Iran's Supreme Leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-dubs-women-as-delicate-flowers-as-calls-grow-to-amend-hijab-bill-785142">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, has praised Syrian resistance and said that "the United States would leave the region in humiliation."
Speaking on Wednesday (January 1) during a ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of Qasem Soleimani&rsquo;s death, the former commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, Khamenei said that &ldquo;if a nation removes its pillars of stability and strength from the field, it risks becoming like Syria&mdash;vulnerable to occupation by the United States, Israel, and some regional states.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absurd-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-denies-using-proxies-in-west-asia-785976">Iran's Khamenei rejects &lsquo;proxy force&rsquo; accusations, says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently</a>
He further added, &ldquo;But Syria belongs to the Syrians, and those who have violated its sovereignty will undoubtedly be forced to withdraw in the face of Syrian youth resistance.&rdquo;
Khamenei rejected claims that sacrifices made in defence of holy sites were in vain. &ldquo;Some people, due to a lack of proper analysis and understanding, claim that with the recent events in the region, the blood shed in defence of the shrine was wasted. They are making this grave mistake; the blood was not wasted," he said.
In his address, Khamenei called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-ministers-in-lebanon-to-discuss-ways-to-strengthen-israel-hezbollah-truce-8580035">Hezbollah</a> and the Houthis, examples of resilience and defiance. He said that they will eventually succeed.
<h2>'US bases will be trampled under the feet of Syrian youth': Khamenei</h2>
Separately, in a post shared on X, Khamenei wrote, &ldquo;Young believers who are willing to sacrifice their lives are the most important factor for a nation's strength. These people shouldn&rsquo;t be removed from the scene. When they are removed, it becomes like Syria. It leads to the occupation of territory by foreigners.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-minister-katz-threatens-to-crush-hezbollahs-head-if-they-violates-ceasefire-785988">Israeli minister Katz threatens to 'crush Hezbollah's head' if it violates ceasefire</a>
He also criticised the United States&rsquo; activities in Syria, saying, &ldquo;Today, the US is continuously building bases in Syria. These bases will undoubtedly be trampled under the feet of the Syrian youth.&rdquo; 
Khamenei added, &ldquo;The US and the Zionist regime, who have invaded the land of the Syrian people, will one day be forced to retreat in the face of the power of the devout Syrian youth. This will happen without a doubt.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Khamenei said, “If a nation removes its pillars of stability and strength from the field, it risks becoming like Syria—vulnerable to occupation by the United States, Israel, and some regional states.”

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has praised Syrian resistance and said that "the United States would leave the region in humiliation." Speaking on Wednesday (January 1) during a ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death, the former commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, Khamenei said that “if a nation removes its pillars of stability and strength from the field, it risks becoming like Syria—vulnerable to occupation by the United States, Israel, and some regional states.” Also read: Iran's Khamenei rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations, says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently He further added, “But Syria belongs to the Syrians, and those who have violated its sovereignty will undoubtedly be forced to withdraw in the face of Syrian youth resistance.” Khamenei rejected claims that sacrifices made in defence of holy sites were in vain. “Some people, due to a lack of proper analysis and understanding, claim that with the recent events in the region, the blood shed in defence of the shrine was wasted. They are making this grave mistake; the blood was not wasted," he said. In his address, Khamenei called Hezbollah and the Houthis, examples of resilience and defiance. He said that they will eventually succeed. 'US bases will be trampled under the feet of Syrian youth': Khamenei Separately, in a post shared on X, Khamenei wrote, “Young believers who are willing to sacrifice their lives are the most important factor for a nation's strength. These people shouldn’t be removed from the scene. When they are removed, it becomes like Syria. It leads to the occupation of territory by foreigners.” Also read: Israeli minister Katz threatens to 'crush Hezbollah's head' if it violates ceasefire He also criticised the United States’ activities in Syria, saying, “Today, the US is continuously building bases in Syria. These bases will undoubtedly be trampled under the feet of the Syrian youth.” Khamenei added, “The US and the Zionist regime, who have invaded the land of the Syrian people, will one day be forced to retreat in the face of the power of the devout Syrian youth. This will happen without a doubt.” (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s Khamenei praises Syrian resistance, says ‘US will leave the region in humiliation’

The United States has accused Iran and Russia of interfering in the upcoming general elections, citing attempts to influence voter behavior and disrupt the democratic process. The allegations add to ongoing concerns about foreign influence in global elections.

