Saturday, January 3, 2026
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Iranian deputy FM: Cooperation with Saudis serves as a successful model for fostering peace and security

Tehran Raps US for Pushing UN to Extend Arms Embargo on Iran

Takht Ravanchi highlighted that the collaborative efforts between the two countries serve as a successful model for fostering peace and security in both the regional and international arenas. Speaking during a visit to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister, Waleed al-Khereiji, Takht Ravanchi emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in various areas, including political, security, economic, commercial, and consular matters, based on historical ties, cultural connections, and the principle of good-neighborliness.

Following the second meeting of the tripartite committee involving Saudi Arabia, China, and Iran to follow up on the “Beijing Agreement,” both Tehran and Riyadh welcomed China’s ongoing positive role and support for the implementation of the agreement.

Takht Ravanchi noted that the meeting in Riyadh offered a valuable opportunity for Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China to exchange views and engage in constructive dialogue.

He described the atmosphere of the meetings as “friendly and transparent,” with the three countries discussing various topics of mutual interest, reiterating their commitment to maintaining positive, forward-looking relations.

He said, both Iran and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to implementing all aspects of the Beijing Agreement and strengthening bilateral ties based on respect for sovereignty, independence, and security under the frameworks of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The official added China also expressed continued support for the development of relations between the two countries.

Official: Iran responds to IAEA resolution with increased nuclear enrichment capacity

Behrouz Kamalvandi

Outlining Iran’s response to the recent resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, Kamalvandi said, “We have developed advanced infrastructure and machines.The approval of a resolution against Iran has no response other than these reactions.”

Kamalvandi confirmed that Iran had already discussed its position with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during his visit to the country, where he observed Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and advanced centrifuges.

Kamalvandi explained that while Iran has consistently pursued diplomatic solutions, it is equally prepared to take alternative measures if necessary.

He noted that during Grossi’s visit, the IAEA head proposed temporarily halting the increase of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile to allow space for dialogue. However, Kamalvandi emphasized that this proposal did not include halting enrichment at any level, including 60%, which Iran accepted under specific conditions.

Furthermore, Kamalvandi revealed that, in response to the IAEA resolution passed late Thursday night, Iran has begun implementing immediate and reciprocal actions.

This step, he stated, would be accompanied by accelerated research and development efforts in Iran’s nuclear industry to enhance security.

Kamalvandi criticized the IAEA’s continued pressure tactics, asserting that each such action only strengthens Iran’s nuclear industry and reduces the support for such resolutions internationally.

Iran’s nuclear capacity, he concluded, will continue to grow in the coming months as a result of these actions.

Pictures: Demonstrators in Tehran support people of Gaza, Lebanon 

They carried placards praising the resistance movements and asking for expulsion of Israel from the UN.

More in pictures…

Minister of science: 25% of Iranian university professors emigrated due to economic challenges 

Simayee Saraf attributed the main cause of the trend to economic factors, pointing out that neighboring countries offer university professors salaries ranging from $4,000 to $7,000, while Iranian professors earn around $1,000, with young professors earning as little as $300.

He noted that while senior professors may lack the motivation to emigrate, the stark disparity forces many younger professors and academics who face financial pressures to seek better opportunities abroad to sustain their livelihoods.

The minister said the significant loss has raised alarms about the quality of education and the future of higher education institutions in Iran.

To address the issue, the science ministry has formed a dedicated task force aimed at mitigating economic concerns, including housing for academics, Simayee Saraf announced.

He also highlighted the importance of linking universities with industry to secure additional funding and support, stating that establishing robust connections with private and public sector projects can not only provide financial relief but also enhance the scientific standing of universities.

The academic migration in Iran comes as the country struggles with economic sanctions and internal policy issues that affect various sectors, including education.

IRGC commander: ICC ruling against Netanyahu signifies political demise of Israel 

The ICC said on Thursday it had found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe that the Israeli officials were responsible for starvation in Gaza and issued arrest warrants for the regime’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant.

Speaking at a ceremony in Iran’s southern province of Khuzestan to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Basij popular forces, General Salami praised the ICC’s ruling as a significant victory for the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance movements.

He noted, “The seeds of resistance planted in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine have grown into deep-rooted trees, despite the efforts of global arrogance to uproot them.”

The Iranian commander remarked, “The current state of unrest in Israel, with everyone seeking refuge in shelters, indicates the regime’s instability.”

“The continuation of the conflict will lead to Israel’s destruction and the unity of Muslims will ultimately eradicate the source of corruption,” he concluded.

General Salami also assured the Iranian people that Iran will avenge itself against Israel for its aggression.

IRGC: US Iran’s main enemy, Israel can’t survive without its support 

Speaking at a gathering on Thursday in Ardestan, in Isfahan province, to commemorate 320 martyrs of the city, Brigadier General Ali-Mohammad Naeini held the US responsible for the expansion of war and instability in the region, labeling it as the “commander of wickedness and the main culprit behind the deaths of Palestinian and Lebanese people.”

He further stated that Israel lacks the capability to intercept cruise missiles fired by resistance forces over Tel Aviv.

