Monday, January 12, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Iranian Foreign Ministry says removing sanctions, high priority in talks with E3

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baqaei says the priority of Iran during Monday talks with the European troika is to get the anti-Tehran sanctions lifted.

“Water’s End” in southern Iran a haven for migratory birds 

Located 30 kilometers from Minab in the Kalahi and Sirik region in Iran' southern province of Hormozgan, the village of Tiab stretches approximately 9 kilometers from its main branch to its opening into the sea. 

Easing Syria sanctions on EU’s agenda: Top diplomat

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has announced that easing sanctions on Syria is on the bloc's agenda.

Ukraine ready to return captured North Korean soldiers to Kim or find ‘other ways’: Zelensky

Ukraine is prepared to send captured North Korean soldiers home if the Asian country's leader Kim Jong Un is able to negotiate the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated.

Iran Army showcases laser-powered air defense system

Iran’s Army has unveiled a state-of-the-art laser-powered air defense system during its military maneuvers in the country’s western and northern areas aimed at guarding nuclear sites.

Riyadh summit urges lifting sanctions on Syria

The Riyadh meeting on Syria has called for lifting sanctions imposed on Damascus and creating conditions for the return of Syrian refugees to their country.

Top Iranian official advocates for direct talks with the US

Ali Abdolalizadeh, the head of Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian's election campaign and the president's representative in maritime economy, has called for direct talks with the United States.

5k killed or missing in north Gaza amid Israeli military campaign

Five thousand people have been killed or are missing due to Israel’s siege and onslaught on northern Gaza amid talks of a potential mediated agreement between Tel Aviv and Hamas.

Iranian citizen detained in Italy, released 

The spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the release of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian citizen who had been detained in Italy, and his return to the homeland. 

Military delegation from 8 nations tours Iran’s strategic islands in Persian Gulf

A group of military officers from eight countries, currently enrolled in the National Defense Course at Iran’s Supreme National Defense University, toured Abu Musa Island and the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.

Israeli military adjusts combat strategy in northern Gaza after heavy losses: Report

The Israeli army has changed its combat strategy in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun after suffering heavy losses, Israeli daily Maariv reported on Sunday.

Seabirds “Shalus” of Persian Gulf captivate nature enthusiasts

The "Shalus," a local word for seabirds from the gull family, inhabit the shores of the Persian Gulf, attracting the attention of nature lovers and tourists with their appealing appearance and social behaviors.

Iran stages new exercises to protect nuclear sites

The Iranian military has staged new drills in the country's western and northern air defense zones including Fordow and Khondab which host uranium enrichment and heavy water facilities.

Beirut finalizing deployment in southern Lebanon under ceasefire terms

The Lebanese army has announced its units are completing the deployment in nine towns in southern part of the country following the withdrawal of the Israeli army under the cease-fire terms that entered into effect in late November.

Third round of Iran-E3 talks to begin in Geneva on Monday

The third round of talks between Iran and the European troika, comprising France, Germany, and the UK, will commence on Monday in the Swiss city of Geneva.

Iran says planning to invest $120bn in petroleum projects

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has stated that the Islamic Republic is planning to invest up to $120 billion in petroleum projects as the country seeks to increase its oil and gas production to respond to a rising demand for energy.

Israel approves plan to withdraw soldiers from Gaza: Report

Israel approved plans to withdraw soldiers from the besieged Gaza Strip, after advancements in prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas, according to a report.

Gaza war costs Israel $67bn: Report

The economic toll of Israel's ongoing war on the Gaza Strip reached approximately 250 billion shekels ($67.57 billion) by the end of 2024, according to a report.

Lebanon, Syria seeking to secure borders: PM Mikati

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has stated that Syria and Lebanon will work together to secure their land borders, as well as to delineate both land and sea borders.

Iranian daily Tehran Times refutes claims about Ayatollah Khamenei’s successor

The Iranian English-language daily, Tehran Times, has refuted claims recently made by The Washington Post regarding the succession of the Iranian Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Over 30,000 deaths in Iran attributed to air pollution in 2023

The head of Iran’s Air Health and Climate Change Department says that the cost of deaths in the country in 2023 due to particulate matter (PM 2.5) was estimated at $12 billion.

Former Iranian diplomat urges discreet contact with Trump’s team

A former Iranian diplomat has suggested that Iran should establish discreet communication channels with incoming US President Donald Trump's team to reach a suitable arrangement.

Syrian intelligence says thwarted Daesh attempt to blow up Shia shrine

Syrian authorities have foiled an attempt by Daesh terrorists to blow up a revered Shia shrine in a Damascus suburb, state news agency SANA has reported.

Ukraine claims to have captured of two North Korean soldiers in Kursk

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has claimed that Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region. This marks the first time Kyiv has announced the capture of soldiers from North Korea alive since their entry into the war last autumn.

Iranian Interests Section in US offers consular services to California fire victims

Following the devastating wildfire in Los Angeles, California, the Islamic Republic of Iran Interests Section in Washington, D.C., has extended its condolences to the affected Iranians and announced its readiness to provide special consular services.