Zarif: Iran to Open Consulate in Syria’s Aleppo

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (The Syrian Presidency)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (The Syrian Presidency)
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Zarif: Iran to Open Consulate in Syria’s Aleppo

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (The Syrian Presidency)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (The Syrian Presidency)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday his country will open a consulate in Aleppo, as approved by the Syrian President to improve trade and economic ties between both countries.

This came during Zarif's visit to Damascus where he met with Assad.

According to SANA news agency, the two figures discussed bilateral relations and the ongoing coordination and consultation at all levels. They further tackled means of bolstering joint cooperation in various fields to serve both countries’ interests.

“Talks further touched on regional developments, the recent Israeli aggression on the Palestinian territories and its practices aimed at changing the status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem.”

Zarif also briefed Assad on the “developments regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, details of the current negotiations with relevant parties and the attempts by some parties to impede progress in this regard.”

The FM said he discussed with Assad and his Syrian counterpart Faisal al-Mekdad bilateral, regional and international issues.

He stressed the importance of the upcoming elections and its impact on Syria’s future, stability, and security.

“We are ready to participate in the elections as observers, and we hope that the Syrian people ensure their future, order and security by participating in these elections.”

Zarif also discussed with Syrian officials the latest developments in “Jerusalem and the occupied Palestine,” while highlighting Palestinian people’s need for international support, IRNA reported.



US, Israel Differ Over Timing of Strike on Iran

 Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard in Vanak Square in Tehran, Iran, 14 October 2026- EPA/ABEDIN
Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard in Vanak Square in Tehran, Iran, 14 October 2026- EPA/ABEDIN
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US, Israel Differ Over Timing of Strike on Iran

 Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard in Vanak Square in Tehran, Iran, 14 October 2026- EPA/ABEDIN
Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard in Vanak Square in Tehran, Iran, 14 October 2026- EPA/ABEDIN

A group of senior US military officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, is pushing to resume the war against Iran, while advisers to US President Donald Trump favor continuing to "strangle Iran" through economic sanctions.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Wednesday that he opposed launching a preemptive strike on Tehran ahead of the Israeli elections, but insisted that he would "bring Iran down" within the next two years.

The US-Israeli differences over the timing of renewed military action coincided with reports that Iran had adopted "new tactics" to target ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A container ship was also reported to have caught fire and sunk after striking a mine.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohibbi said Iran had acquired far more advanced weapons following the 40-day war.

On the ground, three people were injured when an unidentified drone struck a fishing boat off Sirik in Hormozgan province, southern Iran.


US Considers Hitting Iran with 'Mother of All Bombs'

An undated handout photo of the “Mother of All Bombs” at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, US (Reuters)
An undated handout photo of the “Mother of All Bombs” at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, US (Reuters)
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US Considers Hitting Iran with 'Mother of All Bombs'

An undated handout photo of the “Mother of All Bombs” at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, US (Reuters)
An undated handout photo of the “Mother of All Bombs” at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, US (Reuters)

The United States is considering using its biggest non-nuclear bomb against Iran if President Donald Trump should decide to renew combat in the war that has hit a deadlock, CNN reported Thursday.

The military is planning for the potential use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb -- better known by its nickname, the "Mother Of All Bombs" -- to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, according to the news outlet, which quoted officials familiar with the matter.

Trump is trying to boost his low approval ratings ahead of November's midterm elections, with polls showing the unpopular war in Iran and fuel and other price rises it has caused are hurting his Republican Party.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, have been at an impasse since the summer.

But officials have raised doubts over the efficacy of the bomb if it were deployed, particularly its ability to destroy suspected underground nuclear sites in Iran.

"The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else," a source familiar with the plans told CNN.

"It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead."

The United States and Israel have said the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- a goal Tehran has long denied pursuing.

There are also concerns over the possibility of civilian casualties from such a huge weapon, according to AFP.

Washington has in recent weeks dialled back military operations in favour of economic pressure.

In 2017, the US military in Afghanistan dropped the "MOAB" to target ISIS group hideouts in a complex of tunnels and bunkers, killing more than 90 militants.


Pezeshkian: Iran is Facing its Most Intense Blockade since 1979

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visits an exhibition that showcases the defense ministry's latest advancements in defense and space in Tehran. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visits an exhibition that showcases the defense ministry's latest advancements in defense and space in Tehran. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
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Pezeshkian: Iran is Facing its Most Intense Blockade since 1979

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visits an exhibition that showcases the defense ministry's latest advancements in defense and space in Tehran. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visits an exhibition that showcases the defense ministry's latest advancements in defense and space in Tehran. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday that the country was facing its most intense blockade since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, accusing the United States of seeking to provoke public protests.

Iran and the United States have been at war since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"Over the 48 years since the Revolution, we have never faced such intense blockade, war and difficulties as we are facing now," Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast by state television.

He accused Washington of seeking to make life difficult for Iranians in order to fuel public anger and trigger unrest.

Pezeshkian said the US was focusing its efforts on making "the people become upset and face difficulties, and then for social protests to emerge so that they can achieve their sinister objectives".

The US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in response to Tehran's closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, diverting or stopping vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.

Iran has repeatedly accused the US and Israel of fomenting unrest inside the country, and in recent months has executed several Iranians accused of collaborating with its foes.

In late December last year, protests over the cost of living erupted in Iran, spreading nationwide and evolving into a wider anti-government movement.

Iran's rulers blamed the US and Israel for the unrest.