Friday, January 2, 2026
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Iranian rapper Tataloo reportedly hospitalized after suicide attempt in prison

Amir Tatalo

Tataloo is said to have ingested pills in an alleged attempt to end his life and was immediately transferred to a hospital in Tehran.

Sources close to the controversial artist confirmed the incident took place in the early hours of Friday.

Subsequent updates indicate that his condition has stabilized, and he is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the coming hours.

In a related development, Tataloo’s sister, Nasim Maghsoudloo, shared a cryptic message on social media expressing frustration over public treatment of the artist. She also revealed that the judiciary had agreed to review his legal case under Article 477 of Iranian law, which allows for the reconsideration of his death sentence in special circumstances.

Tataloo, arrested by Turkish police in December 2023 and handed over to Iranian authorities, has been sentenced to death over several charges, including “insulting the Prophet,” a serious offense under Iranian law. His case is under review by Iran’s Supreme Court.

Pezeshkian: Iran Committed to Principle of “Development Alongside Oman”

In a post on his social media account on X, written in both Persian and Arabic, President Pezeshkian stated: “During my visit to Oman, I met and held talks with my brother, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and 18 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation documents were signed between the two countries.”

The President added: “The foundation of both sides is ‘development alongside each other,’ and we are committed to this principle.”

Pezeshkian also expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Sultan of Oman and the Omani people.

The signed documents between Iran and Oman emphasized expanding relations in legal, economic, political, cultural, educational, health, defense, media, technology, energy, and mining sectors.

President Pezeshkian’s 3-day visit to Oman ended this Wednesday. He was accompanied by a high-ranking delegation.

Shahr-e Babak: A Historic city in Iran rich in culture, natural attractions

Known as the birthplace of the legendary Persian nationalist leader Babak Khorramdin, the city is believed to be named in his honor.

With a semi-arid climate, Shahr-e Babak experiences cold winters and hot summers due to its unique geographical position.

Shahr-e Babak: A Historic city in Iran rich in culture, natural attractions

The city has seen economic and industrial growth, largely driven by the presence of major mineral resources, particularly the Miduk copper mine, one of the largest in the region.

Beyond its industrial significance, Shahr-e Babak is home to a wide range of cultural and natural attractions that draw both domestic and international visitors.

Shahr-e Babak: A Historic city in Iran rich in culture, natural attractions

Notable sites include the ancient Azarshasp Fire Temple, historic fortresses, and traditional houses that reflect the area’s rich heritage.

Shahr-e Babak: A Historic city in Iran rich in culture, natural attractions

Among its most prominent tourist destinations are the rock village of Meymand, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayoub Cave, Azarbogh Fire Temple, the Mousa Khani Mansion, and the scenic Makhergeh Lake.

Advisor to Iran Leader: Negotiation a Tool to Safeguard National Interests, Not Surrender

Ali Shamkhani wrote on his X account that Iran is an independent country with a strong defense structure and a resilient people.

Shamkhani added: The fantasy of accessing Iran’s nuclear facilities and “blowing up installations” is a delusion that previous US presidents also harbored.

US President Donald Trump, in his comments about Iran’s nuclear program, claimed: “There’s no trust here. I want this deal to be very strong, so we can send inspectors in, take whatever we want, destroy whatever we want—but without anyone getting killed.”

So far, Iran and the US have held five rounds of nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman. The Islamic Republic has emphasized the necessity of lifting unjust sanctions against Iran and made it clear that uranium enrichment on Iranian soil will never cease.

Esteghlal clinches Iran’s Hazfi Cup title after extra-time victory over Malavan

The final ended goalless after 90 minutes of tightly contested football. Despite both teams pushing for a breakthrough in extra time, clear chances remained scarce until the dying moments of the match.

In the 119th minute, Esteghlal’s breakthrough finally arrived.
Cameroonian winger Guy Mbenza (known as Andong) made a decisive run down the right flank and delivered a low cross into the box. The ball fell to Roozbeh Cheshmi, who fired a right-footed shot past the Malavan goalkeeper, sealing Esteghlal’s eighth Hazfi Cup title.

With this win, Esteghlal also secured qualification for next season’s AFC Champions League.

Iran FM says not certain Tehran on brink of deal with U.S

Abbas Araghchi

Writing on X, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s readiness for a diplomatic solution that secures the interests of all parties but reiterated that this is only possible through an agreement that entails full sanctions removal and guarantees Iran’s nuclear rights, including enrichment.

“The path to agreement lies through the negotiating table—not through media headlines,” he wrote.

Addressing disinformation, Araghchi warned against the misuse of Iran’s name in U.S. domestic disputes. “Even for Israel, weaponizing the name of Iran to target domestic opponents in the U.S. is a worthless act,” he said.

His comments came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump told supporters he had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against attacking Iran, citing the nearness of a potential deal.

“We’re close to a solution with Iran, and they want it,” Trump said, adding that any action against Iran would be inappropriate at this time—though he did not rule out changes in the future.

Iran and the US have so far held five rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman.

