Monday, January 12, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Equipping Ukrainian soldiers takes priority over lowering draft age: Zelensky

Ukraine's immediate focus is on adequately equipping its military, rather than further reducing the draft age, the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated.

Israel faces ‘generational’ challenge with future American policymakers: Outgoing US envoy

Tel Aviv faces a “generational” problem as future US policymakers will be shaped by the destruction of the war in the Gaza Strip, the American outgoing ambassador to Israel has stated.

Iranian commander says Navy to receive advanced destroyer, inaugurate strategic military base

The Navy of the Iranian Army is set to take delivery of the Zagros destroyer, a unique vessel designed for combat and intelligence, as the country prepares to unveil its largest military base in Jask, Persian Gulf.

Russia claims Ukrainian chemical attack against defense plant foiled

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has claimed it has thwarted a Ukrainian terrorist plot targeting the staff of a Russian defense industry enterprise in the city of Yaroslavl.

Lavrov: Iran-Russia comprehensive agreement not directed against any country

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the Comprehensive Strategic Agreement between Russia and Iran, scheduled for signing on January 17, by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian, is not targeted at any third country.

Approval of US leadership among NATO member states declines: Poll

Approval of US leadership across NATO member states was lower in 2024 than during the first three years of President Joe Biden’s term in office, according to a Gallup poll.

Iran to launch first national AI platform demo

Iran will unveil the first demo of its National AI Platform next week, the assistant to the Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy announced on Tuesday.

Trump says wants to meet Putin ‘very quickly’ after inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump has stated that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "very quickly", adding that the Russian leader "wants to meet" as well.

NBC to air Iran president’s ‘important message’ on ‘honorable, equal negotiation’

The deputy head of Communications and Information of the Iranian President's Office announced on Tuesday that an important message from President Massoud Pezeshkian will be broadcast on Wednesday on NBC, emphasizing Iran's readiness for honorable and equal negotiations.

Putin failed to meet any of his strategic goals in Ukraine: Biden

Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to meet any of his strategic objectives in the war in Ukraine, outgoing US President Joe Biden has stated.

Ministry of Energy says Saudi Arabia seeking to enrich and sell uranium

Riyadh plans to begin enriching and selling uranium, according to the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia.

Winter delights in Iran’s Sorkhrud: Whooper swans bring joy

The Sorkhrud Wetland in Iran’s northern Mazandaran Province is buzzing with life as it hosts the magnificent whooper swans this winter.

Official: Iran reconsidering FATF accession to smooth international relations

The head of the Iranian government's Information Council has announced that joining to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is once again on the agenda to facilitate smoother international relations.

De-facto leader says new Syria will be defined by forgiveness and amnesty

De-facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated that the country’s future will be defined by forgiveness and amnesty, demanding people to move away from a mindset of vengefulness and revolutionary agitation.

US says Gaza truce agreement ‘possible’ within days as Israel ramps up attacks

The United States has announced a Gaza ceasefire deal could be struck as early as this week, though the Israeli army continues to strike the Palestinian enclave.

Iran celebrates Father’s Day and Men’s Day with reverence, joy

Iranians across the nation are celebrating Father's Day and Men's Day on Tuesday with tributes and joyous gatherings, honoring the birth anniversary of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam.

Hamas is being commanded by Yahya Sinwar’s brother: WSJ

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper has published a report, claiming that the Palestinian movement Hamas is being directed by a new potent and evasive “leader”, who is helping the group further invigorate itself.

ICJ judge Nawaf Salam designated Lebanon’s PM

The top judge at the International Court of Justice, Nawaf Salam, has been named as Lebanon’s new prime minister.

Iranian deputy FM describes Geneva talks with E3 as “constructive, frank” 

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi says talks between Iranian and European diplomats in Geneva were serious, frank and constructive.

Iranian flights to Europe to resume after hiatus 

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization has announced the resumption of European flights starting from January 31, 2025.

Trump adviser says Ukraine should acknowledge territorial ‘reality’

It is not possible to “expel every Russian from every inch” of soil claimed by Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, incoming US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz has stressed in an interview with ABC News.

Former British defense ministers want troops deployment to Ukraine

British forces should be sent to Ukraine as peacekeepers if the conflict between Kiev and Moscow reaches a diplomatic resolution, two former UK defense secretaries have told the Telegraph.

Iran’s FM to visit New York to attend meeting on ME developments: Spokesperson

The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi will travel to New York to participate in a meeting regarding developments in the Middle East, particularly Palestine.

UNICEF warns over a million children in Gaza face mental health crises

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that more than one million children in the Gaza Strip are facing mental health crises and need psychosocial support, amid Israel's war on the besieged enclave.

Iran army takes delivery of 1000 strategic drones

1,000 strategic, stealth, and anti-fortification drones designed and produced by the Iranian Army and the Ministry of Defense have joined the country's Army.