Iran has strongly condemned US-imposed unilateral sanctions, labeling them as 'illegal, inhumane, and crimes against humanity.' In a statement on social media platform X, the Iranian Foreign Ministry marked the newly established International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures, observed on December 4 under a UN General Assembly resolution. Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasized that sanctions imposed without UN Security Council approval violate fundamental human rights, including access to health, education, and development. He accused the United States of deliberately targeting civilians and hindering Iran’s socio-economic progress. The sanctions, reinstated after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, have severely restricted Iran’s ability to import essential medicines and medical supplies. Despite Washington’s claims that humanitarian goods are exempt, Iranian officials report thousands of deaths and suffering due to shortages. Tehran reiterated that such measures breach international law and urged global action for their removal. Earlier, an Iranian court ordered the US to pay $6.785 billion in damages to patients affected by sanction-related medicine shortages.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has begun a large-scale military exercise in the Persian Gulf, showcasing advanced artificial intelligence–enhanced defense and attack systems. The drill, codenamed 'Martyr Mohammad Nazeri,' spans the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, and includes deployment of modern air defense systems such as Nawab, Majid, and Misagh. These systems reportedly use AI to rapidly detect and strike aerial and naval targets with high precision. The exercise sends a dual message—peace and friendship to neighboring states, but a stern warning to the United States and other adversaries against any missteps. The IRGC emphasized its readiness to counter any threat, highlighting Iran’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The drill comes amid a long history of Iran-US naval confrontations in the region, with Iranian officials reiterating that hostility from the US and Israel has intensified since the Islamic Revolution. Tehran claims its recent military buildup is a direct response to perceived threats and past attacks on its nuclear and defense infrastructure.

Iranian authorities have announced the discovery of a large new gold reserve in the privately owned Shadan mine in South Khorasan province. According to local media reports on December 1, the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade has confirmed the authenticity of the find. The newly discovered deposit includes approximately 7.95 million tons of oxide gold ore and 53.1 million tons of sulfide gold ore, which are expected to significantly boost the mine’s total reserves. The easily extractable oxide ore is seen as a major advantage for Iran’s mining sector. Officials believe this discovery could strengthen the country’s economy, which has been weakened by years of international sanctions and inflation. The Iranian rial continues to depreciate against the US dollar, prompting many citizens to view gold as a safe investment. Iran currently has 15 active gold mines, with Zarshouran being the largest. The announcement follows Pakistan’s recent report of a major gold discovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani Baghaei has accused the United States of being the greatest threat to international security due to its coercive behavior and global interventions. During a weekly press briefing, Baghaei highlighted recent diplomatic engagements with delegations from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea in Tehran. He also condemned Israel, calling it the main source of instability in the region, and cited repeated ceasefire violations in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza that have resulted in civilian casualties. Baghaei further criticized Washington’s interference in Latin American and African nations, including Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa. He described U.S. actions such as airspace restrictions as unprecedented and contrary to international aviation norms. The spokesperson accused the United States of complicity in Israeli crimes through its unconditional support and urged the UN Security Council to treat these actions as violations of international peace and security.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has detained a vessel flying the flag of Eswatini in the Strait of Hormuz on allegations of fuel smuggling. According to Iranian state television, the ship was carrying about 350,000 liters of contraband fuel and has been escorted to the port of Bushehr. The IRGC commander stated that all 13 crew members are citizens of neighboring countries and India. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global chokepoint for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, and Iran frequently conducts operations against vessels accused of illegal fuel transport. Earlier this month, Iran had seized and later released a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, while last year it detained a container ship allegedly linked to Israel following an attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria. Iranian authorities maintain that the latest seizure is a domestic enforcement action, not a retaliatory measure against any foreign state.

Turkey and Iran have pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security following a meeting in Tehran between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Fidan emphasized that trade and energy remain top priorities but noted the need for broader collaboration in other sectors. Both sides agreed to enhance border security, increase the number of border gates, and advance supply and transport projects. The ministers also discussed joint efforts to combat illegal migration, expressing a shared commitment to address the issue collectively. On regional security, Fidan stated that both nations view Israel as the greatest threat to Middle East stability and urged the international community to act against Israeli aggression and occupation. The meeting underscored a mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations amid growing regional tensions.

Iran has denied reports that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks on separatist groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Several media outlets and social media users had claimed that the IRGC fired ballistic missiles from Iran’s western provinces of Khorramabad, Ilam, and Kermanshah targeting areas inside Iraqi Kurdistan. However, a source familiar with the matter told Iran’s Mehr News Agency that these claims were baseless and incorrect. The source emphasized that no missiles were launched from Iranian territory toward Iraq. The denial comes amid heightened regional tensions and recent statements from Iran’s navy asserting readiness to respond to any aggression. The conflicting reports highlight ongoing sensitivities along the Iran-Iraq border, where Tehran has previously targeted Kurdish militant groups it accuses of destabilizing security in western Iran.

Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, declared that the country’s navy is fully prepared to counter any form of aggression or threat. Speaking on the occasion of Iran’s Navy Day, Mousavi emphasized the strategic capabilities and self-reliance of the Iranian Navy, highlighting its reliance on indigenous strength and a spirit of resistance. He stated that the navy has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver a strong and deterrent response to any hostile action. Mousavi also credited the sustained maritime security in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and Iran’s territorial waters to close coordination between the navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval units. He described this cooperation as a strategic and intelligent model of deterrence that ensures regional stability and readiness against potential threats.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that the United States and Israel suffered major setbacks during the recent 12-day conflict, calling their plans against Iran a complete failure. In a televised address on November 27, Khamenei said the war was part of a 20-year strategy aimed at destabilizing Iran and turning its people against the government, but instead, it strengthened national unity. He asserted that despite some Iranian losses, the Islamic Republic proved its determination and resilience, while the enemy endured greater damage. Khamenei also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as one of the region’s worst tragedies and accused the US of complicity in those crimes. He further criticized Washington’s role in the Ukraine war and its support for Israeli operations in Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. Emphasizing Iran’s growing influence through its resistance culture, Khamenei urged continued public support for the government, economic prudence, and moral faith, while highlighting the importance of the Basij volunteer force as a symbol of national strength and continuity.

A Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jet was seen flying over Tehran, prompting widespread attention on social media after multiple videos showed the aircraft and reported sonic booms. Iran’s Air Force confirmed the flight to Tasnim News Agency, stating that the jet belongs to its own fleet and was conducting a routine operation over the capital. Local media, citing official sources, reported that the MiG-29 was recently added to Iran’s air fleet, following speculation that Iran had acquired several such jets from Russia. The aircraft is believed to be stationed at Shiraz Air Base in Fars Province. The sighting comes amid growing defense cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, drawing regional and international interest in Iran’s expanding air capabilities.

Iran’s northern Mazandaran province has been battling a massive wildfire for over a week in the ancient Hyrcanian forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Firefighters and local residents have managed to bring about 80 percent of the blaze under control, according to officials. The fire, reportedly caused by human activity rather than natural factors, has already burned around 1,500 acres, as confirmed by NASA satellite imagery. The Hyrcanian forest, stretching along the Caspian Sea’s southern coast, is one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, home to rare species like the Persian leopard. No casualties or damage to nearby settlements have been reported so far. The wildfire coincides with Iran’s worst drought in 60 years, which has forced authorities to ration water in Tehran and other regions. Additional fires have also been reported near Jolfa in southwestern Iran, raising concerns about worsening environmental conditions across the country.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has claimed that Israel would not be able to sustain a war against Iran for even a week without the backing of the United States and NATO. Speaking at a Basij volunteer gathering at Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum, Ghalibaf said Israel and the US were punished during the 12-day conflict in June, asserting that Iran’s strength lies not only in its missile capability but also in the strong support of its people. He alleged that US Vice President JD Vance had attempted to mediate during the conflict and that the Israeli leadership suffered defeat at the hands of Iran’s armed forces and citizens. Ghalibaf emphasized that maintaining public unity behind the Islamic system is the key to Iran’s continued success against its adversaries, accusing Israel and its allies of waging psychological warfare to weaken domestic support.

Russia has strongly condemned the joint US-Israel airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, calling it a violation of international norms and a threat to regional stability. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reiterated Moscow’s commitment to a political and diplomatic resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue, emphasizing that any military action against facilities under the International Atomic Energy Agency’s supervision is unacceptable. She warned that such attacks undermine the global non-proliferation regime and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Zakharova also said that while some foreign powers seek to destabilize Iran internally, Tehran remains committed to dialogue to protect its national interests. She stressed that Iran must receive firm guarantees that its nuclear sites will not be targeted again and urged Western nations to abandon the language of sanctions and threats, returning instead to diplomacy. The statement follows recent talks between Russian and Iranian foreign ministers on the matter.

Iran has suspended its visa-free entry facility for Indian citizens following a surge in human trafficking and fraudulent job offers targeting Indians. The new rule, effective from November 22, requires all Indian travelers, including those transiting through Iran, to obtain a visa in advance. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Iranian government’s decision aims to curb trafficking networks exploiting visa-free access to lure Indians with promises of high-paying jobs or easy routes to Gulf and European countries. Investigations revealed that many victims were kidnapped or held for ransom upon arrival in Iran. The Indian government had earlier warned citizens about fake job agents misusing the visa-free policy, which was originally introduced in February last year to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote tourism. Under the previous arrangement, Indian passport holders could visit Iran for up to 15 days every six months without a visa. Tehran’s move reflects growing concern over the misuse of this facility by criminal syndicates.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied reports that Tehran is secretly enriching uranium, asserting that all nuclear facilities remain under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring. Speaking at a summit in Tehran, Araghchi said enrichment activities have halted following Israeli and US airstrikes on key sites, including Natanz. His comments come after US media claimed Iran was constructing a new enrichment facility near Natanz. The statement is viewed as a potential signal of Iran’s willingness to resume negotiations over its nuclear program, which has been a major source of tension with Western powers. Despite this, Araghchi criticized Washington’s approach as 'maximalist,' saying it leaves little room for fair dialogue. Satellite imagery reportedly shows no major activity at Iran’s main nuclear sites since the June attacks. The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to meet soon to consider a new resolution over Iran’s limited cooperation. The developments come as Iran remains under renewed European sanctions and ongoing international pressure over its nuclear ambitions.