Iranian deputy FM: Iran believes in diplomacy, but not in imposed talks
“We have always believed in diplomacy, but diplomacy that is free from coercion”, Takhte Ravanchi said.
“Under such circumstances, no one seeks war or welcomes it…everyone prefers dialogue to resolve differences, provided that both sides understand the situation and do not feel entitled to impose their views.”
Touching on the origins of past conflicts, Takhte Ravanchi noted that it is neither scientifically nor historically accurate to claim a single definitive cause for war.
He further revealed that the Trump administration had once sent a letter to Tehran proposing negotiations and warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to war.
“We accepted indirect talks”, he explained, “but they insisted on direct negotiations, which we declined for specific reasons”.
Takhte Ravanchi reiterated that Iran favors diplomacy based on equality and mutual respect.
He also underlined that wars often erupt when one side fails to achieve its illegitimate objectives through persuasion or threats.
Iran’s Financial Intelligence Center defends FATF engagement, calls CFT and Palermo accession unavoidable
The center said in a statement that the new element added to the FATF communiqué stems from UN requests linked to the snapback mechanism and activation of FATF’s capacity for sanctions enforcement.
The statement described the approval of the CFT and Palermo conventions as “an unavoidable necessity”, noting that years of delay have increased the cost of managing Iran’s case with FATF, most recently visible in the reimposition of UN sanctions.
According to the center, Iran’s participation in the latest FATF session itself reflects the body’s acknowledgment of Tehran’s progress, particularly its approval of the Palermo Convention.
It added that Iran had provided legal justification for its reservations, emphasizing that domestic laws are stronger in several areas. It reiterated that exiting the FATF blacklist is a gradual process, citing countries like Turkey and the UAE that spent years leaving the grey list despite earlier compliance.
The statement warned that continued delay and internal politicization could be exploited by adversaries through the UN mechanism to increase FATF pressure on Iran.
The Financial Intelligence Center further urged all relevant agencies to cooperate toward normalizing Iran’s status with FATF, describing the issue as a “national priority” vital to protecting the economy and easing external pressures.
Israel allows Hamas to enter army-controlled areas in Gaza to search for captive remains: Report
Israeli Channel 12, citing security officers, said Hamas has been working in cooperation with the Red Cross and Egyptian teams for the past 24 hours to locate the remains of hostages in areas still occupied by the Israeli army beyond the “yellow line.”
The “yellow line” is an imaginary line separating areas currently occupied by the Israeli army in Gaza from those where it had pulled out.
The outlet added Israel and Hamas exchanged information on the estimated locations of the bodies through mediators over the weekend to accelerate the process.
Israel confirmed on Sunday that it had allowed Red Cross and Egyptian teams beyond the “yellow line” in Gaza to help in the search for hostage remains.
Under the first phase of a ceasefire deal that took effect on Oct. 10, Hamas has released 20 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 16 others. The remains of 12 hostages are still in the enclave.
The ceasefire plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.
Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza has killed over 68,500 people and injured more than 170,300 others since October 2023, according to Palestinian authorities.
UK military chiefs support nuclear-sharing pact with Germany amid Russia threats: Telegraph
Senior leaders, including a former chief of defense staff and a former NATO secretary-general, have reportedly urged London to begin talks with Berlin, citing the alleged “critical” threat posed by Russia and “growing concerns” that the US could scale back its role in Europe.
Germany, which is prohibited from developing nuclear weapons, is already in “strategic discussions” with Paris on joining France’s nuclear umbrella. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who Russia has accused of “escalating anti-Russian rhetoric literally every day,” has indicated he would be open to exploring a similar arrangement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to the paper.
Although The Telegraph’s sources insist that formal talks between London and Berlin have not yet taken place, several defense officials spoke in favor of the arrangement.
“It’s right and proper and should have happened a long time ago,” Lord Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, said, as quoted by the outlet.
“If Russia continues to deploy nuclear rhetoric, it’s going to force some decisions to be made inside Europe as a whole,” he added.
Britain’s nuclear deterrent, declared to NATO since 1962, remains under London’s sole control, with one of its Trident-armed submarines always on patrol. Earlier this year, Starmer announced plans to purchase 12 F-35A stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will be based in Britain.
Retired General Sir Richard Barrons warned that a shared system would be “unworkable,” since collective launch decisions could not be made under time pressure. Field Marshal Lord Houghton, a former chief of defense staff, said Europe should weigh a broader nuclear option as the US pivots toward China, but questioned whether it would be “a good thing or madness.”
Defense sources told The Telegraph that while coordination between London and Berlin may expand, any weapons-sharing plan remains “a long way” off.
Moscow has rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO or use nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear doctrine is purely defensive and aimed at protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Istanbul mayor hit with new ‘political espionage’ arrest order
It is not unusual for Turkish courts to issue formal arrest orders for people already in custody when a new investigation is launched. Critics say the courts are politicised, an allegation rejected by the government which says they are independent.
