Iran Archives - Page 8 of 8

Iran reaffirms missile program excluded from US talks, says FM

February 7, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran’s missile program is a matter of national defense and will not be included in any negotiations, according to an interview with an Arab TV network.

Araghchi also confirmed that during indirect talks with the United States in Muscat, he met with the American delegation and exchanged handshakes.

He warned that if the U.S. attacks Iran, Iran will target U.S. bases in the region, but emphasized that attacks on U.S. territory are not anticipated.

He underscored that nuclear enrichment is an inalienable right for Iran and must continue, stating that even bombardment cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “We are prepared to reach an agreement on assurances regarding enrichment,” Araghchi said.

Regarding the next round of talks with the United States, he noted that no date has been finalized yet, but both parties agree that discussions should take place soon.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s missile program will remain off-limits in negotiations, stressing its strategic importance to national defense.

Iran ready for both war and negotiations, says Foreign Minister Araghchi

January 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is prepared for both conflict and dialogue amid ongoing unrest in the country.

In a statement, Araghchi noted that violence escalated over the weekend, with terrorists targeting both protesters and security forces, but added that the situation is now fully under control.

He said that peaceful demonstrations over the past few days had turned violent, with around 350 mosques set on fire within two weeks.

Despite the unrest, Iranian security forces exercised restraint, recognizing that many of the protesters’ demands were legitimate and being heard by the government.

Araghchi also accused recent US comments of exacerbating the protests. “After President Trump spoke of intervention, the protests turned bloodier to create a pretext for outside interference,” he said.

He emphasized, “We are ready for both war and negotiations.”

The remarks follow recent statements from US President Donald Trump, who said that Iran has reached out for negotiations and that arrangements are underway.

Trump also warned that the US is considering military options in Iran, which he suggested might need to be acted upon even before talks begin.

China opposes possible US military action against Iran

January 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

Beijing/Washington: China has voiced its opposition to any potential US military action against Iran in response to the ongoing protests in the country.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that China always opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries and the use of force in international relations.

The statement emphasized that national sovereignty must be respected and the safety of all nations ensured under international law. It added that China hopes the Iranian government and people can overcome the current challenges and maintain national stability.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor also commented on the situation, urging an end to the violence in Iran. “The use of force is a sign of weakness, not strength,” the Chancellor said.

The remarks come as US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington is considering various options in response to the unrest in Iran, including military action. Speaking aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, DC, Trump said the US is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders.

He added that Iran reached out to discuss the nuclear deal recently, and the US is open to meeting with them. However, Trump reiterated that military action remains one of the options under consideration.

Time magazine reports heavy casualties in Iran amid anti-inflation unrest

January 10, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Anti-government protests over rising inflation in Iran have intensified, turning increasingly violent, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces across multiple cities.

According to Time magazine, heavy casualties were reported during the unrest, although Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the toll.

The protests have resulted in widespread property damage. Reports indicate that 26 banks, 25 mosques, 2 hospitals, and 48 fire trucks were damaged, while government buildings and police stations also came under attack. Several security personnel were injured, and ambulances, buses, and private vehicles were reportedly set on fire.

Authorities have arrested approximately 2,500 people, and internet services remain shut down amid the ongoing unrest.

A doctor in Tehran, speaking to Time on condition of anonymity, confirmed fatalities in six hospitals alone, noting that most deaths were caused by gunfire. Meanwhile, Washington-based human rights activists reported at least 63 confirmed deaths, including 49 civilians.

Supreme Leader Khamenei blames foreign interference

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States of being complicit in the bloodshed and claimed that some “rioters” were deliberately damaging public property to please US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that Iran will not tolerate mercenary forces and called for national unity.

Iran Calls on UN to respect sovereignty

The Iranian Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations to respect the country’s sovereignty and refrain from intervention, condemning U.S. statements on the protests as interference and deception.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan highlights foreign elements’ role

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Ameri Moghaddam, stated that foreign-backed elements were attempting to turn protests violent.

He asserted that the Iranian people largely support the government and security forces and that Iran has historically overcome foreign conspiracies while maintaining its sovereignty and national unity.

The situation remains volatile, with reports of ongoing clashes and heightened security across major Iranian cities.

Trump warns of US intervention if Iran uses force against protesters

January 2, 2026 by Newsdesk

Washington/Tehran: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities use violence against peaceful protesters.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, President Trump said that if Iran attacks or kills peaceful demonstrators, the United States will step in to protect them. He added that the U.S. is fully prepared to act to safeguard protesters.

Reacting strongly to the warning, Ali Larijani, adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that any US interference in Iran’s internal protests would be equivalent to spreading chaos in the region. He stressed that President Trump should understand that American intervention would only fuel instability.

The remarks come amid violent protests in Iran against rising inflation and the sharp decline in the national currency. According to reports, clashes between Iranian security forces and protesters have resulted in six deaths, while 30 protesters have been arrested in recent days.

Tensions remain high as international attention grows over the unrest and the possibility of foreign involvement.

Iran warns of strict response to any US attack after Trump’s threats

December 30, 2025 by Newsdesk

Tehran: Iran has warned that it will respond forcefully to any potential attack following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran’s response to any act of aggression would be “very severe.” In a statement posted on X, he stressed that Iran would react strongly to any illegitimate aggression.

Iran’s parliament also reaffirmed the country’s right to self-defense. Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said Iran does not need permission from anyone to defend itself, warning that the Iranian nation’s response to any adventurism would be unpredictable.

The strong statements come after Donald Trump, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would support renewed attacks on Iran if it resumes its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters in Florida after the meeting, Trump claimed that Iran was attempting to rebuild its nuclear facilities and said that immediate strikes should be carried out if Tehran continued nuclear construction.

Trump further stated that if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program, “we will have to take it down,” escalating rhetoric amid already heightened regional tensions.

Iran to boycott FIFA World Cup draw in Washington over US visa denial

November 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Iran has announced a boycott of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 draw scheduled to be held in Washington on December 5, after the United States refused to issue visas to key members of its delegation.

According to Iranian Football Federation spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi, the Iranian delegation will not attend the ceremony because the US issued visas to only four officials while denying entry to several others, including the team’s head coach and Federation President Mehdi Taj.

The spokesperson termed the US decision a violation of sporting principles. Reports indicate that the Iranian Football Federation has officially informed FIFA of its decision.

It is worth noting that Iran qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in March.

Severe water crisis hits Tehran amid record low rainfall

November 13, 2025 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Thee Iran’s capital, Tehran, is facing a severe water shortage, officials have warned, as central reservoirs contain only enough water for the next two weeks.

Addressing the nation on Iranian television, President Masoud Pershkian cautioned that if rainfall does not occur in the coming days, the city could experience acute water scarcity.

He added that rationing will begin by late November or early December, and if rains fail during the rationing period, parts of Tehran may need to be evacuated.

Authorities reported that rainfall in Iran this year has dropped by 40%, with several provinces facing 50-80% water shortages, while many other areas continue to experience drought conditions. Residents have been urged to conserve water and prepare for the emergency measures.