brutal.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz issued a direct message of support. "The people of Iran want freedom," Waltz wrote on X. "We stand with Iranians in the streets of Tehran and across the country as they protest a radical regime that has brought them nothing but economic downturn and war." 

A parallel statement from the U.S. government’s Persian-language account, @USAbehFarsi, said Washington supports the Iranian people’s efforts "to make their voices heard," urging the Islamic Republic to respect fundamental rights rather than suppress protests.

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