President Trump hosted top oil and gas executives at the White House. He paused the discussion to inspect his new ballroom construction. The project is privately funded and ahead of schedule. The ballroom will accommodate large events and inauguration ceremonies. Oil companies plan to invest billions in Venezuela’s infrastructure and oil production.
During a White House press conference, President Trump unexpectedly read a private handwritten note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio aloud. The note, instructing Trump to “Go back to Chevron,” caused visible discomfort for Rubio and amusement for Vice President Vance.
Storm Goretti’s record winds killed a man in southwest England after a tree fell on his caravan. Tens of thousands of homes across the UK and nearly 100,000 in France experienced power outages. Severe weather also caused transport disruptions and school closures across Europe, with at least 15 weather-related deaths reported this week.
Iranian women are seen burning images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amidst escalating protests fueled by severe economic hardship. The nation’s currency has plummeted, inflation has soared, and food prices have surged, leading to widespread discontent and demonstrations not seen since the 2022-23 unrest.
President Donald Trump took a call from Fox News during a New York Times interview. The interview, held in the Oval Office, was interrupted multiple times by phone calls. Trump also spoke with Colombian leader Gustavo Petro. This marked a rare extended engagement with the Times, a publication Trump has often criticized.
Iran’s foreign minister accused the US and Israel of fueling ongoing protests, while downplaying the likelihood of foreign military intervention. The demonstrations, sparked by economic woes, have seen a harsh crackdown, with authorities labeling protesters as ‘terrorists’ and imposing an internet blackout. US President Trump has warned Iran against suppressing demonstrators.
Dubai has launched its driverless robotaxi service, a significant step towards its 2030 goal of 25% autonomous transportation. Initially covering 65 locations in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, the service is managed by Baidu Apollo Go’s operations center. This marks a major advancement in commercial autonomous vehicle deployment, with broader commercial launches anticipated.
Hundreds of travelers faced disruptions Friday as Dubai cancelled six major flights to Iran due to “heightened regional uncertainty” and ongoing civil unrest. Airlines are prioritizing safety, with Emirates halting transit passengers to Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. This follows a nationwide currency devaluation sparking widespread protests, making air travel risky.