Simple English News Daily Tuesday 13th January 2026. Iran US negotiation. Indonesia Malaysia Grok. Australia bushfire. Gambia FGM. Egypt energy deal...
Jan 12, 2026
Negotiations between Iran and the US appear to be back on the table. Meanwhile, Indonesia and Malaysia have banned Grok due to concerns about deepfakes. In Gambia, there's a challenge to the ongoing fight against FGM, while Egypt secures a significant renewable energy deal. Uganda faces election repression warnings, and Hungary grants asylum to a former Polish minister. Tensions rise between Jerome Powell and President Trump over interest rates, and Italy sees a rare prisoner release, all while Mattel introduces an Autistic Barbie.
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Iran Keeps Channels Open
- Iran says communication channels with the US remain open despite President Trump's threats of attack.
- Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi said Iran would even negotiate with the US to avoid an attack.
Grok Temporarily Banned Over Deepfakes
- Malaysia and Indonesia temporarily banned XAI's Grok over its use to create sexually explicit images, including of children.
- Both countries said bans will stay until XAI fixes Grok to prevent deepfake pornography.
Severe Bushfires In Southeastern Australia
- Bushfires in southeastern Australia have destroyed about 300 properties and killed one person.
- Authorities warn the fires, driven by hot, dry and windy weather, could burn for weeks.