Iran on Sunday once again denied aiding Yemen's Houthi rebels after the United States launched a wave of airstrikes against them and President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would be held “fully accountable” for their actions. The Houthi-run Health Ministry said the strikes killed at least 31 people, including women and children, and wounded over 100. The rebels said one strike hit two homes in northern Saada province, killing four children and a woman. The rebel-run Al-Masirah TV showed images of what it said were the bodies. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Israel in what the rebels said were acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been at war with Hamas, another Iranian ally. The attacks stopped when a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire took hold in Gaza in January, but the Houthis had threatened to renew them after Israel cut off the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza this month. The U.S. and others have long accused Iran of providing military aid to the Houthis and the U.S. Navy has seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry it said were bound for the militant group, which controls Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and the country's north. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, denied his country was involved in the Houthis' attacks, saying it “plays no role in setting the national or operational policies” of the militant groups it is allied with across the region, according to state-run TV. Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X, urged the U.S. to halt the strikes and said Washington cannot dictate Iran's foreign policy. Trump on Saturday had vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping along the vital maritime corridor. The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s latest blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then. The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023 and January of this year, when the ceasefire in Gaza took effect. The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen, but Saturday’s operation was conducted solely by the U.S. It was the first strike on the Houthis under the second Trump administration.

The top diplomats of Iran and Azerbaijan exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional issues in a phone call on Wednesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, also discussed certain bilateral issues, according to a statement released by the ministry. The two sides highlighted the necessity to expand political ties and exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in energy and transportation sectors, border issues, as well as the implementation of joint agreements and economic projects, the statement said. It added that they also discussed arrangements and necessary coordination for future mutual visits by their countries' high-ranking officials. Israeli fire kills 7 Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank Araghchi stressed that Iran would continue its approach of good neighborliness towards and expanding relations with Azerbaijan in all areas.

The United States has announced plans to slash Iran’s oil exports by more than 90 per cent as part of former President Donald Trump’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Friday. Speaking to Fox Business, Bessent said, “We are committed to bringing the Iranians back to 100,000 barrels-a-day of oil exports,” referencing the level seen during Mr Trump’s first term in office. Currently, Iran is exporting between 1.5 million and 1.6 million barrels per day, according to Bessent. Last week, Mr Trump signed a memorandum directing the Treasury Department to impose “maximum economic pressure” on Tehran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. The order echoes the policy from his first administration, which saw Iran’s oil exports plummet from approximately three million barrels per day in 2017 to around 400,000 in 2019. During his initial term, Mr Trump withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), arguing that the agreement failed to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear technology. Sanctions lifted under the deal were subsequently reimposed as part of Washington’s strategy to cripple Iran’s economy. Economic Pressure and Sanctions Bessent underscored the US’s capacity to enforce maximum economic pressure on Iran, suggesting that a return to “Trump 1.0 levels” of oil exports would lead to “severe economic distress” for the country. “Their economy is quite fragile right now,” he said, citing high inflation and a “gigantic” budget deficit. He further claimed that revenue from Iran’s oil exports was being used to fund “terrorist activity.” Modi says US and India target $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030 In line with Mr Trump’s directive, the Treasury Department has already imposed sanctions on three oil tankers, and Bessent signalled that further measures could be taken against Russian energy exports if instructed by the administration. The executive order also directed the State Department to “modify or rescind existing sanctions waivers” and coordinate with Treasury in implementing the maximum pressure policy. China and India in the Spotlight Experts warn that reducing Iran’s oil exports to near-zero levels would necessitate targeting intermediaries, as well as major buyers such as China and India. “The Chinese, perhaps Indians, are buying the sanctioned Iranian oil and that is unacceptable,” Bessent stated. While the US remains steadfast in its approach, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the prospect of negotiations under such conditions. “Negotiation cannot be carried out from a weak stance, as it will no longer be considered negotiation but a kind of surrender. We never go to the negotiating table this way,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying this week. Opec’s Position Despite Washington’s aggressive stance, analysts suggest that the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) is unlikely to alter its voluntary production cuts due to the US campaign. With Iran’s crude oil production recorded at 3.28 million barrels per day in January 2025, Opec is expected to have sufficient capacity to absorb any supply reductions resulting from the sanctions. China establishes over 30,000 smart factories As tensions escalate, the effectiveness of Mr Trump’s renewed maximum pressure strategy remains to be seen, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and Iran’s determined resistance to US-imposed economic constraints. Source: Agencies

