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Ayatollah Khamenei honors Lieut. Gen. Soleimani ahead of martyrdom anniversary

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei

“Martyr Soleimani’s constant strategy was to revive the Resistance Front. He always tried to revitalize the resistance,” the Leader said on Wednesday.

Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking at a meeting with a group of families of martyrs, veterans, and resistance activists ahead of General Soleimani’s fifth martyrdom anniversary on January 3.

The Leader described the top Iranian commander’s role in the fight against terrorism as “matchless” and stated his sacrifices and services “must remain in our political teachings”.

He added defending the holy sites was a “tenet” for Martyr Soleimani, who invariably referenced Iran as a “sacred shrine”.

“If these lives had not been lost, if this struggle had not been fought, and if Hajj Qassem Soleimani had not marched through the mountains and deserts of this region so bravely…, there would be no sign of these holy sites today,” the Leader said.

Underlining that the developments in the past few years and defending the holy shrines in Iraq, Syria and across the region prove that the Islamic Revolution is “alive”, Ayatollah Khamenei promised that “the truth front” will definitely emerge victorious.

“Lebanon is a symbol of resistance, it will be victorious, [and] Yemen is a symbol of resistance, it will be victorious,” he added.

The Leader also emphasized that the American bases in Syria would be trampled upon under the feet of Syrian youth.

Iranian culture minister congratulates Christians on Christmas, New Year

In his message, Salehi emphasized the longstanding unity and solidarity among different ethnic groups and religions in Iran, highlighting the peaceful coexistence as a testament to Iran’s rich cultural heritage built on mutual respect, justice, and national pride.

Salehi’s message read, “I sincerely congratulate all Christian compatriots who, like leaves on a sturdy tree, have lived in our ancient land of Iran with hearts full of love and compassion on the auspicious birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the New Year.”

“Jesus Christ, like the honorable Prophet Muhammad, was a torchbearer of guidance and a promoter of noble human values. His words echoed justice, and his steps embodied peace and love. Today, as the world grapples with extremism, injustice, and suffering, his name remains a symbol of empathy and hope,” the message continued.

“As a servant of this land’s culture, I believe that this harmony and unity will always guide us towards brighter horizons,” it concluded.

Hendurabi Island: A hidden gem in Persian Gulf

The flat island, adorned with white sandy soil, is home to around 120 residents.

Most of the inhabitants engage in pearl diving and fishing and speak Arabic. The islanders are renowned for their hospitality.

The name “Hendurabi” is derived from the combination of the old names “Abron” and “Horn” and is traditionally associated with a legendary couple named “Hend” and “Rabi.”

Many years ago, peacocks were brought to the island, and now some live naturally on Hendurabi.

The village of Hendurabi, located in the northern part of the island, covers about 8.5 hectares. The traditional houses in the village are constructed using stone, coral, and plaster, reflecting the island’s unique architectural heritage.

Hendurabi, with its serene environment and picturesque landscapes, is a hidden gem in the Persian Gulf, offering visitors a glimpse into a tranquil and culturally rich island life.

US has spent $22bn supporting Israel’s army since start of Gaza War: SIPRI

Israeli Army

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the US supplied 69% of Israel’s arms from 2019 to 2023, which increased to 78%.

By December 2023, the US had delivered over 10,000 tons of weapons worth $2.4 billion.

This number grew to 50,000 tons by August 2024, transported via hundreds of planes and ships.

As Israel’s biggest ally, the country has supplied a wide range of advanced military equipment, including missiles for the Iron Dome defense system, precision-guided bombs, CH-53 heavy lift helicopters, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and 155mm artillery shells, along with bunker-busting munitions and armored vehicles.

Since 1946, the US has provided over $310 billion in military and economic aid to Israel, adjusted for inflation, according to the American think tank, Council on Foreign Relations.

A 10-year $38 billion military aid deal signed in 2016 remains in effect, allocating $3.8 billion annually for foreign military financing and missile defense.

Emergency packages in 2024 added billions more, including $14.1 billion approved in February and a $2.5 billion arms shipment in March.

Concerns about their use in civilian areas have drawn criticism, with limited Congressional oversight over the transfers.

By 2024, the US had authorized over 100 arms deals for Israel, supporting its missile defense systems and replenishing stockpiles, despite ongoing scrutiny over the impact on civilian populations in Gaza.

2025: Challenges and opportunities for West Asia

Gaza Strip

According to Enayati, the most significant challenge for West Asia in 2025 remains the aggressions by the Israeli regime.

He criticized the regime for not adhering to international laws and principles and for its aggressive behavior in the past year and a half in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.

Enayati pointed out that the war following Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in October 2023 has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, resulting in the death of over 50,000 people and the displacement and injury of many others and has spilled over in the region.

He expressed concerns that with political changes in the US, the Israeli regime might gain more leeway to continue its violent approach, maintaining a constant state of crisis and tension in the region.

Enayati stressed the importance of regional and international cooperation to curb the aggression and establish a ceasefire in Palestine and other affected areas.