Conservative journalist urges Iran deputy speaker to resign over son’s alleged assault on police officer

According to unrefuted media reports, the incident occurred several days ago in Tehran’s Vanak Square when Nikzad’s son, after committing a traffic violation, allegedly collided with a traffic officer, causing injury.

Mohajeri criticized the silence of both Nikzad and the police leadership, saying: “It is unacceptable that not even a two-line explanation has been issued.”

He added that Nikzad’s swift re-election as Deputy Speaker, with only 111 votes, just a day after the incident, raised questions about accountability and public trust.

Mohajeri emphasized that while children’s actions should not normally reflect on their parents, public officials must be held to higher standards: “Two children of a former judiciary official committed offenses, and their father resigned. Nikzad should do the same.”

He urged lawmakers who voted for Nikzad to reconsider their support and demanded a public response to preserve the credibility of Iran’s police and the rule of law.

Iranian Official: Nurse migration drops sharply amid renewed hope, govt. support

Iran Surgery Nurse Doctor

According to the Iranian Nursing Organization, the number of nurses seeking migration certificates fell from 2,000 in 2023 to fewer than 1,300 this year, with a sharp drop seen in the second half of 2024.

Dr. Ebadi attributed this trend to renewed optimism and supportive government policies aimed at improving nurses’ livelihoods.
He emphasized that sustaining this momentum requires continued efforts to enhance working conditions and ensure long-term stability in the healthcare workforce.

He also highlighted challenges faced by Iranian nurses abroad. Based on reports from Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the ambassador to Denmark, about 3,000 Iranian nurses have migrated to Denmark in the past five years, yet fewer than a third have obtained licenses to work in their profession.
Many have been forced into lower-skilled jobs due to language barriers and regulatory hurdles.

Dr. Ebadi urged nurses to make informed decisions and not be misled by deceptive migration ads.

He reaffirmed the Health Ministry’s commitment to both informing nurses of the realities abroad and creating conditions that encourage them to stay or return to serve in Iran.

Persian Gulf leaders told Trump they oppose attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites: Axios

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Persian Gulf states opposed a nuclear agreement in 2015. Now they’re among the most enthusiastic supporters of diplomacy.

At the time, the Saudis and Emiratis quietly backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public fight against then-President Barack Obama on the Iran deal and his threats to attack Iran.

Now, they’re worried Netanyahu will pull the trigger, or that Trump will give up on talks and opt for a military option himself.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Qatari Emir Tamim al-Thani all told Trump they worry that if Iran’s nuclear sites are attacked, their countries will be targeted for Iranian retaliation. All three host U.S. military bases.

A source with direct knowledge said al-Thani told Trump the Persian Gulf states will be affected more than anybody else in such a scenario.

The Saudis and Qataris expressed concerns specifically about an Israeli military strike on Iran. The UAE also said it would prefer a diplomatic solution.

All three leaders expressed support for Trump’s negotiations, U.S. officials say. Saudi, Qatari and Emirati officials declined to comment.

Trump confirmed Wednesday that he cautioned Netanyahu during a call last Thursday against ordering a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Trump said he believes the Iranian nuclear crisis can be solved with “a very strong document,” which could be signed within the next two weeks.

Trump considered announcing during his trip that the U.S. would start referring to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf, but stated before taking off that he didn’t want “to hurt anybody’s feelings.”

Ultimately, Trump took a pass. Two Arab officials say the reason was a lack of consensus among the Persian Gulf countries, with some feeling it would create unnecessary tensions with Iran.

The Saudis and Emiratis are less concerned about Iran’s regional activity than they were during Obama’s 2015 talks, which they opposed in part because they were not consulted in advance. Their priority now is to maintain regional stability and focus on economic growth.

Saudi Arabia has been gradually normalizing relations with Iran over the last two years. The UAE has also been reengaging Iran to reduce tensions.

An unusual visit to Tehran last month by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman to Tehran, during which he met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, was meant to signal that the kingdom opposes a military strike against Iran’s nuclear program, a former U.S. official stated.

Over 310 UNRWA staff killed in Gaza: Agency’s chief

UNRWA

“UNRWA teams are not a target,” Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement.

Lazzarini noted one staffer identified only as Kamal, whose body was discovered March 30 near a mass grave, alongside the remains of Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) humanitarian workers killed by Israel.

“Kamal was killed through one or multiple blows to the back of his skull. He was then buried next to the other PRCS team members.”

“Despite several requests from UNRWA to the Government of Israel, no response was directly received on Kamal’s death,” he added.

Stressing that Kamal worked with UNRWA for over 20 years, Lazzarini said he is “one case too many.”

“Impunity opens the door to more atrocities.”

“We call for independent investigations into Kamal’s killing and all other UNRWA staff killed,” he added.

UNRWA has served as a critical lifeline for Palestinian refugees since it was established in 1949, supporting nearly 5.9 million people across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

Nearly 2.4 million residents in Gaza are completely dependent on humanitarian aid, according to World Bank data.

Israeli forces have continuously been targeting UNRWA aid facilities and staff in the besieged enclave.

The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.