Saturday, December 27, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Swiss Embassy reopens in Tehran after temporary closure

The Swiss Embassy in Tehran officially resumed operations on Sunday, following a temporary closure after Israel’s recent military attacks on Iran last month.

UN chief ‘strongly condemns’ Russian drone attack on Ukraine

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned a Russian drone and missile strike against Ukraine this week that has been described as the largest such raid in the three-year war.

Thousands of Israelis demand release of hostages in Gaza

Thousands of Israeli protesters demonstrated Saturday night in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of hostages from the Gaza Strip as part of a "comprehensive deal” with Hamas.

400-year-old Nakhl-Gardani ritual held in Iran’s North Khorasan to mark Ashura

The ancient ritual of Nakhl-Gardani, a traditional mourning ceremony for Imam Hussein (AS), was held in the city of Jajrom in Iran's North Khorasan Province on the day of Ashura of Sunday.

Tucker Carlson teases interview with President Pezeshkian

Conservative American journalist Tucker Carlson has announced that he will air an interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying Americans deserve to hear directly from the leader of the country their military has recently fought.

Lebanese PM denounces Hezbollah’s armed parade in Beirut, orders detain of participants

A heavily armed parade organized by Hezbollah in Beirut has sparked widespread criticism, with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday calling the display “unacceptable” and ordering the arrest and investigation of those involved.

Britain resumes diplomatic ties with Syria during its 1st ministerial visit in 14 years

The United Kingdom has formally resumed diplomatic relations with Syria, eight months after Bashar al-Assad's government collapsed, signaling a significant shift in British foreign policy.

Iranian president hails Leader’s presence at Ashura ceremony: “The Hussainiya of Iran will endure forever”

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian praised the presence of the Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei at the Ashura eve mourning ceremony, calling it a symbol of national unity and spiritual resilience.

Iran’s former FM Zarif: Leader’s public appearance discredits fabricated rumors

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that the public appearance of Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei during a major Ashura eve mourning ceremony on Saturday night has put an end to false narratives spread by hostile analysts following the conflict between Iran and Israel last month.

EU to propose sanctions on Israel: Report

The European Union is preparing to roll out a list of possible sanctions against Israel due to concerns of human rights violations during the war in the Gaza Strip, Euractiv reported on Saturday, citing sources.

Hamas’ changes to Gaza ceasefire proposal ‘unacceptable’: Israeli PM’s office

Israel has announced that Hamas made “unacceptable” changes to a Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Aide to Iranian parliament chief: IAEA chief Grossi not welcome in Iran

A senior political advisor to the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament has strongly rejected the prospect of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi visiting the country, accusing him of betraying his mandate.

Iran Leader attends Ashura eve mourning ceremony in Tehran

Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei attended a mourning ceremony held on the eve of Ashura at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya in Tehran, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam.

Millions across Iran commemorate Imam Hussein’s Martyrdom on Ashura

Millions of Shia Muslims throughout Iran are observing Ashura on Sunday, mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson and the third Shia Imam.

Largest open air Ta’zieh in Iran held in Sahra Roud, Fasa: The story of Horr ibn Yazid Ryahi

The Ta’zieh (tragic play) of Horr ibn Yazid Ryahi was performed on Thursday in the village of Sahra Roud in Fasa County, Fars Province.

Iraqi Kurdistan region denies existence of Zionist regime’s bases

The Iraqi Kurdistan region's Interior Ministry has expressed serious concern over renewed allegations regarding the existence of Israeli-operated centers in the the territory.

IRGC marks 42nd anniversary of Iranian diplomats’ abduction, warns Zionist regime

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has commemorated the 42nd anniversary of the abduction of four Iranian diplomats, in Beirut 43 years ago, warning that the Zionist regime and its supporters will not be spared from accountability for their past crimes.

Putin ‘wants to keep killing people’: Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not appear interested in ending the war in Ukraine, according to a comment made onboard Air Force One.

Netanyahu era sees 40% surge in Israeli settlements in West Bank: Report

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank endure a sharp rise in settler attacks, alongside a 40% increase in the number of settlement outposts under the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report.

Nearly half a million undocumented Afghan nationals leave Iran

The deputy governor of Iran's Khorasan Razavi Province, bordering Afghanistan, has said approximately 490,000 undocumented Afghan nationals have left Iran voluntarily through the Dogharoun border crossing over the past 100 days.

Gaza ceasefire deal may come next week after ‘positive’ Hamas response: Trump

US President Donald Trump has stated a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas may be reached next week, following what he described as a “positive” response from the Palestinian group to a US proposal.

Tabriz Airport resumes operations with first post-war flight

Iran’s northwestern Tabriz International Airport resumed operations on Saturday with its first flight after the country’s 12-day conflict with Israel that left both of its runways damaged and suspended operations for 23 days.

NATO calls for US ‘flexibility’ on Ukraine aid as Washington halts deliveries

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged the United States to show "flexibility" in its military aid to Ukraine, after Washington unexpectedly paused some weapon deliveries citing concerns over dwindling domestic stockpiles.

Iran lashes out at Israel for strike on Evin prison hospital, urges accountability

Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike on the hospital facility inside Evin Prison in Tehran on June 25, calling it a war crime and demanding international accountability.

No power can prevent Iran from attaining its legitimate rights: Leader advisor

A top advisor to Iran's Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has stressed the Iranian nation’s cast-iron resolve to stand on its legitimate rights regarding scientific development and preservation of its national esteem.