Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Assad airlifts $250mn in cash to Russia in 2018-2019: FT

The government of Syria's  fallen President Bashar al-Assad sent approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow between 2018 and 2019, amid escalating sanctions by the West as well as deepening financial dependence on Russia for military and economic support, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Britain confirms diplomatic contact with new Syrian leadership

The UK government has confirmed having "diplomatic contact" with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian group that recently overthrew the Bashar Assad government.

Iranian official do not rule out issuing a death sentence for Netanyahu over Gaza war crimes

Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs has stated it is “not impossible” to issue a death sentence for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the war crimes he committed against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israel approves plan to increase settler population in Golan Heights

Israel’s government has approved a plan to surge the number of settlers in the occupied Golan Heights. It comes days after Tel Aviv seized more Syrian territory following the toppling of Syria’s longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.

UN special envoy hopes for Syria’s swift recovery after Assad’s fall

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has stated that the global body is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the country and is looking forward to the next steps toward a political transition following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Cold weather, energy shortages extend closure of schools, offices in Iran

Due to extreme cold weather and energy shortages, schools and  government offices across various provinces in Iran will remain closed on Monday.

Ambassador: Iranian Embassy in Syria to reopen soon

The Iranian ambassador to Syria has announced that Iran’s Embassy will resume its activities soon following the establishment of a new government in the Arab country.

Netanyahu informs Trump of its resolve to act against Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed US President-elect Donald Trump of his determination to act against Hezbollah and Iran. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria, as well as endeavours to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Iran finishes runner-up at 2024 World Weightlifting Championships

Iranian men’s team have finished runner-up at the 2024 World Weightlifting Championships held in Bahrain.

Israel plans to deploy automated weapons in West Bank

The Israeli army is preparing to deploy remotely controlled automated weapons across occupied West Bank checkpoints in order to target Palestinians, according to a report by the Israeli Army Radio.

Beauty of snow in Hyrcanian forests, northern Iran

The recent snowfall in the Libiyur area of the Keselian rural district, located in the Zirab region of Savadkuh, in northern Iran, has transformed the Hyrcanian forests into a breathtaking winter wonderland.

Israel says carried out about 800 strikes in Syria since fall of Assad

Israel is pressing ahead with its military onslaught against Syria, targeting multiple positions across the Arab nation.

North Korean soldiers joining Russian attacks in Kursk: Zelensky

A "significant number" of North Korean soldiers have begun fighting alongside Russia's army in assault operations in Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed.

IRGC chief predicts Syria to be liberated

The chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has echoed a prediction of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei that Syrian people would eventually liberate their country from occupation.

More regions could be added to Russia: Ex-president

Russia could welcome more territories into the country in the future, former President Dmitry Medvedev has suggested.

Britain calls on G7 to intensify pressure on Russia with sanctions

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for inflicting "maximum pain" on Russian President Vladimir Putin through additional sanctions and enhanced military support for Ukraine.

Russia to pull back military from northern Syria: Reuters

Russia is pulling back its military from the front lines in northern Syria and from posts in the Alawite Mountains but is not leaving its two main bases in the country after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, four Syrian officials have told Reuters.

Lawyer: Female Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi released from detention

Parastoo Ahmadi, a female Iranian singer, who recently performed a virtual concert in Iran without wearing Hijab, was released from detention early Sunday morning, according to her lawyer Milad Panahipour.

Iran faces aging crisis: Elderly population to reach 33.4 million in 32 years

The head of Iran’s National Council on Aging Secretariat, has singled out lack of specific budget allocation as a major reason for the failure to achieve the goals of Iran's National Document on Aging, which seeks to reverse the speeding ageing trend.

Pictures: A serene dance of snow at Imam Reza’s shrine

On Saturday night, the autumn snowfall blanketed the northeastern Iranian shrine city of Mashhad in white.

Eight Arab states vow to support ‘peaceful transition process’ in Syria

Top diplomats from eight Arab League countries agreed at a meeting in Jordan to “support a peaceful transition process” in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

White Helmets pledges to hold Assad accountable for “his crimes”

The Syrian Civil Defence, better known as the White Helmets, has vowed to hold ousted President Bashar al-Assad accountable for “the crimes and human rights violations” committed during his 14-year rule.

Hamas says Israeli military deliberately bombed site to kill captives inside

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, has announced that the Israeli army bombed a location in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli hostages were held, confirming that the bombing was repeated to ensure their death.

Schools, universities, offices closed in several Iranian provinces due to cold spell, air pollution

All schools and university classes in Iran’s provincial capital Tehran and several other provinces are held online on Sunday, due to persistent cold weather reported by the Tehran Meteorological Department.

HTS leader: Israel has ‘no more excuses’ to attack Syria

The leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), that played a key role in the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, spoke about Israel for the first time since taking over the country, saying the Israeli raids on Syria have crossed the red lines.