Monday, December 22, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Yemen’s Houthis arrest 20 UN staff

Yemen’s Houthi authorities have detained about two dozen United Nations employees after raiding another UN-run facility in Sanaa, the UN has confirmed.

Ukraine claims US ‘ready’ to replace Russian oil, gas supplies to Europe

The United States is prepared to supply European countries with "as much gas and oil as is needed" to replace Europe's dependence on Russian energy imports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed.

Israel kills nearly 100 Palestinians in ceasefire violations: Gaza government

At least 97 Palestinians have been killed and 230 injured by the Israeli military since a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 10, according to the Gaza government.

British army to get powers to shoot down drones near bases

British soldiers will be granted new powers to shoot down drones threatening military bases, according to a report.

Zelensky stresses Putin stronger than Hamas, calls for more pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged US President Donald Trump to apply more pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war against its neighbor, saying the Russian president was stronger than Hamas, in an interview that aired Sunday on NBC.

Iranian volleyball star still in induced coma

Iranian national team volleyball player Saber Kazemi remains in an induced coma in Qatar, authorities confirmed.

Trusted Baluch community leader shot dead in southeastern Iran; IRGC vows response

Mulla Kamal Salahi Zehi, a respected local mediator and vocal supporter of the Islamic Republic, was shot dead on Sunday in a public square in Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

Iran executes convicted Israel spy

The Judiciary of Qom Province, southern Tehran, announced that the death sentence of an individual convicted of espionage for Israel has been carried out following approval by the Supreme Court and the rejection of his clemency request.

Israel bombs Gaza’s Rafah despite ceasefire

Israeli military carried out air strikes on Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday in the latest reported violation of the ceasefire.

Syrian FM to make first official visit to China in November

Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani has announced that he will make his first official visit to China in early November on an invitation extended by Beijing.

Iran FM condemns UK parliament’s drone display

The Iranian Foreign Minister has described the display of a drone in the British Parliament— attributed to Iran—as a regrettable scene orchestrated by the Israel lobby and its supporters.

Two Russian banks agree to accept letters of credit from Iranian banks

Two Russian banks have agreed to accept letters of credit (LCs) issued by Iranian banks, according to Eshaq Bandani, Deputy Governor for Foreign Exchange Affairs at the Central Bank of Iran (CBI).

Iran daily criticizes Tehran’s approach to Taliban, urges support for free elections in Afghanistan

Iran’s Jomhouri-e Eslami newspaper has sharply criticized the Iranian government’s continued engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, warning that Iranian officials have failed to grasp the serious regional threat posed by the militant group, unlike neighboring Pakistan.

Hamas refutes US claim on Gaza ceasefire violation

Hamas has rejected a statement from the US State Department in which it cited “credible reports” indicating the Palestinian group would imminently violate the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

20 European states demand measures to return Afghans either voluntarily or forcibly

In a letter addressed to Magnus Brunner the Commissioner of Internal Affairs and Migration, twenty European countries have come together to pressure the European Commission to find ways to send back Afghan nationals who are living illegally in Europe, either voluntarily or by force, Belgian minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt has stated.

US claims Hamas planning ‘imminent ceasefire violation’

The US State Department has announced that Hamas is planning an “imminent” attack on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, potentially violating the terms of its peace deal with Israel about a week after the pact’s agreement.

Iran’s FM: Snapback mechanism not activated, UNSC Resolution 2231 has officially expired

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that, according to the shared view of Iran, Russia, and China, the UN Security Council’s snapback mechanism to restore sanctions against Iran has not been activated and Resolution 2231 has formally expired.

Netanyahu seeking another term as Israeli PM

Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has stated he will seek another term in the November 2026 parliamentary election.

Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire after talks in Qatar

Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkey following a week of fierce and deadly clashes along their disputed border.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps unveils two enhanced missiles

The upgraded Emad and Qadr missiles of the IRGC Aerospace Force were unveiled during a programme showing Iran’s underground missile cities.

Iranian MP warns ex-FM Zarif over remarks on Russia’s role in nuclear talks

A member of Iran’s parliament has sharply criticized former foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for his recent comments about alleged Russia’s obstruction during the nuclear negotiations and implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, JCPOA.

Hamas returns bodies of two more hostages, says Israel violating Gaza ceasefire

Hamas has turned over the remains of two more deceased Israeli captives from the Gaza Strip, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced, as the Palestinian group announced that Tel Aviv is continuing to commit ceasefire violations.

Israel commits 47 violations since Gaza truce came into effect: Media office

The government media office in the Gaza Strip has said in a press statement that Israel committed 47 breaches of the truce deal since it came into effect last week.

Hamas says will not commit to disarm until further negotiations

Hamas will not automatically commit to disarming and hopes the ceasefire with Israel will last three to five years to rebuild Gaza, Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal has stated in an interview with Reuters.

Analyst: Russia acts pragmatically while Iran treats politics as a matter of honor

Iranian political analyst Abbas Abdi has criticized Iran’s “honor-based” approach to politics, arguing that such rigidity prevents pragmatic policymaking and leads to endless conflict.