Monday, December 22, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Syria counts votes after indirect election for first parliament after Assad fall

Vote counting has begun in some districts in Syria’s first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, a landmark moment in the Middle Eastern country’s fragile transition after nearly 14 years of war.

Tomahawk supply to Ukraine would destroy relations between US and Russia: Putin

President Vladimir Putin has stated that if the United States supplied Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine for long-range strikes deep into Russia then it would lead to the destruction of Moscow's relationship with Washington.

Iran FM: Western countries rejected talks due to excessive demands

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Western countries had rejected negotiations with Iran due to their “excessive demands.”

Iran urges accountability for Israeli genocide, war crimes

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqaei has emphasized that the world must stop brutal violations of the law, end impunity for Israeli war criminals and genocide, and hold accountable those who justify these crimes.

Poland deploys air defences as Russia launches new attacks on Ukraine

Polish and allied air defences have been deployed to secure the country’s airspace, its military announced, as Russia launched new air attacks on neighbouring Ukraine.

Iranian parliament approves plan to remove four zeros from national currency

The Iranian Parliament has approved amendments to the Monetary and Banking Reform Bill, which includes removing four zeros from the national currency.

Israel pounds Gaza, killing dozens, despite US call for it to halt bombing

Israeli attacks across the besieged Gaza Strip have killed at least 70 Palestinians, medical sources confirmed, despite calls from United States President Donald Trump for Tel Aviv to stop its bombardment after Hamas announced it had accepted some elements of the American leader’s 20-point plan to end Israel’s war.

Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg abused in Israeli jail: Activists

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg was subjected to humiliation and harsh treatment in an Israeli prison after being captured aboard the Gaza aid flotilla, according to fellow activists and lawyers.

US denies visas to Iranian football delegation for 2026 World Cup draw

The US State Department has denied visa requests for a nine-member Iranian football delegation, including Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s Football Federation, and Amir Ghalenoei, the Team Melli coach.

Iran Expediency Council member: CFT accession was a measured decision

Member of Iran’s Expediency Council Mohammad Reza Bahonar says the body has conditionally approved Iran’s accession to the Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) convention.

Iran cultural heritage minister: Mehregan Festival ‘symbol of justice, global solidarity’

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri has described the ancient Persian festival of Mehregan as a manifestation of compassion, justice, and peaceful coexistence, calling it a reminder of humanity’s shared cultural wisdom.

At least 562 aid workers killed in Gaza in nearly 2 years: UN

At least 562 aid workers have been killed in the Gaza Strip since start of war, the United Nations announced on Friday, following the death of another aid worker in an Israeli attack.

Majority of US Democrats favour wide-ranging punitive measures against Israel: Survey

US voters who identify as Democrats are now in clear support of punitive measures against Israel for a genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip, poll results released on Friday showed.

Iran to conduct first satellite launch using solid-fuel rocket

The head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) announced that preparations are underway at the Chabahar National Launch Center for the country’s first satellite launch using a solid-fuel rocket, a step officials describe as an important milestone toward space independence.

More than 40,000 Gazans have life-changing injuries, needing years of rehabilitation: WHO

Over 40,000 people in the Gaza Strip have sustained life-changing injuries since Oct. 7, 2023, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report.

Ukraine says Russia targets energy infrastructure in massive attacks ahead of winter

Russia launched a massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine's energy facilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated, accusing Moscow of trying to deepen the hardship of civilians ahead of the cold season.

Guardiola calls for global action to end Israeli genocide in Gaza

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has renewed his call for international support to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe.

Hamas agrees to parts of US Gaza plan, seeks more negotiations

Hamas has announced that it accepts several parts of United States President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in Israel’s nearly two-year war on the Gaza Strip, but that some elements of the proposal require further talks.

Turkey refuses US demand to abandon Russian gas

Turkey has rejected US demands to abandon Russian gas. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has stated Ankara will continue purchases from all available suppliers, including Moscow.

Tomahawk missiles deliveries to Ukraine ‘unlikely’: Reuters

The United States is unlikely to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine despite having a large stockpile of the weapons, Reuters has reported, citing sources.

Iran executes six convicted of terrorism in Khuzestan province

Iran has executed six men who were convicted of carrying out deadly attacks and bombings in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, according to the judiciary’s media center.

Four dead, dozens injured in bus crash in Iran’s Firouzkouh

At least four people were killed and 30 others injured after a bus plunged into a ravine on the Damavand-Firouzkouh road near the Iranian capital, local officials confirmed on Friday.

Bajelvand wins gold in World Para Athletics, secures Iran’s fourth title

Hossein Bajelvand claimed a gold medal in the men’s discus throw at the World Para Athletics Championships in India, marking Iran’s fourth gold medal of the tournament.

Tehran Residents Rally Against Israeli Interception of Gaza-Bound ‘Sumoud’ Aid Convoy

A large number of Tehran residents, along with students from the city’s universities, held a rally on Friday in solidarity with the Sumoud Global Convoy — a humanitarian mission attempting to break the siege of Gaza — after it was intercepted by Israeli forces.