US Accuses Iran, Russia Of 'Interference' In General Elections

The United States unveiled sanctions Tuesday against Iranian and Russian organizations, alleging they had sought to interfere in the US election.
The groups targeted were the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise.
"The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns," said Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-no-strikes-on-iran-today-but-targeting-irans-oil-facilities-in-future-remains-an-option-764270" rel="dofollow">Biden: No strikes on Iran &lsquo;today,&rsquo; but targeting its oil facilities remains an option</a>
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller added in a separate statement that the United States closely monitors "efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections."
"We remain committed to promoting accountability for state-sponsored actors who attempt to undermine public trust in our democratic institutions," Miller said.
The groups, which are affiliates of the IRGC and the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) respectively, "aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the US electorate," said the US Treasury Department.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-can-deploy-forces-on-short-notice-to-prevent-iran-from-expanding-the-conflict-pentagon-763021" rel="dofollow">US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon</a>
It added that the Cognitive Design Production Center had planned influence operations since at least 2023, to "incite socio-political tensions among the US electorate in the lead up to the 2024 US elections, on behalf of the IRGC."
The Center for Geopolitical Expertise, meanwhile, was said to direct and subsidize the production of deepfakes -- &nbsp;manipulations of genuine audio, photos or video of people to create false likenesses -- while circulating disinformation about candidates in the 2024 US election, the Treasury added.&nbsp;
Besides the center, its director Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin was also hit by sanctions.
The sanctions add to earlier ones imposed on the IRGC, GRU, and other proxy groups.
Earlier this year, the US government charged that Iranian authorities sought to undermine confidence in US democratic institutions.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leader-predicts-us-president-elect-trump-will-destroy-iran-8581210" rel="dofollow">Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report</a>
They allegedly used "social engineering and other efforts to gain access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both parties," the Treasury said.
In a separate notice, the Treasury Department also announced sanctions Tuesday on Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva over the detention of former Moscow city councilor Alexei Gorinov.
Gorinov had been convicted for speaking out against Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-israel-for-brazen-admission-of-killing-hamas-leader-haniyeh-calls-it-heinous-crime-786603" rel="dofollow">Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime'</a>
"Russia's manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine," Smith of the Treasury added.
On Monday, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Russia called for the immediate and unconditional release of Gorinov.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The groups targeted were the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subordinate organization of Iran's IRGC and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise.

The United States unveiled sanctions Tuesday against Iranian and Russian organizations, alleging they had sought to interfere in the US election. The groups targeted were the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise. "The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns," said Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Also read: Biden: No strikes on Iran ‘today,’ but targeting its oil facilities remains an option State Department spokesman Matthew Miller added in a separate statement that the United States closely monitors "efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections." "We remain committed to promoting accountability for state-sponsored actors who attempt to undermine public trust in our democratic institutions," Miller said. The groups, which are affiliates of the IRGC and the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) respectively, "aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the US electorate," said the US Treasury Department. Also read: US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon It added that the Cognitive Design Production Center had planned influence operations since at least 2023, to "incite socio-political tensions among the US electorate in the lead up to the 2024 US elections, on behalf of the IRGC." The Center for Geopolitical Expertise, meanwhile, was said to direct and subsidize the production of deepfakes -- manipulations of genuine audio, photos or video of people to create false likenesses -- while circulating disinformation about candidates in the 2024 US election, the Treasury added. Besides the center, its director Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin was also hit by sanctions. The sanctions add to earlier ones imposed on the IRGC, GRU, and other proxy groups. Earlier this year, the US government charged that Iranian authorities sought to undermine confidence in US democratic institutions. Also read: Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report They allegedly used "social engineering and other efforts to gain access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both parties," the Treasury said. In a separate notice, the Treasury Department also announced sanctions Tuesday on Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva over the detention of former Moscow city councilor Alexei Gorinov. Gorinov had been convicted for speaking out against Moscow's war in Ukraine. Also read: Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime' "Russia's manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine," Smith of the Treasury added. On Monday, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Russia called for the immediate and unconditional release of Gorinov. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US imposes sanctions on Iran, Russian groups over election interference

