Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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Iran reveals Israeli assassination attempt on President Pezeshkian during war 

In an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen network on Thursday, Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, Deputy for Communications and Information at the President’s Office, revealed that the Israeli attack occurred while President Pezeshkian was meeting with top military commanders.

He described the explosion as “large,” but confirmed the attempt had failed.

Tabatabaei stated that Israel had also targeted other Iranian political figures during the war, and pointed out that in the final days of the conflict, several regional countries conveyed ceasefire proposals on behalf of the US and Israel to Iran.

Addressing potential future talks, Tabatabaei warned, “If we return to the negotiating table, it will not be used again as a tool of deception.”

He emphasized that Iran will not negotiate over its missile capabilities, nuclear knowledge, or uranium enrichment, which he asserted are Iran’s rights.

He also said Tehran has no trust in IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi due to the agency’s “double standards,” and asserted that Iran would demand compensation for “crimes” committed against its peaceful nuclear program, in a reference to the recent US and Israeli bombardment of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

IRGC denies reports of armed clash with Mossad agents in Iran 

In an official statement issued Friday, the IRGC dismissed the rumors circulating on informal channels, which alleged an armed confrontation and gunfire at checkpoints along the highway.

The statement confirmed that no such incidents, including armed clashes, security operations, or related events, had been reported or recorded by Basij units or any IRGC forces in the area.

The statement also rejected claims that two individuals were killed, one was arrested, and weapons or aerial devices such as drones were discovered.

It emphasized that none of these assertions have been confirmed by any official military or security body.

The IRGC warned that spreading unfounded news and targeted rumors not only causes public concern but could also serve as part of a psychological operation by enemies of Iran.

The dismissal comes weeks after a heavy 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which left damage and casualties on both sides, abd concluded in a ceasefire.

Official: Over 770k undocumented Afghans  return home from Iran 

Nader Yarahmadi, head of the Interior Ministry’s Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs, said these individuals, identified across various parts of Iran, have departed through three official border crossings — Milak in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Mahirood in South Khorasan Province, and Dogharoun in Razavi Khorasan Province. Notably, 70% of the returnees left voluntarily.

He stated that 67% of the undocumented migrants exited via the Dogharoun border, 32% through Milak, and 1% through Mahirood.

The official emphasized that the return of undocumented Afghan nationals has been a major public demand, which is now being successfully addressed. In provinces like Razavi Khorasan, nearly 70% of Afghan nationals have voluntarily initiated their departure.

Yarahmadi further warned that those found residing illegally in Iran will be placed on a blacklist, making them ineligible to receive Iranian entry visas for several years.

Regarding the transfer of assets, Yarahmadi clarified that there are no restrictions on Afghan nationals taking cash out of the country, provided that customs regulations are observed.

He noted that while Iran has for years provided various facilities to Afghan nationals, such assistance is no longer deemed necessary given the relative stability in Afghanistan.

On the issue of education, Yarahmadi reiterated that only those with legal status are eligible to access educational services in Iran.

Iran spox slams “US hypocrisy” over UN rapporteur sanctions, Israeli crimes in Palestine

Esmael baghaei

Esmail Baqaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, posted a message on X social media in support of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Palestine, titled “The truth cannot be silenced through sanctions”.

Baqaei said Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, is being sanctioned and bullied simply for speaking the truth and standing up against genocide, occupation, and apartheid.

He added, at the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — a war criminal wanted by the International Criminal Court — is being welcomed in Washington.

Baqaei pointed out, this is a blatant and complete display of hypocrisy. And the world is watching.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, said on Wednesday that Washington is sanctioning Francesca Albanese “for her illegitimate and disgraceful efforts to pressure the International Criminal Court into taking action against American and Israeli officials, companies, and executives.”

This week, the UN Special Rapporteur criticized countries that allowed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fly over their airspace en route to the United States, saying that such countries may have violated their obligations under international law.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories also warned:“The genocide in Gaza will not stop — because it is profitable.”

Iran parl’t speaker: Over 500 Israelis killed in recent war with Iran 

His remarks came in a televised interview aired on Thursday night.

Ghalibaf discussed the strategic dimensions and background of the imposed war launched by the Israeli regime against Iran on June 13.

He highlighted the role of Iran’s Leader in unifying the nation and forming a “90-million-strong core” of national resistance.

Ghalibaf stated that Iran had achieved 90% success in its missile strikes during the second half of the conflict and maintained aerial and ground control over Israeli-occupied territories.

He cited figures from Israel’s own security studies center, noting 3,520 wounded and estimating the death toll to exceed 500.

He also emphasized that Iran’s military strategies were continuously updated during the war, using the conflict as a real-world testing ground for its missile capabilities.

In addition to destroying Israeli military sites, Iran disabled several of Israel’s air defense systems, Ghalibaf asserted.

Iran’s Foreign Minister: No plans to exit NPT 

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Araqchi stated, “Even under the difficult conditions of sanctions, the assassination of our scientists, and acts of sabotage, we have demonstrated our commitment to the NPT. Moreover, we believe that compliance with the treaty’s provisions should not be one-sided.”

