Thursday, December 25, 2025

Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Seddiqi steps down as Tehran Friday Prayer leader amid real estate scandal

Ayatollah Kazem Seddiqi has resigned from his long-held position as interim Friday Prayer Imam of Tehran.

Silk weaving: A living heritage in Iran’s Jargalan

Silk weaving remains one of the most cherished and enduring handicrafts in the Jargalan region of northeastern Iran.

China, Russia begin joint drills in Sea of Japan

China and Russia began joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan on Sunday as Beijing and Moscow seek to reinforce their partnership and counterbalance what they see as a US-led global order.

OPEC+ agrees to enhance oil production by 547k barrels per day from September

OPEC+ on Sunday agreed to boost oil production by 548,000 barrels per day from September in a move that could further reduce gas prices in 2025

Iranian president stresses regional security, interdependence, invites Pakistani PM to Tehran

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian emphasized the interconnected nature of regional security during a high-level meeting in Pakistan, stating that peace, stability, and calm in the region are vital prerequisites for advancing economic and trade relations among neighboring nations.

Israel closes almost 90% of cases of alleged war crimes or abuse without charges: Report

Nearly nine out of 10 Israeli military investigations into allegations of war crimes or abuses by its soldiers since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip have been closed without finding fault or left without resolution, according to a conflict monitor.

US gave $3mn in Gaza food aid, contradicting Trump’s $60M claim: WaPo

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed Washington provided $60 million in food aid to the Gaza Strip, but The Washington Post daily in a report published Saturday said only $3 million has been disbursed so far.

6 more die of starvation in Gaza, taking death toll to 175

At least six more Palestinians died of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave announced on Sunday.

Iran, Pakistan sign 12 cooperation deals

Top officials from Iran and Pakistan have inked 12 cooperation agreements in a range of fields during an official presidential visit to Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia executed 230 people in 2025: AFP

Saudi Arabia has executed eight people in a single day, state media reported, amid a surge in the use of the death penalty in the Persian Gulf monarchy particularly over drug-related convictions.

Water reserves in 19 major Iranian dams fall below 20%

A recent report by Iran’s Water Resources Management Company reveals a concerning decline in water reserves across the country’s major reservoir dams. According to the data, 19 key dams, essential for drinking water supply and agricultural use, are currently operating at less than 20% of their storage capacity.

Iran govt. withdraws controversial internet regulation bill to review freedom of expression concerns

The Iranian government has officially withdrawn a proposed bill aimed at countering the spread of false information on social media, citing the need for further review to better align with constitutional protections for free speech.

Iranian president receives official welcome in Islamabad, plants sapling at PM residence

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, currently on a two-day official visit to Pakistan, was formally received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Sunday.

India to continue buying Russian oil amid US threats: Report

India will continue to purchase Russian oil despite US President Donald Trump's remarks that New Delhi will stop purchasing it, media reports claimed on Saturday.

Army chief: Iran’s missile, drone capabilities fully operational amid ongoing threats

Iran's Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami said on Sunday that the Islamic Republic does not consider external threats to be over, emphasizing that its missile and drone capabilities remain fully operational and ready for deployment.

Damascus government, Kurds trade blame over northern Syria attack

Syria’s Ministry of Defence has accused the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of carrying out a rocket attack on a military position in northern part of the country, injuring four army personnel and three civilians.

Iran says no rush for US talks amid regional tensions

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the Institute for Political and International Studies, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has stated that Tehran is in no hurry to enter talks with the US unless firm guarantees for results are provided.

Russia’s drone strikes on Ukraine hit record high in July

Russia fired more than 6,000 drones on Ukraine in July, more than any other month since it launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, the AFP news agency and the Kyiv Independent have reported.

Massive rally in Tel Aviv demands prisoner swap agreement with Palestinians

Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in central Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding a prisoner swap deal with Palestinian factions that would secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

UN report confirms nobody reads UN reports

The United Nations produces more than 1,000 reports a year, but most are barely read, according to the organization’s own study into how to make its work more “impactful and coherent”. The revelation comes as the UN marks its 80th anniversary amid a deepening identity crisis.

Hamas dismisses US claims it offered to disarm in exchange for ceasefire

Hamas has denied a claim by the United States special envoy to the Middle East that it was preparing to disarm in exchange for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip.

Iran to form national defense council following recent Israeli aggression

Iran plans to establish a National Defense Council based on Article 176 of its Constitution, amid rising regional tensions and in the wake of recent military aggression by the Zionist regime and the US.

Iranian city of Abadan becomes hottest place on earth

In the latest report from the Global Temperature Monitoring System, the city of Abadan in southwestern Iran has been declared the hottest place on Earth, recording a scorching temperature of 50.4°C.

Iran says talks with E3 faced with complexity

The spokesperson for the Iranian administration has dismissed the notion that the negotiations between Tehran and the European troika are directed at reaching a deal, saying the negotiations about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program have run into a complicated situation.

Investigation finds Israeli soldiers shot 95 Gaza children in head or chest in over 160 examined cases

The BBC World Service reported it compiled evidence on over 160 cases where children were shot by Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, and found that in 95 cases, the children were shot in the head or chest.