Sunday, December 21, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Deputy FM says Iran will not compromise on national security in potential negotiations with US

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has stressed that Tehran will not compromise on issues relating to its national security and “red lines” in any potential talks with Washington.

Syria’s national museum robbed: Report

Thieves have broken into Syria’s National Museum in Damascus and stolen several valuable Roman artifacts, according to multiple reports.

Top adviser to Israeli PM resigns

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced his resignation on Tuesday, according to reports.

US plans ‘temporary housing’ in Gaza behind Israeli lines: The Atlantic

Washington is weighing a plan to build housing for thousands of "screened" Palestinians behind the so-called yellow line in the Gaza Strip, which is occupied by Israeli troops, according to a report by The Atlantic.

Istanbul’s jailed mayor charged with 142 offences that could total 2,000 years in jail

Turkish prosecutors have charged Istanbul’s jailed mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, with 142 offences that could carry a penalty of hundreds of years in prison, in a move seen as a politically motivated attack on Ankara’s opposition.

Report accuses Israel of ‘systematic’ torture of Gazans

Israel is operating “an organised and systematic practice of sexual torture” against Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip in its custody, according to a new report by a leading rights organisation.

IRGC intelligence organization dismantles U.S.-Israeli spy network

The Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has identified and dismantled an anti-security network operating under the guidance of U.S. and Israeli intelligence services inside Iran.

Convicted killer of cardiologist executed in Iran

Iranian authorities carried out the public execution of a man convicted of murdering Dr. Mohsen Davoudi, a prominent cardiologist in Jasuj, the cspital of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province this Tuesday morning.

Russia claims thwarted Ukrainian-UK plot to hijack missile-carrying jet

Russia claims it has foiled an Anglo-Ukrainian plot to hijack a military jet carrying a hypersonic missile which they planned to take to Romania in a "large-scale provocation".

Iranian president orders investigation after Ahvaz youth dies following self-immolation

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian has ordered a special committee to investigate the death of Ahmad Baledi, a young man from Ahvaz who died after setting himself on fire in protest against a municipal eviction of his shop.

Iranian commander highlights enhanced combat readiness in naval islands

The Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, has confirmed that the combat capabilities of forces and equipment stationed on Iran’s naval islands have significantly increased.

Official says Iran to launch 3 remote-sensing satellites soon

The head of the Iranian Space Agency has announced the launch of three satellites this winter, carrying out remote-sensing and space service missions aimed at enhancing Tehran’s capabilities in precision imaging and applied data.

Famous Iranian actor Homayoun Ershadi passes away at 78

Renowned Iranian actor Homayoun Ershadi died at 78 on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

Hamas: Israel has killed over 270 Palestinians since Gaza ceasefire

Palestinian group Hamas says Israel has killed 271 Palestinians since the Gaza ceasefire accord came into force last month.

Syrian president claims he ‘had nothing to do’ with 9/11 attacks

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has downplayed his past links to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda and distanced himself from the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

Israeli parliament approves first reading of bill on death penalty for Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has approved in its first reading a bill allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

Top Iranian general warns US, Israel of stronger strikes if new war erupts; praises state media role in recent conflict

Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, warned that Iran would deliver more severe blows if another war occurs, while praising national broadcast services for their role during the 12-day conflict with the US-Israeli coalition in June.

Iraqis vote in parliamentary election

Iraqis began casting ballots on Tuesday in parliamentary elections to choose a new 329-member legislature, state television reported, with nationwide polling set to close at 6:00 p.m. (1500 GMT).

US president praises Syria’s ‘tough-guy’ leader after White House visit

US President Donald Trump has praised his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa as a strong leader after hosting him in the White House on Monday.

Trump administration extends pause on Syria sanctions

The United States has prolonged the suspension of a broad package of sanctions on Syria for another 180 days as President Donald Trump met with the Syrian interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the White House on Monday.

Defense minister: Iranian defense industry shows significant growth since 12-day war

Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh has said that the country’s defense production has improved in both quantity and quality compared to the period before the 12-day war.

Average of 8 Palestinians killed daily in Gaza since ceasefire took effect: Report

Israel continues to commit genocide against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip as an average of eight Palestinians have been killed daily since the ceasefire became effective last month, a Geneva-based rights monitor group announced Monday.

Iran oversees departure of foreign nationals, ensures students’ education

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said that efforts were made to ensure no student was left behind amid the recent exit of foreign nationals, mainly Afghan citizens, who have increasingly come to Iran, especially after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Syria thwarted Daesh plots on Ahmad al-Sharaa’s life: Reuters

Syria has foiled two separate Islamic State plots to assassinate President Ahmed al-Sharaa, two senior officials has said, adding a personal dimension to his plans to join a U.S.-led coalition to fight the terror group that he has long battled.

Over 300 people killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since November 2024: Beirut

The death toll from Israeli air attacks on Lebanon has exceeded 300 since late November 2024 when a ceasefire accord was signed, Labanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine has stated.