Based on the latest reports, here are the major world news stories:

Middle East and Iran tensions: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his country is “committed to peace and stability in the region” while monitoring US actions and preparing for “every possible scenario.”[1] Meanwhile, US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Iran could be approximately “a week away” from producing industrial-grade bomb-making material, calling the situation “very dangerous.”[1] Israel’s security cabinet convened to discuss the possibility of a US strike on Iran and risks of broader regional conflict.[1] Additionally, Iran signed a secret missile agreement worth approximately €500 million ($589 million) with Russia to rebuild its air defense system.[1]

Ukraine-Russia conflict: The war continues to escalate, with both nations accusing each other of overnight airstrikes that killed two people and injured nine others.[1] A Russian drone strike hit a minibus transporting mineworkers in Dnipro, Ukraine, killing at least 15 people and injuring seven.[7] US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope that Washington has put proposals to both Russia and Ukraine that could bring them together “in the next three weeks” and potentially result in a presidential summit.[1]

Natural disasters and accidents: A passenger bus in Nepal fell into the Tishuli River in Dhading district, killing at least 17 people and injuring 24.[1] A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Malaysia.[1] A powerful winter storm is battering the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern US with heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and coastal flooding.[1]

Security incidents: A man was shot and killed by US Secret Service agents after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida estate of US President Donald Trump.[1] Pakistani security forces arrested four people allegedly associated with the Khorasan Islamic State in connection with a bombing of a Shia mosque in Islamabad.[7]

International diplomacy: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday to deliver a speech before the Knesset, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[1] US Vice President JD Vance visited Armenia, becoming the highest-ranking US official to visit the country, meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss implementing a peace agreement for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.[7] Armenia and the United States reached a nuclear deal outlining a Section 123 Agreement and up to US$9 billion in total exports to Armenia related to nuclear energy.[7]