Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Syria, Lebanon agree to ceasefire after cross-border attacks kill 10, injure dozens

The defense ministers of Syria and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire, Syria’s state-run SANA news agency reported, after cross-border attacks left 10 dead and more than 50 wounded.

EU, others pledge over $6bn to Syria in post al-Assad donor drive

The European Union has hosted a donor drive for Syria to encourage a peaceful transition following the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad.

International Nowruz celebration held at Iran’s Persepolis

The ancient site of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Iran, hosted an international Nowruz celebration on Monday.

Iran’s Mazandaran sees 90% surge in migratory birds after wetland recovery

Mazandaran Province in northern Iran has experienced a remarkable 90% increase in migratory bird populations this winter, with 385,000 birds recorded in its wetlands and water reservoirs.

Report: Iranian F-14s intercept US MQ-4C spy drone; surveillance aircraft forced to retreat

A US MQ-4C surveillance drone retreated after being confronted by Iranian fighter jets near Iran’s airspace on Monday night, according to a report by Fars News Agency.

At least 3 killed in Israeli air attack on Syria’s Deraa

At least three people were killed and nearly 20 others wounded after an Israeli air strike on the outskirts of the southern Syrian province of Deraa, the Syrian state news agency, SANA, has reported.

UK, EU to discuss confiscating Russian assets ahead of Ukraine peace negotiations: Bloomberg

The U.K. and the European Union will discuss confiscating Russian assets to ramp up economic pressure on Moscow ahead of possible peace talks on Ukraine, Bloomberg has reported, citing unnamed sources.

Over 400, including children, killed as Israel ends Gaza ceasefire

Israel unleashed a ferocious wave of attacks on the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Tuesday, killing more than 400 Palestinians, in a unilateral end of its ceasefire accord with Hamas.

Lebanese army, Syrian troops clash on northeastern border

The Lebanese army has engaged in clashes with Syrian forces on Lebanon’s eastern border with Syria, in the latest round of fighting.

Trump threatens to hold Iran ‘responsible’ for Yemen’s Houthi attacks

United States President Donald Trump has threatened to hold Iran responsible for any attacks carried out by the Houthi fighters in Yemen, in an escalation of his pressure campaign against Tehran.

UN Envoy warns about dire consequences of US hostile actions against Iran

Following the recent threats from US officials against Iran, the ambassador and permanent representative of the Islamic Republic to the UN warned that any aggressive actions would have dire consequences, for which Washington would bear full responsibility.

Iran vows ‘firm response’ to any assault after US threats

Tehran will give a "decisive and crushing" response to any act of aggression, the spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry has warned, amid US threats against the Islamic Republic over its support for Yemen.

Yemen’s Houthis and US launch new attacks amid tensions

Houthi fighters have claimed another attack on a United States naval vessel, calling it “retaliation” for Washington's strikes on Yemen.

Iran reformist politician Mehdi Karroubi’s house arrest ends after 15 years

The son of Former Iranian parliament speaker and reformist politician Mehdi Karroubi has confirmed reports that his father has been freed from house arrest after 15 years.

Remains of 6500 year old infant found in western Iran

An Iranian official in the northwestern province of West Azerbaijan says the remains of a 6,500-year-old infant have been found in the region.

Iran’s 20-Year Vision Plan: A review of unmet goals as 1404 horizon arrives

As Iran reaches the end of its 20-Year Vision Plan (2005-2025), a critical assessment reveals that many of the ambitious goals set in 2004 remain unfulfilled.

Houthis claim retaliation, US attacks on Yemen continue

Yemen’s Houthis say they have retaliated after vowing to “meet escalation with escalation” following the United States air attacks against the armed group that killed at least 53 people in recent days.

Trump says he will speak with Putin on Ukraine war

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

UK proposes Western peacekeeping mission of 10,000 forces in Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has presented plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London.

Iran President welcomes peace treaty between Armenia, Azerbaijan

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has welcomed the long-awaited peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reiterating Tehran's commitment to promoting regional stability.

Trump, Putin may agree on Ukraine ceasefire soon: US envoy

The presidents of the US and Russia might have a call this week to agree on a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, has stated.

Tehran’s Grand Bazaar bustles with year-end shopping rush

As the Persian calendar year 1403 draws to a close, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar is witnessing a surge in activity, with shoppers flocking to purchase goods ahead of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.

US says Ukraine will have to make territorial concessions

Ukraine should be prepared to give up certain territories as part of any future peace negotiations with Russia, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has stated.

Netanyahu seeking to dismiss head of Shin Bet over lack of ‘trust’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will bring a vote to the government to dismiss the director of the Shin Bet domestic security service.

Iran’s former Central Bank officials cleared of currency manipulation charges

Iran’s judiciary has issued a halt to the prosecution of former governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Valiollah Seif, and former deputy governor for foreign exchange, Ahmad Araghchi, in a high-profile corruption case involving currency market manipulation.