Iran unveils

mural warning

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Authorities in Iran have unveiled a new mural in a central Tehran square with a direct warning to the United States to not attempt a military strike on the country. The painted image of several damaged aircraft on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier bears a slogan: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.”

The unveiling of the mural in Enghelab Square comes as USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships move toward the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the ships were being moved “just in case” he decides to take action.

Smallpox foe

dies at 89

ATLANTA (AP) — Dr. William Foege, a leader in the global eradication of smallpox, has died. He was 89. Foege was director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and later held other key health leadership roles.

But his greatest achievement came before all that, with his work on smallpox while he was a medical missionary in Nigeria. He and his colleagues developed a “ring containment” strategy for the disease. A smallpox outbreak was contained by identifying each case and vaccinating everyone who they might come into contact with.

Zelenskyy

backs agreement

(AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a security agreement with the United States is “100% ready.” Speaking on Sunday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is waiting for its partners to set a signing date. Speaking after trilateral talks with Russia and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s push for European Union membership by 2027 as an “economic security guarantee.”

He acknowledged fundamental differences with Russia over territorial integrity. Negotiators will return to the UAE on Feb. 1, a U.S. official said.

Israel searches

for hostage

NAHARIYA, Israel (AP) — Israel says its military is conducting a large-scale operation to locate the last hostage in Gaza. This comes as Washington and other mediators pressure Israel and Hamas to move into the next phase of their ceasefire.

On Sunday, Israel’s Cabinet was meeting to discuss opening Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Returning the remaining hostage, Ran Gvili, has been seen as removing the main obstacle to this move. The ceasefire’s first phase, which began on Oct. 10, includes the return of all remaining hostages.

Israel accuses Hamas of delaying the recovery of Gvili’s remains, while Hamas claims it has provided all available information.