A gunman fatally shot two high-profile hard-line judges in Iran’s capital on Saturday in a rare attack targeting the judiciary, according to state media. Both judges were reportedly involved in the 1988 mass execution of dissidents, reports AP. No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the killings of clerics Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini. However, Razini’s alleged role in the 1988 executions has previously made him a target, including surviving an assassination attempt in 1999. Iranian president arrives in Russia for partnership treaty signing The attack occurred amid economic challenges in Iran, the growing impact of its regional conflicts with Israel, and the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House on Monday. Both clerics were members of Iran’s Supreme Court, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. A bodyguard for one of the judges was also injured in the incident. The gunman reportedly took his own life, according to IRNA. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the individual involved did not have a case pending in the Supreme Court nor any connection to its branches,” the judiciary's Mizan news agency stated. “Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this terrorist act.” Razini had previously been targeted in January 1999 when attackers on motorcycles threw an explosive device at his vehicle, injuring him as he left his office as the judiciary’s head in Tehran. Both judges had been accused by activists and exiles of participating in the 1988 mass executions, which followed the conclusion of Iran’s war with Iraq. After Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini accepted a U.N.-mediated ceasefire, armed members of the opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), supported by Saddam Hussein, launched a surprise incursion across the Iranian border. Iran denies plot to kill Trump, rejects U.S. assassination claims Although Iran repelled the attack, it led to the establishment of so-called "death commissions," which carried out hasty retrials of political prisoners, militants, and others. International rights groups estimate up to 5,000 executions, while MEK claims the number is closer to 30,000. Iran has never fully acknowledged these executions, allegedly ordered by Khomeini, though some suggest other officials wielded significant influence in the months preceding his 1989 death. The MEK has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran for three weeks, was released on Wednesday and is returning to Italy, as confirmed by Italian officials, reports AP. Sala's case had become linked to that of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian engineer wanted by the U.S. The Italian government reported that a plane carrying Sala, 29, departed Tehran after extensive diplomatic and intelligence negotiations, with Premier Giorgia Meloni personally informing her parents of the news. Italy summons Iran's ambassador to release arrested Italian journalist Iranian media acknowledged the release, though no official comment was given by Iranian authorities. Sala, a reporter for Il Foglio, was arrested in Tehran on December 19, three days after arriving on a journalist visa, accused of violating Iranian laws. There was speculation in Italy that Sala’s detention was a bargaining tactic to secure the release of Abedini, arrested in Milan on December 16 at the request of the U.S. government. The U.S. Justice Department charged Abedini, along with another Iranian, with supplying drone technology to Iran, which was used in a January 2024 attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan. Abedini remains in detention in Italy. The release of Sala was celebrated in Italy, where her case had captured significant media attention. Lawmakers praised the diplomatic success in securing her release. It followed a surprise trip by Premier Meloni to Florida last weekend to meet U.S. US restricts Russian and Iranian groups over disinformation targeting American voters President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meloni shared the news of Sala's return on social media, expressing gratitude to those who helped bring her home, allowing her to reunite with her family and colleagues. The fates of Sala and Abedini had become entangled, with both countries' foreign ministries summoning each other's ambassadors to demand the release of the detainees and fair treatment in custody. The diplomatic challenge was particularly sensitive for Italy, which is a historical ally of the U.S. but maintains traditionally cordial relations with Iran. Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, took a hands-on approach to the case, emphasizing the importance of the successful diplomatic negotiations, marking a significant victory for Meloni. Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play after they were banned amid protests Iran has a history of using individuals with Western ties as bargaining tools in international negotiations, dating back to the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis. Other Western journalists, including American Roxana Saberi and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, have also been detained by Iran in the past.

The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups linked to Iranian and Russian efforts to target American voters with disinformation ahead of this year's election. Treasury officials announced the sanctions Tuesday, alleging that the two organizations sought to stoke divisions among Americans before November's vote. U.S. intelligence has accused both governments of spreading disinformation, including fake videos, news stories and social media posts, designed to manipulate voters and undermine trust in U.S. elections. “The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns,” Bradley T. Smith, Treasury's acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. Authorities said the Russian group, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, oversaw the creation, financing and dissemination of disinformation about American candidates, including deepfake videos created using artificial intelligence. In addition to the group itself, the new sanctions apply to its director, who authorities say worked closely with Russian military intelligence agents also overseeing cyberattacks and sabotage against the West. Read: EU imposes sanctions on Putin’s daughters Authorities say the center used AI to quickly manufacture fake videos about American candidates created scores of fake news websites designed to look legitimate and even paid U.S. web companies to create pro-Russian content. The Iranian group, the Cognitive Design Production Center, is a subsidiary of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, U.S. officials said, which the United States has designated a foreign terrorist organization. Officials say the center worked since at least 2023 to incite political tensions in the United States. U.S. intelligence agencies have blamed the Iranian government for seeking to encourage protests in the U.S. over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Iran also has been accused of hacking into the accounts of several top current and former U.S. officials, including senior members of Donald Trump’s campaign. In the months ahead of the election, U.S. intelligence officials said Russia, Iran and China all sought to undermine confidence in U.S. democracy. They also concluded that Russia sought to prop up the ultimate victor Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested cutting funds to Ukraine and repeatedly criticized the NATO military alliance. Read more: US imposes sanctions on RAB, 7 individuals Iran, meanwhile, sought to oppose Trump's candidacy, officials said. The president-elect's first administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act prompting Iran’s leaders to vow revenge. Russian and Iranian officials have rejected claims that they sought to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. “Russia has not and does not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries,” a spokesperson for Russia's embassy in Washington wrote in an email Tuesday. A message left with officials from Iran was not immediately returned Tuesday.

