Thursday, January 1, 2026

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Former Iran FM Salehi on eve of Oman talks: Negotiation always better than war

Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran’s former foreign minister and nuclear chief, has said that "negotiation is always better than war," especially as indirect talks between Tehran and Washington are scheduled to begin in Oman on Saturday.

Senate report warns Trump weakening US defenses against foreign interference

The administration of President Donald Trump has weakened tools the US government uses to combat foreign-influence campaigns, even as covert attempts by Saudi Arabia and other “malign actors” to influence American policy are growing in “scope, sophistication, and reach”, according to a new Senate report.

Trump’s envoy says US ready to seek compromise in talks with Iran

Washington is open to seeking a compromise in talks with Iranian authorities, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has stated ahead of high-level negotiation in Oman.

“Father of Iran’s nuclear technology” dies

Akbar Etemad, the first director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran AEOI, known as the Father of Iran’s nuclear technology, has died at the age of 95.

Iran faces summer power crisis as drought worsens, daylight saving debate reignites

Iran's power grid is under severe strain as a prolonged drought reduces hydropower generation while summer electricity demand reaches record levels, raising fears of widespread blackouts in coming months.

Iranian official: West practicing hypocrisy on human rights

A senior Iranian official has denounced Western human rights claims as "hollow" during an emotional visit with victims of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons attacks, reigniting decades-old grievances about foreign complicity in Iraq's WMD program.

Iran’s Stone Garden: A silent protest turned tourist attraction

In the heart of Iran's Kerman desert lies an eerie orchard where trees bear stones instead of fruit.

Iran atomic chief highlights nuclear breakthroughs, defies Western ‘red lines’

Iran's nuclear chief announced on Friday that the country has achieved three major nuclear milestones at international standards, defying ‘illegitimate red lines’ imposed by Western powers.

New figures: Iran-Saudi trade sees astonishing 6,483% growth

Iran's non-oil trade with Saudi Arabia skyrocketed by an unprecedented 6,483% in the past 12 months, marking the most dramatic growth among all neighboring countries as the former rivals continue to mend relations, according to official customs data released Friday.

Iran Foreign Ministry: Saturday talks to test US intentions, seriousness

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that upcoming diplomatic talks on Saturday over Iran’s nuclear program will serve as a test to evaluate the intentions and seriousness of the United States.

Iran Leader ddvisor: Continued external threats could lead to expulsion of IAEA onspectors from Iran

Ali Shamkhani, political advisor to the Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution, warned that the persistence of external threats and placing Iran under the conditions of a military attack could lead to deterrent actions, such as expelling inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from Iran.

‘Coalition of the willing’ for Ukraine stalls over lack of US support: Bloomberg

The endeavours of the British- and French-led "coalition of the willing" to provide security guarantees to Ukraine faces delay due to missing commitments from the U.S., Bloomberg reported, citing undisclosed sources.

China dismisses role in war against Ukraine, calls on Kyiv to temper rhetoric

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has once again denied Beijing's involvement in Russia's all-out war against Ukraine, urging Kyiv to refrain "from irresponsible remarks."

Israel denies nearly 70% of UN aid access attempts into Gaza: UN

The United Nations has reported that Israeli authorities have denied at least 68% of its efforts to coordinate humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip since March 18.

Top Iranian MP: Negotiating team in Oman will act based on natl. interests

As indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. are scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday, a senior Iranian lawmaker emphasized that the country’s negotiating team will act strictly in line with national interests and that Iran’s defensive capabilities remain a vital backing for diplomacy.

AEOI Chief: Nuclear power can resolve Iran’s energy imbalances

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said that nuclear power will play a key role in addressing the country’s energy shortfalls and structural imbalances.

Russia and US conduct another prisoner swap

Moscow and Washington have conducted another prisoner swap in Abu Dhabi, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing CIA officials.

Hundreds of Israeli Air Force reservists demand halt to Gaza war, return of captives

A group of 1,000 current and former Israeli Air Force reservists called for the return of all captives held in the Gaza Strip, "even if it means ending the war" in the enclave.

Hamas launches legal challenge against UK terror designation: MEE

The Palestinian group Hamas has instructed British lawyers to appeal the UK's 2021 decision to designate the movement as a terrorist organisation, Middle East Eye revealed.

Official: Iran loses $140 million daily to fuel smuggling as tracking systems fail

Iran is losing between 20-28 million liters of fuel daily to smuggling operations, costing the country $140 million in potential export revenues each day, according to a member of Iran's Anti-Smuggling Headquarters.

A football oasis in nature’s crown in Iran’s Kordestan

In the stunning landscapes of the Deyvaznav village, in Iran’s Kordestan Province, lies a unique artificial grass football field that sparkles like a gem in the heart of nature.

Kazan becomes Isfahan’s 16th sister city in historic ceremony

The ancient cities of Isfahan in Iran and Kazan in Russia formalized a sister-city partnership on Wednesday during a signing ceremony at Isfahan's UNESCO-listed Chehel Sotoun Palace.

Official links undocumented Afghans to tuberculosis spread in Iran, announces border crackdown

Iran's deputy interior minister for security affairs has raised public health concerns regarding undocumented Afghan migrants, acknowledging they account for approximately 25% of tuberculosis cases in Iran.

Poll shows majority of Americans hold unfavourable view of Israel amid Gaza war

More than half of Americans now have a negative view of Israel, according to a recent poll, stressing the fallout from Israel’s war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran ahead of Oman negotiations

Washington has put new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, the latest move in the so-called maximum pressure campaign recently reinstated by the Donald Trump administration.

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