Middle East

Death toll in Iran protests rises to 420, says Human Rights Activ

The protests began on December 28 as demonstrations against soaring inflation and economic hardship but soon escalated into tense nationwide unrest, marked by violent clashes between protesters and security forces.

2026-01-11T17:40:51.832394+00:00 IST

US, Israel ordering “riots” in Iran: President Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of trying to "sow chaos and disorder" through "riots" as protests over the economic crisis intensified. State media reported security force deaths, while officials warned of harsh punishment. Iran also faced threats of US strikes and an internet blackout.

2026-01-11T13:47:18.469046+00:00 IST

Khamenei tells Trump to "manage his own country"

"The President of the United States declared that if the Iranian government did this or that, he would side with the rioters. The rioters have placed their hopes in him. If he is so competent, let him manage his own country then," Khamenei wrote.

2026-01-11T12:16:26.196462+00:00 IST

Iran: Isfahan Governor confirms 30 killed in unrest

Isfahan Governor Ali Ahmadi confirmed that 30 security personnel were killed in what he described as foreign-backed riots, with funerals planned Monday. A two-month-old infant was among civilian deaths. Press TV reported attacks on mosques and aid centres, more security deaths elsewhere, and arrests of alleged foreign-linked operatives.

2026-01-11T11:00:08.402689+00:00 IST

Iran parliament speaker threatens retaliation against US bases

Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that Tehran would view US military and commercial bases as "legitimate targets" for retaliation if Washington intervenes militarily amid continuing unrest in the country.

2026-01-11T09:46:33.448759+00:00 IST

Iran army warns of action as protests escalate

Iran's army vowed to protect "national interests" as protests escalated amid arrests and an internet shutdown, Al Jazeera reported. Rights groups reported deaths and injuries, while hundreds were arrested. Trump backed protesters, and leaders in Iran issued warnings, as unrest spread across multiple cities over inflation and living costs.

2026-01-11T07:48:29.670923+00:00 IST

Yemen Govt claims recapture of Hadramout, al-Mahra from STC

Yemen's government claimed it recaptured Hadramout and al-Mahra from the STC after a Saudi-backed offensive, Al Jazeera reported. Thousands rallied in Aden for the STC, demanding independence. The STC's dissolution claim was later rejected as "null and void" and made "under coercion and pressure".

2026-01-11T05:33:37.399835+00:00 IST

Ceasefire deal sees SDF fighters exit Aleppo after deadly clashes

SDF fighters have withdrawn from Aleppo under a ceasefire deal brokered through international mediation, Al Jazeera reported. Aleppo officials said the city is now "empty of SDF fighters". The clashes killed at least 30 people and displaced over 150,000.

2026-01-11T05:02:29.432327+00:00 IST

Exiled Crown Prince tells Iranian protestors, "Do not abandon str

Pahlavi, in a video message posted on X, said that the protesters are being lauded for their courage by everyone in the world, especially US President Donald Trump.

2026-01-11T04:13:44.397723+00:00 IST

OIC discusses recents developments about Somalia in spl session

he Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held its 22nd extraordinary session on Saturday to discuss about Somalia in light of Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The OIC called Israeli actions a "blatant violation of international law" and a threat to regional security.

2026-01-11T01:29:30.286520+00:00 IST

Dubai leads global dialogue on future of sport

Dubai recently hosted the World Sports Summit reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for sports decision-making and future strategy, moving beyond event hosting to shaping the international sports agenda

2026-01-11T01:08:18.379897+00:00 IST

Leadership vision reinforces UAE’s position: Latifa bint Mohammed

Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, today visited the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world's largest event dedicated to shaping the content creation economy.

2026-01-10T22:58:16.859326+00:00 IST

Dubai’s model for connecting cultures highlighted

A session at the 1 Billion Followers Summit highlighted Dubai's media and humanitarian model as a global example of content creation that connects cultures through originality and purpose, rather than follower numbers.

2026-01-10T22:58:00.687477+00:00 IST

Waging war against God: Iran's Attorney General warns protesters

Tehran's prosecutor also said on Friday that acts of vandalism targeting public property would be classified as "moharebeh," a term translated as "waging war against God," under Iran's penal code. The charge of moharebeh (enemy of God) is among the most serious offences in Iran and can carry punishments including execution.

2026-01-10T17:46:34.072867+00:00 IST

Aleppo ceasefire extended amid SDF evacuation efforts

A ceasefire in parts of Aleppo has been extended as Syria prepares to evacuate SDF fighters from contested neighbourhoods, while fighting has displaced over 100,000 civilians and killed at least 22 people, with authorities saying it is still unsafe for residents to return.

2026-01-09T08:49:08.723866+00:00 IST

Syria: Clashes in Aleppo kill at least 15 amid heavy shelling

Fierce clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have erupted for a third consecutive day in the northern city of Aleppo, leaving at least 15 people dead and prompting the displacement of more than 100,000 civilians, Al Jazeera reported, citing state media and local authorities.

2026-01-08T17:36:16.755696+00:00 IST

Iran condemns “meddlesome” US remarks on internal developments

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned US remarks and warned against intervention, accusing Washington of hostility and sanctions-driven pressure. Tensions escalated after Donald Trump threatened action during protests, prompting Iranian leaders to warn that US forces could be targeted and any aggression would face a strong response.

2026-01-08T09:15:25.067518+00:00 IST

Iranian envoy to India slams US remarks on Iran protests

"We certainly regard such statements and positions--including expressions of support by certain US officials for protesters--as a clear interference in our country's internal affairs. Sectoral protests and economic demands are natural and common phenomena in all countries, and Iran is no exception. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, both the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the President have explicitly stated that peaceful protest is a right of the people and must be heard and pursued through legal channels," Fathali said.

2026-01-07T08:09:47.822359+00:00 IST

101 year old holocaust survivor’s last wish fulfilled with exhibi

At age 101, holocaust survivor Bezalel (Salik) Katz's last wish to gain public recognition and present his works to the general public was fulfilled as the artist got a solo exhibition.

2026-01-06T18:24:08.461914+00:00 IST

COAS addresses UAE NDC officers on evolving security challenges

General Upendra Dwivedi is currently on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of India's continued engagement to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties with friendly foreign countries.

2026-01-06T13:46:23.267060+00:00 IST