News

Taliban bans foreign currencies from being used in Afghanistan

Published

4 years ago

November 4, 2021

Taliban bans the use of foreign currencies in Afghanistan

The Taliban has revealed it is banning the use of foreign currencies in Afghanistan

The move to ban the use of foreign currencies such as the US dollar could further disrupt the Afghan economy which is already on the brink of collapse.

Afghanistan’s economy is struggling due to the withdrawal of international financial support after the Taliban took control.

“The economic situation and national interests in the country require that all Afghans use Afghani currency in their every trade,”
the Taliban said.

The US dollar has been used widely in Afghanistan’s markets

Currencies are also often used for trade in areas bordering Afghanistan’s neighbours such as Pakistan.

“The Islamic Emirate instructs all citizens, shopkeepers, traders, businessmen and the general public to henceforth conduct all transactions in Afghanis and strictly refrain from using foreign currency,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Taliban bans the use of international currencies / Image: File

“Anyone violating this order will face legal action,” the statement said

Following the takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban in August, billions of dollars of the country’s overseas assets were frozen by the US Federal Reserve and central banks in Europe.

“We believe that it’s essential that we maintain our sanctions against the Taliban but at the same time find ways for legitimate humanitarian assistance to get to the Afghan people. That’s exactly what we’re doing,”
Deputy United States Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told the US Senate Banking Committee last month.

The militant group, which is now governing Afghanistan has called for the release of country’s assets that are being held overseas as the nation faces a severe cash crunch.

Afghanistan has also been hit by the exodus of foreign aid. Grants from overseas previously financed three quarters of its public spending.

News

UK, Canada and Australia consider banning Elon Musk’s X over AI risks

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Published

38 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Downing Street has opened talks with Canada and Australia about a possible ban on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. Concerns are growing over the platform’s AI tool, Grok, which could be misused to generate explicit images.

The scrutiny comes as government officials, including Sir Keir Starmer, voice serious worries about the platform’s impact and the potential for harm. Officials believe coordinated international action could send a clear message to Musk about the urgency of addressing these risks.

Ofcom is expected to release recommendations soon, potentially paving the way for regulatory action. How Musk responds could determine whether X faces restrictions in multiple countries.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#ElonMusk #SocialMediaBan #XPlatform #AIrisks #GrokAI #TechRegulation #UKPolitics #TickerNews

News

Trump weighs options as Iran protests escalate

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

Published

46 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with senior US officials to discuss possible responses to the growing protests in Iran. The talks will focus on how Washington should react as unrest continues to spread across the country.

Options on the table reportedly include tougher sanctions and the possibility of military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials are expected to attend, as concerns mount over how US involvement could impact regional stability.

Iran has warned it will retaliate if the US intervenes, raising fears that any move by Washington could sharply escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Trump #Iran #USPolitics #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Sanctions #WorldNews #TickerNews

News

Trump declares US ready to support Iranian protesters

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

Published

24 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ahron Young

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

In Short:
– Trump supports Iranian protesters and promotes their quest for freedom amid government crackdowns.
– Iran reports arrests and increased military threats against protesters, with international demonstrations in solidarity emerging.

Donald Trump has warned Iran’s clerical regime that the US is “ready to help” anti-government protesters facing a crackdown. He stated on his social media platform, Truth, that the nation is witnessing a push for freedom like never before.On Saturday, Iran’s government reported the arrest of 100 “armed rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations. Rights groups claim at least 116 protesters have been killed, with unrest erupting over Iran’s currency collapse and demands for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Iranian military has intensified threats against protesters, warning that anyone participating could be deemed “enemies of God”, carrying a potential death sentence. There have been claims of “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel stirring unrest.

Protester Responses

International protests have also emerged in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.

In London, an individual was seen tearing down the Iranian flag from the embassy, drawing attention to the global dissent. Iranian state media has accused “rioters” of violence and targeting military bases, amidst a climate of increased government scrutiny and restrictions.

With the internet down in Iran, accurate assessment of the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate scattered protests continue, but fear of government retaliation complicates participation.

The Iranian government’s response highlights the volatility of the political situation, and the growing international pressure on Tehran.