In this weekly update for Friday, 16 January 2026, we examine growing signs that the West is struggling to respond decisively to Islamist extremism, both in Iran and in Gaza.
This update covers:
- Mass protests across all 31 provinces of Iran against the Islamist regime
- Mounting pressure on the European Union to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation
- Criticism of Western weakness from security experts
- The Trump administration’s preference for diplomacy over military action against Iran
- Iran’s worsening economic crisis, drought, and internal instability
- Serious questions surrounding possible regime change in Iran
We also look at Phase Two of the Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan, which aims to move from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. Israeli security experts warn that advancing this phase now could be a strategic disaster, as Hamas shows no intention of disarming or relinquishing power.
Finally, we note that the body of Israeli hostage Master Sergeant Ran Gili remains in Gaza, and we close with prayer for his family, for wisdom among Western governments, and for courage to defend Judeo-Christian values against Islamist extremism.
Thank you for watching this weekly update. We wish you a blessed weekend and look forward to seeing you next week.