Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Iran News

Iran Front Page offers a handpicked set of the latest news and views from Iran and the Middle East

Iranian wrestling giant Yazdani’s absence at 2025 World Championships noted by UWW

United World Wrestling (UWW) has acknowledged the absence of Iranian freestyle wrestling star Hassan Yazdani from the 2025 World Championships in Zagreb, calling him "one of the biggest misses" of the tournament.

Pentagon chief warns Iran of “consequences” over Houthis support

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Iran over its support for Yemen’s Houthi fighters, saying it “will pay the consequence.” Tehran says the Houthis act independently.

US seeking to eliminate security office coordinating with Palestinian Authority: Report

The administration of President Donald Trump plans to eliminate the position of US security coordinator for the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to several media reports.

Iran’s int’l striker Taremi wears black wristband in tribute to victims of port explosion

Iranian Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi paid tribute to the victims of the recent tragedy at Shahid Rajaei Port, in southern Iran, by wearing a black wristband during his appearance for his club on Wednesday.

US and Ukraine ink minerals deal

The United States and Ukraine have signed an “economic partnership agreement” that will give Washington access to Kyiv’s rare earth minerals in exchange for establishing an investment fund in the European state.

Wildfires rage near Jerusalem, forcing evacuations and road closures

Wildfires raging near Jerusalem forced evacuations in several areas and led to several major road closures on Wednesday. Firefighters struggle to contain the flames amid dry conditions and high winds.

Iran’s security chief: Nukes have no place in Iran’s defensive doctrine

The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has reiterated that nuclear weapons have no place in the country’s defensive doctrine.

Iranian gynecologist wins WIPO medal 

The World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, awarded its prize at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva,Switzerland, to Hasti Hosseini, a female gynecologist from Iran.

Europe unlikely to gather 25,000 troops for Ukraine: Times

Europe would struggle to collectively muster 25,000 soldiers to be part of a "deterrence" force in Ukraine because its armies are undermanned and underfunded, The Times reported quoting sources.

Muslim groups urge UK PM to recognise Palestine, cease arms exports to Israel

Hundreds of prominent Muslim organisations and individuals have signed a letter, urging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognise a Palestinian state and cease all military support to Israel.

Poll shows most Ukrainians don’t trust Trump

Nearly 90% of Ukrainians don’t trust Donald Trump, according to a new poll released to mark the US president’s first 100 days back in office.

Iran observes Persian Gulf Day amid sovereignty reaffirmation

Iran commemorated National Persian Gulf Day on Wednesday with ceremonies emphasizing the historical and legal name of the strategic waterway.

Iran’s UN envoy lambasts French ‘economic blackmail’ of reimposing anti-Tehran sanctions

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has condemned the French foreign minister's explicit threat to reinstate sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iranian gov’t spokesperson says ‘human error’ likely caused deadly port fire, rules out sabotage

Iranian Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated on Wednesday that initial investigations into the massive fire at Shahid Rajaei Port in southern Iran suggest human error was the likely cause, while ruling out sabotage.

Pakistan warns of possible Indian military attack in 24-36 hours

Pakistan’s minister for information and broadcasting has stated Islamabad has “credible intelligence” that India intends to launch a military strike against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours, as tensions between the two countries escalate following a deadly raid in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Iran warns US ‘provocative’ actions could undermine nuclear talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has cautioned that any "provocative measures" by the United States will cast doubt on Washington's seriousness in ongoing nuclear negotiations, revealing that the next round of indirect talks between the two sides is set for Saturday in Rome.

IRGC Navy unveils high-speed missile boat capable of 116 knots

The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, has revealed the development of a new domestically-built missile boat capable of reaching 116 knots (215 km/h).

US jet rolls off aircraft carrier as ship reportedly swerves Houthi fire: Report

US sailors had to leap for their lives when a warplane fell off a navy aircraft carrier that was reportedly making evasive maneuvers to avoid Houthi militant fire in the Red Sea.

Gaza siege silent killer of children, elderly: UN

Juliette Touma, communications director for the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has stated that "the siege on the Gaza Strip is the silent killer of children, of older people."

Iranian newspaper urges transparency on port blast: “You can’t lock news in a safe”

The Jomhuri-e Eslami newspaper has issued a stark warning to Iranian authorities, arguing that suppressing news only fuels misinformation.

600 N. Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine war: Seoul

Around 600 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia against Ukraine have been killed and thousands more wounded, a South Korean lawmaker has stated, after Pyongyang officially confirmed deploying troops to aid Moscow.

Iran executes Mossad agent for “espionage, terrorist support”

Iran's judiciary announced on Wednesday the execution of Mohsen Langarneshin, a Mossad operative involved in multiple Israeli intelligence operations within Iran.

Israel abusing detained staff, using some as human shields: UNRWA

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, says Israel is abusing dozens of its staff in military detention and using some as human shields.

First Persian yellow deer calves born in Lake Urmia National Park

The first Persian yellow deer calves of the year were born at the Rashkan Breeding and Conservation Site in Lake Urmia National Park, announced the West Azerbaijan Department of Environment.

Syria’s FM meets US officials in New York: Reuters

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with senior U.S. State Department officials on Tuesday in New York, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Damascus seeks a clear roadmap from Washington on how to secure permanent sanctions relief.