Sunday, December 21, 2025

Iran News

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

Hamas: Israel has killed over 270 Palestinians since Gaza ceasefire

Palestinian group Hamas says Israel has killed 271 Palestinians since the Gaza ceasefire accord came into force last month.

Syrian president claims he ‘had nothing to do’ with 9/11 attacks

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has downplayed his past links to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda and distanced himself from the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

Israeli parliament approves first reading of bill on death penalty for Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has approved in its first reading a bill allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

Top Iranian general warns US, Israel of stronger strikes if new war erupts; praises state media role in recent conflict

Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, warned that Iran would deliver more severe blows if another war occurs, while praising national broadcast services for their role during the 12-day conflict with the US-Israeli coalition in June.

Iraqis vote in parliamentary election

Iraqis began casting ballots on Tuesday in parliamentary elections to choose a new 329-member legislature, state television reported, with nationwide polling set to close at 6:00 p.m. (1500 GMT).

US president praises Syria’s ‘tough-guy’ leader after White House visit

US President Donald Trump has praised his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa as a strong leader after hosting him in the White House on Monday.

Trump administration extends pause on Syria sanctions

The United States has prolonged the suspension of a broad package of sanctions on Syria for another 180 days as President Donald Trump met with the Syrian interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the White House on Monday.

Defense minister: Iranian defense industry shows significant growth since 12-day war

Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh has said that the country’s defense production has improved in both quantity and quality compared to the period before the 12-day war.

Average of 8 Palestinians killed daily in Gaza since ceasefire took effect: Report

Israel continues to commit genocide against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip as an average of eight Palestinians have been killed daily since the ceasefire became effective last month, a Geneva-based rights monitor group announced Monday.

Iran oversees departure of foreign nationals, ensures students’ education

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said that efforts were made to ensure no student was left behind amid the recent exit of foreign nationals, mainly Afghan citizens, who have increasingly come to Iran, especially after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Syria thwarted Daesh plots on Ahmad al-Sharaa’s life: Reuters

Syria has foiled two separate Islamic State plots to assassinate President Ahmed al-Sharaa, two senior officials has said, adding a personal dimension to his plans to join a U.S.-led coalition to fight the terror group that he has long battled.

Over 300 people killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since November 2024: Beirut

The death toll from Israeli air attacks on Lebanon has exceeded 300 since late November 2024 when a ceasefire accord was signed, Labanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine has stated.

Iran security chief says no new message sent to US, emphasizes diplomatic channels exhausted

Iran has not sent any new messages to the United States, according to Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Iran: Trump admission of involvement in Israeli attack on Iran documented war crime at UN

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that US President Donald Trump’s admission of involvement in the Israeli regime’s military aggression against Iran is a crime that has been officially documented and recorded at the United Nations.

Biden admin received intelligence on illegality of Israeli actions in Gaza, refused to reduce US support: HuffPost

Former American President Joe Biden reviewed intelligence indicating that Israeli officials were aware their actions in the Gaza Strip might violate US and international law, yet he denied recommendations from his advisers to reduce US involvement, HuffPost has reported, citing former US officials.

EU member states seeking to dodge new US sanctions on Russia: Politico

EU members Bulgaria and Romania have been working to save refineries owned by Russian oil giant Lukoil following US sanctions on the company, Politico has reported. Lukoil controls Bulgaria’s largest refinery, Neftochim Burgas, and Romania’s Petrotel.

Lebanese president vows to combat terror financing, calls for action to deter Israeli attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told a US Treasury delegation on Sunday that Beirut is strictly enforcing measures to prevent money laundering, smuggling, or the use of funds for terror financing.

Iran highlights growing naval missile capabilities as key element of regional deterrence

Iran has outlined a “maritime deterrence red line” in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, emphasizing that its expanding naval missile systems are central to safeguarding national security and countering extra-regional threats.

IRGC says disbanded hacking network tied to Mossad, foreign media

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization has announced a major counterintelligence success, apprehending the leader of a hacking group known as "Backdoor".

US highlights Gaza aid surge; Palestinians claim ‘engineered starvation’

The White House has claimed that nearly 15,000 trucks carrying commercial goods and humanitarian aid have entered Gaza since October 10, but Palestinians and aid groups have sharply disputed the figures.

US govt. shutdown stalls arms deliveries to Ukraine: Axios

The US government shutdown has delayed more than $5 billion in arms exports to European NATO members and subsequent transfers to Ukraine, Axios has reported.

Ukraine attacks leave at least 20,000 without power in Russia

Ukrainian aerial attacks on energy infrastructure have left more than 20,000 people without power in several Russian border regions, local authorities announced.

London says British anti-drone unit deployed to Belgium

A British anti-drone unit has arrived in Belgium to counter “hybrid threats”, Defense Minister Theo Francken has announced in a post on X.

Hamas hands over remains of another Israeli captive under ceasefire deal

The Palestinian group Hamas returned the remains of another Israeli hostage under a Gaza ceasefire agreement, the army has announced.

Iran deputy FM: ‘If U.S. enters talks with genuine will, everything is achievable’

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said that a real and balanced approach from Washington could open the path to renewed agreements, stressing that Iran remains committed to protecting its national interests.