Iran Archives - Page 2 of 8

Iran prepares for funeral ceremonies without naming prayer leader

July 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have not officially announced who will lead funeral prayers for the country’s late Supreme Leader, despite the start of a series of public mourning ceremonies scheduled across Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry sources told local media that senior Shiite cleric Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani is expected to lead the main funeral prayer in Tehran, although no official confirmation has been issued.

Authorities have also not said whether the same cleric will preside over funeral prayers in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, or whether different religious figures will lead the ceremonies.

Historically, Iran’s supreme leader has not necessarily led funeral prayers for a predecessor. When Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989, his funeral prayers were led by Mohammad Reza Golpaygani, then head of the Qom seminary, before Ali Khamenei was later chosen as supreme leader.

According to the report, funeral ceremonies are scheduled in Tehran from July 4 to July 6, followed by services in Qom on July 7. The body is then expected to be taken to Najaf and Karbala for additional funeral prayers before returning to Iran.

The final funeral prayer is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, where burial is expected to take place.

The report also said security surrounding the ceremonies is expected to be extensive, with authorities anticipating attendance by more than 10 million mourners. Officials are expected to prioritize the security of Iran’s current supreme leader during the public events.

Trump says US will control Iran’s frozen funds under proposed aid arrangement

June 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States would retain control of Iran’s frozen assets under a proposed arrangement that would use the funds to purchase American agricultural products for shipment to Iran.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said Iran had not yet received any funds and that no frozen assets had been released.

He also dismissed reports that Iran was collecting fees from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that negotiations could be terminated immediately if false information was provided during the process.

Trump said the United States would oversee the management of Iran’s frozen funds and use the money to buy agricultural commodities from American farmers, including corn, wheat and soybeans, which would then be exported to Iran.

According to Trump, the proposal is aimed at addressing food shortages in Iran while supporting U.S. farmers.

He added that all goods purchased under the arrangement would be sourced from the United States.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran, although details of any final agreement regarding frozen Iranian assets have not yet been announced.

Pakistan, Iran hold high-level talks in Islamabad

June 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held separate meetings with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional peace.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari and Pezeshkian discussed bilateral relations, regional connectivity and economic cooperation. The leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen Pakistan-Iran relations and work jointly for peace and stability in the region.

Welcoming Pezeshkian on his first visit to Pakistan following the recent conflict, Zardari said the trip reflected the two countries’ commitment to standing by each other in times of both joy and adversity. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Zardari congratulated the Iranian president on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed hope that technical-level negotiations would lead to lasting peace. He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently opposed unilateral actions and supported dialogue as a means of resolving regional and global challenges.

The Pakistani president also stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim world and underscored the significance of maintaining strong brotherly relations with Gulf countries.

According to the statement, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its positive and constructive efforts to promote peace and dialogue and appreciated Islamabad’s support during recent difficult circumstances.

The Iranian president said Tehran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and seeks to expand cooperation in political, economic, security and regional affairs.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with Pezeshkian, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the meeting, while delegation-level talks between the two countries were also scheduled.

Pakistan and Iran pledge closer cooperation on regional issues

June 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing regional developments and peace initiatives, according to Pakistan’s military.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the meeting focused on efforts to promote regional stability and reduce tensions.

President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role” in fostering dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s continued efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and promote understanding among regional stakeholders.

Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to peace and stability in the region, the statement said.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of promoting peace, prosperity and stability across the region.

The meeting took place during Pezeshkian’s one-day visit to Pakistan.

The Iranian president was received at Nur Khan Air Base by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations

June 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Iran has announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic, citing alleged U.S. violations of a memorandum of understanding and continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the strategic waterway was being shut “with immediate effect” for all shipping.

The statement accused the United States of failing to meet its obligations under a reconciliation agreement, while also blaming Israel for ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps separately confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz had been fully closed since Saturday morning, according to Iranian media reports.

The IRGC warned that all commercial, oil, and cargo vessels should avoid the area, saying their safety could be at risk if they approach the strait.

Iranian officials said the closure was a response to what they described as U.S. breaches of ceasefire commitments and continued regional escalation. They warned that further measures could follow if hostilities continue.

The announcement came as an Iranian delegation headed to Switzerland for talks with U.S. officials, while senior American envoys, including Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff, were already reported to be in the region.

No timeframe was given for how long the closure would remain in effect.

Iran to expand trade with Pakistan after ceasefire

June 18, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Following the reported ceasefire agreement with the United States, Iran has decided to significantly expand trade with Pakistan, marking a new phase in bilateral economic relations.

According to reports, Iran’s second major trade delegation in two months visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), where agreements were signed for investment in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Pakistan.

FPCCI leader Muhammad Ali Haider said the agreements were signed during a meeting at the chamber, adding that the Iranian delegation included mining investors, rice importers, and other business representatives.

He said both sides have set an ambitious target of increasing Pakistan-Iran trade to $10 billion following the stabilization of the regional situation.

