CNN 5 Cosas – 01/09/26, 6pm

Host: CNN en Español
Date: January 9, 2026

Overview

This episode of "CNN 5 Cosas" delivers a concise yet comprehensive update on five major news stories making global headlines as of January 9, 2026. The themes range from dramatic shifts in US-Venezuela relations, escalating protests in Iran, and a significant Russian missile strike in Ukraine, to urgent matters aboard the International Space Station. The coverage exemplifies CNN en Español’s signature: crisp factual reporting with a global perspective.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. US Policy Shift Toward Venezuela

[00:02 – 02:20]

• Donald Trump’s Statement:
  US President Donald Trump announces that American oil companies will invest at least $100 million of their own funds (no federal money) to revitalize Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, aiming to increase oil output.

• Security and Political Concerns:
  Trump specifies that while the US companies do not need federal financing, they do require government protection and security to operate safely in Venezuela.

• Industry Sources:
  Industry insiders highlight persistent concerns over political instability and safety as major obstacles to entering the Venezuelan market.

• Crude Oil Deal:
  The Venezuelan government has agreed to let the US immediately begin refining and selling up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, an arrangement described as indefinite.

• Global Trade Implications:
  Trump declares willingness to sell oil to China and Russia as needed, asserting US control over Venezuela's oil sales.

• Diplomatic Developments:
  For the first time since Nicolás Maduro’s capture, a US Department of State team visits Venezuela as the US contemplates reopening its embassy in Caracas.

  • The US previously withdrew its diplomatic staff and suspended Embassy operations in 2019.
  • The Venezuela Affairs Unit had operated from the US embassy in Bogotá. Preparations are now underway to reopen in Caracas, pending presidential approval.

  Quote:

  • "[Las compañías] necesitan protección y seguridad del gobierno para poder operar de man segura en el país." (A, 00:45)

2. Protests and Unrest in Iran

[02:20 – 03:50]

• Continued Demonstrations:
  Widespread protests erupt again on Friday against the Iranian government, prompted by dire economic conditions and resulting in at least 45 deaths, including eight children (NGO: Iran Human Rights).

• Information Blackout:
  On Thursday, the authorities shut down all Internet and phone lines in Tehran and other cities, leaving the country isolated and sowing fear among Iranians abroad and human rights groups.

• Scale and Context:
  These protests constitute the largest since the 2022 movement triggered by the death of Maeni, 22, detained by “religious police.”

• International Reactions:
  US President Trump reiterates threats to attack Iran if security forces kill more protesters.

• Iranian Response:
  Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly rebukes Trump, advising him to address US domestic issues.

  Quote:

  • “En los primeros videos difundidos este viernes … se puede oír a los manifestantes corear ‘muerte al dictador’ mientras marchan por las calles.” (A, 03:15)
  • “El líder supremo … instó al presidente Donald Trump a centrarse en los problemas de su propio país en un discurso televisado.” (A, 03:42)

3. Russian Missile Attack on Ukraine

[03:50 – 05:00]

• Strike Details:
  In the early hours of Friday, Russia launches a barrage of missiles at Ukraine, notably deploying an Oreshnik hypersonic missile for the first time in over a year.

• Weapon Capabilities:
  The Oreshnik can carry multiple warheads, with both conventional and nuclear capabilities, and travels up to ten times the speed of sound, hitting targets across Europe.

• Impact Assessment:
  Although Russia did not specify the missile's exact impact site, Lviv officials confirm explosions and a missile hit on critical infrastructure.

• Casualties:
  Four people were killed, ten injured; significant damage to infrastructure in Kyiv is also reported.

  Quote:

  • “El Oreshnik puede alcanzar una velocidad de unas 10 veces la velocidad del sonido, lo que le permite llegar a toda Europa.” (A, 04:25)

4. Emergency Return from the International Space Station

[05:00 – 06:10]

• Crew-11 Mission Update:
  Four astronauts are returning to Earth more than a month ahead of schedule due to an undisclosed medical issue affecting one of the crew members.

• NASA’s Statement:
  Dr. James Polk, Chief of Health and Medicine at NASA, assures the public the astronaut is stable and doesn’t require special treatment en route, lauding the robust medical facilities aboard the ISS but noting ground-based assessment is preferable.

• Logistics:
  Once Crew-11 returns, only one NASA astronaut will remain on the ISS temporarily.

  Quote:

  • “Tenemos un conjunto muy robusto de equipo médico a bordo de la Estación Espacial Internacional.” (Dr. James Polk, 05:54)

Notable Quotes

• "[Las compañías] necesitan protección y seguridad del gobierno para poder operar de man segura en el país."
  — Presentador, [00:45]

• "En los primeros videos difundidos este viernes … se puede oír a los manifestantes corear ‘muerte al dictador’ mientras marchan por las calles."
  — Presentador, [03:15]

• "El Oreshnik puede alcanzar una velocidad de unas 10 veces la velocidad del sonido, lo que le permite llegar a toda Europa."
  — Presentador, [04:25]

• "Tenemos un conjunto muy robusto de equipo médico a bordo de la Estación Espacial Internacional."
  — Dr. James Polk, NASA, [05:54]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US-Venezuela Oil and Diplomacy: 00:02 – 02:20
• Iran Protests and Internet Blackout: 02:20 – 03:50
• Russian Hypersonic Missile Strike in Ukraine: 03:50 – 05:00
• ISS Medical Evacuation: 05:00 – 06:10

Memorable Moments

• The revelation that American companies will invest private funds (not taxpayer dollars) in Venezuela, contingent on US-provided security.
• The chilling isolation of Iranian citizens due to a government communication blackout, with global reverberations for those with family abroad.
• Russia's use of a hypersonic missile, escalating the arms narrative in the Ukraine conflict.
• NASA’s decisive, reassuring public health response amid a tense space mission.

This episode encapsulates high-stakes political, humanitarian, and scientific developments across multiple continents, providing listeners with a compact yet in-depth news briefing.