Monday, December 29, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Israel, Syria holding direct meetings: Reuters

Israel and Syria are in direct contact and have, in recent weeks, held face-to-face meetings after Syria's self-proclaimed president Abu Mohammed al-Jolani voiced a desire to eventually normalize ties with Tel Aviv.

Iran, Oman sign 18 cooperation documents

Senior officials from Iran and Oman have inked 18 cooperation documents during the Iranian president’s state visit to Muscat.

NATO chief fears Trump-Zelensky conflict could derail Hague summit: NYT

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte fears that tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky could undermine the bloc’s upcoming summit in the Netherlands, The New York Times reported has reported

Iranian president thanks Oman for mediation efforts in U.S. talks

During an official visit to Muscat, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional stability.

Iranian MP urges legal action against cleric Ghasemian over remarks in Saudi Arabia

Mohammad-Mehdi Shahriari, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, has called for legal proceedings against cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian following his controversial remarks in Saudi Arabia, which many view as diplomatically damaging.

Gaza death toll tops 54,000 as Israel’s war approaches 600 days

At least 54,056 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war against the Gaza Strip since October 2023, the Health Ministry announced on Tuesday.

Iran envoy to Riyadh issues veiled response to cleric arrest in Saudi Arabia

Iran’s Ambassador to Riyadh, Alireza Enayati, appeared to indirectly address the recent detention of cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian in Saudi Arabia, calling for mutual respect and appropriate conduct during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Over 800 lawyers, judges call for UK sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

Britain must impose sanctions on the Israeli government and its ministers and take steps to “prevent and punish genocide” in the Gaza Strip, according to a letter signed by more than 800 lawyers, academics and former judges.

Last Kalak makers of Bakhtiari in mountains of Iran’s Bazoft

In the mountainous region of Bazoft in Iran’s Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, the last kalak makers of the Bakhtiari people continue a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in nature.

Iranian president departs for Oman to expand bilateral ties, address regional issues

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran for Muscat on Tuesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman.

US considers imposing sanctions on Russia in coming days: WSJ

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia this week as it continues its war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported.

EU, US divided on enforcing sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war: Report

The European Union and the United States have failed to reach an agreement on efforts to combat Russia's evasion of sanctions, Süddeutsche Zeitung has reported, citing an internal document from Germany’s Foreign Office.

Iranian police officer killed in line of duty during anti-drug operation

A police officer in Iran’s Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province was killed on Tuesday during an anti-drug operation, local authorities confirmed.

Iran faces worst water crisis in decades amid 40% drop in rainfall

Iran is facing one of its most critical water years on record, with national rainfall down by 40% compared to last year, pushing key water reservoirs to the brink of crisis, a senior official has warned.

Iran’s Hajj authority urges pilgrims to avoid divisive acts following controversial remarks

In response to recent controversial comments made by cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian, Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization has called on pilgrims to respect Saudi laws and avoid actions that could create discord during the annual Hajj.

Iran steps up expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants, ends access to key services

Iran’s Ministry of Interior has announced a major shift in migration policy, beginning the systematic removal of millions of undocumented Afghan nationals and terminating many of their access rights to public services, including education and healthcare.

WHO warns of ‘zero-stock’ levels of essential medical supplies, equipment in Gaza amid war, blockade

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that most medical supplies have been depleted in the Gaza Strip, and nearly half of essential medicines, including painkillers and antibiotics, are no longer available as 51 agency trucks await approval to enter the enclave.

Syrian DM vows to build army with ‘national doctrine’ under unified command

Syrian Defense Chief Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra has stated that Damascus will build an army with “national military doctrine,” emphasizing that no one will be allowed to operate outside the authority of the ministry.

Russia reacts to West lifting limits on long-range weapons for Ukraine

The reported decision by Ukraine’s Western backers to lift restrictions on Kiev’s use of long-range weapons runs counter to Russia’s efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated.

Iranian judge assassinated in Shiraz; assailants flee the scene

Iranian judicial authorities have confirmed the assassination of Judge Ehsan Bagheri, head of Branch 102 of the Criminal Court in southern Iranian city of Shiraz, in what official described a “terrorist attack” early Tuesday morning.

Trump wants Netanyahu to be on same page on Iran: American official

United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has stated she delivered a message from President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the two sides should be aligned on how to approach Tehran.

Iranian daily slams domestic ‘self-imposed sanctions’ amid economic woes

Iran's Jomhouri Eslami newspaper has sharply criticized what it describes as "self-imposed sanctions," warning that domestic mismanagement and corruption are exacerbating the country’s economic crisis more than foreign sanctions.

Hamas agrees to a Gaza ceasefire; US and Israel refute offer: Al Jazeera

Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States for the Gaza Strip, according to Al-Jazeera’s sources, but an American official rejected the claim and stated the accord being discussed was “unacceptable” and “disappointing”.

Iran-Pakistan border should be free of terrorism: Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the border between Iran and Pakistan must be safeguarded against any sort of insecurity, instability and terrorism.

Qalibaf re-elected as Iranian parliament speaker for sixth consecutive year

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has been re-elected as Speaker of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles) for the sixth consecutive year.