Russia, China, and Iran are increasingly focusing on Africa, seeking to expand their influence across the continent through trade, investments, and political partnerships. This strategic shift highlights the growing competition for power and resources in Africa amid global geopolitical tensions.

Russia, China and Iran Set Their Sights On Africa

US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to strengthening the nation's borders, while also advocating for legal immigration.

US Farmers Fret Over Donald Trump’s Deportation Plans

Iran confirmed on Monday that it had arrested Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for "violating the law", state media reported, a move decried by Italy as "unacceptable".&nbsp;
"Cecilia Sala, an&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;citizen, travelled to Iran on December 13, 2024, with a&nbsp;journalist's visa and was arrested on December 19, 2024, for violating the law of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the official IRNA news agency said, citing a statement by the culture ministry without elaborating.
"Her case is currently under investigation," added the ministry, which oversees and accredits foreign journalists in Iran.&nbsp;
Sala reported to be 29, last posted on X on December 17 with a link to a podcast entitled, "A conversation on patriarchy in Tehran".
She had previously reported from Ukraine on its war with Iran's ally, Russia.&nbsp;
Chora Media, an&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;podcast publisher for which Sala worked, said she had travelled from Rome to Iran on a&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;visa and was due to return on December 20.
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On Friday, Italy denounced Sala's arrest as "unacceptable"&nbsp;and said she has been held in Tehran's Evin prison. Italy's ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, has visited her.
Italian&nbsp;Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday that efforts to free Sala were "complicated".
Italian&nbsp;Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office has said she is "following the complex affair" closely.
Iran's culture ministry confirmed Monday that Sala had been allowed consular assistance and that she "has been in contact with her family by phone".
<h2>Others held in Iran </h2>
Sala's arrest took place days after the United States and Italy arrested two Iranian nationals over export violations linked to a deadly attack on American servicemen.
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi were accused of "conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of US export control and sanctions laws", a US Department of Justice statement said, with the latter suspect arrested in Italy at Washington's request.
The statement added that the illegally exported technology was used in a January drone strike that killed three US servicemen in Jordan.
Iran denied any involvement in the attack.
Earlier this month, Tehran formally protested the arrests to the Italian charg&eacute; d'affaires and the Swiss ambassador to Tehran, who represents US interests there.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dominique-pelicot-has-taken-the-decision-to-not-appeal-the-verdict-lawyer-8578244" aria-label="France mass rape: Dominique&nbsp;Pelicot&nbsp;has decided not to appeal, says lawyer">France mass rape: Dominique&nbsp;Pelicot&nbsp;has decided not to appeal, says lawyer</a>
Several other Europeans remain in custody in Iran, which has conducted multiple prisoner exchanges with Western governments in recent years, often brokered by Oman or Qatar.&nbsp;
French couple Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been jailed since May 2022 on charges of espionage, a capital offence in Iran.
In June, Iran released two Swedes, one of them a European Union diplomat, in exchange for a former official held in Sweden, in a swap mediated by Oman.
In 2023, Oman also brokered the release of six European detainees in Iran, including Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, who had been convicted of espionage and spent more than a year in custody.
<div class="post-content">
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
</div>

World: Chora Media, an Italian podcast publisher for which Sala worked, said she had travelled from Rome to Iran on a journalist visa and was due to return on December 20.

