About: Iran
Fearing famine, UN calls on US to reverse Huthi ‘terrorists’ label
The United States must cancel its decision to classify Yemen's Huthi rebels as "terrorists" to avoid a catastrophic famine, several United Nations officials told the Security Council on Thursday (14 January).
EU criticises US labelling Yemen Huthi rebels as ‘terrorists’
The European Union on Tuesday (12 January) hit out at the decision by the United States to label Yemen's Huthi rebels as "terrorists", warning it could hinder peace efforts and aid deliveries.
France, other European countries withdraw from Iran business forum over execution
France said on Sunday (13 December) its ambassador to Iran would not participate in an online business forum in Tehran this week, in a growing row between Iran and European nations over the execution of Iranian dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam.
Covert Israeli-Saudi meeting sends Biden a strong message on Iran
A historic meeting between Israel’s prime minister and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince has sent a strong signal to allies and enemies alike that the two countries remain deeply committed to containing their common foe Iran.
In European first, Iranians face trial over suspected bomb plot
An Iranian diplomat and three other Iranians go on trial in Antwerp for planning to bomb a 2018 meeting of an exiled opposition group, the first time an EU country has put an Iranian official on trial for terrorism.
Nagorno-Karabakh: Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal is strategic disaster for Iran
Azerbaijan now is in control over the entirety of its border with Iran along the Aras river,and while this may be a cause for celebration in Baku, it is viewed with alarm in Tehran, writes Dnyanesh Kamat.
Israel strikes widely in Syria, sending signal of aggressive post-Trump posture
Israel launched air raids against what it called a wide range of Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria, sending a signal that it will pursue its policy of striking across the border despite US President Donald Trump’s election defeat.
Mideast heads for policy revamp under Biden
Contrary to Donald Trump's impulsive policies in the Middle East, Joe Biden is expected to shift back to a more conventional US stance and re-engage with Iran, redrawing regional geopolitics.
US intelligence agencies say Iran, Russia have tried to interfere in 2020 election
US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said on Wednesday (21 October) that Russia and Iran have both tried to interfere with the 2020 presidential election.
Trump says he probably would not participate in Putin Iran summit
US President Donald Trump on Saturday (15 August) all but dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for a summit of world leaders to discuss Iran, saying he probably would not participate.
Israel, UAE to normalize relations in shift in Mideast politics
Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday (13 August) that they will normalise diplomatic ties and forge a broad new relationship, a move that reshapes the order of Middle East politics.
We must not forget the legacy of Srebrenica
This week we mark 25 years since the Srebrenica genocide carried out against the Bosnian people during the break-up of Yugoslavia. On 11 July, 1995, Bosnian Serb forces led by General Ratko Mladic and Serbian paramilitary units systematically massacred 8,372 men and boys: each one a mother’s son, a father, husband or loved one, to those left behind. It must not be forgotten, writes Anna Fotyga.
International donors pledge $7.7 billion in aid to Syria
International donors pledged $7.7 billion in aid to face the ongoing humanitarian crisis at a Syrian aid summit co-hosted by the EU and the United Nations on Tuesday (30 June).
Iran condemns Germany’s ban on Hezbollah activity
Iran has condemned Berlin's ban of Hezbollah activity in Germany and its designation of the Iranian-backed Lebanese group as a terrorist organisation, saying the move serves US and Israeli interests, Iranian state media reported on Friday (1 May).
Bulgaria ‘black sheep of the EU’: World Press Freedom Index
Bulgaria has the lowest standards of press freedom in Europe and is ranked 111th globally in terms of press freedom for a third consecutive year in the Reporters Without Borders annual edition of the World Press Freedom index, which called the country "the black sheep of the EU".
Iran says European INSTEX barter system ‘good omen’ but insufficient
Iran on Monday (6 April) welcomed the launch of a European barter system to bypass US sanctions as a "good omen" but said it was insufficient in light of the Europeans' commitments.
EU’s INSTEX mechanism facilitates first transaction with pandemic-hit Iran
The EU says that its Iran-trading mechanism INSTEX, designed to allow Europeans to bypass US sanctions and continue trade with Tehran, has successfully concluded its first transaction. However, the humanitarian deal actually doesn't appear to contravene EU sanctions.
Russia joins UN’s appeal for global ceasefire, lists conflicts by name
Russia’s foreign ministry published a statement on Wednesday (25 March) urging all parties to regional armed conflicts to immediately stop hostilities, secure a ceasefire, and introduce a humanitarian pause, in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
EU supports Iran, Venezuela bids for IMF support in fight against coronavirus
The EU backs Iran and Venezuela in their requests for emergency funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help them fight the coronavirus outbreak, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said on Monday (23 March).
Nuclear arms control treaty set for review as divisions over non-proliferation mount
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in March, the United Nations is preparing to review the accord amid growing signs that divisions and distrust are rife among countries that possess nuclear arsenals.
Iran’s leader says enemies tried to use coronavirus to impact vote
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday (23 February) Iran's enemies tried to put people off voting in Friday's parliamentary election by exaggerating the threat of the new coronavirus but that participation had been good.
Global spread of coronavirus raises pandemic fears
Fears mounted on Monday (24 February) that the coronavirus outbreak in China will grow into a pandemic with disruptive and deadly consequences for countries around the world, after sharp rises in infections in South Korea, Italy and Iran.
Commission: Yemen is the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis
Obstruction by the rebel Huthi authorities in northern Yemen has put the world's biggest humanitarian lifeline at risk, threatening millions with starvation.