Friday, January 2, 2026

News

Iran’s 20-Year Vision Plan: A review of unmet goals as 1404 horizon arrives

As Iran reaches the end of its 20-Year Vision Plan (2005-2025), a critical assessment reveals that many of the ambitious goals set in 2004 remain unfulfilled.

Houthis claim retaliation, US attacks on Yemen continue

Yemen’s Houthis say they have retaliated after vowing to “meet escalation with escalation” following the United States air attacks against the armed group that killed at least 53 people in recent days.

Trump says he will speak with Putin on Ukraine war

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

UK proposes Western peacekeeping mission of 10,000 forces in Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has presented plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London.

Iran President welcomes peace treaty between Armenia, Azerbaijan

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has welcomed the long-awaited peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reiterating Tehran's commitment to promoting regional stability.

Trump, Putin may agree on Ukraine ceasefire soon: US envoy

The presidents of the US and Russia might have a call this week to agree on a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, has stated.

Tehran’s Grand Bazaar bustles with year-end shopping rush

As the Persian calendar year 1403 draws to a close, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar is witnessing a surge in activity, with shoppers flocking to purchase goods ahead of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.

US says Ukraine will have to make territorial concessions

Ukraine should be prepared to give up certain territories as part of any future peace negotiations with Russia, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has stated.

Netanyahu seeking to dismiss head of Shin Bet over lack of ‘trust’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will bring a vote to the government to dismiss the director of the Shin Bet domestic security service.

Iran’s former Central Bank officials cleared of currency manipulation charges

Iran’s judiciary has issued a halt to the prosecution of former governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Valiollah Seif, and former deputy governor for foreign exchange, Ahmad Araghchi, in a high-profile corruption case involving currency market manipulation.

Death toll from US attacks on Yemen rises to 53: Houthis

Yemen’s Houthi group has announced that US air attacks on the country have killed 53 people and injured 98.

Yemen’s Houthi leader warns of escalation, expands naval blockade against US

Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has declared that his forces will escalate attacks in response to US military aggressions, warning that drones and missiles will continue to target American warships, aircraft carriers and naval vessels.

Iran’s Expediency Council considers conditional approval of CFT, Palermo conventions

The head of Iran’s Expediency Council has stated that the council can conditionally approve the Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Palermo Conventions. These two sticking points could pave the way for Iran to join the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body focused on combating money laundering.

Feast held at Iran’s Imam Reza Shrine during Ramadan

As the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Hasan Mujtaba (PBUH), the second Shia Imam, approaches, more than one thousand pilgrims and residents of Mashhad gathered on Sunday night at the Imam Hasan Mujtaba (PBUH) Courtyard of the Imam Reza (PBUH) Shrine to partake in a special Iftar banquet.

West can dispatch troops to Ukraine without Russia’s permission: France

Kyiv does not need Russia's permission to invite peacekeeping troops to its territory, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with French regional newspaper Le Parisien.

Omani top diplomat: Talks with Iran FM Araghchi ‘productive’

Oman's Foreign Minister announced that he had a productive meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Muscat.

Iran strongly condemns US, UK air attacks on Yemen

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the “barbaric” attacks by the US and the UK against Yemen that have killed and injured dozens of people, including women and children.

Nowruz Joy Carnival brightens Tehran with festive parade

A vibrant Nowruz carnival brought color and cheer to the streets of the Iranian capital on Friday, as part of the celebrations leading up to the Persian New Year, starting on Thursday.

Iranian woman sets record by making 137 types of jam

An Iranian woman, Mrs. Mahmoudzadeh, has made headlines by setting a remarkable record for creating 137 different types of jam, earning her a place in the record books.

IRGC chief warns of Iran’s firm response to threats

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned that while Iran will never seek to initiate a war, it remains determined to deliver a resolute response to any threats or onslaught by the enemies.

Road accidents: Third leading cause of death in Iran, costing $200k per fatality

Road accidents have been identified as the third leading cause of death in Iran, following cardiovascular diseases and cancer, according to the acting president of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

‘Putin lying to everyone’: Zelensky calls for ‘strong pressure’ on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged an international coalition to intensify pressure on Moscow and meet with skepticism any claims from Russian President Vladimir Putin about the situation on the battlefield.

Israel kills over 150 Palestinians in Gaza since ceasefire: Report

More than 150 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since the ceasefire accord took effect on Jan. 19, 2025, including 40 in the past two weeks, the Gaza Media Office has announced.

Iranian company develops affordable brain surgery navigation system

An Iranian knowledge-based company has successfully developed a domestically-produced neurosurgical navigation system that assists surgeons in precisely locating tumors during complex brain surgeries, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and improving surgical outcomes.

Tehran faces severe water crisis as reservoir levels plummet

Tehran residents are being urged to prepare for a severe water crisis as reservoir levels in the capital’s main dams have reached critically low levels.

Latest news