Focus on Energy, Trade Expansion and Connectivity

In a separate development, discussions were held in Islamabad between the Iranian ambassador and Pakistan’s Board of Investment minister.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assured cooperation with relevant ministries to resolve outstanding issues.

According to an official statement, Iran has also offered Pakistan access to Central Asian markets through its territory, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade to the agreed $10 billion target.

Both sides also agreed on measures to enhance border trade, including proposals to increase the daily number of cross-border trucks to 2,000.

The statement added that the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir was appreciated during the meetings, highlighting improved political and economic coordination between the two countries.

Iran hold New Zealand 2-2 in dramatic World Cup opener

June 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

DOHA: Iran marked a resilient start to their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a closely contested opening match, played under unusual geopolitical and logistical pressures ahead of the tournament, according to reports.

The tournament reportedly began under unprecedented circumstances, with Iran facing concerns over participation following regional tensions and military developments earlier in the year.

Iran’s preparations were also affected by visa-related issues, forcing the team to shift their training base from the United States to Mexico. Officials said 11 members of the support staff were denied entry into the United States, complicating pre-tournament arrangements.

Despite the challenges, Iran delivered a strong performance in their opening fixture, earning a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in front of a vocal fan presence.

New Zealand took an early lead in the seventh minute through a combined effort involving Chris Wood and Elijah Just. Iran responded in the 32nd minute with a goal from Reza Rezaeian to level the score.

In the second half, just restored New Zealand’s advantage, but Mohammad Mohebi’s headed equaliser brought Iran back into the contest.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal, but the match ended in a draw after a competitive and evenly balanced second half.

US, Iran sign memorandum of understanding, says Vice President Vance

June 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward easing tensions between the longtime adversaries.

According to Vance, he and President Donald Trump signed the document on behalf of the United States, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed on behalf of Iran.

The announcement came after reports by The Wall Street Journal that Washington had agreed to a deal with Tehran and that President Trump would soon make a formal statement.

Trump later declared that the agreement with Iran had been completed, adding that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports had been lifted and calling on global shipping operators to resume commercial activities and oil transportation.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump also warned that the United States would take military action again if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the U.S. naval blockade would end overnight and that the text of the memorandum would be released after the signing. He said Iran would begin implementing the agreement on Friday.

Gharibabadi stressed that the memorandum does not mean Iran trusts its adversaries, adding that negotiations on a final agreement are expected to continue over the next 60 days. He warned that Tehran would respond if the terms of the agreement were not honored.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the agreement does not mean that Iran will forgive or forget what it describes as crimes committed during the conflict.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development and announced that Pakistan would host a ceremony related to the Iran-U.S. agreement in Geneva on Friday.

Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif described the development as a historic milestone for peace, saying the world had moved beyond the darkness of war toward a new era of diplomacy.

Iran says US deal to include frozen assets return and war damages compensation

June 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

Ismail Baghaei: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said that a proposed agreement with the United States will include the return of frozen Iranian assets as well as compensation for damages from military actions involving the United States and Israel.

In a press briefing, Baghaei said a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States is expected to be signed on Friday in Geneva. He added that Iranian delegations will visit several regional and neighbouring countries ahead of the signing.

He said Iran’s public and armed forces showed “unprecedented resilience” during a 110-day conflict, and vowed that the country would not forget the sacrifices of its leaders, military commanders and civilians.

Baghaei also accused Israel of continuing attacks in Lebanon and Palestine, saying international institutions had failed to stop what he described as Israeli aggression or condemn actions against Iran.

He stressed that Iran prefers dialogue and diplomacy but said reaching an agreement does not mean abandoning claims related to wartime losses or alleged violations.

According to him, the deal framework includes provisions related to Lebanon, with emphasis on respecting its sovereignty and security, while implementation will be closely monitored amid continued tensions.

Baghaei further said steps are being discussed with Oman to ensure safe maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran does not support imposing any toll on ships passing through the waterway.

He said final details of the memorandum are expected to be settled within a day before an official announcement is made.

Trump rebukes Iran over alleged leak of agreement terms

June 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports circulating on Iranian state media regarding the contents of a newly announced agreement with Iran, calling them “fake news” and inaccurate.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that details being circulated by Iranian media have “nothing to do” with the written agreement reportedly reached between the two sides.

He said Iran had leaked false information about the deal, adding that such claims were misleading and did not reflect the actual terms agreed upon.

Trump also rejected Iranian assertions that a comprehensive agreement was close, calling those statements “weak and unfortunate” and insisting that no such finalization had been reached on those terms.

The US president further criticized Tehran’s negotiating approach, saying Iran had not engaged in good faith discussions and warning that the country should “get its act together quickly.”

Iranian state media had earlier reported that the proposed agreement could include provisions such as the unfreezing of $24 billion in Iranian assets, continued uranium enrichment, and Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Trump rejected these claims, saying they do not represent the official understanding between the two sides.