Ukrainian PM says Kiev has received $1 billion backed by seized Moscow assets

The first $1 billion installment of a $20 billion US loan backed by impounded Russian funds has been paid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Denis Shmigal announced on Tuesday. Moscow has vowed to respond to the “theft".

Envoy condemns Israel’s admission of murdering of Hamas chief in Iran

Iran's permanent ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani has strongly condemned Israel’s “brazen admission” of the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Lifting WhatsApp, Google Play filtering in Iran ‘a positive step, but more needed’

Lifting of the filtering on WhatsApp and Google Play on the internet in Iran on Tuesday received mixed reactions.

Malayer’s mini world: A tourism gem in western Iran

The “Mini World” recreational and tourism complex in Malayer, in the western Iranian province of Hamedan, spanning an impressive 48 hectares, is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Video: Sisi warns of ‘chaos and destruction’ in Egypt following Assad’s fall in Syria

An Egyptian intelligence-owned television channel has released a propaganda video of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi warning that Syria has been destroyed and unnamed forces are trying to do the same in the African country.

Israel kills at least 8 in West Bank raids

The Israeli army and military aircraft have killed at least eight Palestinians, including two women and a teenager, in attacks on the Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry has announced.

Lebanon calls on cease-fire monitoring committee to stop Israeli violations

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged a cease-fire monitoring committee to pressure Israel to halt its violations and withdraw from areas under its control in southern Lebanon.

Iran lifts Ban on WhatsApp, Google Play in a landmark decision

In a significant move towards greater digital accessibility, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, chaired by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, approved the unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play.

One child gets killed every hour in Gaza: UN

The United Nations agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has announced that 14,500 Palestinian children have been killed since the start of Israel’s war on the besieged territory last October.

Several killed in blast at explosives factory in Turkey

At least 12 people were killed and three others wounded after a blast rocked an explosives factory in the Turkish province of Balikesir, Governor Ismail Ustaoglu has announced.

Zelensky claims over 3k North Korean soldiers killed, wounded in Russia

The number of killed and injured North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast has surpassed 3,000, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed in a statement.

Iran Judiciary: No complains lodged against ex-FM Zarif over dual citizenship

The spokesperson for Iran’s Judiciary clarified that no complaints have been filed against former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif or others regarding dual citizenship or relatives holding foreign citizenship.

Iran to unveil first AI-equipped oil well

The Iranian Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy has announced the inauguration of Iran's first Well, Reservoir, Facility Management (WRFM) Center to optimize real-time management of wells, reservoirs, and surface facilities using advanced data.

Syrian rights group compiles list of over 16k Assad gov’t affiliates accused of crimes against civilians

A Syrian rights group has announced that it has compiled a list of around 16,200 members of the ousted government of Bashar Al-Assad, accused of committing crimes against civilians.

Israel violates cease-fire in Lebanon, killing 2 people

Two people were killed and another was injured in an Israeli air attack near a school in Marjayoun in southern Lebanon.

UN General Assembly seeking ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations in occupied Palestinian territory

The United Nations General Assembly has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations, and third states in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Vank Church, Jolfa district in Iran’s Isfahan decorated for New Year

As the New Year 2025 approaches, Vank Church and the Jolfa district in Iran’s central province of Isfahan have been beautifully decorated.

Kremlin says several countries to become BRICS partners next year

Nine countries will officially join BRICS as partner states in 2025, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has said, adding that the economic group is open to like-minded partners.

WHO warns Yemen bears ‘highest burden’ of cholera worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that Yemen bears "the highest burden" of cholera globally.

Hamas says fate of captives depends on Israeli military

The fate of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas depends on advances made by the Israeli military in some areas, Abu Obaida, spokesman of the Qassam Brigades of Palestinian group Hamas, has stated.

UN declares Gaza Strip most dangerous place for aid delivery

Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has raised the alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, calling the besieged enclave the most dangerous region for aid delivery.

Lebanon urges Israel’s withdrawal from south

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on the United States and France to help speed up the Israeli withdrawal from southern part of the Middle Eastern country nearly a month after the ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Beirut took effect.

Iranian martial artist Aliakbari sparks controversy with video of pet lion

World-renowned Iranian martial artist Amir Aliakbari has stirred controversy by posting a video of himself hugging a lion at his home.

Iran sets new record with daily gas production of 865mn cubic meters

Iran has reached a new milestone in gas production, with a daily output of 865 million cubic meters of sweet gas, surpassing the ministry of petroleum's commitment of 845 million cubic meters.

Ukraine increasingly sees conflict with Russia ending in 2025: WaPo

Ukrainian officials are “starting to believe” that the war with Russia will be resolved next year, a senior member of Volodymyr Zelensky’s government has reportedly told the Washington Post. The shift in attitude is a direct result of US President-elect Donald Trump’s public talk of a settlement, the official added.

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