Bethlehem lights christmas tree again as ceasefire brings first glimmer of hope in years
A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles stands in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for the first time since 2022....
Iran and Armenia conducted joint military exercises on April 9–10 along their shared border, focusing on counterterrorism reinforcing regional stability. The exercises involved high-level military personnel and were aimed at neutralising simulated terrorist threats targeting border checkpoints.
The drills were conducted on both Iranian and Armenian territory, utilising a range of light and heavy weaponry, and included sniper operations.
Iranian participation was spearheaded by elite forces from the 31st Ashura Division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), based in Tabriz. The exercises were overseen by General Valiollah Madani, Deputy Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces for Operations.
Madani stressed the strategic importance of the region and highlighted the drills as vital for maintaining regional peace and combat readiness.
Brigadier General Seyed Mortaza Mirian, a representative of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, also commended the joint initiative, stating that the drills served as a significant step in enhancing military cooperation between the two countries.
Armenia's Ministry of Defense confirmed that the exercises focused on preparing troops to respond to potential terrorist attacks on border crossings, although it did not disclose the number of personnel involved.
The Iranian Embassy in Armenia issued a statement underscoring the political and strategic importance of the operation, noting that it was conducted under a unified command. The embassy highlighted that both countries are committed to building a stronger strategic partnership and contributing to peace and stability in the region through increased defense cooperation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its support of the claims by United Arab Emirates on three Iranian islands.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu on Friday, a rare gesture seemingly reserved for the head of Europe's second-largest economy that highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in its ties with the European Union.
The United States plans to extend its travel ban to over 30 countries, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday.
A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles stands in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for the first time since 2022.
On 5 December 2025, residents of Hama filled the streets, balconies, rooftops, main squares, waving flags and chanting slogans, celebrating the first anniversary of the departure of forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad.
President of the United States of America Donald Trump has sent a letter of gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hikmat Hajiyev, held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum in Qatar, aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Uzbekistan has signed a major financing agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), securing $500 million to support the country’s shift toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
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