Iran
Iranian exporters eye expanded routes via Canadian association
Canadian standards emerge as "game-changer" for Iranian exports, reports trade official. 730+ Iranian companies now selling to Africa under Canadian brands. $7M monthly trade could surge tenfold if sanctions lift. Full story at Iran Expo 2025.
Iraq facing worst drought in history as water resources dwindle and climate crisis intensifies
Iraq is facing what officials are calling the "worst drought in its history," as water resources continue to dwindle and agricultural land deteriorates across the country, threatening both human security and economic stability.
Caspian Sea may become next Aral, but who is to blame?
Some forecasting even indicates the decline of the body of water could pose a threat to the shipping section of the rapidly expanding Middle Corridor transit route.
BRICS seeks new global alignment at Rio ministerial summit
The expanded BRICS alliance has emerged as a potent diplomatic force at its foreign ministers’ summit in Rio de Janeiro on April 28 ahead of the July meeting.
Explosion at Iranian explosives plant claims one life as probe begins
An explosion at an explosive manufacturing company in Iran’s central province of Isfahan on April 29 resulted in one death and dozens of injuries.
Iran and Azerbaijan sign key MOUs during presidential visit
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Baku on April 28, during which Iran and Azerbaijan signed seven memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering sectors such as political consultation, transportation, cultural exchange, health, media, and investment.
COMMENT: Embracing “Greater Central Asia” has become a strategic imperative for US
Wider region increasingly seen as arena in which major powers’ interests, such as in sourcing critical minerals, collide and converge.
Death toll in Iran port explosion rises to 28 people, 1,000 more injured
At least 28 people killed in Iran port explosion with 1,000 more sustaining injuries.
Iran and US hold third round of indirect talks in Muscat
The third round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States began in Muscat, continuing with Omani facilitation and delegations working from separate rooms
Update: Explosion at Iran's largest port kills eight and injures over 750
A powerful explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on April 26 has resulted in at least four fatalities and left over 500 people injured.
Iranian Supreme Leader references Imam Hassan's peace treaty in speech
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated cryptically the path of the Shiite Imams is "the path of steadfastness and resistance" and their teaching is "the lesson of logic and reasoning," likely about US talks.
Israel concerned that US could enable Iran nuclear capabilities with "bad deal"
Israel has expressed serious concerns that the United States is nearing a "bad deal" with Iran that may not fulfil Jerusalem's core requirements for preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran and China to exchange presidential visits soon
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed his discussions with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during his visit to Beijing on April 23.
BRICS labour meeting in Brasilia tackles AI impact, green transition
The 4th BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting concludes in Brasília today, following three days of discussions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and just transition in the world of work.
Is Oman the 'Switzerland of the Middle East'?
Oman stands apart in the Middle East for its consistent adherence to neutrality, a quality that has led observers to frequently describe the sultanate as the "Switzerland of the Middle East."
Iran could attract US pension funds for oil industry investment
The spokesperson for Iran's Oil Products Exporters Union has suggested that Iran could attract capital from US pension funds into its oil industry.
Tehran unveils drastic measure to accelerate government's green transition
Iran plans to cut off all government buildings from the national power grid in the coming months, requiring them to switch to clean energy sources to meet their electricity needs.
Russian VTB Bank says will open branch in Iran next year
Russia's VTB Bank has announced plans to open its first branch in Iran in the coming year, marking a significant development in financial cooperation between the two countries, an official with the bank said.
Putin ratifies 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin ratifies 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran ahead of potential US deal over Ukraine.
Iran reaffirms ties with Russia despite warming relations with US
In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Moscow, irrespective of its ongoing diplomatic engagement with the US.