Thursday, January 1, 2026

World

Congress panel urges criminal charges against Brazil president over Covid-19

A Brazilian congressional panel probing handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the country has recommended criminal charges against President Jair Bolsonarod. More than 604 thousand people have died of coronavirus in Brazil so far.

Afghanistan summit kicks off in Moscow

The Moscow consultations on Afghanistan has kicked off at President Hotel in the Russian capital, Moscow. Delegates will discuss the prospects of the developments related to the military and political situation in Afghanistan as well as the efforts of the international community on preventing a humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.

Bagheri: Iran, Russia to help enhance regional security

The chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces says Iran and Russia have reached an agreement to take measures to enhance regional security and stability.

FBI search property linked to sanctioned Russian Billionaire

The FBI agents have swarmed a home linked to sanctioned Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska in Washington D.C. with a court order. Deripaska is known as a proxy for Russian government

IAEA chief plans to visit Iran in near future

Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi says he expects to visit Tehran before the end of next month for talks with Iranian officials over the country’s nuclear programme.

North Korea confirms tested ‘new type’ of ballistic missile

North Korea has confirmed it tested a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on Tuesday. The fire became Pyongyang’s first of its kind since 2019, prompting international outrage.

Iran slams terror attack in Damascus as “cowardly”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has strongly condemned Wednesday’s terrorist attack in the Syrian capital Damascus.

Russia says NATO should make first step to warm ties

NATO needs to take the first step to improve relations with Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov believes. The top diplomat has stated Russia has never initiated the deterioration of relations with the alliance or any other country.

Chinese refiners seek to increase oil imports from Iran and Russia

China's independent refineries reportedly plan to increase their oil purchases from Iran and Russia by using their import quotas before they expire in the next three months.

Iranian expert: Agreement with Venezuela sends political message

Iran’s former ambassador to Bolivia Reza Tabatabaei told ISNA says the 20-year cooperation agreement between Iran and Venezuela is less an economic contract than a political message.

Over a dozen killed in Damascus twin blasts

More than a dozen people have been killed after two explosive devices detonated under a bridge in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday. The explosions hit a bus carrying Syria’s military personnel.

China demands US explanation about nuclear sub accident

China has expressed concern about a collision between a nuclear submarine belonging to the United States Navy and an "unknown object" in the South China Sea. Beijing has once again stressed Washington is obligated to explain the incident in detail.

Gangs seek $17mn for US, Canadian missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

An armed gang that kidnapped a group of American and Canadian missionaries in Haiti has demanded $17 million to release hostages, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Russia rules out recognition of Taliban

Moscow is not considering recognizing the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reiterated. A meeting on Afghanistan is scheduled on Wednesday in Moscow and will focus on the political and military situation in the war-torn country.

Pentagon chief in Ukraine amid Moscow-Kiev tensions

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Kiev for talks with Ukrainian officials. Pentagon chief has stated Russia cannot block Ukraine's NATO aspirations. Moscow has warned Kiev joining the bloc goes beyond ‘red lines’.

Iran: Israel’s crimes should not go unpunished

Iran’s permanent ambassador to the United Naitons Majid Takht Ravanchi has said the Zionist regime must be held accountable for violating international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territories and such crimes should not go unpunished.

Senior Iranian diplomat calls for eradication of terrorism in Syria

A senior advisor to Iran’s foreign minister has called for the eradication of terrorism in Syria and the return of Syrian refugees to their home.

Taliban’s acting FM to hold talks with Chinese counterpart

China has promised to organize a meeting between Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Wang Yi, top Chinese diplomat. The date and venue of the meeting is yet to be announced.

Japan says to build up defense following N. Korea missile test

Tokyo has condemned North Korea's missile fires, and announced plans to boost its defense capabilities. The announcement follows hours after Pyongyang carried out another missile test.

Trump sues panel probing capitol riot

Former US President Donald Trump has filed a federal lawsuit against the committee investigating the Capitol Hill riots last January. The ex-leader is seeking to block the panel from obtaining his administration's records from the National Archives. Five people were killed during riots in the US Capitol complex.

“War Criminal” trends after death of Colin Powell

The death of former US Secretary of State Colin Powell has drawn outrage from social media users who call the late general a “war criminal”. The former Top diplomat had pushed faulty intelligence before the United Nations (UN) to advocate for the Washington-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Myanmar to free thousands of political prisoners

Myanmar's military government is to release thousands of political prisoners jailed for protesting against a February coup that removed the civilian government. It has announced plans to free over 5,600 prisoners.

Iran at Forefront of War on Drugs: Minister

Iran’s interior minister says the country ranks first in the fight against illicit drugs and attaches great importance to the campaign against narcotics.

US says Brussel meeting ‘not necessary’ for Iran nuclear talks

Washington does not think negotiations in Belgium are necessary before the resumption of indirect talks with Iran over reviving the nuclear deal in Austria, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday. Iran has said it will hold discussions with the European Union (UN) in the coming days on the issues raised in Tehran.

Majority of Americans see US in “wrong direction” under Biden

Fewer than 4 in 10 Americans say the U.S is on right track, a new poll found. The recent surveys show US President Joe Biden’s approval rating is sinking amid several national crises.

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