Friday, January 2, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

US scraps order linking weapons sales to international law

The White House has revoked a key policy order linking arms and military equipment sales to international law on human rights, according to reports.

Five more children freeze to death in Gaza

Five newborn babies froze to death in the Gaza Strip amid cold weather in the enclave, a Palestinian doctor announced on Tuesday.

Ukraine needs over $520bn to recover, rebuild after 3 years of war: Report

The estimated cost to rebuild Ukraine's economy after Russia's war has risen to $524 billion, nearly three times its expected 2024 economic output, the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and the Ukrainian government have found.

Russian FM Lavrov seeks Iran’s stance ahead of Putin-Trump meeting, says expert

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s one-day visit to Tehran on Tuesday is seen as a strategic move to gauge Iran’s positions ahead of an upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to geopolitical expert Abdolreza Faraji-Rad.

Trump refuses to describe Putin as ‘a dictator’

US President Donald Trump chose not to label his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a dictator, while talking to journalists on the sidelines of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Netanyahu will be able to visit Berlin despite ICC warrant: Germany’s next chancellor

Friedrich Merz, who is expected to be Germany’s next chancellor, has stated that he would make sure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can visit Berlin despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

EU suspends Syria sanctions to encourage democratic development

The European Union has lifted select sanctions on Syria as part of efforts to support democratic development during the country’s political transition.

Snow delight in Ardabil: Locals embrace winter’s charm

In a winter wonderland scene straight out of a storybook, the provincial capital of Ardabil, in northwestern Iran, was transformed as heavy snowfall led to the closure of schools and universities.

Israel informs US it is no longer committed to Biden-backed Gaza ceasefire accord: Report

Israel informed the United States that it is no longer committed to the Gaza ceasefire accord, formulated during the administration of former President Joe Biden, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.

Putin claims Zelensky has ‘no chance’ of winning a fair election in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that President Volodymyr Zelensky has “absolutely no chance” of winning a fair election due to his low approval ratings and the internal political situation in Ukraine.

Tehran, 26 provinces in Iran shut down due to power, gas shortages

Tehran and 26 out of Iran’s 31 provinces were shut down on Tuesday due to shortages of electricity and gas amid freezing temperatures. This marks the second consecutive day of widespread closures across the country.

US refuses to condemn Russia for Ukraine war

In a dramatic shift in transatlantic relations under President Donald Trump, the United States split with its European allies by refusing to blame Russia for its war against Ukraine in votes on three United Nations resolutions Monday seeking an end to the three-year conflict.

EU officially adopts 16th package of sanctions against Russia over Ukraine war

The European Union has officially approved its 16th package of sanctions imposed against Russia in response to its full-scale war against Ukraine.

Iran urges intl. community to force Israel to eliminate nuclear weapons, join NPT

Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, described Israel's nuclear weapons as a serious threat to regional and global peace, calling on countries around the world to compel Tel Aviv to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treraty (NPT) and destroy its atomic weapons.

Iran’s Yak-130 jet conducts combat operation in military exercise

A Yak-130 jet of the Iranian Air Force has carried out a combat operation during the Army’s military drills in southeast of Iran.

Rushed birth: Baby delivered aboard air ambulance in Iran

A preterm baby was born aboard an emergency helicopter in Alborz Province, near the Iranian capital, marking a dramatic and successful rescue operation for a pregnant mother in labor.

Zelensky says he is ready to resign in exchange for peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he would step down from the presidency if it meant achieving a lasting peace in his country.

Ukraine FM says Kyiv plans to end war in 2025

Kyiv plans to end the war this year with a just peace, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated at the Ukraine: Year 2025 conference.

Hamas halts talks with Israel until release of Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire accord

A Hamas leader said Sunday that his group will not engage in negotiations with Israel until the release of Palestinian inmates held by Tel Aviv.

Terrorist group Jaish al-Adl claims responsibility for assassination of Iranian police officer in Khash

A commander of Iranian police force was assassinated by armed assailants in the southeastern city of Khash on Sunday evening, according to local authorities.

Iran condemns Israel’s violation of Lebanon sovereignty

Iran has strongly condemned Israel’s terrorist act against civilians after its warplanes flew over an area where the funeral of former Hezbollah chiefs was being held.

Israel won’t allow Syria military south of Damascus: Netanyahu

Israel will not allow the new Syrian government’s military forces to operate in the territories south of Syria’s capital Damascus, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated.

Heavy snowfall, extreme cold force closure of schools, offices across Iran

Severe snowfall and freezing temperatures led to the closure of schools, universities, and government offices in 25 provinces across Iran Monday.

Parliamentary research center: Only 19% of Internet users in Iran do not use VPNs 

According to a survey conducted by Iran’s Parliamentary Research Center, approximately 81% of internet users in the country rely on VPNs to bypass online restrictions. Additionally, more than half of respondents expressed skepticism about the Iranian government's ability to ease internet restrictions. 

Expert: Trump seeks to drive a wedge between Russia, China by ceding 4 Ukrainian provinces

Hassan Beheshti-Pour, an international affairs expert, argues that U.S. President Donald Trump is primarily focused on deepening the divide between Russia and China.