Monday, January 12, 2026
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Leader advisor dismisses claims Iran has abandoned resistance as a “joke” 

Upon arriving at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Larijani told journalists that he had brought a message from Ayatollah Khamenei to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Asked by a reporter if he was visiting Lebanon to scuttle an initiative purportedly put forth by the US to end the Israeli war on Lebanon, Larijani said, “We are not seeking to scuttle anything. Rather, we intend to resolve the problems”.

Larijani further reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Lebanese people.

He also urged the Lebanese to distinguish a friend from a foe.

Another reporter asked Larijani if Iran has abandoned the axis of resistance.

He flatly dismissed the claim, saying, “I think you take jokes too seriously”.

Iran’s northeastern city of Kashmar jolted by  earthquake, third in 24 hours 

According to Kashmar’s Governor Hojjatollah Shariatmadari, the first quake on Friday struck at 5:13 a.m. with a magnitude of 3.1 and a depth of 10 kilometers and the second, more powerful earthquake, measured 4.0 in magnitude and struck at 9:01 a.m. at a depth of 9 kilometers. Another earthquake of 4.3 magnitude shook the city on Thursday.

Shariatmadari reported that all emergency response teams are on full alert.

Assessors have been dispatched to check the potential damage, although no casualties have been reported so far.

Shariatmadari urged residents to exercise caution during earthquakes, advising them to protect themselves and their families and avoid standing in hazardous areas.

The tremors were also felt in surrounding areas, and residents of unsafe and damaged homes were advised to take extra precautions due to potential aftershocks from Thursday’s earthquake that left 11 injured.

Spokesman: Around two dozen Terrorists killed, scores arrested in southeastern Iran

Major General Ahmad Shafaei, the spokesperson for the military exercises, said on Friday that due to the sacrifices made by the IRGC’s Ground Force Quds Base in the province, scores of Zionist-affiliated terrorists were killed and apprehended, while seven others surrendered in Sistan and Baluchestan.

The spokesman added that the weapons seized from the terrorists are among the most advanced models in the world, proving their affiliation with the intelligence service of the Zionist regime.

He also highlighted that many of those arrested are non-Iranian mercenaries hired by foreign intelligence services.

In addition to the local IRGC Quds Base, the provincial Intelligence Department and popular forces are involved in the anti-terror operation in southeastern Iran.

Economy minister: Remaining on FATF blacklist unjustly labels Iran as money launderer 

Speaking at the National Non-Oil Export Development Conference in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz on Thursday, Abdolnasser Hemmati emphasized that while Iran is actively combating money laundering and implementing regulations, it is unjust to face such accusations due to the blacklist status.

He warned that remaining on the blacklist legitimizes U.S. sanctions and creates global restrictions for Iranians.

Hemmati asserted that even countries like Russia and China avoid FATF blacklisting, emphasizing the need for Iran to navigate the complex international financial waters to safeguard its economic interests.

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted the Iranian government’s priority to facilitate exports, noting that despite severe sanctions, there are significant governance and economic management issues that need to be addressed.

Hemmati called for a predictable economy and reduced export regulations to improve the country’s export future.

He pointed out that Iran’s export volume, including oil, does not exceed $80-90 billion, whereas the top ten Asian countries average around $500 billion.

Discussing financial challenges, Hemmati mentioned the budget deficit, banking imbalances, and issues with pension funds, water, and energy as key obstacles impacting exports.

Iranian MP slams internet filtering, slow managerial changes 

Social Media

In an interview with Eslahat News outlet, Fazlollah Ranjbar commented on the 100-day performance of the administration, noting that critical issues like the slow pace of managerial changes and appointments, economic stability, and improving people’s livelihoods should be addressed.

The lawmaker said despite the government’s diligent efforts, many managerial positions in various provinces and levels remain unfilled, potentially leading to decreased employee motivation and dissatisfaction within ministries.

Ranjbar highlighted the government’s positive actions, such as the timely submission of the budget bill to parliament.

He said the parliament is also focused on these issues, recently discussing the government’s economic team and enhancing coordination among its members.

Regarding the internet filtering issue, Ranjbar stressed the need for transparency and honesty from the government.

He warned that inconsistent behavior and negative social effects could erode public trust if officials use restricted resources themselves.

Ranjbar also touched on the administration’s foreign policy, noting it has been successful in reducing tensions and strengthening relations with neighboring countries, which could benefit Iran in the long term.

Four terrorists killed, six arrested in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan

Major General Ahmad Shafaei said that following a public report regarding the presence of some terrorist elements in Rask, a group of anti-terror forces was dispatched to the area, and a shootout ensued, leading to the killing of four terrorists, including three foreign nationals.

