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Iran says “no significant difference” in who becomes US president

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that the general policies of Iran and the United States remain consistent.

Mohajerani added that “necessary measures have been planned in advance.”

She further stated that the election of the US president has “no connection” to Iran and that the “general policies of the US and Iran are unchanged.”

On Wednesday, Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in a historic political comeback, reclaiming the White House after his 2020 election loss.

Trump presidency will ‘bring back hostages, and defeat Iran”: New Israeli DM

Israel Hostages

“Congratulations to president-elect Donald Trump on his historic victory. Together we’ll strengthen the US-Israel alliance, bring back the hostages, and stand firm to defeat the axis of evil led by Iran,” he wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara also congratulated Donald and Melania Trump on the former US president’s apparent win in the elections.

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” he said in an English-language statement written in Trump’s trademark over-the-top style.

“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!” he added.

Netanyahu has fired his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, replacing him with Katz.

On October 26, Israeli fighter jets used US-controlled airspace over Iraq to fire projectiles at military installations in Iran’s Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.

The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces confirmed that a significant number of the missiles were intercepted, and the Israeli warplanes were blocked from entering Iran’s airspace.

Iran has stressed it is resolved to respond to the act of aggression and will not abandon its right.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday warned the United States and Israel that they will definitely receive a teeth-breaking response for their assault.

IRGC chief commander reiterates Israeli aggressions won’t go unanswered

Hossein Salami

Speaking at a meeting of the Assembly of Experts on Wednesday, General Salami stated that Iran’s two operations against Israel in April and October, dubbed True Promise I and II, demonstrated Iran’s resolute stance against any form of aggression.

The senior commander addressed the significant political and security transformations unraveling in West Asia, noting that Iran is at a crucial juncture, however, expressed optimism about the future.

He stressed the importance of public understanding of the developments, pointing out the long-standing direct and indirect conflicts between Iran and Israel, which have escalated over time.

He also said the Palestinian resistance factions’ surprise operation against Israel last October “revealed the regime’s vulnerability and demonstrated that the time gap between a tactical move and a strategic defeat for Israel is very short.”

Salami stressed that Israel’s survival is impossible without comprehensive support from the United States, further noting that the occupying regime serves as a political bridgehead for the U.S. in implementing its hegemonic policies in the region.

More than 85,000 tonnes of bombs dropped on Gaza since October 2023: Report

Gaza War

The continuous bombing has caused the destruction of vast areas of agricultural land and contaminated soil with toxic chemicals, which will hinder agriculture in the enclave for decades, the Palestinian Authority-run body told Wafa.

It highlighted the use of white phosphorus by Israel, which is prohibited under the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

The bombings have also polluted Gaza’s water sources, the authority added and called on the UN to urge Israel to end its ongoing bombing campaign.

The Israeli army has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since a Hamas attack last year, despite a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 43,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 100,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the territory’s entire population amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

Nuclear chief says Iran self-sufficient in laser technology

Mohammad Eslami

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Iranian cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Eslami said that Iran’s latest achievements in laser technology were unveiled at the Fifth Iran Laser and Photonics Exhibition, showcasing the country’s self-sufficiency in this field.

Eslami highlighted the role of laser technology in industry and daily life, noting that it contributes to synergies across various sectors.

He added that a metal laser-cutting production line is among the homegrown innovations unveiled at the exhibition.

The Atomic Energy Organization chief also mentioned that several agreements were signed during the expo with industrial companies to equip them with laser technology.

The Fifth Iran Laser and Photonics Exhibition opened on Sunday in Tehran, featuring participation from around 35 Iranian companies active in laser technology, including 16 knowledge-based companies.

Popular Iranian football commentator, Ferdowsipour returns after six years

Ferdowsipour reported live on the Real Madrid vs. AC Milan match in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, broadcast on Aparat Sport and Football 360 platform.

The comeback occurred a week after Minister of Culture Abbas Salehi hinted at efforts to ease some restrictions on artists and public figures.

Ferdowsipour’s first heartfelt words upon his official return to football commentary were “Hello to all my dear, patient, and lovely compatriots. You are hearing my voice from Iran. After 2,064 days of separation. I am here to report for you again.”

