[Sunday, January 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
January 18, 2026

Executive Summary

• Iran in Turmoil: The U.S. has pivoted from strike threats to diplomacy amid a brutal crackdown in Iran. Reports indicate thousands killed, mass injuries, and the defection of a senior UN diplomat, even as Tehran celebrates a “defeat” of the U.S.
• Transatlantic Tensions Flare: New U.S. tariffs on eight European nations over a disputed military presence in Greenland have provoked threats from Europe to block a major trade deal and boycott the World Cup.
• Domestic Unrest Escalates: The Pentagon has readied 1,500 troops for a potential deployment to Minnesota amidst ongoing “chaos.” This coincides with nationwide clashes over ICE enforcement and direct threats against federal officers and the Vice President.
• Border Report: Statistics claim a historic 95% drop in illegal crossings compared to the Biden era, while Texas hospitals report over $1 billion in uncompensated care costs for illegal immigrants in 2025.

1. The Iran Crisis: Confrontation, Crackdown, and a Diplomatic Pivot

1.1 U.S. Hardline Stance Shifts with Reported Halt to Military Strikes

The Trump administration’s posture toward Iran escalated sharply this week before an apparent last-minute de-escalation. Following what one source called “new taunts” from Tehran, President Trump issued a public call for “new leadership in Iran,” branding the nation the “worst place to live” and its leader the “‘sick’ Ayatollah” [1, 2]. This rhetoric was reportedly mirrored in White House discussions, where Vice President JD Vance advocated for conducting military strikes, arguing that the President “must keep his word” on confronting the regime [3]. The stance was supported by Senator Ted Cruz, who stated, “America stands with the people of Iran” [4].

However, according to a subsequent report, President Trump halted the planned strikes. The decision was attributed to a combination of “ally concerns, logistical hurdles, [and a] diplomatic breakthrough” [5]. While one military analyst, Gen. Breedlove, had suggested that a severe internal crackdown by Tehran could serve as a trigger for U.S. action [6], the administration appears to have paused. One analysis concluded that Trump “spared the ayatollah for now,” clarifying that his “options in Iran are still wide open” [7].

References
[1] Trump calls for ’new leadership in Iran’: Time for the ‘sick’ Ayatollah to go, https://nypost.com/2026/01/17/world-news/trump-calls-for-new-leadership-in-iran-time-for-the-sick-ayatollah-to-go
[2] Pres. Trump Calmly Lays Out the Harsh Truth on Iran’s ‘Leadership’ After New Taunts by Khamenei, https://redstate.com/beccalower/2026/01/17/president-trump-lays-out-the-harsh-truth-on-irans-leadership-amid-thousands-of-protester-deaths-n2198254
[3] Vance backed strikes on Iran, arguing Trump must keep his word - WP, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601174925
[4] Ted Cruz: “I agree with President Trump — Iran needs new leadership. America stands with the people of Iran.”, https://x.com/tedcruz/status/2012945786439336372
[5] Trump halted Iran strikes amid ally concerns, logistical hurdles, diplomatic breakthrough: Report, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/trump-halted-iran-strikes-amid-ally-concerns-logistical-hurdles-diplomatic-breakthrough-report/3803270
[6] Gen. Breedlove to Newsmax: Iran Crackdown Could Trigger Trump, https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/philip-breedlove-donald-trump-iran/2026/01/17/id/1242507/
[7] Trump spared the ayatollah for now— but his options in Iran are still wide open, https://nypost.com/2026/01/17/opinion/trump-doesnt-need-to-rely-on-the-military-to-get-things-done-but-it-can-be-used-if-needed/

1.2 Iranian Regime in Crisis: Mass Casualties and High-Profile Defection

The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against a backdrop of extreme internal turmoil in Iran. Supreme Leader Khamenei publicly acknowledged “thousands [were] killed” in recent unrest [1]. Casualty estimates from other sources are far grimmer, with one Iranian official cited as confirming at least 5,000 fatalities [2] and another report alleging the crackdown has left 16,500 dead and 330,000 injured [3]. Accounts from Iranians in exile describe a state of “mass killings,” claiming that in the current climate, “‘Every family knows a victim’” [4]. The crisis has produced a major fissure in the regime, with reports that a senior Iranian UN diplomat in Geneva has defected and is seeking asylum in Switzerland [5]. The state’s control on information has also been challenged; a cyberattack reportedly disrupted Iranian state television to air a statement from Reza Pahlavi [6].

