Sunday, December 21, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Major part of UN Security Council resolution on Gaza violates rights of Palestinians: Iran

The Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement on the United Nations Security Council resolution on Gaza has stressed that the drafters of this resolution have consciously ignored the central position and role of the world body and even the previous resolutions on the issue of Palestine.

No negotiation process underway with US: Iran

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has dismissed the US president’s assertion about Tehran–Washington talks, saying that no negotiation process currently exists between the Islamic Republic and the United States.

Iran’s deputy FM dismisses holding secret talks with IAEA

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs has denied as false any claims that Tehran has held secret negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran’s interior minister says security situation improved compared to last year

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has described the country’s overall security situation as "improved" compared to the previous year.

At least 13 killed in Israeli attack on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli air attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

Son of former Tehran Friday prayer leader linked to alleged financial scam dies

Mohammad-Mehdi Seddiqi, son of Ayatollah Kazem Seddiqi, the former Tehran Friday Prayer leader, who was at the center of financial and property scheme passed away due to cardiac arrest, Iranian media reported. He was 48.

Caspian Sea water levels drop one meter in five years, Iran warns of escalating environmental crisis

Iran’s Department of Environment has warned that the Caspian Sea is facing a rapidly escalating ecological crisis, with water levels dropping approximately one meter over the past five years.

9/11 families criticize MbS White House office comments

The families of Sept. 11, 2001, victims have condemned US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in the decades-old terror attacks.

Iran’s envoy cautions US-drafted resolution on Gaza must not be used to shield Israel

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations has warned that the recent US-drafted resolution adopted at the UN Security Council on establishment of a foreign force in the Gaza Strip must not be allowed to undermine Palestinian rights or shield the Israeli regime from accountability.

Advisor to Iranian Leader outlines conditions for renewed talks with US, rejects limits on Iran’s missile, nuclear programs

The head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and senior advisor to the Iranian Leader said any future negotiations with the US must be based on “equality and mutual respect,” emphasizing that both the agenda and framework of talks must be agreed upon in advance.

EU says its ability to pressure China over Ukraine is limited

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has stated that the European Union’s ability to pressure China regarding its position on the Ukrainian war is limited.

SCO PMs declare UNSC Resolution 2231 expired

The prime ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states have concluded their 24th meeting in Moscow with a joint statement dismissing Western actions against Iran under the pretext of concerns over Tehran's nuclear program.

US holding secret peace talks with Russia to end Ukraine war: Axios

The White House and the Kremlin have been secretly working on a proposal to end Russia's war against Ukraine, Axios reported, citing U.S. and Russian officials.

Trump hosts Saudi Arabia’s crown prince at White House

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a warm welcome at the White House from United States President Donald Trump in a visit that has emphasised the deepening ties between the two countries.

US, Russia in talks over potential prisoner swap: Axios

Washington and Moscow are discussing the possibility of a new prisoner exchange, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing officials from the United States and Russia.

Israeli settler killed, 3 injured in West Bank attack

An Israeli settler was killed and three others were injured in an attack near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, medics confirmed.

Syria launches first trial over violence that killed hundreds

Damascus has begun the trial of the first among hundreds of suspects accused of involvement in deadly clashes earlier this year that left hundreds dead in Syria’s coastal provinces.

Iran’s parliamentary security chief: IAEA’s report deliberate act against natl. interests

The head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee sharply criticized the latest quarterly report issued by Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), calling it a “deliberate and targeted move” against Iran’s national interests.

Russia slams France’s warplanes deal with Ukraine as ‘fuelling’ the war

Moscow on Tuesday slammed Paris for signing a deal to supply up to 100 Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, calling it an act that fuels the war.

Lake Urmia officials warn of “unprecedented crisis” as water volume falls below 40 million cubic meters

Officials from Iran’s Lake Urmia Restoration Headquarters have issued their starkest warning to date, saying the lake’s condition is now “more critical than ever,” with water volume dropping below 40 million cubic meters, approaching complete desiccation.

Trump would support Russia sanctions bill if he retains final authority: White House

US President Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on Russia as long as he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior White House official stated on Monday.

EU to spread legal costs of attacking Russian frozen assets: Politico

The European Union has pledged to spread the financial and legal risks of using Russia’s frozen central-bank assets to fund the government in Kiev, Politico reported on Monday. Belgium, where most of the money is held, has rejected the plan without such guarantees.

Iranian VP says Tehran determined to strengthen ties with Moscow

Iran's First Vice-President, Mohammad-Reza Aref, has emphasized Tehran’s determination to enhance relations with Russia.

Germany plans to lift arms export restrictions on Israel

Germany will resume weapons exports to Israel starting November 24, government deputy spokesman Sebastian Hille has told journalists. Deliveries were suspended in August when Tel Aviv announced plans to occupy Gaza City.

Iran says maintains “excellent and strategic” ties with all Caspian neighbors

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Tehran’s relations with all five Caspian Sea littoral states are “excellent” and in some cases “strategic,” reaffirming that neighboring countries remain Iran’s top foreign-policy priority.