As protests rage across Iran in January 2026—sparked by economic meltdown and Venezuela's regime flip—rumors swirl of leaders looting billions and plotting getaways. US Treasury chief Scott Bessent calls it "rats fleeing the ship," vowing to hunt down the funds. With deaths topping 2,400, Trump amps up sanctions and threats, forcing Tehran to pause executions. Here's the high-stakes drama unfolding.

Months before the protests erupted in Iran, its citizens began to quietly withdraw their funds from Iran's banks. As protests have now swept across Iran, the nation's banking sector faces unprecedented strain, with reports of full-scale bank runs. The Iranian regime has responded with withdrawal suspensions. The plummeting value of the currency is fueling fears of systemic collapse.

In a dramatic escalation of U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump's administration has reshaped Venezuela's political and economic landscape in early 2026. Following a targeted military operation on January 3 that captured former President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. has asserted direct influence over the country's governance, oil sector, and transitional processes.