Iran has expressed serious concern over recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and has offered to help ease tensions. During a phone conversation on October 18, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged both countries to exercise restraint, stop military confrontations, and resolve disputes through dialogue. He warned that continued tension could not only result in humanitarian losses but also threaten the stability of the entire region. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi briefed Araghchi on the situation, emphasizing that the Islamic Emirate prioritizes peaceful solutions over military action. The ministers also discussed the Helmand River water-sharing agreement, stressing adherence to existing treaties, technical cooperation, and joint management to prevent water wastage and ensure Iran receives its rightful share. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, maintain border security, prevent foreign interference, and continue close consultation for lasting peace and stability.

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and delivered a direct message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani, who serves as both Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and an advisor to Khamenei, arrived in Russia on Thursday, October 16. During the discussions, both sides focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, addressing regional development, and coordinating on international matters. The meeting comes shortly after Russian President Putin revealed that Israeli authorities asked him to convey to Iran that they are not seeking conflict and wish to reduce tensions. Speaking at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Putin emphasized that Israel remains committed to peaceful resolution and has requested that the message be shared with Iranian leaders. Analysts suggest this meeting reflects Tehran and Moscow’s continued engagement on strategic regional and international concerns.

Iran has suspended its cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear monitoring body, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Sunday. He stated that Iran would only return to the agreement if the UN presents proposals safeguarding the country’s rights and national interests. The move comes amid heightened tensions following conflicts with Israel and the United States in June, when the IAEA revealed Iran holds 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which could potentially be further enriched for nuclear weapons. Iran has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the IAEA but refused to allow access to nuclear sites. Previous European mediation efforts with the UK, France, and Germany failed, leading to UN sanctions in late September. Araghchi emphasized there is no basis for further talks with Europe.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran has no confidence that Israel will honor the terms of the newly agreed Gaza ceasefire. Speaking a day after the truce began, he accused Israel of a history of deception and ceasefire violations, referencing past incidents in Lebanon. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s support for any initiative aimed at stopping the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and protecting Palestinian rights. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran backs all efforts to end what it described as a genocidal war. Araghchi also disclosed that Russia conveyed a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring that Israel has no intention of starting a new war with Iran. The message followed a recent 12-day conflict between the two nations triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly removed all limitations on the country’s missile program, according to senior parliamentary sources. Previously, missile ranges were capped at 2,200 kilometers, but the new decision allows Tehran to expand its missile capabilities without restrictions. Analysts suggest this move indicates a significant shift in Iran’s defense posture, particularly after last June’s regional conflict, reflecting Tehran’s intent to adopt a stronger military stance. Ahmed Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the parliamentary National Security Committee, emphasized that missile development remains a key component of Iran’s security strategy, and decisions will be made based on national defense needs rather than foreign pressure. The announcement comes shortly after Iran accused Israel of spreading false claims about its intercontinental ballistic missile ambitions. The move could escalate tensions in the Middle East and influence global security dynamics.

Over a thousand Iranians were killed during Israel’s 12-day war in June, with reports claiming German soldiers actively participated in the conflict. According to Tehran Times, Germany, a key Western supporter of Israel, not only provided political backing but also assisted militarily by deploying troops and aiding operations in occupied areas. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly endorsed Israel’s attacks, asserting prior knowledge and framing the actions as self-defense. Despite Israel’s justification that the strikes aimed to prevent Iran’s nuclear program, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no supporting evidence. The deployments were reportedly carried out under secret agreements between German and Israeli commanders, with parliamentary approval unclear. Iranian authorities now possess the names of German soldiers, details of their cooperation, and related documents, complicating Israel’s security and intelligence situation further.

