Saturday, January 3, 2026

Iran News

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

Iran to teach AI at schools from next academic year

Iranian Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-based Economy, Hossein Afshin, says one million students will be taught AI across Iran from the next school year.

Iran’s IRGC commander asserts Operation True Promise III to be carry out ‘in right time’

The Deputy Coordinator of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Ali Fazli, announced that the third phase of the operations against the Israeli regime, known as Operation True Promise, will definitely be carried out “on schedule.”

Persepolis triumphs over Esteghlal in Tehran derby

Persepolis secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Esteghlal in the 105th Tehran Derby, maintaining their pursuit of the Iran Pro League title.

Iran’s natl. oil company wins key victory in Crescent arbitration case

According to the Legal Affairs Department of the Iranian President’s Office, the tribunal in the Crescent arbitration case has dismissed the UEA-based company’s claim that the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is liable for damages incurred by third parties (companies contracted by Crescent).

North Korea deploys additional forces to Russia’s Kursk Oblast: South Korean intelligence

North Korea has deployed additional troops to Russia, an official for South Korea's National Intelligence Agency (NIS) has claimed.

President Pezeshkian advocates stronger relations among Muslim states

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the promotion of convergence and relations among Muslim countries is among the necessities in the current global situation.

Trump says US generals involved in Afghanistan withdrawal should be fired

US President Donald Trump said “every single one” of the military generals involved in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan must be fired, seated next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Cabinet meeting.

US abstains from WTO statement condemning Russia assault against Ukraine: Reuters

The United States has opted not to support a joint World Trade Organization (WTO) statement, decrying Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine”, according to a diplomatic source and a Geneva trade official, cited by Reuters.

Palestinian prisoners released by Israel show signs of torture, starvation

Hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails and released in the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement, once again showed signs of emaciation and abuse.

West Bank becoming ‘battlefield’, dozens killed in recent weeks: UNRWA chief

The West Bank is facing an "alarming spillover" of the Gaza war, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees announced, adding dozens have been killed since Israel expanded its military operations there last month.

Iranian official says Tehran likely to hold meeting with E3 in coming weeks

A senior Iranian diplomat has stated that Tehran and the European troika – France, Germany and Britain – will likely hold meetings in the coming weeks. Kazem Gharibabadi stressed that Iran’s talks with any country are solely based preserving its national interests and security.

Iranian newspaper criticizes FM over “lack of transparency” in talks with Russia

The Tehran-based Jomhouri-e Eslami newspaper has strongly criticized Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi for "withholding details about recent negotiations with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov."

No sanctions relief for Russia pre-agreement, Ukraine ‘can forget about’ NATO: Trump

United States President Donald Trump has stressed that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO as part of a future peace accord with Russia and ruled out lifting sanctions on Moscow before a deal is reached.

Lebanon’s government wins confidence vote in parliament

Lebanon’s new government has won a confidence vote in parliament, following a speech by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam promising to push for economic reforms and to start negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

US puts sanctions on network behind ‘Iran’s drone program’

The United States Department of the Treasury has announced fresh sanctions targeting a procurement network behind Iran's drone production program.

The Greek Ship in Persian Gulf on verge of collapse

Built in 1943, the Greek Ship is 136 meters long and weighs 7.061 tons. Initially named Empire Trumpet, the ship changed hands several times before being taken over by its final owner, a Greek national.

Leader’s advisor: Iran open to talks only based on mutual respect, equal footing

Kamal Kharrazi, an advisor to Iran’s leader, says Tehran does not escape from genuine talks but Iranians, by nature, are not the type to give in to bullying by other countries.

Iranian atomic chief calls on IAEA to avoid politicizing nuclear issue 

The director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has said Tehran is in constant touch with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, adding all of Iran’s nuclear activities are under the supervision of the agency.

Iran denies Russian FM, Qatari Emir carried messages from US

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi clarified on Wednesday that neither Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, nor the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, carried messages from the US during their recent visits to Tehran.

US, Ukraine reach agreement on minerals deal

Kyiv has reached an agreement with Washington on a minerals deal, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and justice minister, told the Financial Times.

Two terrorists killed, six captured in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's Ministry of Intelligence in a joint operation killed two foreign terrorists in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, in Southeastern Iran, and captured six others.

Hamas, Israel reach deal to resolve delay in release of Palestinian prisoners

The Palestinian group Hamas has announced that its delegation concluded a visit to the Egyptian capital Cairo, where it reached an agreement to resolve a delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be freed last Saturday as part of a ceasefire accord with Israel.

British PM slashes aid to fund major increase in defence spending amid Ukraine war

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that London will “fight for peace in Europe” with a generational increase in defence spending paid for by slashing the foreign aid budget.

Trump says US could lift Russia sanctions during Ukraine peace talks

The US could lift sanctions against Russia “at some point” during the Ukraine peace negotiations, President Donald Trump has said. He noted, however, that no decision has been made so far.

Israel launches air attacks to ‘demilitarize’ Syria

Israeli Air Force has conducted airstrikes on military targets in southern Syria, including areas near Damascus and the Deraa province, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand “for the complete demilitarization of the region.”