Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Data: Iran faces longest sustained high inflation in modern history

Iran's economy has entered uncharted territory as official data confirms the country is experiencing its longest continuous period of high inflation, with prices rising over 30% annually for seven consecutive years, Donya-ye Eghtesad economic paper reported on Saturday.

US approves possible sale of F-16 training, sustainment for Ukraine

The U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of F-16 training and sustainment, along with related equipment, to Ukraine for $310 million, the Pentagon has announced.

Spring tea harvest begins in Iran’s Tonekabon

The first harvest of spring green tea leaves has commenced across 500 hectares of tea gardens in Tonekabon County, northern Iran.

US, Israel near agreement on aid delivery to Gaza: Axios

The United States, Israel and representatives of a new international foundation are close to a deal on how to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip without it being controlled by Hamas, Axios reported on Friday, citing two Israeli officials and one U.S. source.

Gaza Children ‘face growing risk of starvation, illness, death’ as Israeli aid blockade continues: UNICEF

The head of United Nations children's fund UNICEF has raised alarm over the deteriorating conditions for children in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Iranian teen weightlifter wins medals, breaks records at world championships

Alma Hosseini, a teenage weightlifter from Mazandaran, Iran, won two medals at the World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Peru.

US prepares economic options against Russia: Bloomberg

American officials prepared a number of options for U.S. President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Moscow in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin continued reluctance to end the war against Ukraine, Bloomberg has reported, citing undisclosed sources.

Severe storms claim 7 lives, injure 67 across Iran

Severe storms, strong winds, and lightning strikes across Iran resulted in seven fatalities and 67 injuries during the past five days, according to a report by the Ministry of Health's Crisis Operations Center on Saturday.

Iran FM: Nuclear deal “within reach” if US shows “political will and fair approach”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says a “credible and lasting agreement” on Iran's nuclear program is achievable, but requires "decisive political will and a fair approach" from the other side.

Iran urges ‘realism’ in nuclear talks as FM discusses diplomacy with UN chief

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for “genuine determination” from the US in stalled nuclear negotiations during a phone call with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday.

Tractor FC crowned champions of Iran’s Premier League for first time

Tractor FC have clinched its maiden Iranian Premier League title after a dominant 4-0 victory over Shams Azar in the 28th week of the season.

INOTEX 2025 wraps up with $2 billion in international agreements, saving €700 million in imports

INOTEX 2025, the 14th edition of Iran’s leading innovation and technology exhibition, has concluded with the announcement of six international agreements valued at $2 billion, marking a major leap for the country’s tech ecosystem.

Red Cross warns Gaza aid endeavour on ‘verge of collapse’ amid Israel blockade

The humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip is on the verge of “total collapse”, with Palestinians facing a “daily struggle to survive” amid Israel’s war and blockade of the Palestinian enclave, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Palestine world’s most dangerous place for journalists amid Gaza war: Report

Palestine has become the world’s most dangerous state for journalists amid Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, with dozens of reporters likely killed specifically due to their work, a media freedom watchdog has announced.

Advisor to Iranian president: Hijab mandate has failed

The cultural advisor to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, has said the hijab mandate has failed and society will not accept its enforcement.

Severe dust storm hits Khuzestan province

The head of the public relations office of the Meteorological Department of Iran’s Khuzestan province has reported dangerous levels of air pollution caused by a dust storm sweeping across several cities in the province.

Iran condemns US for escalating sanctions, questions commitment to diplomacy amid nuclear talks

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized the United States for maintaining and intensifying "illegal" sanctions, warning that such measures undermine diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Concerns raised about safety at Iran’s ports following deadly Shahid Rajaei port explosion

A member of the parliamentary delegation investigating the recent fire at Shahid Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, has expressed concerns about the potential for similar incidents at other ports across the country.

No damage to oil facilities in south Iran port explosion: Deputy oil minister

Iran's deputy oil minister and CEO of the National Oil Products Refining and Distribution Company confirmed on Friday that oil facilities remained unharmed following Saturday’s deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port in southern province of Hormozgan.

MP: Iran-Azerbaijan trade to reach $5 billion following Pezeshkian visit

The head of the Iran-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group and an Iranian lawmaker, stated that bilateral trade between Iran and Azerbaijan is projected to rise to $5 billion following agreements reached during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s trip to Baku.

Iran aims for $1 billion in handicraft exports, eyes African market

Iran’s minister of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts has announced an ambitious target to boost annual handicraft exports to $1 billion, highlighting Isfahan as a key hub for the industry.

Head of Iran Parliament security body: US to pay price for its threats

The head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission responded to recent threats by the US Secretary of Defense against Iran, stating that the US will "pay the price" if it takes any action contrary to Iran’s national interests and security. 

FM: Iran determined to reach a fair, balanced nuclear agreement

Following the announcement of the postponement of the next round of Iran-US nuclear talks, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, stated that there has been no change in Iran’s determination to achieve a negotiated solution. 

US threatens sanctions against buyers of Iranian oil

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must stop and any country or person buying any from the country would be immediately subject to secondary sanctions.

Iran President Pezeshkian’s office denies his involvement in warning text messages over Hijab

In response to widespread speculation over Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s alleged approval of hijab-related text messages sent to citizens, the Deputy for Communications at the Presidential Office, Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, issued a firm denial.