The investigation into the fire that killed 40 people will consider whether criminal prosecutions are necessary, officials said. 

​The investigation into the fire that killed 40 people will consider whether criminal prosecutions are necessary, officials said.  

US authorities have foiled an ISIS-inspired New Year’s Eve attack plot by an 18-year-old North Carolina man. Christan Sturdivant allegedly planned to use knives and hammers against shoppers and responding officers. A handwritten plan detailing his intentions was discovered. He faces charges for supporting a foreign terrorist group.

Iran’s foreign minister has firmly rejected US President Trump’s warning over protests, calling it reckless interference. He stated demonstrations were driven by economic woes and largely peaceful, with authorities addressing isolated violent incidents. Iran’s armed forces are on standby, vowing to forcefully reject any external involvement in their internal affairs.