General Shafaei added that six more terrorists were arrested, while three Iranian forces with the IRGC’s local Quds Base were martyred.

The military exercise is being conducted by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Force, the General Intelligence Department of Sistan and Baluchestan, as well as popular forces.

The military spokesman added that following the shootout in Rask, the area was cleared of terrorists.General Shafaei earlier reassured that the military operation will continue in the region until the elimination of all terrorists, who are mainly non-Iranian mercenaries backed by the Israeli regime.

Iran president says Tehran ready to cooperate with IAEA to remove misunderstandings 

In a meeting with director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in Tehran on Thursday, President Pezeshkian stressed that Iran’s nuclear efforts are fully in line with the frameworks and legal authorizations of the IAEA.

“As we have repeatedly demonstrated our goodwill in the past, we express our readiness to cooperate and align with this international body to resolve any ambiguities and allegations concerning the peaceful nature of our nuclear activities,” he added.

His comments came just a day after European powers were reported to be pushing for a new anti-Iran resolution at the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting next week.

The Iranian president highlighted a religious decree (fatwa) by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, prohibiting the building of nuclear weapons.

“According to the clear fatwa of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, we have never sought and will never seek to build nuclear weapons, and no one will be allowed to deviate from his policy,” he said.

Pezeshkian also said Iran does not seek war, but will strongly respond to any aggression.

“We believe that war is neither in our interest, nor in the interest of the region, nor in the interest of the world. No sane person seeks to start a war and develop it, but we will definitely react decisively against any action against our security.”

Grossi, for his part, praised Pezeshkian’s peace-oriented and consensus-driven approach during this meeting, expressing gratitude for the diligent cooperation of the officials of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the IAEA.

The UN nuclear agency’s chief then provided an overview of the positive relations and interactions between Iran and the agency.

“We deeply believe that your presidency will mark a new chapter in the positive and good relations between Iran and the IAEA,” Grossi told Pezeshkian.

“Certainly, good interaction and cooperation between Iran and the agency will neutralize any schemes against Iran’s nuclear activities,” Grossi stressed.

Iran’s Chabahar Free Zone, Armenia business sectors sign cooperation agreements

These agreements were signed on Thursday evening during the visit of the Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia and his accompanying delegation, including private sector investors from that country, to the port of Chabahar, where they met with Homeira Rigi, the Chairwoman and CEO of the Chabahar Free Zone Organization.

According to Ms. Rigi, based on these agreements, the process of company registration for Armenian parties, the preliminary issuance of trade cards, and the necessary conditions for expanding investment with a focus on exports will be expedited.

Rigi added that targeted participation in the implementation of investment projects in the Chabahar Free Zone, investment in high value-added sectors, and the provision of raw materials for production units, processing, and re-exporting were among the other objectives of the Armenian delegation’s visit to the region.

Welcoming international interactions and investment in the Chabahar Free Zone, Rigi stated that the Chabahar Free Zone serves as a gateway for Armenia to enter the Indian Ocean, while Armenia acts as a gateway for India and Iran to Europe.

According to this Iranian official, the free zones in Iran, including Chabahar, Anzali, and Aras, play a vital role in the economic exchanges between Armenia and India as essential components of the international transit corridor connecting the North and South.

Senior aide to Iran Leader meets Syrian President Assad

According to IRNA, citing Syria’s state news agency SANA, the discussions focused on bilateral ties between Iran and Syria and the recent regional developments, including the stepped-up Israeli aggressions and ongoing attacks on Palestine and Lebanon.

Both sides emphasized the on the urgent need to halt the assaults.

President Assad reiterated the importance of adhering to the historical rights of the Palestinian people, supporting the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon, and taking action to stop the ongoing violence and genocidal acts.

During the meeting, the two sides also examined bilateral relations and ways to strengthen ties for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.

Larijani expressed Iran’s unwavering support for Syria, highlighting the Arab country’s pivotal role in the region and the necessity to enhance this role to serve the countries and people of the region.

The meeting by Larijani and his entourage comes as both countries seek to consolidate their cooperation amidst escalating regional tensions.

Senior advisor to Iran FM: No immediate plans to adjust military advisors in Syria

Supporters of Syria, Iran and Russia

Khaji also affirmed Iran’s stance on self-defense, emphasizing that Iran will exercise its legal right to defend itself against the Israeli regime in an appropriate manner and at a suitable time.

The reaction came in response to Russian president’s envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, who said that Iran and its affiliated formations had reduced their presence on Syrian territory before the escalation of Israeli aggressions against Lebanon.