References
[1] Iran’s supreme leader acknowledges thousands killed as Trump calls for new leadership: reports, https://www.foxnews.com/world/irans-supreme-leader-acknowledges-thousands-killed-trump-calls-new-leadership
[2] At Least 5,000 Killed in Iran Protests, Official Says, https://time.com/7347170/iran-death-toll-khamenei-trump/
[3] Iran crackdown left 16,500 dead, 330,000 injured - Sunday Times, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601186591
[4] ‘Every family knows a victim’: Iranians in exile speak out on mass killings, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601178265
[5] Senior Iranian UN diplomat in Geneva defects, seeks asylum in Switzerland, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/iran-eastern-states/artc-senior-iranian-un-diplomat-in-geneva-defects-seeks-asylum-in-switzerland
[6] Hack disrupts Iranian state TV, airs Reza Pahlavi statement | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-883776

2. Domestic Unrest and Enforcement Clashes

2.1 Federal Intervention Looms in Minnesota Amidst “Chaos”

A significant federal response is being prepared for ongoing civil unrest in Minnesota. According to reports, the Pentagon has readied 1,500 troops for a potential deployment to the state, which one headline describes as “lawless” and “Democrat-led” [1]. The move comes as both President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are reportedly making strategic moves in response to the “chaos in Minneapolis,” where a man—described alternately as a “provocateur Who Threatened To Burn Quran” and an “anti-Islam activist”—was allegedly stabbed by rioters [2, 3]. One commentary places direct blame on Governor Walz for creating the conditions that may necessitate a federal presence [4].

References
[1] Pentagon readies 1,500 troops to possibly deploy to the lawless Democrat-led Minnesota: report, https://nypost.com/2026/01/18/us-news/pentagon-readies-1500-army-troops-for-possible-deployment-to-minnesota/
[2] Trump and Walz Both Make Moves on Chaos in Minneapolis, As MN National Guard Post Raises Eyebrows, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2026/01/18/minnesota-national-guard-posts-n2198261
[3] Provocateur Who Threatened To Burn Quran Allegedly Stabbed By Minnesota Rioters, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/18/provocateur-jake-lang-threatened-burn-quran-stabbed-by-minnesota-rioters/
[4] Blame Tim Walz for the Federal Presence in Minnesota, https://spectator.org/blame-tim-walz-for-the-federal-presence-in-minnesota/

2.2 Threats, Protests, and Clashes Over Immigration Enforcement

Tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement have become acute nationwide, marked by direct threats, organized protests, and hostile confrontations. Representative Eric Swalwell has reportedly vowed to “revoke ICE officers’ driver’s licenses,” adding, “Good luck walking to work a–holes” [1]. In New York City, socialist groups are reportedly “mustering [an] army of 4,000 anti-ICE activists” to disrupt operations [2]. In a widely circulated video from a separate protest, an ICE agent was recorded telling demonstrators, “We’re trying to arrest a child sex offender. That’s who you guys are protecting” [3, 4]. Other reported incidents include an individual spitting in an agent’s face [5] and protesters in Minneapolis compelling a man to remove an American flag hoodie [6]. The confrontations carry significant legal weight; the DOJ is reportedly probing the widow of an individual named Renee Nicole Good for “‘impeding’ ICE agents before [a] fatal shooting” [7]. The political climate is also marked by direct threats against leadership, with a man being charged with threatening to bomb Vice President JD Vance at a theme park [8].

References
[1] Eric Swalwell vows to revoke ICE officers’ driver’s licenses: ‘Good luck walking to work a–holes’ | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2026/01/17/us-news/eric-swalwell-vows-to-revoke-ice-officers-drivers-licenses-good-luck-walking-to-work-a-holes/
[2] NYC socialists mustering army of 4,000 anti-ICE activists to bring Minnesota tactics to Big Apple, https://nypost.com/2026/01/18/us-news/nyc-socialists-mustering-army-of-4000-anti-ice-activists-to-bring-minnesota-tactics-to-big-apple/
[3] ICE agent scolds protester: “We’re trying to arrest a child sex offender. That’s who you guys are protecting. Insane!”, https://x.com/Breaking911/status/2012946474770759716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2012946474770759716%7Ctwgr%5E3a339970f990331a7389cb36d46b8bbdd93ad166%7Ctwcon%5Es1_
[4] ICE agent scolds protestors, tells them: “We are trying to arrest a child s*x offender. That’s who you’re protecting.”, /r/Conservative/comments/1qgho1f/ice_agent_scolds_protestors_tells_them_we_are/
[5] Leftist (as opposed to so-called “liberal”) spits in the face of ICE agent. Immediately regrets it., /r/Conservative/comments/1qgmnz7/leftist_as_opposed_to_socalled_liberal_spits_in/
[6] Anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis made a man take off his American flag hoodie that said “Freedom”, https://x.com/julio_rosas11/status/2012644193408012652?s=46&t=eWhREji71-GILA9-yU41oQ
[7] DOJ probing Renee Nicole Good’s widow for ‘impeding’ ICE agents before fatal shooting: report, https://nypost.com/2026/01/18/us-news/renee-nicole-goods-widow-rebecca-good-probed-by-doj-for-impeding-ice-agents-report/
[8] Man Charged With Threatening To Bomb JD Vance At Theme Park, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/17/marco-antonio-aguayo-charged-threatening-bomb-jd-vance-disneyland/

