Iran
Iran revives currency redenomination bill but keeps 'rial' as official unit
MPs opted to retain the 'rial' as the official currency unit, rejecting the government's proposal to rename it ‘toman,’ as was initially announced as part of the plan
Ukraine imposes sanctions on 94 "shadow fleet" captains from multiple countries
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 94 individuals from Russia, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, China, India, Bangladesh and Georgia, as well as five oil transportation companies.
Iran moves to establish defence council amid tensions with Israel
Iran is preparing to establish a Defence Council amid heightened security concerns following the fragile ceasefire that ended a 12-day war with Israel.
Iran and Pakistan sign 12 MOUs to deepen bilateral ties
High-ranking officials from Iran and Pakistan signed 12 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on August 3 during a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Islamabad.
Iran's Pezeshkian arrives in Lahore for two-day Pakistan visit
Iran's president is expected to meet to discuss security relations with the country's eastern neighbour following the devastating 12-day war with Israel.
English Channel migrant arrivals exceed 25,000 in record time
The number of migrants entering British waters via English Channel crossings has surpassed 25,000 arrivals at the earliest point in any year since records began.
Iran to open new railway routes to Central Asia
Iran will open new railway routes to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, as well as Afghanistan and Turkey.
Iran faces new heatwave as 12 stations record temperatures above 50°C
Iran is experiencing a new heatwave beginning July 29, with more than 12 weather stations recording temperatures above 50°C (122°F) in the past 24 hours, according to the country's meteorological service.
Israel's Netanyahu discusses Iran with Russia’s Putin
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Iranian issue during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian media reported.
China locks in deal to electrify 1,000km of strategic railway in Iran
China and Iran have finalised a major deal on July 15 to electrify 1,000 kilometres of the Razi–Sarakhs railway line after weeks, according to Iranian media sources.
Extreme heat slams Middle East amid growing regional climate emergency
Summer 2025 has turned the Middle East into a furnace. Across Syria, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, temperatures have surged past 50°C, prompting power cuts, water shortages and silent protests in some of the world’s hottest cities.
Iran parliament conditionally approves removing four zeros from national currency
Iran’s Parliament's Economic Commission has conditionally agreed to remove four zeros from the national currency and potentially change the country's monetary unit.
Iran president announces vaccine ecosystem technology tower
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the construction of a vaccine ecosystem technology tower, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in developing the knowledge-based health system.
Iran passes controversial fake news bill amid free speech concerns
Iran's parliament on July 27 approved a contentious government bill aimed at "Combating the Spread of Untrue News Content" in social media
Iran’s president warns Israel of deep strike amid nuclear dispute
President Massoud Pezeshkian asserted Tehran's readiness to "strike deep within Israel" and dismissed claims of Iran's nuclear programme being destroyed as "an illusion".
COMMENT: Can BRICS deliver beyond the rhetoric? experts weigh in
BRICS has evolved from an emerging economies club into a coalition Trump sees as threatening enough to warrant tariffs. Experts reveal tensions between China's dominance and multipolar goals, with institutional gaps but growing Global South support.
Iran plans to boost renewable power capacity 15-fold by 2028
Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi says the government will do its utmost to scale up the country’s green energy capacity to 30,000 MW by August 2028.
ASH: Türkiye – geopolitical opportunity knocks
Potential for big wins, but also new headaches for Erdogan.
Turkey’s Iran “sanctions-busting” Halkbank quietly returns to eurobond market after nine-year absence
Does Trump’s return to the White House mean its troubles with US legal proceedings are over?
Iranian ambassador confirms Russia-Iran partnership treaty has entered into force
A comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Iran and Russia has entered into force and is "binding for implementation," creating stronger ties between the two sanctioned countries.