Iran
Gold hits new record as global prices surge while dollar spikes in Iran
Gold prices in Iran spiked due to the weakening rial exchange rate against the US dollar on February 20.
Iran’s embattled energy minister warns of worsening power shortages
Speculation is mounting over Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi's potential dismissal from President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government after widespread blackouts in Tehran.
Brazil to host expanded BRICS summit in July amid US dollar tensions
Brazil will host leaders from the BRICS nations and their new members in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, as the burgeoning bloc faces growing pressure from the US over plans to reduce dollar dependence in trade.
INTERVIEW: Kandice Ardiel, UNIFIL's deputy spokesperson in Lebanon
A series of interconnected events has heightened tensions in Lebanon this weekend, beginning with a violent attack on United Nations peacekeepers that has drawn international condemnation.
Trump could use Putin to talk to Iran
Russia's Putin is being floated as a possible "Iran whisperer" as part of the Trump administration's latest push to tackle the long-standing Iran problem.
US and Israel vow to prevent nuclear Iran as Rubio makes first Middle East visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Tel Aviv on the evening of February 15, marking his first visit to the Middle East since taking office, as negotiations continue for the release of six remaining hostages and tackle Iran's influence.
US deportation of asylum seekers to Panama condemned by Iran
The United States has deported 119 asylum seekers of various nationalities to Panama, including Iranian nationals who claim they were transferred without notice or deportation documentation.
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Iran seizes 240,000 illegal crypto miners as power theft concerns mount
Iranian power utility Tavanir has confiscated over 240,000 illegal cryptocurrency mining devices consuming about 800 MW of electricity, with estimates suggesting three times as many remain active across the country.
Beirut airport protests coincide with security developments and Israeli strikes
Tensions have escalated after demonstrators carrying Hezbollah flags blocked the main route to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, protesting against Lebanon's decision to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.
Iran’s Pezeshkian says dialogue with US possible but not under pressure
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran is open to negotiations but not under pressure imposed by the United States.
UK ambassador meets with arrested British citizens in Iran
Britain's ambassador to Iran has met with detained British citizens in Iran's Kerman.
Iran's birth rate falls below 1mn as population crisis deepens
Iran's annual birth rate will fall below 1mn for the first time, the deputy health minister announced as the country nears the end of its current calendar year.
Iran, Turkmenistan in talks over energy as Tehran reportedly seeking gas imports
Top energy and foreign affairs officials of Iran and Turkmenistan stressed the need to foster cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, as Iran struggles to tackle its worsening gas shortage amid freezing winter temperatures.
Turkmenistan to ship gas to Turkey under long-awaited deal
Initial volumes via arrangement with Iran will be modest, but the potential for sizeable flows is there. A Turkish hub could eventually transship deliveries to Europe.
Trump's Iran sanctions put Iraq's power sector at risk
Iraq faces a potential energy crisis as US President Donald Trump ends its exemption from sanctions on Iranian gas and electricity imports.
Iran pardons two journalists who reported on Mahsa Amini's death
Iran's judicial authorities have pardoned two female journalists who reported the death of a young woman in police custody following permission from the Supreme Leader's office.
Trump's return pushes Iran to war or deal
As Donald Trump gets settled in the White House, Iran finds itself at a critical juncture, facing both economic pressures and economic challenges.
Iran's president says Trump plots to "bring the revolution to its knees"
Hundreds of thousands of devout Iranians come out to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Republic, with officials targeting US actions against the country.
Trump threats push Iran's currency to historic low
Iran's currency markets remained skittish on February 9 as the rial continued to fall against the US dollar on the back of fading prospects of negotiations with Washington.