Iran confirmed on Monday that it had arrested Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for "violating the law", state media reported, a move decried by Italy as "unacceptable". "Cecilia Sala, an Italian citizen, travelled to Iran on December 13, 2024, with a journalist's visa and was arrested on December 19, 2024, for violating the law of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the official IRNA news agency said, citing a statement by the culture ministry without elaborating. "Her case is currently under investigation," added the ministry, which oversees and accredits foreign journalists in Iran. Sala reported to be 29, last posted on X on December 17 with a link to a podcast entitled, "A conversation on patriarchy in Tehran". She had previously reported from Ukraine on its war with Iran's ally, Russia. Chora Media, an Italian podcast publisher for which Sala worked, said she had travelled from Rome to Iran on a journalist visa and was due to return on December 20. Also read | Missing Indian student, 22, found dead in Edinburgh: Police On Friday, Italy denounced Sala's arrest as "unacceptable" and said she has been held in Tehran's Evin prison. Italy's ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, has visited her. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday that efforts to free Sala were "complicated". Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office has said she is "following the complex affair" closely. Iran's culture ministry confirmed Monday that Sala had been allowed consular assistance and that she "has been in contact with her family by phone". Others held in Iran Sala's arrest took place days after the United States and Italy arrested two Iranian nationals over export violations linked to a deadly attack on American servicemen. Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi were accused of "conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of US export control and sanctions laws", a US Department of Justice statement said, with the latter suspect arrested in Italy at Washington's request. The statement added that the illegally exported technology was used in a January drone strike that killed three US servicemen in Jordan. Iran denied any involvement in the attack. Earlier this month, Tehran formally protested the arrests to the Italian chargé d'affaires and the Swiss ambassador to Tehran, who represents US interests there. Also read | France mass rape: Dominique Pelicot has decided not to appeal, says lawyer Several other Europeans remain in custody in Iran, which has conducted multiple prisoner exchanges with Western governments in recent years, often brokered by Oman or Qatar. French couple Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been jailed since May 2022 on charges of espionage, a capital offence in Iran. In June, Iran released two Swedes, one of them a European Union diplomat, in exchange for a former official held in Sweden, in a swap mediated by Oman. In 2023, Oman also brokered the release of six European detainees in Iran, including Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, who had been convicted of espionage and spent more than a year in custody. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for ‘violating the law’

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/israel" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel</a>, for the first time, used the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-thaad-to-israel-what-you-should-know-about-this-powerful-missile-defence-system-767195">American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense</a> (THAAD) missile defence system to intercept a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Friday (Dec 27), The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;
The missile was fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to reports.
The US deployed the THAAD system in Israel in October. This marks the first time, Israel used the system to intercept a ballistic missile.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-terrorist-stronghold-israeli-forces-evacuate-kamal-adwan-hospital-in-northern-gaza-8571717" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Israeli forces evacuate Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza</a>
The footage of the system launch was circulated on social media, in which an American soldier was heard saying, "Eighteen years I've been waiting for this."&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m587jbf7-bhov8gy0-bhhu4ko8">
מערכת ה- THAAD האמריקנית לקחה חלק ביירוט הטיל הבליסטי ששוגר אמש מתימן. אפשר לשמוע את אחד החיילים האמריקניים מתרגש "18 שנים חיכיתי לזה" <a href="https://t.co/s4VoMfMhaF">pic.twitter.com/s4VoMfMhaF</a>
&mdash; איתי בלומנטל 🇮🇱 Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) <a href="https://twitter.com/ItayBlumental/status/1872649121498296761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System was used to try to intercept the missile and an analysis would determine THAAD's success, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, reported The Times of Israel.&nbsp;
However, Israel did not claim whether they used an Israeli or an American system.&nbsp;
The IDF said the Houthi missile was intercepted by air defenses, without specifying if this was an Israeli or American system.
<h2 class="left">What is the THAAD System?</h2>
Following Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack, the US deployed a THAAD battery in Israel. The system is capable of intercepting missiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-houthis-uncover-mossad-cia-spy-network-as-israel-shifts-focus-to-yemen-8566732" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Also read: Houthis &lsquo;uncover&rsquo; Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen</a>
THAAD relies on kinetic energy to neutralise threats and destroy incoming missiles through impact rather than an explosive warhead.
Further, a standard THAAD battery includes six truck-mounted launchers and each of them is capable of holding up to eight interceptors, along with a radar and a fire control system.&nbsp;
The system can detect threats from a range of 870 to 3,000 kilometres.&nbsp;
In the past eight days, this is the fifth such attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Israel.
&nbsp;Houthis had earlier claimed to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport after which Israel retaliated and launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including the Hezyaz power plant and infrastructure at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-narrowly-escaped-israeli-attack-on-yemen-airport-8573279">Sanaa International Airport</a>.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System was used to try to intercept the missile and an analysis would determine THAAD's success.

