The top headline covered globally by the world’s eight major news agencies on January 21, 2026

【Answer 1】 1. Bloomberg reported today: Trump once again issued tough remarks toward European allies and threatened to impose steep tariffs on French wine and champagne. Early this morning, Trump posted a series of messages criticizing French President Macron for refusing to support his newly proposed Peace Commission, stating that if France fails to cooperate, the U.S. will levy a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne. Trump added: 'France is about to hold elections; I do not recommend hitting French agriculture hard.' Moreover, Trump publicly released a text message from Macron, in which Macron invited Trump to dinner in Paris this Thursday and proposed talks on Ukraine, Syria, Denmark, and Russia. In the message, Macron expressed his confusion over Trump’s claim to Greenland. During Trump’s recent trip to Davos, he clashed with multiple European leaders. He criticized Britain’s plan to return sovereignty of Diego Garcia to Mauritius and threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries opposing his Greenland claim. He also voiced dissatisfaction over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and pushed for France to join his proposed Peace Commission. Several European officials revealed that the Commission was originally intended to oversee Gaza reconstruction but has since expanded its mandate. According to draft statutes seen by Bloomberg, Trump would serve as chair and retain sole authority over membership decisions; countries seeking permanent seats would need to contribute at least one billion dollars. Sources indicated Macron has no intention of accepting this proposal. The EU fears tensions in transatlantic relations may escalate further over Greenland, peace initiatives, and trade disputes. EU leaders will convene an emergency summit to discuss countermeasures. Should Trump impose a 10% tariff on European goods starting February 1, the EU plans retaliatory measures targeting $93 billion worth of U.S. exports. 2. AFP reported today: French President Macron stated at the World Economic Forum that Europe will not bow to bullying nor be intimidated by threats. Macron emphasized that Washington’s escalating tariff threats are fundamentally unacceptable—especially when tariffs are wielded as political leverage to challenge national sovereignty—constituting a serious violation of international rules. He stressed that Europe seeks relations grounded in mutual respect, not problem-solving through intimidation and coercion. Recently, several European leaders have opted for restrained responses to U.S. rhetoric to avoid further straining transatlantic ties. Yet Macron has repeatedly spoken out publicly, underscoring that Europe must not passively accept power politics—or risk gradually forfeiting its own independence. He added that the EU stands ready to implement countermeasures if necessary. Earlier, Trump announced he would impose heavy tariffs on multiple European countries—including France—starting February 1, until the U.S. is granted sovereignty over Greenland. Major EU nations condemned this move as economic blackmail. 3. Reuters reported today: Trump announced he will not attend the G7 summit in Paris. The summit was proposed by French President Macron. Macron sent invitations via text message to world leaders, proposing a G7 summit in Paris and inviting Ukraine, Denmark, Syria, and Russia to participate.

Trump says military action against Iran is 'nearing conclusion', hinting at possible strikes against additional targets; Iran warns the U.S. could become mired in a protracted war of attrition

【Answer 2】 U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran have entered their 12th day, with intensifying competition between the two sides over battlefield dynamics, strategic intent, and control of critical maritime chokepoints. According to CCTV News, U.S. President Trump stated on Wednesday, March 11, local time, that 'there are virtually no more targets left to strike' inside Iran, and that America’s military campaign against Iran is 'nearing conclusion.' This statement starkly contradicts recent messaging from U.S. and Israeli officials. CCTV noted that U.S. and Israeli officials confirmed they had received no internal orders to halt military operations. Israeli Defense Minister Katz declared on the same day that the U.S.-Israeli joint operation against Iran 'has no time limit, and will continue until all our objectives are achieved.' Later that evening, Trump reiterated that the war is nearing conclusion—but declined to specify when he expects it to end. Instead, he said, 'We’re not done yet,' adding that the U.S. must continue 'the same actions.' Trump hinted at potential strikes against additional Iranian targets, saying the U.S. could strike more Iranian sites if desired, while downplaying the mine threat in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting he does not believe Iran has laid mines there and that U.S. forces have 'essentially destroyed all of Iran’s minelaying vessels.' According to CCTV, he also stated the U.S. would draw from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ease soaring oil prices caused by the Iran conflict, saying, 'We’ll draw a little bit—that’ll bring prices down.' On the same day, Iran signaled firm resolve: Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the U.S. could become embroiled in a 'protracted war of attrition'; Iran’s Armed Forces announced it has abandoned its 'tit-for-tat retaliation' policy in favor of 'sequential strikes,' and reaffirmed that the U.S. and its allies have forfeited the right to transit the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the Strait of Hormuz’s ongoing blockade, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the release of a record 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves, aiming to 'offset supply losses resulting from the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz' and stabilize global energy markets. French President Macron, following a G7 leaders’ call, stated that the G7 would coordinate oil reserve releases in the coming days, while escort missions for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would require several weeks to organize. He also stressed that the Iran conflict demands clearly defined military and political objectives. According to CCTV, Macron described the Strait of Hormuz as having become a 'battlefield,' and the G7 held a meeting that day to discuss mechanisms safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security. Disruption to shipping through the Strait has already affected roughly one-third of global fertilizer trade, warranting close monitoring of the conflict’s impact on agricultural production. UK Prime Minister Starmer, after the G7 meeting, urged cooperation to mitigate the conflict’s economic fallout and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. Central Command stated on Wednesday that Iran is repurposing civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz for military use—and warned it may strike such facilities. Iran’s military responded that, in that case, all regional ports would become 'legitimate targets' for Iran. According to Xinhua, European Commission President von der Leyen, speaking before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, said the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict has driven up European oil and gas prices, costing Europeans an additional €3 billion in energy imports so far. The Commission is evaluating multiple measures—including capping natural gas prices—to reduce household energy bills. Trump claims U.S. action against Iran is 'far ahead of schedule,' though U.S. and Israeli officials have not echoed this assessment.

Macron Calls for G7 Meeting to Mull Release of Oil Reserves

4 days ago

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to convene a G7 meeting to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves amid soaring energy prices driven by geopolitical conflicts. The move aims to stabilize fuel costs and improve supply cooperation among member nations.

bloomberg

2026-09-18

Macron Calls for G7 Meeting to Mull Release of Oil Reserves

Macron Calls for G7 Meeting to Mull Release of Oil Reserves

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