Friday, January 2, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Arab leaders discuss alternatives to US plan for Gaza

The leaders of seven Arab states have held talks in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to hash out a plan for the future of the Gaza Strip.

US opposes use of ‘Russian aggression’ in upcoming G7 statement on Ukraine: FT

The US is objecting to use of the term ‘Russian aggression’ in an upcoming G7 statement marking the third anniversary of the Ukraine war, the Financial Times has reported, citing Western officials familiar with the matter.

US could withdraw military forces from Central, Eastern Europe: Bild

Western security services and politicians are worried about a potential exit of US troops from NATO member states in Central and Eastern Europe, Bild has reported, citing unnamed sources. The tabloid suggests that Russia is trying to get the US to radically downgrade its military presence on the continent.

Iranian president visits International Fair of Trade with Eurasia

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday afternoon visited different sections of the 3rd International Fair of Trade with Eurasia where more than 100 Iranian companies and trade delegations from Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus have put their products on display.

Iranians urged to reduce energy consumption as tough weather conditions loom

Iranian Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, has urged citizens and authorities to take some necessary measures  so that the country will overcome the special weather conditions ahead.

Iran to launch large-scale military exercise Zolfaghar 2025

The Iranian Army is to commence its large-scale joint military exercise, dubbed Zolfaghar 2025, spanning from the Makran coast in southern Iran to the northern Indian Ocean.

Iranian MP announces plans to lift ban on Telegram, Instagram within six months

A member of the Iranian Parliament’s Social Committee, has announced that the ban on popular social media platforms Telegram and Instagram is expected to be lifted within the next six months.

Iran bids farewell to legendary voice actor Manouchehr Valizadeh

The Iranian art community gathered on Friday at the House of Artists in Tehran to bid farewell to the late Manouchehr Valizadeh, a legendary voice actor and dubbing artist who passed away on Wednesday.

Israeli military targets West Bank after bus blasts near Tel Aviv

The Israeli army is gearing up for an intensive operation in the occupied West Bank after bombs detonated on "three empty buses" in a parking depot near Tel Aviv.

Iran’s interests section in Washington condemns deportation of Iranian nationals to Panama

The Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C., has strongly criticized the US government for deporting a group of Iranian nationals to Panama without prior notification or consular access.

British PM to present plan to Trump for deploying 30,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine: Telegraph

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will present US President Donald Trump a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European peacekeepers to monitor a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, the Telegraph has reported, citing undisclosed Western officials.

Germany hits out at Trump over ‘dictator’ jibe at Zelensky

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has accused US President Donald Trump of making “wrong and dangerous” remarks after the US leader branded his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky “a dictator.”

President Pezeshkian says Palestinians shattered illusion of grandeur of world powers

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has praised the Palestinian resistance in a meeting with Islamic Jihad head Ziyad al-Nakhalah, stressing it shattered the illusion of the grandeur of the world powers.

Iran’s atomic energy organization rejects IAEA chief remarks as politically motivated, repetitive

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), in response to recent comments made by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that he is expected to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and impartiality in his statements and actions.

Unveiling Picasso’s works in Tehran: 26 rare pieces on display

A special exhibition featuring over 60 works by Pablo Picasso from various stages of his career will open in Tehran in early March.

Iran’s interior minister: Removing unauthorized foreign nationals government priority

Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, emphasized that the number of foreign nationals residing in Iran exceeds the country’s capacity, affecting job opportunities.

Hamas hands over bodies of 4 Israeli captives

Palestinian group Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli captives on Thursday under a Gaza ceasefire accord.

Iranian president wishes Pope Francis speedy recovery

In a heartfelt message, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian expressed his wishes for the swift recovery and good health of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church.

Police reconstruct crime scene in murder case of Tehran University student

The crime scene for the murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, a 19-year-old student at the University of Tehran, was reconstructed on Thursday at the location of the incident in the central part of the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Israeli military Jenin raid enters 2nd month; mass displacement in West Bank

The Israeli army continues its large-scale military operation in the northern occupied West Bank city of Jenin and its refugee camp, forcing thousands to flee.

Trump brands Zelensky ‘dictator’ for refusing to hold elections

US President Donald Trump criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to hold presidential elections in Ukraine, calling him a dictator.

Azini Wetland: A unique ecological gem in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran

The Azini Wetland, also known as Khor Azini and Khor Sirik, is a remarkable ecological site located in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran.

Iran, Europe willing to advance negotiations, says Iranian official

Iran and European countries are engaged in ongoing negotiations, with both sides expressing a strong desire to move forward, according to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

Israeli drone attack kills 1 in Lebanon despite ceasefire

At least one person was killed in an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle in southern Lebanon, just one day after Israeli soldiers withdrew from most of the border area.

Putin says Russia ready to resume Ukraine talks

Moscow has never shut the door on peace negotiations over Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has stated after being briefed on the results of the meeting between Russian and US representatives in Riyadh. It was the EU and Kiev that broke all contacts with Russia, he added.