Iran has reinstated access to WhatsApp and Google Play after more than two years of restrictions, according to a report by the official IRNA news agency on Tuesday. The decision was made by the Supreme Council of Cyber Space during a meeting led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has pledged to ease social media restrictions. Telecommunication Minister Sattar Heshemi described the move as a "first step" in lifting online restrictions. He hinted at the possibility of restoring access to more platforms in the future. Residents in Tehran and other cities confirmed they could access the services on computers, although mobile access was not yet available. Meta set to introduce Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2025 WhatsApp ranks as Iran’s third most popular messaging app, following Instagram and Telegram. The platforms were initially blocked in 2022 during widespread protests over the death of a woman detained by morality police for allegedly breaching the country’s strict dress code. The unrest subsided in 2023 after a harsh government crackdown, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Iran has a history of restricting social media access, but many citizens bypass these bans using proxies and VPNs.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Sunday that Syria's youth would oppose any new government formed after the fall of President Bashar Assad. He accused the United States and Israel of instigating instability in the country. Khamenei emphasized that Iran had supported Assad throughout Syria's 14-year civil war, which began with a violent crackdown on protests against his long-standing rule. Syria has also served as a vital link for Iranian support to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Rocket from Yemen Hits Tel Aviv, Injuring 16 People Addressing the situation, Khamenei said Syrian youth face insecurity after Assad’s ouster and must confront those responsible for the unrest. “They must resist with determination,” he asserted, expressing hope for their success. He further accused the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating Assad’s downfall to exploit Syria’s resources. “They believe they’ve achieved victory,” he said, referring to Washington, Israel, and their allies. Palestinian refugees return to Yarmouk, facing uncertainty in post-war Syria Khamenei dismissed claims that Iran uses regional militant groups as proxies, saying these groups act based on their own ideologies, not Iranian directives. “If we ever choose to act, we won’t need proxies,” he added.

The Iranian rial on Wednesday fell its lowest level in history, losing more than 10% of its value since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November and signaling new challenges for Tehran as it remains locked in the wars raging in the Middle East. The rial traded at 777,000 rials to the dollar, traders in Tehran said, down from 703,000 rials on the day Trump won. Iran’s Central Bank has in the past flooded the market with more hard currencies as an attempt to improve the rate. In an interview with state television Tuesday night, Central Bank Gov. Mohammad Reza Farzin said that the supply of foreign currency would increase and the exchange rate would be stabilized. He said that $220 million had been injected into the currency market. The currency plunged as Iran ordered the closure of schools, universities, and government offices on Wednesday due to a worsening energy crisis exacerbated by harsh winter conditions. The crisis follows a summer of blackouts and is now compounded by severe cold, snow and air pollution. Despite Iran’s vast natural gas and oil reserves, years of underinvestment and sanctions have left the energy sector ill-prepared for seasonal surges, leading to rolling blackouts and gas shortages. In 2015, during Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, the rial was at 32,000 to $1. On July 30, the day that Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian was sworn in and began his term, the rate was 584,000 to $1. Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018, sparking years of tensions between the countries that persist today. Iran’s economy has struggled for years under crippling international sanctions over its rapidly advancing nuclear program, which now enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels. Pezeshkian, elected after a helicopter crash killed hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi in May, came to power on a promise to reach a deal to ease Western sanctions. Tensions still remain high between the nations, 45 years after the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and the 444-day hostage crisis that followed. Before the revolution, the rial traded at 70 for $1. Iran remains deeply involved in the Middle East conflicts that have roiled the region, with its allies battered — including the militant groups and fighters of its self-described “axis of resistance,” such as Palestinian Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mansour Chavoshi on Wednesday underscored the immense potential for enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, highlighting Iran’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties. He proposed the signing and renewal of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, including those related to investment, preferential trade, tariff reductions, visa exemptions, cultural exchanges, city-to-city partnerships, and media collaboration. The envoy paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed bilateral issues. IOM urged to facilitate safe, regular migration for skilled human resourcesThe discussions centered on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, with particular emphasis on economic and cultural cooperation. During the meeting, Ambassador Chavoshi congratulated the Foreign Secretary on his recent appointment and conveyed his gratitude for Bangladesh's longstanding support on international platforms. The ambassador expressed hope for continued collaboration in multilateral fora. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral mechanisms, including the convening of the next round of the Joint Ministerial Commission and Foreign Office Consultations at an early date. Foreign Secretary highlights regional diplomacy for peace and development in virtual meeting with Bangladesh envoys Discussions also included the resumption of the Joint Commission meeting in Tehran in the near future.