Araqchi said, “Our uranium enrichment is carried out based on our rights under the NPT, and we have always maintained that we have no military objectives. Even now, after being attacked, we have not deviated from our official policy of refraining from pursuing nuclear weapons.”

Regarding France’s threat to reimpose sanctions on Iran through the snapback mechanism, he said, “Threatening sanctions does not help diplomacy. If Europe truly wants to play a central role, it must demonstrate independence and neutrality.”

On Iran’s missile program, Araqchi reiterated, “We have repeatedly emphasized that our missile program is purely defensive and deterrent in nature. Given that Iran is constantly threatened by Israel and the United States — and is now under attack — it is unreasonable to expect us to abandon our defensive capabilities.”

In response to a question about a proposal to form a consortium between Iran and certain regional countries to establish a joint civilian nuclear energy program, he said: “Iran has always welcomed ideas based on international and regional cooperation and transparency, although success in this area has been limited.”

Regarding the resumption of talks between Iran and the US, Araqchi said: “Iran has consistently shown that it is fundamentally ready for dialogue based on mutual respect. But our counterpart (the US) violated a multilateral international agreement. During the negotiations, it violated our airspace and attacked our facilities.”

He said it is essential that responsibility for these mistakes be acknowledged, and a clear sign of a change in behavior be demonstrated. It must be guaranteed that in future negotiations, the United States will not engage in military attacks.

IRGC busts Zionist-affiliated terror safehouse

IRGC

In a statement released by the Quds Regional Headquarters of the IRGC Ground Forces, the operation follows the recent takedown of six armed and foreign-trained terrorists in the city of Chabahar. Subsequent investigations led security forces to the safehouse, where a massive cache of weapons and explosives was found.

Among the items seized were 13 ready-to-detonate bombs, 11 electric detonators, 9 remote circuits, 3 explosive traps, 8 radios, 47 kilograms of high explosives hidden in objects, 38 meters of detonation cord, 800 rounds of ammunition for M16 rifles and machine guns, and 2 vehicles.

According to the IRGC, the terrorist group—affiliated with the Zionist regime—had plotted to attack vital economic infrastructure and crowded civilian areas in an attempt to sow chaos and advance Tel Aviv’s broader regional agenda.

The statement praised local residents for their vigilance and reaffirmed that the people of Sistan and Baluchestan stand firm with the Islamic Republic against all foreign-backed subversion.

259 dengue fever cases detected in Iran; Aedes mosquito found in 8 provinces

Fever

According to the national communicable disease surveillance system, 255 cases were recorded in Chabahar, including 249 local transmissions and six cases linked to travel from Pakistan.

Additional cases were reported in Zahedan and Iranshahr, in Sistan and Baluchestan pdovince, involving individuals who had recently traveled to Chabahar.

In 2024, over 1,100 dengue cases were recorded nationwide, of which 922 were locally transmitted.

The dengue virus is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Authorities have detected these mosquitoes in eight provinces, including Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Bushehr, Fars, Gilan, Mazandaran, Ardabil, and East Azarbaijan.

Health officials emphasize preventive measures such as using mosquito nets and eliminating stagnant water in plant trays, air cooler pans, and other containers where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, nausea, rash, joint pain, and in severe cases, abdominal pain and internal fluid accumulation.

Iranian envoy: Afghan repatriation plan is long-term, not abrupt

Speaking to TOLOnews, Alireza Bikdeli emphasized that over six million Afghans currently reside in Iran, with only a small fraction, estimated at 300,000, having recently returned through border crossings such as Eslam Qala and Milak.

He stated that the return process, officially called the “Afghan Nationals Organization Plan,” began in 2022 and aims to document and regulate migrants, distinguishing between legal and illegal residents.

Bikdeli stressed that the plan gave undocumented Afghans until July 5, 2025, to return voluntarily. Those who left by the deadline can re-enter legally with valid documents; otherwise, they face a five-year entry ban.

The Iranian diplomat also acknowledged the humanitarian concerns raised over border conditions and said Tehran has coordinated with Afghan authorities to address the needs.

He praised Afghanistan’s stance during recent regional tensions and affirmed that both nations share deep cultural and historical ties.

On recognizing the Taliban-led government, Bikdeli said such recognition follows legal processes and noted that Iran maintains ongoing cooperation with Afghan authorities.

Iran inaugurates nation’s largest solar power plant amid water, energy challenges

The project, led by Mobarakeh Steel Company, aims to eventually generate 600 megawatts of solar electricity, with the first 120-megawatt phase now operational.

The solar farm, spanning 1,200 hectares, is expected to play a key role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and expanding Iran’s renewable energy capacity.

Built with a €305 million investment, the plant features advanced tracking technology to optimize solar capture and is projected to prevent one million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

President Pezeshkian praised stakeholders for their role in advancing clean energy, especially during a time when Iran faces serious water shortages that have reduced hydropower generation.

Officials emphasize the urgency of diversifying energy sources. With hydropower output declining due to drought, solar expansion is viewed as critical for energy stability in Iran.

Isfahan Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad said solar capacity in the province is expected to reach 5,300 megawatts by 2028, contributing over 30% to the country’s solar power output.