The city of Abdanan in Ilam province has completely come under the control of protesters, becoming the first settlement captured by opponents of the government. Security forces sided with the protesters, and riots and car arsons took place in the city.
At least 16 people have died in Iran during a week of unrest as protests against soaring inflation spread across the country, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called on security forces to brutally suppress protests, calling the demonstrators "rioters. " According to human rights activists, the death toll has risen to 15 people.
US President Donald Trump has threatened the Iranian authorities with "actions" if peaceful protesters are killed, he wrote on the Truth Social social network. He added that Washington is ready for "actions."
In Iran, demonstrations caused by the deteriorating economic situation have spread to rural provinces, claiming the lives of at least seven people. These deaths may indicate increased measures by the Iranian authorities in response to the protests.
Several people died in clashes between police and protesters in western Iran on January 1. The protests began due to the fall of the rial and inflation.
In Iran, protesters attempted to break into a local government building, injuring three police officers and leading to the arrest of four individuals. Authorities declared December 31 a non-working day, closing schools and institutions to quell the unrest.
Iran has appointed a new head of the Central Bank, Abdolnaser Hemmati, who replaced Mohammad Reza Farzin. This happened amid the sharpest economic crisis in three years and protests over the record depreciation of the rial.
Protests in Iran are in their third day, sparked by a strike of shop owners over the record fall of the rial. The protests have spread to a number of cities, with police using tear gas.
The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on Iran's 'shadow fleet,' used to export oil in circumvention of American restrictions. The sanctions affected 29 ships and the companies that operate them, which transported hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil products.
Iranian authorities detained a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, which was carrying 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. There were 18 crew members on board the vessel, who were detained.
This UAV was first demonstrated in June this year by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the escalation of the Iranian-Israeli conflict.
Scientists from Iran traveled to Russia twice in 2024, including November, seeking secret technologies for their nuclear program. The delegations included researchers from universities, some of which are under sanctions.
Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara, which was carrying diesel fuel. This is the first seizure of a vessel by Iran since the Israeli and US strikes in June.
French police have launched a special operation at Montparnasse station in Paris, evacuating passengers. The reasons for the operation have not been disclosed, and authorities are not providing details.
On the bustling streets of Tehran, there seem to be signs of change. However, according to a Reuters investigation, Iranian authorities are inviting foreigners in an attempt to "improve" the country's external image. Internal repression in Iran, on the other hand, is intensifying.
Iran is increasing its missile production, preparing its arsenal to overcome Israeli missile defense. Iran's foreign minister stated that the country's missile capability significantly exceeds what it was during the 12-day war with Israel.
In Iran, reservoirs are almost depleted, and the country is experiencing the most severe drought in decades. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a possible evacuation of Tehran if there is no rain.
Iran's capital, Tehran, could run out of water supplies in two weeks due to a prolonged drought. Water inflow to dams has decreased by 43% compared to last year, and the Amir Kabir reservoir's reserves have shrunk to 14 million cubic meters.
Iran is experiencing its deepest socio-economic crisis in recent years, with projected GDP growth of only 0. 3% in 2025 and inflation exceeding 40%. This is due to a sharp reduction in oil exports caused by international sanctions and structural problems in the economy.
Iran announced the suspension of the cooperation agreement with the IAEA, signed in early August in Egypt. Tehran sees no reason to resume negotiations on its nuclear program due to the resumption of international sanctions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country can no longer withstand the resource burden, considering moving the capital to the south. This is due to water scarcity, reduced precipitation, and land subsidence.
Russia and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding on the construction of small nuclear power plants in Iran. This happened during a meeting between Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Eslami in Moscow.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, highlighted key trends that will shape global security in the coming decades. These include the formation of a new axis of cooperation, the growing role of societal resilience, and radical changes in warfare due to technology.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the country would not yield to pressure on uranium enrichment, stressing that Tehran does not need nuclear weapons. US President Donald Trump had previously offered cooperation in exchange for suspending Iran's nuclear program.
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, received round-the-clock protection from the Austrian "Cobra" due to Iranian threats. Tehran accuses him of facilitating Israel's attack and demands his removal from office.
Australia is expelling the Iranian ambassador and three diplomats over their involvement in antisemitic attacks. The incidents include arsons at a cafe and a synagogue in Sydney and Melbourne.
Russia plans to expand Shahed production to over 6,000 units monthly. The cost of drones for Russia decreased from $200,000 in 2022 to $70,000 in 2025.
The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions against Iran, targeting a network of companies and vessels transporting Iranian oil. The sanctions target Greek national Antonios Margaritis and his network, which facilitated illegal oil exports.
Oleksandr Lukashenka stated his readiness to discuss any areas of cooperation with Iran, from food supplies to the military-technical sphere. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of friendly relations between the countries.