Israel, for the first time, used the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system to intercept a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Friday (Dec 27), The Times of Israel reported. The missile was fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to reports. The US deployed the THAAD system in Israel in October. This marks the first time, Israel used the system to intercept a ballistic missile. Also read: Israeli forces evacuate Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza The footage of the system launch was circulated on social media, in which an American soldier was heard saying, "Eighteen years I've been waiting for this." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. מערכת ה- THAAD האמריקנית לקחה חלק ביירוט הטיל הבליסטי ששוגר אמש מתימן. אפשר לשמוע את אחד החיילים האמריקניים מתרגש "18 שנים חיכיתי לזה" pic.twitter.com/s4VoMfMhaF — איתי בלומנטל 🇮🇱 Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) December 27, 2024 The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System was used to try to intercept the missile and an analysis would determine THAAD's success, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, reported The Times of Israel. However, Israel did not claim whether they used an Israeli or an American system. The IDF said the Houthi missile was intercepted by air defenses, without specifying if this was an Israeli or American system. What is the THAAD System? Following Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack, the US deployed a THAAD battery in Israel. The system is capable of intercepting missiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere. Also read: Houthis ‘uncover’ Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen THAAD relies on kinetic energy to neutralise threats and destroy incoming missiles through impact rather than an explosive warhead. Further, a standard THAAD battery includes six truck-mounted launchers and each of them is capable of holding up to eight interceptors, along with a radar and a fire control system. The system can detect threats from a range of 870 to 3,000 kilometres. In the past eight days, this is the fifth such attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Israel. Houthis had earlier claimed to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport after which Israel retaliated and launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including the Hezyaz power plant and infrastructure at Sanaa International Airport. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Israel uses US THAAD system for first time to intercept Houthi missile. What is it?

Cecilia Sala, 29, a well-known reporter, was arrested on December 19, though news of her detention only surfaced on Friday. The reason for her arrest has not been disclosed.

Italian Journalist Detained While Reporting in Iran

Iran's axis of resistance has suffered major blows this year, but khamenei says its resolute is only growing stronger. Is israel successful in its mission to eliminate what it calls, 'iran's axis of evil'?

2024: A Year Of Direct Confrontations Between The Two Foes | The West Asia Post | WION