3. Foreign Affairs and Trade

3.1 Greenland Dispute Ignites Transatlantic Trade War Threats

A festering dispute over Greenland has erupted into a critical transatlantic conflict. The crisis began after President Trump imposed new tariffs on eight European countries, leaving them “reeling” [1]. The move is explicitly linked to a European military presence on the island, with one social media post attributed to Kirill Dmitriev issuing a direct warning to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: “Take back the 13 soldiers sent to Greenland. You may get an extra 1% tariff for every soldier sent” [2]. The situation has now escalated dramatically, with European nations threatening to “hold up [the] EU-U.S. trade deal” and to “boycott [the] World Cup” in direct retaliation for the administration’s “Greenland Tariffs” [3]. While Senator Ted Cruz has praised the initiative [4], a recent poll indicates 70% of Americans disapprove of using federal funds to purchase the territory [5].

References
[1] Europeans reeling as Trump imposes tariffs on 8 countries over Greenland dispute, https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-us-trump-eu-tariffs-4e63efa690604004c69fc89a7c14e7c2
[2] Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) on X: Dear Ursula “Pfizer” von der Leyen, do not provoke the Daddy! Take back the 13 soldiers sent to Greenland. You may get an extra 1% tariff for every soldier sent., https://x.com/kadmitriev/status/2012617306711462332
[3] Europeans Threaten to Hold Up EU-U.S. Trade Deal, Boycott World Cup over Trump’s Greenland Tariffs, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/01/18/europeans-threaten-to-hold-up-eu-u-s-trade-deal-boycott-world-cup-over-trump-greenland-tariffs/
[4] Ted Cruz Praises Trump’s Greenland Push, https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2026/01/18/ted-cruz-lauds-trumps-america-first-greenland-threats-after-viral-clip-bashing-president-resurfaced/
[5] Greenland: 70% of Americans disapprove buying it with federal funds; 86% disapprove using military force, https://i.redd.it/mcsnhwud85eg1.jpeg

3.2 Global Security and Diplomatic Actions

• International Reactions to Iran: In a significant move, Argentina has designated Iran’s IRGC Quds Force as a terrorist group [1]. Meanwhile, pressure from rights activists is mounting on the World Economic Forum to bar Iranian regime officials from its upcoming meeting in Davos [2].
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: As President Trump publicly questions the scale of U.S. aid, Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched a “massive drone assault” targeting Russia’s power grid [3]. In a related matter, an Indian man has been jailed for 30 months in the U.S. for illegally exporting aviation parts to Russia [4].
• Syria Counter-Terrorism: U.S. forces conducted a successful strike in Syria, eliminating a senior al-Qaeda operative linked to a previous ISIS ambush that killed three American National Guardsmen [5].
• Foreign Aid and Budgets: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to “PERMANENTLY CUT OFF U.S. aid to Somalia” after the demolition of a warehouse holding 76 tons of American food [6]. Separately, U.S. ambassadors detailed their successful efforts to “slash” the United Nations budget [7].
• Venezuela Scrutiny: Documents obtained by the Associated Press show that Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez, referred to by another outlet as the ‘interim president’, has been a “‘priority target’” on the “DEA’s radar for years” [8, 9].

