France 24 - Friday, January 9, 2026

Beyond the seized oil tanker Marinera: Growing fleet reflags to Russia

The United States announced on Wednesday that it had “seized” the Marinera, an oil tanker with links to Venezuela, in the North Atlantic. During the US pursuit of this boat, the Marinera changed its name (from the Bella 1) and swapped out its former flag for the Russian flag. Turns out, this isn’t a first: experts say that Moscow has agreed to lend its flag and its protection to other so-called “dark fleet” ships attempting to circumnavigate the US blockade.

Capturing Maduro, A Grab for Greenland, Iran Unrest

In a week that saw the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Operation Absolute Resolve played out in just two hours and 28 minutes. The combined military precision and tactical deception by U.S. land, sea, and air forces led to Maduro and his wife, Cecilia Flores, being snatched from a fortress-like compound in Caracas.

Dr. Hamza al-Mustafa says Syria seeks peaceful solution, accuses SDF of failing to honour agreement

Dr. Hamza al‑Mustafa, Syria’s Information Minister in Damascus, articulates the Syrian government’s position on the ongoing confrontation with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). At its core, the exchange centres on competing visions for the future of Syria: one that emphasises state sovereignty and territorial unity under a single government, and one that involves elements within the SDF seeking de facto autonomy. Dr. al‑Mustafa frames the conflict not as a spontaneous escalation, but as a cont

Iranian regime's 'iron fist': Internet blackout as protests swell to hundreds of thousands

Protests in Iran began days before the new year and have spread nationwide to more than 170 locations in 25 provinces. With increasing discontent over the faltering economy and protesters now chanting anti-regime statements, Gavin Lee welcomes Ali VAEZ, Director of Iran Project & Senior Advisor at the International Crisis Group. He is emphasising the seriousness of the political crisis in Iran and the current unrest, while noting the factors that prevent a full-fledged revolution.

EU greenlights Mercosur trade deal, von der Leyen 'looks forward' to signing 'soon'

What can Trump offer Big Oil to bring US capital back to Venezuela?

US President Donald Trump has openly set his sights on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, claiming Friday that US oil giants were going to invest upward of $100 billion in the country’s gutted industry. But analysts warn that relaunching Venezuela’s oil production could cost dearly in both time and money – even if the enduring Chavista administration continues to bend under US pressure.

'Not what you see on the map': French ambassador to Ukraine challenges Russia's victory narrative

Nearly four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine grinds on, and the search for a viable off-ramp looks increasingly narrow. Speaking to FRANCE 24’s Douglas Herbert, France's ambassador to Ukraine, Gaël Veyssière, delivers a pointed rebuttal to Moscow's battlefield narrative, warning that the Kremlin's perception and reality are increasingly at odds.

After decades of negotiations, EU-Mercosur deal hinges on France and Italy

Alberto Rizzi, Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, sheds light on the shifting European political calculus surrounding the long-awaited EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Italy’s recent pivot in favor of the deal reveals a strategic weighing of national economic benefits over protecting Italian farmers. Rizzi offers a nuanced view, cautioning against viewing this as a monolithic threat or panacea. At its heart, this is a case study in how modern democracies grapple with global

Home alone in a hostile world: Is 2026 the year Europe will fend for itself?

As 2026 gets off to a rocky start, Europe finds itself squeezed between brute force and awkward dependence. After the US seizure of Venezuela's leader, President Donald Trump has openly floated using military force to acquire Greenland, part of NATO member Denmark. European leaders insist it will not happen. The harder question is whether they could stop it if Washington decided otherwise.

EU states back record South America trade deal after 25 years

EU states gave a provisional go-ahead on Friday for the bloc to sign its largest ever free trade accord with South American group Mercosur, more than 25 years since talks began and after months of wrangling to secure enough backers.