Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Washington-funded group recalls Gaza famine alert after criticism by US envoy to Israel

The US government-funded Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) took down its own alert for the Gaza Strip after a rebuke by Washington's ambassador to Israel. The group was launched by the US Agency for International Development in the mid-1980s to warn of unfolding food crises.

Too early to predict future of Syria: Iran FM

It is “too early” to make any predictions for Syria’s future as there are a multitude of developments in the making in the Arab country following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s government, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has stated.

President Pezeshkian calls for Support for Palestine in Message to Pope

In a message to the Pope on Christmas Day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged effective measures to help the innocent people of Palestine.

Iranian company unveils vacuum distillation device for oil product quality measurement

An Iranian knowledge-based company has developed a vacuum distillation device that is now being used for the quality assessment of oil products in the country.

Christmas spirit in Tehran

As the New Year 2025 approaches, a warm and festive atmosphere envelops Iran’s capital of Tehran, resonating with the joy and anticipation of Armenian Christian compatriots, who eagerly prepare for the season, adorning their homes and churches with beautiful Christmas decorations.

Iranian president meets Christians, urges solidarity

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed solidarity with Christians, highlighting endeavours for peaceful coexistence in Iran in an atmosphere of tranquility, justice and affection.

Israel provides full support for theft of humanitarian aid to starve Gazans: Report

Israel has provided full support for the theft of humanitarian assistance, killing security personnel to starve the besieged people of the Gaza Strip, according to a new report.

Dozens killed in Azerbaijan plane crash

An Embraer passenger plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities has announced, adding that 32 people have survived.

Syria’s de facto leader claims ex-rebel groups agree to integrate under Defence Ministry

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has reached a deal with rebel factions to come together as one force under the Defence Ministry, according to the new Syrian administration.

Ukrainian PM says Kiev has received $1 billion backed by seized Moscow assets

The first $1 billion installment of a $20 billion US loan backed by impounded Russian funds has been paid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Denis Shmigal announced on Tuesday. Moscow has vowed to respond to the “theft".

Envoy condemns Israel’s admission of murdering of Hamas chief in Iran

Iran's permanent ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani has strongly condemned Israel’s “brazen admission” of the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Lifting WhatsApp, Google Play filtering in Iran ‘a positive step, but more needed’

Lifting of the filtering on WhatsApp and Google Play on the internet in Iran on Tuesday received mixed reactions.

Malayer’s mini world: A tourism gem in western Iran

The “Mini World” recreational and tourism complex in Malayer, in the western Iranian province of Hamedan, spanning an impressive 48 hectares, is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Video: Sisi warns of ‘chaos and destruction’ in Egypt following Assad’s fall in Syria

An Egyptian intelligence-owned television channel has released a propaganda video of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi warning that Syria has been destroyed and unnamed forces are trying to do the same in the African country.

Israel kills at least 8 in West Bank raids

The Israeli army and military aircraft have killed at least eight Palestinians, including two women and a teenager, in attacks on the Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry has announced.

Lebanon calls on cease-fire monitoring committee to stop Israeli violations

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged a cease-fire monitoring committee to pressure Israel to halt its violations and withdraw from areas under its control in southern Lebanon.

Iran lifts Ban on WhatsApp, Google Play in a landmark decision

In a significant move towards greater digital accessibility, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, chaired by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, approved the unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play.

One child gets killed every hour in Gaza: UN

The United Nations agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has announced that 14,500 Palestinian children have been killed since the start of Israel’s war on the besieged territory last October.

Several killed in blast at explosives factory in Turkey

At least 12 people were killed and three others wounded after a blast rocked an explosives factory in the Turkish province of Balikesir, Governor Ismail Ustaoglu has announced.

Zelensky claims over 3k North Korean soldiers killed, wounded in Russia

The number of killed and injured North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast has surpassed 3,000, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed in a statement.

Iran Judiciary: No complains lodged against ex-FM Zarif over dual citizenship

The spokesperson for Iran’s Judiciary clarified that no complaints have been filed against former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif or others regarding dual citizenship or relatives holding foreign citizenship.

Iran to unveil first AI-equipped oil well

The Iranian Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy has announced the inauguration of Iran's first Well, Reservoir, Facility Management (WRFM) Center to optimize real-time management of wells, reservoirs, and surface facilities using advanced data.

Syrian rights group compiles list of over 16k Assad gov’t affiliates accused of crimes against civilians

A Syrian rights group has announced that it has compiled a list of around 16,200 members of the ousted government of Bashar Al-Assad, accused of committing crimes against civilians.

Israel violates cease-fire in Lebanon, killing 2 people

Two people were killed and another was injured in an Israeli air attack near a school in Marjayoun in southern Lebanon.

UN General Assembly seeking ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations in occupied Palestinian territory

The United Nations General Assembly has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations, and third states in the occupied Palestinian territory.