U.S. President Donald Trump is in a state of frenzied ecstasy, characterized by unprecedented arrogance and ambition, making statements that dissolve the moral standing of the West and the rules of the Global Order. His rhetoric suggests that the "Power of the Strongest" has become the provocative new reality of international relations. Within a 24-hour window, Trump issued several shock declarations:
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He claimed to be the new Acting President of Venezuela and announced plans to visit the country.
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He insisted he would acquire Greenland one way or another.
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He vowed to take control of Cuba, suggesting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio be installed as its President.
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He threatened to strike Iran with "unprecedented force."
Trump: Iran will face unprecedented strikes
The United States will launch unprecedented strikes against Iran if it attacks American military or commercial facilities, President Trump declared. "If they do that, we will hit them with a force they have never experienced before, and they won't even believe it. I have very strong options," he stated when questioned about potential Iranian retaliation.
Furthermore, he claimed that Iranian leaders contacted his administration to "negotiate" following his threats of military action, as the Islamic Republic grapples with massive anti-government protests. "The Iranian leaders called" this past Saturday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that "a meeting is in preparation." "They want to negotiate," the U.S. President emphasized, though he warned that "we might have to take action before" any such meeting occurs.
Decisions expected Tuesday, Jan 13
Reports from Reuters indicate that Trump is expected to meet with senior advisors tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13, to discuss the specific stance the U.S. will adopt toward Iran.
Chaos in Iran
The climate of protest in Iran intensified in late December due to the devaluation of the local currency and its impact on wholesale and retail prices. The Governor of the Central Bank has resigned. Following a call from the exiled Shah Reza Pahlavi, protest marches have escalated nationwide, resulting in the destruction of private property and urban infrastructure.
It is estimated that over 466 protesters and 30 security personnel have died, totaling 496 deaths in Iran. The demonstrations have been accompanied by slogans against the current political system. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled the protesters vandals. An internet blackout has blanketed the country, and media outlets remained silent for several hours. In a national address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promised continued economic reforms but accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest. He called on citizens to take to the streets to prevent radicals from hijacking their legitimate demands.
Iran declares 3 days of mourning for 496 dead during protests
According to Reuters, citing U.S.-based human rights activists, at least 466 people have died since the protests began. Authorities have not officially commented on these figures but released information regarding security personnel killed, placing that number at approximately 30. Iran has declared three days of national mourning in response to the loss of life.
Pahlavi's appeal to Iranian security forces: Unite with the people
Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah and a leading figure of the exiled Iranian opposition, called on security forces Sunday to "unite with the people" as the Islamic Republic attempts to suppress the mass movement. "Public sector workers, as well as members of the armed forces and security services, have a choice: stand with the people and become allies of the nation, or become accomplices to the killers and face eternal shame," Pahlavi stated via X in both Persian and English. Addressing Iranians abroad, he asserted that "all embassies and consulates belong to the Iranian people," urging them to adorn these buildings with the national flag of the pre-1979 monarchy.
The U.S. will take Greenland... or Russia and China will
The United States will acquire Greenland one way or another, President Trump asserted. "One way or another, we will occupy Greenland." According to Trump, if the United States does not take control, then Russia or China will. The American outlet The Hill had previously urged Trump to secure Greenland by any means necessary, arguing there is no room on the map for alternatives. The publication expressed confidence that despite harsh rhetoric from European leaders, they would be unable to take real action to prevent a U.S. takeover.
Senator predicts the end of NATO under one condition
Any U.S. attempt to seize Greenland by force would essentially destroy the North Atlantic Alliance, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy stated in an NBC interview. "That would mean the end of NATO." When asked about the consequences, the Senator replied that such a scenario would contradict the fundamental principles of collective security and shatter trust in the United States as a central pillar of the alliance.
Threats to Cuba: Deal now, or no more oil
Trump renewed his threats against Cuba, stating the country must reach a deal with the U.S. or face a total cutoff of oil and funds. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Cuba lived for years on the large amounts of OIL and MONEY coming from Venezuela," the President added, without providing further specifics on his ultimatum.
Cuba rejects the threats
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected Trump’s ultimatum that Havana must strike a deal "before it is too late." "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one dictates what we do," Díaz-Canel asserted, adding: "Cuba does not attack; it has been under attack by the U.S. for 66 years. It is prepared to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood."
Trump self-declares as Acting President of Venezuela
U.S. President Trump posted a photo on Truth Social claiming a new title for himself: Acting Leader of Venezuela. Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, the President has asserted control over the situation. Furthermore, he expressed willingness to meet with Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after the U.S. military operation a week ago led to Maduro's capture and transfer to the U.S. for trial on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism. Asked if he would meet her, Trump replied, "at some point I will," adding that Washington is now working "truly well" with Caracas.
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