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Iran Army Chief: Armed forces closely monitor enemy moves, will respond decisively to any aggression

By
IFP Media Wire
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Iran Army

Major General Amir Hatami made the remarks during a visit to army units in western Iran, saying that continuous efforts are underway to enhance readiness to confront any threat, including asymmetric and irregular warfare.

Referring to the preparedness and combat capability of army units, Major General Hatami noted that their equipment and facilities have also been upgraded in line with experiences gained from the 12-day imposed war.

He added that the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with firm resolve and determination, has mobilized everything necessary to confront enemies.

All army training and exercises, he said, are conducted in accordance with military principles, particularly passive defense, and are realistically designed to prepare forces for the battlefield.

The Army chief further stated that during the 12-day war, the enemy’s first advanced Heron drone entered Iranian territory from the country’s western borders and was immediately struck by air defense systems upon crossing the border, stressing that any violation will be met with the same level of decisiveness.

He added that today, too, the army’s mission is to safeguard Iran’s territorial integrity and national independence, and that all personnel are striving to fulfill this mission in the best possible manner.

Major General Hatami emphasized that the enemy must know that all are ready for martyrdom, sacrifice and selflessness, saying that while Iran’s forces will stand firm to the last drop of blood, they will not allow the slightest harm to be inflicted on the people of Iran.

Foreign Ministry Spokesnan: Iran missile program developed for national defense, not negotiation

By
IFP Media Wire
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Iran Missile

Esmail Baqaei, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, made the remarks on Monday during his weekly press briefing with the media.

He said it is a clear case of hypocrisy that Iran’s defensive program is portrayed as a threat while, at the same time, a steady flow of weapons is sent to the Zionist regime, which is carrying out killings.

Baqaei added that this represents an obvious sign of moral decay for which the United States and the regime’s supporters must be held accountable.

Baqaei said the media hype is part of a war narrative initiated by the Zionist regime and the United States.

According to the Foreign Ministry spokesman, the Islamic Republic remains focused on its path, and Iran’s armed forces are fully capable of defending the country.

He underlined that both the armed forces and the Iranian nation will continue their work with full focus and determination.

Ukraine remains ‘fully committed to achieving a just and sustainable peace’: US

By
IFP Media Wire
-

Witkoff said on the social platform X that he, along with President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and White House senior adviser Josh Gruenbaum, held a “series of productive and constructive meetings” with a Ukrainian delegation over the last three days in Florida.

The special envoy added that “key European National Security Advisors” joined the discussions.

“Ukraine remains fully committed to achieving a just and sustainable peace,” Witkoff noted.

“Our shared priority is to stop the killing, ensure guaranteed security, and create conditions for Ukraine’s recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity.”

“Peace must be not only a cessation of hostilities, but also a dignified foundation for a stable future,” he continued.

Negotiations over a ceasefire and peace agreement have ramped up in recent weeks, as the Trump administration seeks to broker an end to the conflict that began in February 2022. The U.S. initially proposed a 28-point plan on ending the war to Ukraine last month, before the latter countered with a 20-point framework earlier this month.

Witkoff said Sunday that the 20-point plan, security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe and an economic recovery plan for Ukraine were discussed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated on X on Sunday morning that the negotiations in Florida “were constructive” but noted that the onus is on Russia to end the war. He added earlier in the morning on X that Russia has launched roughly 1,300 attack drones, nearly 1,200 guided aerial bombs and nine missiles against his country over the past week.

“Much depends on whether Russia feels the need to end the war for real – it must not be a rhetorical or political game on Russia’s part,” the Ukrainian leader said.

“Unfortunately, the real signals coming from Russia remain only negative: assaults along the frontline, Russian war crimes in border areas, and continued strikes against our infrastructure.”

Earlier in the day, Witkoff wrote on X that talks over the prior two days in Florida between himself, Kushner, Gruenbaum and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev were also “productive and constructive.”

Dmitriev told reporters Sunday that talks were “proceeding constructively” and would continue into Monday.

 

Iranians mark Yalda Night with ancient traditions

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Known as Yalda or Shab-e Chelleh, the ancient festival marks the end of autumn and the symbolic triumph of light over darkness.

Families and friends gather until midnight to share fruits, nuts and sweets, recite poetry by the famed Persian poet Hafez and reflect on the meaning of the night.

The word Yalda means “birth” in Persian, rooted in ancient mythology that marks the birth of the god of light and truth after the year’s longest night.

The millennia-old tradition is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is celebrated in Iran as well as among Persian-speaking communities in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey.

In Iran, the festive spirit is visible in bustling markets from Tehran to smaller towns, as shoppers prepare Yalda tables adorned with pomegranates and watermelons, symbols of fertility and the sun.

In various parts of Iran, people observe different customs and traditions to celebrate Yalda Night, creating lasting memories for everyone on the longest night of the year. The Iranian government has also decided to delay the start of working hours at government institutions by two hours, so that people who stay up late for Yalda celebrations will not worry about their workday on the first day of winter.