References
[1] Argentina designates Iran’s IRGC Quds Force as terrorist group, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601173783
[2] World Economic Forum faces calls to freeze out Iranian regime from Davos, https://www.foxnews.com/world/world-economic-forum-invites-iranian-foreign-minister-davos-after-regime-slaughter-iranian-civilians
[3] Ukraine launches massive drone assault on Russian power grid as Trump questions aid, https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukrainian-drone-strikes-leave-hundreds-thousands-without-power-across-russian-controlled-area
[4] Indian man jailed for 30 months in US over ‘calculated’ scheme to illegally export aviation parts to Russia, https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/indian-man-jailed-for-30-months-in-us-over-calculated-scheme-to-illegally-export-aviation-parts-to-russia-11768629780374.html
[5] US strike eliminates al Qaeda operative connected to ISIS ambush that killed 3 Americans in Syria, https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-strike-eliminates-al-qaeda-operative-connected-isis-ambush-killed-3-americans-syria
[6] Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to PERMANENTLY CUT OFF U.S. aid to Somalia after the country demolished a warehouse holding 76 TONS of American food, per Daily Wire., https://x.com/BarronTNews_/status/2012646906921414925
[7] US ambassadors reveal how they slashed UN budget, https://nypost.com/2026/01/18/us-news/us-ambassadors-reveal-how-they-slashed-un-budget/
[8] AP obtains documents showing Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez has been on DEA’s radar for years, https://apnews.com/article/delcy-rodriguez-donald-trump-venezuela-drugs-maduro-70ffbe17378fe0fa9b7f12a40e07b2f3
[9] Venezuela interim president Delcy Rodríguez was DEA ‘priority target’, https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuelas-acting-leader-once-dea-priority-target-report

4. U.S. Governance, Law, and Domestic Policy

4.1 Border Metrics, Policy Outcomes, and Notable Enforcement

New statistics indicate a major shift at the southern border, with one report claiming illegal crossings in the first quarter “plummeted 95% from the Biden era, lowest in history” [1]. Concurrently, states continue to grapple with fiscal burdens; a report linked to “Abbott’s border mandate” reveals that uncompensated hospital care for illegal immigrants in Texas surpassed $1 billion in 2025 [2]. In a related analysis, a Fox News opinion piece credits the administration’s border policies for a 37,000 nationwide drop in drug overdose deaths [3]. Enforcement actions also continue to make headlines, with one report showing footage of illegal migrant workers in California “leaping across rooftops to escape Border Patrol” during a raid [4].

References
[1] Q1 border crossings plummet 95% from Biden era, lowest in history, https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/q1-border-crossings-plummet-95-biden-era-lowest-history
[2] Abbott’s border mandate reveals illegal immigrants rack up $1B+ in hospital costs in 2025: report, https://nypost.com/2026/01/17/us-news/illegal-immigrants-rack-up-1b-in-texas-hospital-costs-in-fy-2025-total-likely-higher-report/
[3] Trump administration sees 37,000 drop in drug overdose deaths nationwide, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-secure-border-brings-plummeting-overdose-deaths-dont-expect-trump-get-credit
[4] Illegal migrant workers caught on camera leaping across rooftops to escape Border Patrol in California raid, https://www.foxnews.com/us/illegal-migrant-workers-caught-on-camera-leaping-across-rooftops-escape-border-patrol-california-raid

4.2 Partisan Legislative and Legal Battles

Political battles are intensifying on multiple legal and legislative fronts. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has declared Democrats’ intent to “restore most of” the spending cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) [1]. In state-level power struggles, President Trump is reportedly targeting Indiana’s Senate Republican leader for “redistricting resistance” [2], while in Virginia, Democrats are reportedly making a “move to seize redistricting power” that could create up to four new “left-leaning seats” [3]. In the legal arena, Michael Cohen is said to have “turned against” New York prosecutors Letitia James and Alvin Bragg [4], while a separate court filing in California is challenging Representative Eric Swalwell’s eligibility to run for governor on residency grounds [5].

References
[1] Chuck Schumer Says Democrats Will Restore Most of’ DOGE Cuts, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/17/chuck-schumer-says-democrats-will-reverse-most-of-doge-cuts/
[2] Trump targets Indiana Senate leader Rod Bray over redistricting resistance, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-vows-take-out-indiana-gop-leader-over-redistricting-fight
[3] Virginia Democrats move to seize redistricting power, opening door to 4 new left-leaning seats, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/virginia-democrats-move-seize-redistricting-power-opening-door-four-new-left-leaning-seats
[4] Michael Cohen Turns Against Letitia James and Alvin Bragg, https://jonathanturley.org/2026/01/17/michael-cohen-turns-against-letitia-james-and-alvin-bragg/
[5] Lefty Rep. Swalwell can’t run for gov in Calif. — because he doesn’t live there: court filing, https://nypost.com/2026/01/18/us-news/lefty-congressman-cant-run-for-cali-governor-because-he-doesnt-live-there-court-filing-claim/

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