15 January 2026
United Kingdom
The government has plans to call up reservists until they are 65, a decade older than previous plans, and the new plan will also lower the physical standards. This will make it easier to call up tens of thousands of former military personnel in the event of war.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, while in Finland, that the UK is willing to assist European allies in seizing Russian shadow fleet oil tankers. Britain believes it has found the legal basis for the seizure of these vessels that are evading sanctions and assisted with the capture of Bella-1.
Denmark-Greenland
Denmark announced that it is increasing its army, air force and naval assets in Greenland. The Danish Defence Ministry will increase its presence for exercise activities in 2026, which will include training to protect “critical infrastructure, providing assistance to local authorities in Greenland, including the police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland, and conducting naval operations.”
France sent 15 military personnel to the island.
Iran
US troops are returning to the Qatar al-Udeid air base after Gulf leaders convinced Trump to pause. Trump is now claiming that the killing in Iran has stopped and that the executions planned are not going to occur.
Lebanon
The IDF are striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The IDF issued an evacuation notice for the town of Sohmore before the strikes occurred. It is not known what escalated for the IDF to strike.
Israel
The US will be discussing with Hamas about disarmament and with Israel concerning withdrawal from Gaza. This is part of Phase 2 of the ceasefire deal.
Pakistan
Pakistan announced a trilateral defence deal with Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye is in its final stages of discussions. It is believed that Turkish officials believe it will be “a way of strengthening security and deterrents when there are questions over the reliability of the US”.
Social media wires
It’s not just Greenland, it’s also Svalbard that concerns Norway
IDF striking targets in Lebanon
Featured Photo: HDMS HVIDBJORNEN (F360), in the harbour at Nuuk, Greenland. – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.