By Matthew Blackburn 

Long-range strikes won’t deter Putin

Ukraine’s quest for permission to launch long-range strikes on Russian territory seemed to have been resolved in October when, after hearing Zelensky’s “Victory Plan,” the Biden administration decided not to give the green light. Now, with the dust settled on Trump’s resounding presidential victory, Biden’s reversal of this position last Sunday was an unexpected escalation. It moved reporting from how the new administration would approach peace talks to sensational images of rockets and more war. To mark the one-thousandth day of the war, Ukraine fired Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) into the Bryansk Oblast. Russia has responded by officially promulgating its new nuclear doctrine, underlining starkly its willingness to go “all the way” if necessary. Now, it is unclear if we stand on the brink of World War III or if, once again, it is all just another flash in the pan of informational warfare.

Russian embassy in Tehran condemns West’s anti-Iran actions at IAEA

TEHRAN – The Russian embassy in Tehran has issued a statement criticizing the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France for their recent actions in the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran-Russia defense, security ties to expand under pending strategic pact

TEHRAN – Russia's deputy foreign minister has revealed that a forthcoming comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Tehran and Moscow will encompass defense and security cooperation, marking a significant expansion of bilateral ties.

Iranian students released following visa center clash at Kazan University 

TEHRAN – Two Iranian students detained during an incident at Kazan Federal University have been released, the Iranian Consulate General in Kazan confirmed. 

Senior Russian diplomat condemns IAEA's anti-Iran resolution

TEHRAN – Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ivanovich Ulyanov, branded the recent IAEA Board of Governors' resolution against Iran as "senseless and extremely counterproductive" in a Friday X post.

Kyiv claims Russia fires intercontinental ballistic missile on Ukraine

Ukraine said Russia fired what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro on Thursday, in what would be the first use in war of a weapon designed to deliver long-distance nuclear strikes.

Russian, Iranian officials call for diplomacy in Syria, Yemen

TEHRAN – Mikhail Bogdanov, the Special Representative of the Russian President for West Asia and Africa, held a high-level meeting with Ali Asghar Khaji, Senior Advisor to Iran’s Foreign Minister on Special Political Affairs, to address the growing tensions and challenges in the region.

Ukraine fires UK-made Storm Shadow missiles at targets inside Russia for first time

Ukraine has fired UK-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia for the first time since the beginning of the conflict, the Guardian understands according to multiple sources.

Nothing hindering completion of Iran-Russia strategic agreement: envoy

TEHRAN – Iran and Russia are on track to finalize a comprehensive strategic cooperation treaty, as confirmed by Kazem Jalali, Iran’s Ambassador to Russia.

Ukraine fires US missiles on Russian territory, Putin lowers nuclear threshold

Ukraine used US ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time on Tuesday, Moscow said, in an attack regarded by Russia as a major escalation on the war's 1,000th day.

EU announces sanctions on Iran’s shipping lines

TEHRAN – The European Union has significantly escalated its sanctions against Iran, adding Iranian shipping lines to its existing restrictions. 

Biden allows Ukraine to use long-range US weapons in Russia: officials

President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use powerful long-range American weapons inside Russia, according to two US officials familiar with the decision, as North Korean troops deploy in support of Moscow’s effort.

Unchecked Israeli violence threatens pursuit of peace in Syria, Astana participants warn

TEHRAN – In a joint statement issued during the 22nd round of Astana talks on Syria held on Tuesday, Iran, Russia, and Turkey condemned Israel’s ongoing atrocities against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as well as its assaults on Lebanon and Syria. 

Syria in focus as Iran, Russia, Turkey diplomats convene for Astana Talks

TEHRAN – The senior adviser to the Iranian Foreign Minister engaged in discussions with the special representatives from Russia and Turkey during the 22nd round of the Astana process meetings, focusing on the situation in Syria.

By Mehdi Soltani

Will Russia distance from Iran with the Trump win?

MOSCOW - Iranian political experts have quickly projected that a Trump victory in the presidential elections could lead to renewed U.S.-Russia relations due to Trump and Putin's reportedly friendly ties. Some in Iran worry that this shift might undermine the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, which has been strengthened over the past three years.

Putin congratulates Trump, says 'ready' to engage in dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, saying he is ready to engage with the incoming U.S. president, according to npr.org.

Kowsar, Hodhod satellites sent first signals to Iranian scientists

TEHRAN – The Iranian Space Agency announced that the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites have been successfully launched into orbit and that the first signals have been received from both. 

UN Security Council members quarrel over Israel’s attack on Iran

TEHRAN – In an emergency meeting on Monday the UN Security Council members quarreled over Israel’s Oct. 26 attacks on Iran’s military installations.

Iran rejects EU accusations of involvement in Ukraine conflict

TEHRAN – The Iranian embassy in Belgium has categorically dismissed the European Union's unfounded assertion regarding Iran's alleged involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Details emerge on Pezeshkian's upcoming visit to Russia

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to embark on a three-day official visit to Kazan, Russia, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, where key discussions on multilateralism and cooperation between emerging economies will take center stage.

Centuries-old bone circlet unearthed in Russia

A team of archaeologists has found a fragment of a bone circular while conducting excavations in Moscow. The relic is estimated to date from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 19th century.

Pezeshkian to meet with Egyptian counterpart in Russia

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia, Arab media reported.

Iranian university, Russian academy to enhance ties

TEHRAN – Allameh Tabatabai University of Tehran and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost scientific cooperation.

Quranic manuscripts, Persian calligraphy go on show at Kazan museum

TEHRAN – A collection of cultural offerings including rare books and manuscripts of the Holy Quran and classic Persian literary works has been put on show at the Museum of Islamic Culture in Kazan’s Kremlin, Tatarstan.

Scientists shed new light on findings from Scythian burial site

A group of Russian scientists has presented a new study on a large burial mound previously discovered in southern Siberia.

‘Sincere and Strategic’

Iranian president highlights bilateral ties with Russia in meeting with Putin

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Iran and Russia, describing the relationship between the two nations as "sincere and strategic."

Tehran, Moscow on path to strengthen ties as Iranian President receives Russian PM

TEHRAN -Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of Russia, has emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Moscow and Tehran, particularly highlighting the efforts to enhance trade and economic cooperation in key sectors such as transportation, energy, industry, and agriculture.

UNESCO-designated Lut Desert to host marathon

TEHRAN – The eighth edition of a marathon running is scheduled to be held in the touristic Shahdad region of the UNESCO-registered Lut Desert on October 17.