Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Evidence shows US seeking to expand presence in Iraq: Iran’s Leader

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani and his accompanying delegation on Wednesday. He stressed the presence of clear indications and evidence pointing to America's efforts to solidify and expand its presence and occupation in the Arab country.

Newspaper criticizes media boycott of former Iranian president Hashemi on his death anniv.

An Iranian newspaper has condemned the removal of former president Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's name from streets in major cities and the boycott of his name and image in state media on his passing anniversary.

Iranian para taekwondo athlete buys father trailer truck, using medals

Iranian para taekwondo athlete Zahra Rahimi who gained recognition for representing Iran at the 2024 Summer Paralympics has hit the headlines in Iran for buying her father a trailer truck, using her medals.

Israel obstructs UN investigation into October 2023 sex crime claims: Report

Israel is obstructing a United Nations investigation into alleged sexual violence committed during the Hamas-led 7 October attacks, according to a report by Haaretz.

Iran President Pezeshkian warns about resurgence of terrorism in West Asia

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned about the reactivation of terrorist cells in the region and emphasized the necessity of vigilance and cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad to combat this issue.

Poll shows Zelensky’s trust rating falls

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's public trust rating in the country has dropped from 90% at the start of the war between Moscow and Kiev in early 2022 to 52% in December 2024.

Azerbaijan names Armenia ‘fascist state, threat to region’

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has called Armenia effectively a "fascist state", claiming that Baku might have no other choice but to "destroy" its neighbor's so-called "fascist ideology".

Iran’s Sunni Muslim cleric withdraws complaint against eulogist for insult

A Sunni Muslim cleric in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, has withdrawn his complaint after he sued a eulogist for insulting him. Molavi Abdolhamid, the top Sunni authority in Iran, said he decided to withdraw the complaint against the eulogist after he admitted to his mistake.

PM office: Detained Italian journalist in Iran released, on way back home

The office of the Italian prime minister announced Italian journalist Ms. Cecilia Sala detained for several days in Iran has been released an is en route to Italy.

US MPs submit resolution labeling Russia’s war in Ukraine as genocide

A draft resolution to recognize Russia’s war against Ukraine as genocidal was among the first bills submitted to the new US Congress, according to the Congress’ website.

Ayatollah Khamenei: US often miscalculates on Iran

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has stated that that US have often miscalculated regarding Iran over the past few decades.

NATO member states should spend 5% of GDP on defence: Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump has stated that NATO members should spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defence, a significant increase from the current 2% target.

Trump’s envoy says progress made on Gaza ceasefire negotiations

Steve Witkoff, US President-elect Donald Trump's appointee as Middle East envoy, stated that "a lot of progress" has been made in the ongoing talks regarding a Gaza ceasefire agreement.

US negotiating with Taliban over prisoner swap: WSJ

US President Joe Biden’s administration has been in talks with the Taliban since at least July to exchange detained Americans in Afghanistan for a Guantanamo Bay prisoner, allegedly linked to Osama bin Laden, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Iran atomic chief: Construction of units 2, 3 of Bushehr nuclear power plant continues

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced on Tuesday that the construction of Units 2 and 3 of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is ongoing.

Israel demolished over 12k structures in West Bank in 25 years: UN report

More than 12,000 structures have been demolished by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank since 2009, according to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Lebanese military deploys in southern towns following Israeli withdrawal

The Lebanese Army has announced that it has begun deploying in five towns across the Tyre and Bint Jbeil districts in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers.

EU spokesperson on Geneva talks: Regular communication with Iran maintained

A European Union spokesperson, speaking ahead of the new round of talks between Iran and three European countries, has stated that the EU, as the coordinator of the JCPOA nuclear deal, has maintained regular communication with Iran.

Tehran rejects French president’s claims as baseless

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry categorically dismissed the recent remarks by the French President regarding Iran’s nuclear program, its regional policy as well as Tehran’s alleged military support for Russia in the Ukraine war as baseless, contradictory, and diversionary.

US shifting military funds from Egypt to Lebanon: Reuters

The United States plans to divert to Lebanon $95 million in military assistance that was originally allocated to Egypt, according to a report by Reuters news agency.

Ireland joins genocide case against Israel at ICJ over Gaza war

Ireland has joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel over the Gaza war, the International Court of Justice has announced.

UN warns Gaza aid effort at ‘breaking point’ amid war

The attempts by United Nations agencies to supply humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip are at “breaking point”, a senior official has warned.

Iranian filmmaker wins top honors at NYIFA for short film Soratgar

Iranian filmmaker Ramin Hosseinpour, writer, director, and producer of the short film Soratgar (The Portrait Maker), won the Best Director and Best Short Screenplay awards at the New York International Film Awards in December 2024 and January 2025.

First international flight lands in Syria since overthrow of Assad

The first international flight has landed in Damascus since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad last month.

Iran holds commemoration ceremony for victims of Ukrainian flight 752

A memorial ceremony for the victims of the Ukrainian Flight 752 tragedy was held in the Iranian capital city of Tehran on Tuesday.