Rooftop football skills of two Iranian village teenagers go viral

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Football

The clip shows the boys standing on the rooftops of two neighboring houses, passing a football to each other through the air.

They carefully control and kick the ball without letting it touch the ground, using only aerial passes between the rooftops.

Social media users have widely shared the video, praising the teenagers’ creativity, coordination, and technical ability.

Many viewers described the scene as a simple but striking display of talent, highlighting how limited space and facilities did not stop the boys from practicing the sport they love.

Two Iranian photographers among UNICEF photo award honorees

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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According to the award organizers, the first prize was awarded to Elise Blanchard for her photo series documenting the lives of girls and young women in Afghanistan.
The second prize went to Natalia Saperonova, whose work highlighted the impact of air pollution on children in Mongolia.

The third prize was awarded to Sourav Das for his photo project portraying childhood in Jharia, home to one of India’s largest coal mines.

In addition to the main winners, seven photo series from Afghanistan, Iran, Gaza, South Africa, Ukraine, and the UK received special commendations for their strong humanitarian and visual narratives.

Among those specially commended were two Iranian photographers. Hossein Beris was honored for his photo series titled “Return to Life,” while Araz Ghaderi received recognition for his series “What Children’s Faces Reveal,” both focusing on the lives of Afghan children.

An exhibition showcasing the award-winning and commended works will be held at the Federal Press Conference building in Berlin until the end of January 2026.
The exhibition will then move to the Willy Brandt House in Berlin, where it will run from January 30 to April 26, 2026.

Iran welcomes Yalda Night with crowded streets, warm spirits, and rising costs

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

On the eve of Yalda, streets, fruit markets, and shopping centers in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad were noticeably crowded.

Many people were seen buying traditional Yalda items including pomegranates, watermelons, nuts, candles, and sweets, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of past years.

Social media platforms were also filled with images of decorated tables, poetry readings from Hafez, and family gatherings that reflected the enduring cultural importance of the ancient Persian celebration.

However, this year’s festivities unfolded against the backdrop of rising prices. The cost of fruits, nuts, and other Yalda staples has increased significantly compared to previous years, prompting many families to scale back their purchases or opt for simpler celebrations. Vendors acknowledged slower buying power, while shoppers expressed concern over inflation affecting seasonal traditions.

Despite these challenges, many Iranians said they were determined to preserve the spirit of Yalda. For them, the night symbolized warmth, togetherness, and hope, values that, they said, matter even more in difficult economic times.

Iran FM: Talks with US depend on readiness for a fair agreement, not dictation

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Abbas Araghchi

In an interview with Russia’s RT network, Araghchi confirmed that he had previously been in contact with Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy, though those contacts were halted several months ago.

He said the two sides held five rounds of talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program and had scheduled a sixth round for June 15, which was canceled after Israel launched an “unprovoked and illegal attack on Iran,” later joined by the US.

Araghchi described the incident as a bitter experience, recalling Washington’s earlier withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

He said that following the 12-day conflict, limited contacts with Witkoff continued, but the US insistence on resuming talks was pursued “incorrect approach.”

According to Araghchi, Iran is open to negotiations based on mutual respect and reciprocal interests, but will not accept pressure or dictates.

He noted that recent attempts at dialogue, including efforts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to address the “snapback” issue, failed despite Iran presenting
constructive proposals.

He concluded that Iran believes the US is not yet prepared for a just agreement and that talks will only be possible when that position changes.

Authorities warn residents in Iran’s southeast to watch for local crocodiles after heavy rains

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Elham Abtin said recent heavy rains and unstable weather conditions have caused seasonal rivers to overflow, creating stress in wildlife habitats and potentially forcing animals to temporarily leave their natural environments.

She noted that under such conditions, Gando crocodiles may move out of ponds, wetlands, and traditional habitats, making sightings in unusual areas more likely.

Residents living near flood-prone areas, including riverbanks, wetlands, and wildlife habitats such as the Bahukalat River basin, were urged to avoid unnecessary movement until conditions return to normal.

Abtin underscored that public cooperation is essential to prevent accidents and protect both human lives and wildlife.

Pentagon declassifies Syria ‘vengeance’ attack against Daesh

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Pentagon

In a post on X late Friday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American and Jordanian forces struck more than 70 targets across central Syria using over 100 precision-guided munitions.

The Pentagon added that the strikes were conducted under Operation Hawkeye Strike and involved US fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery, and Jordanian fighter aircraft.

The released footage shows airstrikes and explosions hitting suspected militant positions at multiple locations, with the targets described as terrorist infrastructure and weapons sites.

“This operation is critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the US homeland,” CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.”

Since the December 13 attack on US and partner forces, American and allied troops have carried out ten operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the killing or detention of 23 suspected IS operatives, according to CENTCOM. Over the past six months, more than 80 counterterrorism operations have been conducted in Syria, it added.

President Donald Trump stated the new Syrian government was aware of and supported the retaliatory strike, while Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stressed that the operation was a “declaration of vengeance” rather than war.

 

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