Japanese leader meets with Saudi Crown Prince

Japan's Prime Minister has met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince to discuss ways to ease political tension in the Middle East.
UK, US rap Iran for detention of UK ambassador
The British and US governments are criticizing Iran for briefly detaining London's ambassador to Tehran during an anti-government protest in the Iranian capital on Saturday.
Tsai wins Taiwan presidential election
Taiwan's incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen is now headed into a second term after soundly defeating her main rival in Saturday's presidential election.
Malta gets new PM after reporter murder outcry
Outsider Robert Abela is set to become Malta's new premier on Sunday after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's downfall over the murder of an investigative journalist. Abela, who is seen as representing continuity, was elected leader of the Labour Party, meaning he automatically takes the role of prime minister.
Trump backs Iranian protesters
US President Donald Trump has expressed support for protesters in Iran who have taken to the streets over the government's downing of a Ukrainian airliner.
Germany, Russia to work for Middle East stability

12 January

UN expects full investigation of Ukrainian plane crash
The United Nations' aviation agency expects a full investigation into the crash of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Thursday.