Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Senior Iranian MP Meets Prominent Christian Musician ahead of New Year’s Eve

A senior Iranian lawmaker paid a visit to the house of Loris Tjeknavorian, a prominent Iranian Armenian composer and conductor, ahead of the New Christian Year.

Sadeqzadeh Named New ‘Pahlavan’ of Iran

Iranian wrestler Jaber Sadeqzadeh was crowned the title ‘Pahlavan [champion] of Iran’ thanks to his outstanding performance at the National Senior Pahlavani Wrestling Championship.

Iranian FM to Meet Syrian Counterpart in Tehran on Saturday

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem is scheduled to pay a visit to Iran on Saturday while diplomatic efforts to end fighting in Syria have gained momentum in recent days with the announcement of a ceasefire in the Arab country.

Saudi Arabia Is World’s Top Arms Importer

Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan have been the world’s top arms importers last year according to the US Congress.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 31

IFP has taken a look at the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Saturday and picked headlines from 21 them. IFP has simply translated the headlines and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Iran’s President Will Attend Trilateral Meeting in Astana on Syria

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani confirmed his participation at a trilateral meeting with his Russian and Turkish counterparts to be held in the Kazakh capital Astana on the Syrian crisis.

Turkmenistan Inks Last-Minute Gas Deal with Iran

Turkmenistan managed to avert the loss of one of its only two buyers of natural gas with some desperate, last-gasp negotiations, media reports said.

No Role for Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Syria Peace Talks: IRGC Spokesman

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) spokesman ruled out the possibility that Syrians would allow Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the upcoming talks for peace in Syria, but noted that Turkey could play a positive role if it abandons the policy of disintegration of Syria.

Explosions in Central Baghdad Kill at Least 28 People (Update)

Two blasts have rocked the central part of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, killing at least 18 people, according to police.

Saudi Arabia Invites Iran to Discuss Resumption of Hajj Pilgrimage: Report

Reports say Saudi Arabia has invited Iran to discuss the resumption of Hajj pilgrimages by Iranians, a process that has been halted over a litany of Hajj-time disasters and moves by Riyadh impeding the performance of the Islamic ritual by Iranians.

South Korea’s Daewoo Wins Deal to Build Shipyard in Iran

South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Company (DSME) – the world’s second biggest shipbuilding companies – has announced a major deal to develop a construction yard in Iran.

Direct Train Service Launched between Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan and Iran’s Mashhad

A direct passenger train service has been launched between Iran’s northeastern city of Mashhad and Azerbaijan’s landlocked region of Nakhchivan, a report said.

Iranian FM Offers Plan to Help Eradicate Terrorism

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has proposed ways to pave the way for creating a mechanism to uproot terrorism and extremism worldwide.

Many Myths Americans Believe about Iran Are False: AIC Director

Stephanie Lester, the Director of Operations at the American Iranian Council (AIC), recently travelled to Iran alone for 10 days with the goal of proving that the country is safe, beautiful, and welcoming to Americans.

Iranians Will Be Able to Obtain Azerbaijan’s Visa in 3 Days

Azerbaijan plans to significantly ease the visa regime for Iranian citizens in 2017, Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev has said.

2500-Year-Old Iranian Carpet Kept in Russia’s Hermitage Museum

Pazyryk, the oldest Persian carpet which is named after the location of its discovery, is kept in Hermitage Museum of Russia.

Iranian Man Cycles around World in His 60s

A 62-year-old Iranian man has started travelling around the world using his bicycle.

Newly-Developed Touchscreen Helps Blind People Read Digital Content Faster

Iranian researchers have designed a touchscreen that transforms digital texts to braille using a new method, helping blind people have a better access to digital information.

Iranian President Calls for Enhanced Ties with Italy

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a message to Italy’s newly appointed prime minister-designate highlighted the age-old friendly ties between Tehran and Rome and called for expansion of the relations.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 29

IFP has taken a look at the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Thursday and picked headlines from 19 them. IFP has simply translated the headlines and does not vouch for their accuracy.

40% Increase in Iran’s 9-Month Car Production

The number of four-wheeled motor vehicles manufactured in Iran during the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year, which started on March 20, shows a 39.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Master of Popular Iranian Puppet Kolah Qermezi Dies at 49

Donya Fannizadeh, the master of the most popular Iranian puppet character, Kolah Qermezi, (the One with the Red Hat), has passed away after a long battle against cancer.

Homeless Junkies Living inside Graves Draw Widespread Reactions in Iran

A recent news report about dozens of homeless drug users living inside graves in a cemetery near Tehran received numerous reactions by Iranian people and celebrities, including the Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi who wrote an open letter to President in reaction to the report.

Malaysian Journalist Says Iran Is a Must-See Destination

A female Malaysian journalist has talked about his experience of visiting Iran, describing it as a country you should visit before you die.

Swedish PM to Visit Iran Heading an Economic Delegation

Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven is scheduled to visit Tehran in February 2017 heading a high-ranking economic delegation, the country’s envoy to Iran announced.