His return was eagerly anticipated by fans who have missed his distinctive voice and insightful commentary since his abrupt dismissal by the IRIB state television.

Ferdowsipour’s return is seen not only as a nostalgic moment for long-time followers but also as a hopeful sign of more inclusive and open policies toward media figures in Iran.

Trump inching closer to election win, thanks American people

Trump

Trump has declared victory in the 2024 US presidential election, after securing wins in key battleground states. Addressing supporters from the stage at his Mar-a-Lago residence, the Republican candidate called his movement the greatest “of all time”.

“This will truly be the golden age of America,” he said, adding, “This is a magnificent victory for the American people, which will allow us to make America great again.”

“We’ve made history for a reason tonight,” the Republican candidate continued.

“We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible and it is now clear that we’ve achieved the most incredible political thing. Look what happened! Is this crazy?”

Trump thanked the people for choosing him as the 47th president of the United States and promised to fight for every citizen “every single day… with every breath in my body”. He vowed to lead the country to a prosperous and safe future. He predicted that he will win 315 electoral college votes, as well as the popular vote, once the final tally is made.

Trump expressed his gratitude to senior members of his campaign who were present on the stage with him, saying he picked the right people to achieve victory.

The Republican Party is also set to secure a majority in the Senate, which Trump credited to his ‘MAGA movement’. The GOP will also likely retain control of the House, he added, thanking Speaker Mike Johnson for doing a “terrific job” in his position.

Trump also praised his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, for going “into the enemy camp” and doing interviews with media outlets that are seen as hostile to Republicans, including CNN and MSNBC.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has not conceded defeat as of the time of writing. Trump gave his victory speech while three electoral votes shy of the 270 threshold needed to win.

Defense chief confirms first battles between Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast

Russia Ukraine War

North Korea deployed 11,000 troops in Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed, citing Ukraine’s intelligence report.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation department at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, also claimed on that the first North Korean soldiers stationed in this area have come under fire.

“We are identifying clashes with North Korean forces, but we believe there will be more fighting in the next few weeks, and we will continue to analyze and revise accordingly,” Umerov said.

The clashes were small-scale, according to Umerov.

The minister added that the DPRK soldiers were “disguised as Buryats” (an Asian people group inside Russia’s borders) and mixed with Russian soldiers, so all the identities need to be checked to confirm the exact number of their losses and prisoners.

Kyiv expects five units of 3,000 people each to be deployed along the 1,500-kilometer front line. This will bring the total number of North Koreans involved in the war to 15,000.

The Russian border region has seen heavy battles since Ukraine launched a cross-border offensive in early August. Moscow has deployed North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast to reinforce lines there while its most experienced units continue advancing in Ukraine’s east.

Zelensky stated that if Ukraine had permission to use Western long-range weapons on Russian territory, it could preemptively target “every camp” in Russia where North Korean troops are gathering.

According to Zelensky, Russia has confirmed to the West the involvement of Pyongyang’s forces in the war.

FM Araghchi: Iran, Pakistan believe close connection exists between Israel, regional terrorists

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Speaking to reporters in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Wednesday morning, Araghchi explained that simultaneous aggressive measures by the Israeli regime and the activation of terrorist groups in the region reinforce the speculation.

He said that considering the situation, Iran and Pakistan have decided to intensify their efforts against the terrorist organizations.

Araghchi, who wrapped up his visit to Pakistan, said he discussed regional issues, including Afghanistan, with Pakistani officials. The talks revealed that Iran and Pakistan have closely aligned positions on regional matters.

The top Iranian diplomat pointed to the widespread condemnation of the Israeli regime in Pakistan, by the public and the media, adding both countries decided to pursue measures to halt the attacks and crimes committed by the Israeli regime more vigorously in international forums, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Israeli soldiers raze 37 towns, over 4k houses in Lebanon

According to Lebanon’s State News Agency, the destruction is concentrated in an area extending three kilometers deep from Naqoura to the outskirts of Khiam in southern Lebanon.

Israel launched a massive air campaign last month in Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation in a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza.

More than 3,000 people have been killed and over 13,500 injured in Israeli aggression since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.