Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Iranians prepare to celebrate winter solstice (PHOTOS)

Traditionally, on this night families huddle together in the houses of the elders to listen to tales, old and new.

An island off war-stricken Yemen (PHOTOS)

Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean which is registered by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

France’s Larcher urges cooperation among regional powers against terrorism

The French top senator noted that the upcoming visit to France by President Hassan Rouhani can provide an opportunity for the two countries to better focus on bilateral ties.

Rouhani: IAEA resolution proves Iran commitment to obligations

In a meeting with the visiting Bulgarian foreign minister, president Rouhani said conditions for development of ties between Iran and the EU, especially Bulgaria, are ready.

Spokesman: Assassination of Samir Qantar newest form of state terrorism

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaber Ansari on Sunday denounced assassination of Samir Qantar in the wake of air strike of the Zionist regime planes.

Iran MP reacts to US travel restriction

An Iranian MP has said that the new US visa decision may not directly restrict Iran, but the problem it causes for citizens of other countries in visiting Iran add up to restriction for Iran

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 20

IFP has taken a look at the front pages of newspapers on Sunday and picked headlines from 18 of them. IFP has simply translated the headlines and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Middle Eastern birds and a lesson for Mr. Trump

Iranian Muslims rush to the help of the environment and the wildlife, but ISIS terrorists seek to use birds as suicide bombers to advance their unholy agenda and spread the reign of terror in the world.

Air pollution in Tehran (PHOTOS)

The level of particles 2.5 micrometers or less in size was seven times the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organization.

What does the Constitution stipulate?

Tehran MP Ali Motahari has said by allowing for supervision of all officials, including the leader, Iran’s Constitution does not let the Islamic Republic turn into a religious dictatorship.

Ayatollah Shahroudi raps Riyadh for irrational stance on Nigeria

Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi said killing innocent Shiites in a country that has about 15 million Shiites and an apparent Muslim government is a painful crime against Islam.

Iran awards IKIA deal to Dutch firm NACO

NACO will be in charge of providing consulting services for the development of Phase 1 of IKIA Airport Town for a period of five years.

Zarif: Iran sees ‘mixed signals’ from US, proposed visa waiver changes ‘absurd’

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Zarif said the international community was becoming more “realistic” about trying to facilitate a dialogue among the Syrian government and opposition “without setting preconditions”.

UN resolution against Daesh funding belated: Leader’s aide

Supreme Leader’s advisor Ali Akbar Velayati says those who have formed Daesh Takfiri group must be tried in international courts as war criminals.

Instrumental use of terrorism leads to its escalation: Larijani

Ali Larijani said crises in many regional countries can be resolved only through the formation of national unity governments.

New determination to end US monopoly of the Internet

Many Western countries participating in the Wuzhen summit stressed the need for serious confrontation with cybercrimes and cyber-terrorism, the Iranian communications minister said.

Medicinal leeches (PHOTOS)

Northern Iran is ideal for breeding these creeping blood suckers.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 19

IFP has taken a look at the front pages of newspapers on Saturday and picked headlines from 17 of them. IFP has simply translated the headlines and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Iran’s Javad Zarif on Syria, Russia, and Donald Trump

Foreign Minister Zarif urges the American candidates to wake up to the real world in an interview with the New Yorker.

Opposition groups must contribute to peace in Syria: Iran FM

He said the opposition group in Syria should have no link with terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, Daesh, al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham.

Ali Akbar Salehi on Nature’s “Ten people who mattered this year” list

Salehi is described as fiercely loyal to his country, but also a voice of reason to whom negotiators could appeal in times of crisis.

Iran’s Zarif: Peace in Syria Vital

Terrorists should never have been allowed to set the agenda, or dictate the response.

Turkmen thoroughbred horses (PHOTOS)

For generations, methods of horse breeding have been passed from fathers to sons in the area.

Roknabadi died of thirst, heat in Mina crush: Iran diplomat

Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Iran would certainly continue with investigations to determine the fate of the pilgrims still missing.

Iran takes back purchased artworks from US after nearly 40 years

Ten of the 14 pieces were drawn by late Michael Graves and the remaining four by Robert A. M. Stern, both highly acclaimed American architects.