Iran
The decline of Persian carpet exports reflects the wider Iranian economy
Export figures reveal a catastrophic contraction from $427.4mn in 2011 to a mere $41.7mn in 2024, representing an 90% reduction in carpet sales.
Iran confirms arrest of French cyclist
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed the arrest of a young French man who disappeared whilst cycling through the country.
Russia proposes removing enriched uranium from Iran
Russia has proposed removing enriched uranium from Iran and communicated the offer to Iranian authorities, the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran rejects British parliament security allegations as 'baseless'
Iran represents the "most significant physical threat to individuals" in the United Kingdom, with at least 15 attempted murders or kidnappings against British nationals since early 2022, a UK government committee announced on July 10.
Climate crisis hits critical tipping point as temperatures soar in the Middle East
Climate change is becoming increasingly damaging to urban populations that officials in the Middle East are now warning that entire cities could be in danger of mass water shortages.
Iran finds no evidence of Israeli depleted uranium weapons use
Iran's Nuclear Safety Centre said investigations had found no evidence that Israel had used depleted uranium munitions during the recent 12-day conflict between the two countries.
Iranian president accuses Israel of assassination attempt
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused Israel of attempting to assassinate him and said Tehran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the United States.
Air pollution hits hazardous levels as officials advise citizens to get used to dust
Tehran's air quality has plunged to a critical "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" state on July 7, with the city's Air Pollution Index (API) soaring past 300 in the last 24 hours.
France raises concern over citizen missing in Iran since June
A French man has been missing in Iran since mid-June, prompting concerns from Paris about Tehran's "deliberate policy of taking Western hostages".
BRICS leaders gather in Rio to challenge Western dominance
Leaders from the BRICS group have convened in Rio de Janeiro for their 17th annual summit, casting the expanded bloc as a counterweight to Western institutions whilst grappling with internal divisions over key geopolitical flashpoints.
Iran's most damaged airport resumes operations after 23-day closure
Iran's Tabriz Airport has received approval to resume commercial aviation services following extensive damage sustained from Israeli airstrikes
17th ECO summit in Azerbaijan: a wrap-up
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) took place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, with the first international visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since Israel's bombing of the country
Tehran Friday prayer leader calls for Trump and Netanyahu's execution
Tehran's acting Friday prayer leader has said that the religious punishment for US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be execution.
Smog chokes Middle East as Iraq faces “hazardous” conditions
Dust storms originating from Iraq are forecast to impact air quality across multiple Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Syria and Kuwait over the next five days, with Iran's Meteorological Organisation warning of severe conditions.
The first foreign airline flight landed at Tehran airport since war
The first international flight has landed at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), with air authorities reopening both Mehrabad (THR) and Imam Khomeini (IKA) airports for domestic and international flights.
Iran rebuts German criticism over IAEA cooperation suspension
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed German criticism of Tehran's decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iranian hardline newspaper compares Zarif to Neville Chamberlain
Hardline Iranian newspaper Kayhan has compared former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who served from 1937 to 1940, criticising calls for renewed negotiations with the United States.
Saudi Arabia activates first Thaad missile defence system
Saudi Arabia has activated its inaugural Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missile battery, marking a significant enhancement to the kingdom's air protection capabilities.
Trump announces Gaza ceasefire progress as Israel agrees to key terms
US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Israeli and American representatives have discussed conditions for his Gaza ceasefire plan.
Iran MP calls Bob Vylan 'brother' after ‘death to the IDF’ chant
An Iranian MP has praised British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan following their recent highly contentious performance at the Glastonbury music festival in England, calling them a "brother."