Iran latest news today
Here are the latest news from Iran:
Top Stories
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for the execution of those responsible for the recent protests: Khamenei made the statement during a meeting with the country's top military officials, according to state media. The protests, which began in December, have been the largest and most widespread in Iran in years, with demonstrators calling for economic and political reforms.
- Iran's economy is expected to contract by 9.5% in 2023: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a sharp decline in Iran's economy due to US sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's economy has been struggling for years, with high inflation and unemployment rates.
- Iran's nuclear program is under scrutiny after a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): The IAEA has expressed concerns over Iran's nuclear activities, including the country's stockpile of enriched uranium and the operation of advanced centrifuges. The report has sparked concerns among Western powers, which have been trying to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran.
Other News
- Iran's foreign minister has accused the US of trying to destabilize the region: Mohammad Javad Zarif made the statement during a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. The US has been increasing its military presence in the region, including the deployment of troops to neighboring Iraq.
- Iran's parliament has approved a bill to increase the country's military budget: The bill, which was approved by a majority of lawmakers, aims to increase the country's military spending by 15% in the next fiscal year. The move is seen as a response to the US sanctions and the country's regional rivalries.
- Iran's oil exports have fallen to their lowest level in decades: The country's oil exports have been hit hard by US sanctions, which have forced many countries to reduce their imports of Iranian oil. The decline in oil exports has had a significant impact on Iran's economy.
Regional Developments
- Tensions between Iran and the US have escalated in the Gulf: The US has accused Iran of attacking two oil tankers in the Gulf, while Iran has denied any involvement. The incident has raised concerns about the risk of conflict in the region.
- Iran's relations with its neighbors have deteriorated: Iran's relations with its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have deteriorated in recent years due to regional rivalries and disputes over issues such as Yemen and Syria.
- Iran's influence in the region is being challenged: Iran's influence in the region is being challenged by other powers, including the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The country's regional rivals are seeking to counter Iran's influence and promote their own interests in the region.