Iran
Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist days after detention
Iran confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala on December 30, saying she was detained for violating the laws of the Islamic Republic.
Iran central bank blocks crypto payments amid industry backlash
Iran's Central Bank abruptly blocked payment gateways for cryptocurrency exchanges, triggering sharp criticism from the country's digital assets industry.
Iran outlines currency unification plan as rial collapses against dollar
Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref unveiled plans on December 28 for a gradual unification of the country's multiple exchange rates as the Iranian rial sinks to historic lows.
Iran announces withdrawal from Japan’s Expo 2025
Iran has withdrawn from the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka along with three other nations, Japanese and Iranian officials confirmed on December 28.
Iran gains observer status in Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union
Iran was granted observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) during the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting held in St Petersburg on December 27.
Italian journalist detained in Iran amid tensions with Rome
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been detained in Iran's Evin prison for over a week, Italy's foreign ministry said on December 27.
Iran lifts bans on WhatsApp and Google Play, promising wider online access
Tensions over Iran's internet restrictions intensified on December 24 as 136 members of parliament publicly opposed moves to ease the country's strict social media filtering system.
Dollar hits new high in Tehran ahead of international holidays
Iran’s currency markets recorded another surge in the US dollar, which reached IRR 787,500 on the open market on December 24, setting a new record high.
Israel claims responsibility for Hamas leader Haniyeh's July death in Iran
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has publicly claimed responsibility for the July killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.
Iran's former foreign minister proposes new MWADA regional security framework
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and current presidential advisor has proposed a new regional security framework for West Asia.
Dutch retailer Spar's Iran operations implicated in sanctions evasion scheme
Dutch supermarket chain Spar's Iranian operation has been implicated in an elaborate sanctions evasion scheme involving members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iran and European powers to resume nuclear talks in January
Iran will begin a fresh round of nuclear negotiations with European powers in late January 2025, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei announced.
Israel's Mossad chief calls for direct Iran strike after missile hits Tel Aviv
Mossad Director David Barnea has recommended Israel launch direct strikes against Iran in response to a Houthi missile attack that hit Tel Aviv
Iran's Supreme Leader rejects claims of regional proxy forces
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has forcefully rejected assertions that Iran maintains proxy forces in the Middle East.
Trump signals readiness for Iran nuclear talks via Omani channel – Iraqi media
US President-elect Donald Trump has sent a message to Tehran through Omani intermediaries expressing readiness to negotiate a new nuclear deal if re-elected.
Russian long-haul driver murdered in northern Iran
Iranian authorities are investigating the death of a Russian citizen who was found with gunshot wounds in the northern province of Gilan.
Iranian ambassador claims US sets conditions on Syrian-Iranian relations
Iran's ambassador to Lebanon has alleged that the United States has established specific conditions regarding Iran's future role in Syria.
PANNIER: Why the Turkmenistan, Iran gas “friendship” is back on
In tough struggle to find new export markets, Turkmen even agree to Iranian contractors building infrastructure in tightly controlled Central Asian country.
Syria's new leader al-Sharaa declares "end of Iranian project"
Syria's new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has declared that the opposition's victory has "set back Iran's regional project by 40 years" while pledging that Syria will no longer serve as a platform for destabilising Arab states.
Iran to add 500MW solar capacity by year-end, targets 4GW expansion
Iran plans to add 500MW of solar power capacity by the end of the current Iranian year, as part of a broader initiative to expand its renewable energy infrastructure by more than 4,000MW by next year.