General Naeini highlighted Iran’s internal strength and its powerful presence on international stages and in resistance fronts.

He affirmed that Iran’s armed forces have full awareness of enemy actions, preventing any intelligence surprises.

General Naeini also marked the 45th anniversary of Imam Khomeini’s decree to form the Basij popular forces in Iran.

The commander emphasized that the popular forces have fundamentally altered enemy calculations and remains a crucial force in all arenas.

He credited the late anti-terrorist commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani for harnessing Basij principles to organize youth against threats.

Iran says increased number of its centrifuges in response to the IAEA resolution 

The non-consensus resolution was adopted during the IAEA board of governors meeting in Vienna on Thursday under the pressure and insistence of Britain, Germany, France, and the United States, despite lacking the support of approximately half of the Member States.

The statement says the principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently been to engage constructively with the IAEA within the framework of rights and obligations enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

“In line with this approach, Iran welcomed the recent visit of the IAEA Director General to Tehran, ensuring all necessary preparations to foster constructive engagement and the success of the visit.”

In this context, the actions of the three European nations and the United States—countries with a documented history of reneging on their commitments, including under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and resorting to unlawful sanctions and pressures against the Iranian nation—are both confrontational and unjustifiable, it adds.

“This politicized and destructive measure undermines the positive momentum achieved between Iran and the Agency and blatantly contradicts the professed commitment of the three European nations and the United States to preserving the integrity and impartiality of the IAEA. It lays bare their use of the nuclear issue as a pretext to advance illegitimate objectives.”

“The President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has issued directives to initiate the operation of a substantial number of advanced centrifuges of various models,” reads the statement.

“Undertaken to safeguard Iran’s national interests, these measures aim to further develop the country’s peaceful nuclear program to address its growing national needs, all within the framework of Iran’s rights and obligations under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.”

“Notwithstanding this firm response, Iran reaffirms that its technical and safeguards-related cooperation with the IAEA will continue as before, strictly in accordance with the Safeguards Agreement.”

The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterated its readiness to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders based on international legal principles and norms.

The statement points out that Iran remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the rights and interests of its great nation while resolutely advancing its peaceful and indigenous nuclear program.

Iranian, Belarusian tourism ministers meet on facilitating tourist movement 

The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in their respective fields.

Salehi Amiri invited the Belarusian Minister to visit Iran and proposed the mutual visa waiver between the two countries to facilitate easier travel.

The Belarusian minister highlighted the natural attractions of Iran and proposed establishing group visa exemptions among Iran, Russia, and Belarus.

He underscored the need to improve and simplify travel conditions for tourists, which would significantly enhance tourism exchanges.

ICC issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Gallant for ‘war crimes’ in Gaza

Netanyahu Gallant

Netanyahu and Gallant were accused of “crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least October 8, 2023 until at least May 20, 2024”, a statement from the court said on Thursday.

There are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Gallant and Netanyahu “intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity”, it added.

Netanyahu’s office announced in a statement that “Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions leveled against it by ICC”, adding that Israel won’t “give in to pressure” in the defence of its citizens.

The court also decided “unanimously” to issue an arrest warrant for Hamas’s military commander Mohammed al-Masri, known as Mohammed Deif, “for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed” in from October 7, 2023.

It accused him of crimes including murder, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence.

Israel claims to have killed Deif in an air attack in southern Gaza in July. But the court decided to proceed with the warrant, saying it was “not in a position to determine whether [he] has been killed or remains alive”.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan had applied for arrest warrants against the Israeli officials and three Hamas leaders in May for alleged crimes committed during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel and Tel Aviv’s subsequent war on Gaza.

ICC prosecutors announced there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Gallant – as well as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the group’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh and Deif – bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran in July. Sinwar was killed in combat with the Israeli military in October.

Netanyahu fired Gallant earlier this month, saying he had lost confidence in him over the management of Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israel is not a member of the ICC and Netanyahu has previously called the prosecutor’s accusations against him a “disgrace”, an attack on the Israeli military and all of Israel.

But the ICC announced on Thursday that it had unanimously decided to reject Israel’s appeal over the court’s jurisdiction.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported on Thursday that Israel’s war in the besieged enclave has killed at least 44,056 Palestinians and wounded 104,286 since early October last year.

An estimated 1,200 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day, and nearly 250 were taken captive.

Iran to respond to Europe’s “non-technical” move: Foreign Minister

Abbas Araghchi

Araghchi emphasized the intention behind inviting IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Iran.

“The goal was to open a new chapter of cooperation between Iran and the IAEA. We sought to create a platform for resolving outstanding issues, and Mr. Grossi expressed optimism about this approach,” he stated.

The Foreign Minister underscored Iran’s genuine commitment to working with the IAEA to address remaining concerns, but criticized Europe’s actions as contradictory to this cooperative spirit.

“We warned that applying pressure will yield no positive outcome and will not deter Iran from its decision to engage constructively with the agency,” he said.

Referring to the European draft resolution as a “non-technical move”, Araghchi asserted that the Islamic Republic is prepared to take a measured and appropriate response, reaffirming Iran’s determination to protect its national interests while maintaining its cooperative stance with the IAEA.