Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has denied allegations that Tehran is providing Moscow with hundreds of drones for use in the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, Iran's deputy foreign minister Pezeshkian spoke out in support of potential Russia-Ukraine peace talks, urging the West to avoid imposing excessive demands and acknowledge others' security concerns. Iran and Russia have strengthened their ties since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with Moscow emerging as a key trade partner and supplier of weapons and technologies for Tehran. The two countries have collaborated on various projects, including the construction of nuclear reactors in Iran, and have also pooled their efforts to support Bashar Assad's government during Syria's civil war. However, Russia's ties with Iran are being tested by economic woes and setbacks across its sphere of influence in the Middle East, particularly as a result of Israel's offensives against Iranian-backed militant groups.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/russia-and-iran-sign-a-partnership-treaty-to-deepen-their-ties-in-the-face-of-western-sanctions/article69110378.eceThe Hogue Commission has released documents summarizing consultations with the Iranian diaspora on foreign interference and how to address it. Iranian Canadians called for improved screening to identify regime officials who served in the government before arriving in Canada, citing concerns about their involvement in criminal activities and human rights abuses. Community members also reported that some community organizations have been infiltrated by individuals acting on behalf of the Iranian regime. Despite Ottawa's promise to expel top regime officials, only one out of 18 identified has been deported, leading Tehran-born human rights activist Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay to describe Canada as a "safe haven" for Islamic regime officials and their families.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10963413/iranian-canadians-safe-haven-regime-officials/A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, which will lead to the release of dozens of hostages taken by Hamas, including women, children, elderly people, and those with illnesses. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel will be freed. This development is expected to pave the way for a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the majority of the population has been displaced due to the conflict. The agreement comes after a campaign by Israel in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 soldiers and civilians, as well as the abduction of over 250 hostages.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1965075/israel-set-to-approve-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahus-office-saysA ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas could help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict has drawn in Iran and its allies. The deal may also lead to the release of 33 hostages, including three Israeli women soldiers who were abducted during a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Among those set for release is Khalida Jarar, a Palestinian lawmaker who was arrested by Israel without charge after being detained in the West Bank. The number of prisoners to be released will depend on the number of live hostages released by Hamas.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/israel-releases-list-of-95-palestinian-prisoners-eligible-to-walk-out-of-jail-starting-sunday-13853921.htmlIsraeli troops have spoken out about their involvement in alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict, stating that they participated in a genocide. Since the announcement of a truce, Israeli forces have killed at least 86 Palestinians. The Israeli government's plans for a US-backed deal on Gaza have been met with opposition from Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has threatened to resign from Prime Minister Netanyahu's government if the agreement is implemented. US Secretary of State Blinken remains confident that the ceasefire will begin on Sunday. Turkish President Erdogan has called on the Israeli government not to violate the ceasefire terms. The World Health Organization estimates that at least $10 billion is needed to rebuild Gaza's health system, which was severely damaged during the conflict.
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/journalists-rip-into-blinken-over-gaza-war-policy-at-final-press-conference-18254733Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that Italy is sending a new shipment of humanitarian aid to Palestinians affected by the war between Hamas and Israel. A ship carrying 50 tons of essential goods, collected by Catholic charities, departed from the port city of Manfalcone in northern Italy and is en route to Cyprus, where it will be transported to Gaza.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/942478-italy-sends-50-tons-of-humanitarian-aid-to-gazaJapan's Ambassador to the United States, Takeshi Iwaya, is visiting Washington in an effort to ease concerns about potential trade tensions with the US. Specifically, Tokyo is worried about possible tariffs on Japanese goods such as cars, which have been discussed by President Donald Trump. As part of his visit, Iwaya hopes to facilitate a meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has held office since October.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/942353-japanese-foreign-minister-stresses-tokyo-s-key-role-in-economy-security-during-visit-to-washingtonJapanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is seeking to strengthen ties between the Japanese government and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit to the United States. The visit, which is expected to take place in January 2025, aims to build trust and cooperation on key issues such as trade and security.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250117/p2g/00m/0na/040000cExternal Affairs Minister Jaishankar attended the site dedication ceremony of the fifth US consulate in Bengaluru. The consulate will start operating soon, but it will initially not offer visa services. Jaishankar pointed out that last year, the Regional Passport Office in Bengaluru issued 883,000 passports and noted that there are three flights a week from Bengaluru to San Francisco. He stated that a US consulate in Bengaluru has been "long-in-waiting" and is an important step for India-US relations. The opening of the consulate was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US in June 2023, with India promising to open a consulate in Los Angeles if the US opened one in Bengaluru.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/visa-operations-in-bengaluru-s-jaishankar-on-priority-for-us-visit-7496674