Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has seized a foreign vessel in the Persian Gulf on allegations of fuel smuggling. The ship, reportedly carrying 350,000 liters of contraband diesel, was intercepted following intelligence surveillance and brought to a southern Iranian port under court order, according to IRGC officials.

The vessel was identified as flying the flag of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Authorities stated that 13 crew members—comprising Indian nationals and citizens of a neighboring country—were detained for investigation. The confiscated fuel has been returned to Iran and is currently being offloaded under judicial supervision.

The seizure underscores Iran’s ongoing campaign against fuel smuggling, a persistent issue driven by the country’s heavily subsidized domestic fuel prices. The IRGC frequently announces similar operations in the Persian Gulf, reflecting both economic and security dimensions of Iran’s maritime enforcement strategy.

Three members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in what authorities described as a terrorist assault near the southeastern city of Zahedan, close to the Lar border region, on Wednesday. According to state-run Press TV, the attack targeted troops stationed to protect Iran’s frontier areas.

A statement from the IRGC’s Quds regional headquarters confirmed that the soldiers were ambushed while performing border security duties. Iranian forces have since launched a counter-operation to locate and confront the attackers. The Sistan and Baluchestan province, where the incident occurred, has long been a hotspot for militant activity against both civilians and security personnel.

Officials in Tehran have previously accused foreign intelligence agencies of supporting armed groups operating in the region. The latest attack underscores persistent security challenges along Iran’s volatile southeastern border, raising concerns about cross-border militancy and regional instability.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and stealth technologies into its missile development programs. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, head of the IRGC’s ground forces, said the initiative aims to enhance Iran’s ability to penetrate enemy defense systems. Speaking at Imam Hossein University in Tehran, he emphasized that modern technologies could significantly alter battlefield dynamics by improving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities.

Pakpour referenced Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel earlier this year, claiming that despite facing opponents equipped with advanced military technology, Iran’s missile operations and internal unity forced adversaries to seek a ceasefire. He asserted that Iran’s military power is now more visible and formidable than ever before, warning that any future attack on the country would provoke a stronger and more destructive response.

Analysts view the move as part of Iran’s broader strategy to modernize its defense capabilities amid regional tensions and international sanctions limiting access to foreign military technology.

Iranian authorities have arrested two organizers of a marathon held on Kish Island after images surfaced showing several female participants running without hijabs. The event, which took place on December 5, featured around 2,000 women and 3,000 men competing in separate categories. Photos of women in red T-shirts without head coverings quickly spread on social media, prompting conservative backlash and official intervention.

Prosecutors in Kish described the marathon as a violation of “public decency,” though they did not clarify what specific rules were broken. Government officials said the issue extended beyond hijab law violations, calling the event’s overall nature “unacceptable.” Progressive voices within Iranian society expressed support for the women, viewing their participation as a quiet act of defiance against restrictive gender policies.

The arrests highlight the enduring tension between Iran’s conservative establishment and reform-minded citizens over women’s rights and personal freedoms. The hijab debate remains central to Iran’s political and social discourse, with authorities oscillating between limited tolerance and harsh enforcement.

Archaeologists in Iran have discovered a prehistoric village estimated to be around 7,000 years old beneath the historic Belad Shapur area of Dehdasht city. The excavation, led by researcher Zabihollah Masoudinia, revealed settlement layers dating back to the 5th and 6th millennia BCE, marking the first formal archaeological exploration in the region. The find includes pottery fragments and cultural artifacts that suggest continuous habitation from the Neolithic to the Islamic periods.

Masoudinia noted that the discovery could redefine Dehdasht’s historical significance. Beneath medieval and Islamic-era structures, researchers uncovered evidence of early human technology, including heated stone fragments used for warming liquids. The team also found remnants of an ancient qanat water system in the city’s northern area, indicating advanced water management practices.

Experts believe the discovery will prompt further excavations and research into Iran’s early urban development. A small research center has been established at the site to study the deeper layers and preserve the artifacts for future analysis.

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.