Sunday, December 21, 2025

Media Wire

Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 85: Russia says ready to return to peace talks when Ukraine ready

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

New Iran envoy to Baghdad submits credentials to Iraq president

Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadegh, Iran's new ambassador to Baghdad, has submitted his credentials to the Iraqi President Barham Saleh to start his mission in the neighboring country.

Iran says Int’l bodies must take appropriate approach to Afghanistan, Palestine, Yemen

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian says the international organizations must adopt just stances on developments of Afghanistan, Palestine and Yemen. He made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting deputy Slovakian foreign minister, Ingrid Brockova on Tuesday.

Top Iran commander calls for enhanced military ties with Tajikistan

The expansion of military interactions with Tajikistan is among the main priorities of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces given the two countries' strategic position in west and central Asia, a senior Iranian military commander says.

Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 84: Finland and Sweden apply to join NATO

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

Asghar Farhadi denies plagiarism over ‘A Hero’

Oscar-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has denied legal claims that he plagiarized his latest film, "A Hero", from a former student.

Ministry: Hezbollah, allies lose majority in Lebanon parliament

Lebanon’s interior ministry says Hezbollah and its allies have lost their majority in the parliament. The country’s general election results were announced on Tuesday.

Rockets hit US military base in Syria

A barrage of rockets has reportedly hit a military facility housing US forces in Syria’s northeastern province of Hasakah. The casualties and the extent of the damage is still unclear.

President Raisi felicitates election of MbZ as UAE president

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has extended his congratulations to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan over his appointment as president of the United Arab Emirates. Raisi has also expressed hope that the two countries would further improve relations to serve common interests.

Iran, Tajikistan to boost cooperation in fighting terrorism

Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Defense Minister of Tajikistan Sherali Mirzo, in a meeting in Dushanbe on Monday, called for enhanced mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 83: Russia and Ukraine say peace talks stalled

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

Blinken discusses Iran nuclear deal, Ukraine war with E3 diplomats

US State Secretary Antony Blinken met with his counterparts from Germany, the UK and France in Berlin On the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministerial meet where they discussed the Ukraine situation and the ongoing negotiation with Iran over the nuclear deal revival.

Live Update: Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 82

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

Palestinians mark anniversary of Nakba Day

Dozens of Israeli settlers have stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of occupied al-Quds under the protection of the Israeli forces, as Palestinians are commemorating the 74th anniversary of the Nakba Day.

Lebanon votes in first election since economic collapse

Polls opened on Sunday in Lebanon’s first election since the country’s economic collapse, a test of whether Hezbollah and its allies can preserve their parliamentary majority amid soaring poverty and anger at ruling parties.

Saudi Arabia executes two Shia youths

Saudi authorities have executed two young men from the Shia-populated Qatif region over trumped-up allegations of involvement in terrorist activities.

Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 81: Finland officially decides to apply for NATO membership

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

Mohamed bin Al Zayed elected new UAE president

Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, was elected by the Federal Supreme Council as the President of the United Arab Emirates, state news agency WAM reported on Saturday.

UNSC condemns Israel killing of Al Jazeera reporter

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously condemned the Israeli killing of Palestinian American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the occupied West Bank, according to diplomats.

5 killed In Israeli raid on Syria

Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on Syria’s northwestern province of Hama late on Friday, killing at least five people, including a civilian, according to Syrian media.

Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 80: Ukraine says could win war by year-end

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

UAE president dies at 73

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has died, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs confirmed on Friday.

Live Update: Russia’s “Special Operation” in Ukraine; Day 79

Russia, wary of NATO’s eastward expansion, began a military campaign in Ukraine on February 24 after the Western-leaning Kiev government turned a deaf ear to Moscow’s calls for its neighbor to maintain its neutrality. In the middle of the mayhem, Moscow and Kiev are trying to hammer out a peaceful solution to the conflict. Follow the latest about the Russia-Ukraine conflict here:

Paris calls for release of French nationals ‘detained in Iran’

France's Foreign Ministry has demanded the "immediate release" of two French nationals it says have been detained in Iran. It comes a day after Tehran's intelligence ministry announced it has arrested two Europeans for attempting to "destabilize" the country.

Russian envoy believes restoring JCPOA still possible

There is still a chance to restore the Iran nuclear deal, but Tehran will insist on keeping its red lines, Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan said during a Rossiya-24 TV broadcast.

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