Some analysts say the move against Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main political rival, could lead to the state seizing control of the municipality of Istanbul, which is Europe’s largest city.
The espionage probe marks an escalation of a year-long legal crackdown on the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which the government’s critics see as damaging Turkey’s democratic credentials.
Imamoglu and his party are already facing an array of allegations that they deny. Imamoglu has been in jail since March pending trial on separate corruption charges, and also received a fresh jail sentence in July for insulting and threatening the chief Istanbul prosecutor.
The latest court ruling accuses Imamoglu of engaging in graft to raise funds for his presidential candidacy and of “espionage” to secure international support, the state-owned Anadolu news agency reported.
Imamoglu rejected the new accusations in a statement from prison on Friday and again in court on Sunday.
“Such slander, lies and conspiracy wouldn’t even cross the devil’s mind!” he said on X, adding, “We are facing shameful immorality that can’t be described with words.”
An indictment from the court could pave the way for Istanbul’s state-appointed governor to take control of the city. GlobalSource Partners analyst Atilla Yesilada said the interior ministry has the authority to sack Imamoglu and replace him with a trustee.
Anadolu reported an Istanbul court had issued the arrest order overnight for Imamoglu and two others, including Merdan Yanardag, editor-in-chief of television news channel Tele1.
The channel, which is critical of the government, was seized by the state on Friday as part of the espionage accusations.The opposition won some respite from the pressure on Friday, after another court dismissed a bid to oust the CHP’s leader and annul its 2023 congress.
Iran’s Alireza Faghani nominated for World’s Best Football Referee Award
The federation announced the list of 25 nominees as it prepares to name the year’s top performers in various football categories.
Faghani, who currently officiates in Australia, was earlier named Asia’s Best Referee for 2025.
His inclusion on the global shortlist places him among elite referees from Europe, South America, and other regions, including Michael Oliver (England), Clément Turpin (France), Szymon Marciniak (Poland), and César Ramos (Mexico).
Known for his calm authority and consistent performances on the pitch, Faghani has officiated in several major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.
His continued recognition by IFFHS underscores his reputation as one of the most respected referees in world football.
The winner of the World’s Best Referee award will be announced by IFFHS at the end of 2025.
South Korean presidential aide: US president and North Korea’s leader unlikely to happen soon
Oh Hyun-joo, a deputy director of national security for the South Korean presidential office, told reporters that she did not have concrete information, despite speculation in the media, about a meeting between the two leaders as Trump visits Asia.
Trump has said he is open to meeting with Kim.
During his visit to South Korea this week, Trump is set to hold a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events.
Washington and Seoul are seeking to finalise a preliminary trade deal reached with Trump in July, after their first summit meeting in August ended without an agreement.
After three rounds of trade negotiations this month, South Korean negotiators suggested in recent days that the two countries have yet to reach an agreement on the details of a $350 billion investment package, which is included in the pact, despite some progress in narrowing differences of opinion.
Oh, the presidential adviser, added she found it unlikely to see any final trade deal being reached during the Lee-Trump meeting this week.
Advisor to Iran Leader highlights strategic role of Iran, China, Russia in emerging global order
His remarks came during a meeting in Tehran with Zhong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Iran, where both sides emphasized strengthening strategic ties and expanding cooperation.
Velayati praised the “deep-rooted and strategic” nature of Iran-China relations, built on mutual interests, respect, and political independence.
He commended China’s “constructive support” in international forums, particularly regarding the West’s so-called “trigger” sanctions mechanism against Iran, saying such positions reflect the depth of friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.
The two officials discussed bilateral relations, regional and international developments, and US expansionism and interference in global affairs, including Washington’s support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza.
Ambassador Zhong expressed appreciation for Velayati’s long-standing efforts to enhance ties, describing Iran-China relations as “historic and valuable.”
He reiterated China’s readiness to further deepen cooperation with Iran across various sectors, underscoring the importance Beijing places on its partnership with Tehran.
Former reformist president Khatami criticizes Iran’s development policies, citing tourism gap with Turkey
Speaking during a visit to central Iranian city of Yazd, Khatami compared Iran’s economic progress with that of Turkey, noting that “Turkey earns more from tourism than Iran does from its entire oil industry,” despite Iran’s greater tourism potential.
He said Iran’s reliance on oil has hindered sustainable growth. “We had oil and they didn’t, yet they advanced with tourism and industry. We went after illusions, neither achieving them nor achieving real development,” he remarked.
Khatami also warned of Iran’s worsening water crisis, describing it as part of a global challenge that could escalate into future conflicts.
“At one time, water scarcity was only a concern for Yazd, but now it’s clear that all of Iran lies in a semi-arid region,” he said, adding that urban expansion, declining rainfall, and the depletion of underground reserves have created “a catastrophic situation.”
Highlighting Yazd’s ancient role in sustaining life in desert areas through innovations like qanats, Khatami praised the city as a cornerstone of Iranian-Islamic civilization and cultural heritage.