Iranian President Masoud Pajehsikian has reaffirmed that Iran has never attempted to develop nuclear weapons, citing the country’s fundamental principles. Speaking during a meeting with Switzerland’s newly appointed ambassador to Iran, Olivier Bangarter, Pajehsikian emphasized Iran’s dedication to stability, peace, and security in West Asia. He highlighted Switzerland’s historic role as a communication bridge between Tehran and Washington since the Islamic Revolution. The president also praised Switzerland’s neutral and constructive stance in international disputes and expressed gratitude for its assistance in medicine and food, despite challenges arising from U.S. and European sanctions. Ambassador Bangarter expressed his enthusiasm for his mission, promising to strengthen bilateral ties between Tehran and Bern and reinforce Switzerland’s role as a reliable channel of dialogue with Washington, while respecting Iran’s rich culture and hospitality.

Iran has announced it will end its cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claiming the deal is no longer relevant after Western nations reinstated UN sanctions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Britain, France, and Germany — signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal — have “diminished their role” by reimposing sanctions. Tehran also accused the IAEA of double standards for failing to condemn Israeli attacks on its nuclear sites. While some lawmakers urged withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to it. Araghchi hinted that a final decision on future cooperation with the IAEA would be announced soon but emphasized that “diplomacy still has room.” Talks with the U.S. to revive the broader nuclear deal collapsed after Israel’s June attacks on Iranian facilities.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Hezbollah remains active and is becoming increasingly powerful, despite attempts by its critics to downplay its influence. Speaking at an event commemorating the death anniversary of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Ghalibaf highlighted that Israel fears Hezbollah and Lebanon’s resistance forces. He emphasized that cooperation among Islamic countries strengthens the resistance front and stated that normalization plans like the Abraham Accords have never and will never succeed in undermining these movements.

Brigadier General Hossein Nejat, deputy commander of Iran’s Tharallah base, stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has enhanced its offensive capabilities more than tenfold compared to the 12-day conflict with Israel last June. Following the ‘True Promise–Two’ operation, IRGC units focused on readiness, identifying enemy defenses, and strengthening structural weaknesses. This improvement combines advanced weaponry, strategic planning, coordinated exercises, and unit collaboration. Nejat warned that any future Israeli misstep would face a much stronger and more effective Iranian response.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 38 entities and individuals for supplying defense equipment to Iran. Networks linked to Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group are accused of acquiring military technology domestically, while others operating across Iran, Hong Kong, and China supplied U.S.-made electronics to Shiraz Electronics Industries. Another network provided equipment for helicopters used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. All listed assets under U.S. jurisdiction will be blocked, with U.S. citizens and foreign banks restricted from significant transactions.

Amid escalating global tensions, Iran has unveiled plans for a new nuclear power plant in Hormozgan province. The “Iran Hormoz” facility, with a projected capacity of 5,000 megawatts, will soon enter its design and equipment phase, according to Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. Officials say the project is a significant step toward fulfilling strategic objectives outlined in Iran’s nuclear industry roadmap, reinforcing the country’s long-term energy and technological ambitions.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has revealed that it collected strategic and sensitive documents, photos, and videos related to Israeli nuclear sites and scientists through a covert operation in June. The materials identify 189 Israeli experts and include data on joint projects with the U.S. and Europe. Iranian authorities carefully examined the documents before release. Footage broadcasted on national TV also highlighted Israeli nuclear facilities, military personnel, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while claiming internal collaboration from some Israelis during a 12-day conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on the government to prioritize citizens’ livelihoods while simultaneously urging Islamic nations to sever all trade and political relations with Israel.

During a meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet on Sunday, Khamenei stressed that soaring prices and economic hardships remain pressing national concerns. He demanded stronger measures to control inflation and improve people’s living conditions.

Khamenei described Israel as a “cursed and criminal entity” and directed Iran’s Foreign Ministry to push other countries to cut ties with Tel Aviv. “National unity and morale are the foundations of strength, but we must also stand firm against the Zionist regime’s atrocities,” he said.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a message of congratulations to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the DPRK’s founding anniversary. Reported by KCNA, the message conveyed warm greetings, expressed hope for stronger Iran–North Korea relations, and wished Kim good health and success. Pezeshkian also extended best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the North Korean people, underscoring Tehran’s intention to strengthen bilateral ties based on mutual goodwill and cooperation in the future.