Thursday, January 1, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

China refutes involvement in Ukraine ‘peacekeeping’ contingent

Beijing has rejected a media report suggesting that China could take part in a potential EU deployment of ‘peacekeeping’ forces to Ukraine, reaffirming its stance in favor of a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Iran arrests 22 over ethnic tensions in West Azarbaijan Province

Iranian security forces have detained 22 individuals accused of inciting ethnic hatred in West Azarbaijan Province, according to a local police commander.

Turkey protests over detention of Istanbul’s mayor an internal matter: Iran FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called the demonstrations in Turkey over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu a domestic matter which "will be properly managed" by Ankara.

Iran asserts oil trade operates within legal frameworks, denies claims of shipment seizures

Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum has rejected claims by Iraq’s oil minister regarding the alleged seizure of Iranian oil tankers by the US, calling the reports "unfounded and politically motivated."

Atomic agency spokesperson: Iran firm in upholding nuclear rights amid int’l pressure

The spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to defending its nuclear rights, dismissing Western pressure as "ineffective" and vowing to pursue justice and global peace.

White House admits it accidentally sent classified plan for Yemen’s Houthi attack to journalist

The White House has confirmed that a US journalist was accidentally included in a group chat between Donald Trump administration officials that discussed classified details about air attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Oscar-winning Palestinian director missing after severe beatening by Israeli settlers

Palestinian film director and Academy Award-winner Hamdan Ballal was violently attacked by a "lynch mob" of Israeli settlers on Monday night in the Palestinian village of Susya, south of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank.

Turkey arrests over 1,100 in protests since Istanbul mayor’s detention

Turkish authorities have detained 1,133 people across Turkey since the start of protests five days ago against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on Monday.

Trump growing angry over ongoing Russia-Ukraine aerial attacks: Report

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly growing angry that Russia and Ukraine continue to launch aerial attacks despite Washington's peace efforts, the Telegraph reported, citing undisclosed sources close to the American leader.

Baghdad claims Iranian oil tankers using forged Iraqi documents

Iraq's oil minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani has claimed Iranian oil tankers seized by U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf were using forged Iraqi documents.

Iranian Wrestling Federation chief elected as vice president and board member of Asian Wrestling Council

Alireza Dabir, President of Iran’s Wrestling Federation, has been elected as Vice President and board member of the Asian Wrestling Council.

7,500+ road accidents recorded so far across Iran during Nowruz holidays

The commander of Iran’s traffic police says since March15 road accidents have claimed the lives of 242 people during Nowruz holidays trips across Iran. 

FM Araghchi: Iran will not engage in direct talks with US under threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi says Iran remains open to indirect talks with the US.

No foreign party dares to attack Iran: Foreign Minister

Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has stressed that no foreign party would dare to attack Iran, emphasizing Tehran's "comprehensive readiness" to confront any threats.

British military officials slam Ukraine ‘peacekeeping’ plan as ‘political theater’: Telegraph

The UK military has dismissed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal to deploy Western troops to Ukraine as part of a ‘peacekeeping force’ to oversee a potential ceasefire, The Telegraph has reported.

US, Ukrainian hold ‘technical’ talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss partial ceasefire

A Ukrainian delegation met with its U.S. counterpart in Riyadh for talks on 'technical issues' related to the partial ceasefire on energy and critical infrastructure strikes, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated.

Turkey protesters met with tear gas and rubber bullets at rallies after Istanbul mayor jailed

Hundreds of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Istanbul on Sunday for a fifth consecutive night of demonstrations against the detention of the Turkish president's main rival.

Jordan proposes plan to exile 3,000 Hamas members from Gaza to end war: MEE

Jordan is proposing a plan to exile 3,000 members of Hamas and its military wing from the Gaza Strip in order to end the ongoing Israeli war, Middle East Eye has reported.

Laylat al-Qadr commemorated at Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad

The 23rd night of Ramadan, known as Laylat al-Qadr, was commemorated on Sunday night by millions of Iranians nationwide, includung at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Iran.

Legendary Iranian goal keeper Abedzadeh meets iconic German football player Klinsmann after 27 years

In a nostalgic reunion, former Iranian football captain Ahmadreza Abedzadeh met with German football legend Jürgen Klinsmann in the United States, 27 years after their teams faced off on the pitch.

Israel attacks Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, several patients killed

At least five people were killed and several others wounded when an Israeli air attack targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Sunday night.

Trump’s envoy says US offer of talks with Iran aims to avoid military action

U.S. President Donald Trump's outreach to Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on a possible new nuclear accord is an effort to avoid military action, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has stated.

Iranian minister warns against provoking ethnic, religious divisions

Iran’s Minister of Culture Seyyed Abbas Salehi has issued a warning against inciting ethnic and religious tensions in the country particularly in light of recent unrest in the northwestern city of Urmia.

Israel’s cabinet casts no-confidence vote against attorney general

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet approved a no-confidence motion against the attorney general on Sunday, in its latest move on officials deemed hostile to the government, defying protesters who took to the streets for a sixth straight day.

EU afraid US will cut off arms support: WaPo

Officials from EU member states are worried that the Donald Trump administration could stop supporting US-made weapons systems used by its NATO allies in Europe, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.