He called for a unified approach among regional countries to strengthen relations based on shared interests and to implement mechanisms that could mitigate the impact of the Israeli regime’s actions.

Daily: Retaliation against Israel an ‘opportunity’ for Iran

Iran Attack Israel

The article, published on Wednesday, asserts that Israel has effectively declared war on Iran, with repeated threats signaling a risk to Iran’s critical infrastructure if these threats are actualized.

The newspaper argues that retreating in the face of such threats would only exacerbate the danger.

Titled “Necessary Promise,” the editorial calls for a firm and serious response from Iran. It argues that Operation True Promise 3 is essential for altering Israel’s calculations, averting danger, and safeguarding Iran’s security and territorial integrity. It was referring to the two previous retaliatory military raids by Iran against Israel, dubbed True Promise 1 and 2.

The key issue, according to the editorial, is Israel’s perception of Iran’s power and resolve to confront the threats, adding not executing the operation could lead to heightened threats, while a broad and damaging operation could signal to Tel Aviv that Iran is ready for comprehensive confrontation.

Meanwhile, Hossein Taeb, a senior advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Faurd Corps (IRGC), has stated that Operation True Promise 3 will be executed at a time when it can achieve the most strategic impact and maximum effect, without revealing any date.

Former Iranian president Rouhani renews call for ‘listening to people,’ ‘engaging with world’

Hassan Rouhani

In a meeting with young political and media activists, Rouhani stated that the solution to the current problems in Iran lies in moderation and unity with the people, asserting that he knows no other way.

Rouhani reminded that from the inception of the Islamic Republic in 1979, the intention was to consult the people, but lamented the fact that “over time, the government stopped asking for public opinion and instead dictated actions,” leading to issues within the system.

In a thinly veiled reference to the controversial Hijab law, the former president argued that promoting good and preventing evil should be based on public acceptance and cultural engagement.

Addressing the country’s challenges, Rouhani stated that without lifting sanctions and engaging constructively with the world, Iran’s problems cannot be resolved.

He recounted his efforts to finalize the landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal and emphasized the need for young leadership in the country.

Rouhani called for continued foreign investment and highlighted the importance of involving young people and women in high-level management roles.

Official: There’re 23k victims of terrorism in Iran

Kazem Gharibabadi

On Wednesday, during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the martyrdom of Major General Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s senior anti-terrorism commander, Qaribabadi added that the previous figure for terrorism victims in Iran was 17,000, based on documentation and findings from previous years.

However, this new figure has been recorded based on research and documentation from responsible institutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran and is not limited to the past.

The ceremony was attended by a number of families of terror victims, martyred diplomats, officials, ambassadors, and representatives from foreign countries at the Institute for Political and International Studies of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Qaribabadi stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to combat terrorism against its citizens and hold accountable those responsible and their supporters.

He emphasized that Iran will not allow terrorists to move freely in the safe havens of host countries, engaging in terror activities, and is open to cooperation with any interested country in this regard.

The Deputy for Legal and International Affairs at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described terrorism as a threat to the entire global community and stated that combating this phenomenon requires a collective response and global solidarity.

He also said it is shameful and regrettable that some in power, have turned terrorism into one of their foreign policy tools, similar to human rights.

Russia ceases gas supplies to EU via Ukraine

Russia Gas Europe

In a press release issued on Wednesday, Gazprom said, “Due to the repeated and clear refusal of the Ukrainian side to extend these agreements, Gazprom was deprived of the technical and legal opportunity to supply gas for transit through Ukraine starting from January 1, 2025.”

As a result, gas supplies to Europe via this route are now completely suspended.

The gas pipeline that traverses Ukraine leads into Slovakia, which had hoped to continue receiving Russian gas and urged Ukraine to extend the transit agreements. In response to Kiev’s decision to stop the gas transit, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened last week to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine.

The five-year contract for Russian gas deliveries through Ukraine expired despite ongoing long-term agreements between Gazprom and several European buyers.

Ukrainian officials confirmed the cessation of transit, calling it a “historic event” in the interests of national security. Kiev has long denied the possibility of a new transit deal with Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the finality of the situation during his annual press conference on December 19, stating, “This transit contract will not exist anymore, it’s clear. But we will manage; Gazprom will manage.”

Israeli settler violence in West Bank reached record levels in 2024: UN

Israeli Settlers Police

The OCHA has reported the “highest number” of illegal Israeli settler-linked incidents in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The report covers incidents “since the office began keeping records almost two decades ago,” it said in a statement.

OCHA noted that “around 1,400 such incidents – including physical assaults, arson attacks, raids on Palestinian communities and the destruction of fruit trees – have resulted in Palestinian casualties, damage to property, or both.”

“This is nearly four incidents per day,” said OCHA.

It also added that 12% of internally displaced Palestinians in the occupied West Bank “have cited settler violence and access restrictions as the main reasons that forced them out of their homes or communities.”

“This year has also marked the second highest number of Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank since OCHA’s records began, following 2023, which was the highest,” said OCHA.

The statement further reported that more than 480 Palestinians, including children, were killed in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“OCHA notes that most of them were killed by Israeli forces,” it said.