Iranian football's ethics body has summoned a professional player after he hugged a female fan prior to a match in the domestic league, local media reported.
<h2>Iran football federation summons player</h2>
"The ethics committee of the Football Federation of Iran has summoned Ramin Rezaeian," Tasnim local news agency reported on Friday.
Rezaeian, who plays for the Tehran giants Esteghlal and Iran's national team, embraced the fan before his team's match against Chadormalu in central Yazd province on Thursday.
The football federation has not yet commented on the matter.&nbsp;
Rezaeian, 34, has been capped more than 60 times by Iran. The defender has also played club football in Qatar and Belgium.
According to Islamic law in Iran, which was enacted shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, men and women are banned from making any physical contact unless they are closely related.
Following the revolution, women were generally barred from attending football matches, but in August 2022 they were allowed into a championship match for the first time in more than 40 years.&nbsp;
ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/legendary-india-cricketer-sachin-tendulkar-inducted-as-new-member-of-melbourne-cricket-club-8570948" aria-label="Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar becomes honorary member of Melbourne Cricket Club">Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar becomes honorary member of Melbourne Cricket Club</a>
In April, Hossein Hosseini, a goalkeeper for Esteghlal, was suspended after embracing a female supporter during a championship match.&nbsp;
The media said at the time that the football federation had fined the goalkeeper the equivalent of $4,700 and given him a one-match suspension for "bad behaviour towards security agents at the game".
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports Football: In a heartwarming gesture, Ramin Rezaeian, a key player for Esteghlal and Iran's national team, engaged with a fan, showcasing his strong connection.

Iranian football's ethics body has summoned a professional player after he hugged a female fan prior to a match in the domestic league, local media reported. Iran football federation summons player "The ethics committee of the Football Federation of Iran has summoned Ramin Rezaeian," Tasnim local news agency reported on Friday. Rezaeian, who plays for the Tehran giants Esteghlal and Iran's national team, embraced the fan before his team's match against Chadormalu in central Yazd province on Thursday. The football federation has not yet commented on the matter. Rezaeian, 34, has been capped more than 60 times by Iran. The defender has also played club football in Qatar and Belgium. According to Islamic law in Iran, which was enacted shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, men and women are banned from making any physical contact unless they are closely related. Following the revolution, women were generally barred from attending football matches, but in August 2022 they were allowed into a championship match for the first time in more than 40 years. ALSO READ | Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar becomes honorary member of Melbourne Cricket Club In April, Hossein Hosseini, a goalkeeper for Esteghlal, was suspended after embracing a female supporter during a championship match. The media said at the time that the football federation had fined the goalkeeper the equivalent of $4,700 and given him a one-match suspension for "bad behaviour towards security agents at the game". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran football federation summons player after hugging female fan

In December 2024, Iran passed a set of new laws to promote a "culture of chastity and hijab". If any of the Iranian women would go against these laws, they would either be sentenced to death or sent to jail for 15 years. These severe penalties will apply to those who will be caught &ldquo;promoting nudity, indecency, unveiling, or improper dressing&rdquo;. As per Article 37 of the new law, those who promote "bad dressing" to foreign entities, including international media, would either face 10 years in prison or over $15,000 fine.&nbsp;
If you are surprised reading this, hold your breath.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sexual-violence-against-women-in-2024-from-kolkata-to-gisele-pelicot-rape-cases-a-year-of-horrors-8566863">Sexual violence against women in 2024: From Kolkata to Gisele Pelicot rape cases, a year of horrors</a>
Iran opened a "hijab removal treatment clinic" in November 2024, and the whole and sole purpose of the clinic is to "treat" women who are not ready to accept the hijab for themselves.&nbsp;
All this to keep a woman under the veil forcefully? Yes. So nothing changed even more than a year after Mahsa Amini's case? Sadly not.
When a country like Iran, which aspires to be a Khalifa (leader) for Islamic nations and Muslims across the globe, does such things and cites the religion in its defence, it does show a lot of discrepancies.&nbsp;
It does make a Muslim woman think: has she missed understanding the religion? When something that was supposed to be entirely her decision became something that put her life at stake?&nbsp;
<h3>A reputation tool for the world &nbsp;</h3>
Why was "bad dressing" in front of international media given so much importance in these laws? Is it really about religion or Iran's global image as a political power and its aspiring goals in West Asia for which women are being used? One must think.&nbsp;
<h3>The reactance theory&nbsp;</h3>
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-the-ttp-whose-camps-were-struck-by-pakistan-in-afghanistan-8566893">Explained: Who is the TTP whose camps were struck by Pakistan in Afghanistan?</a>
Let's talk about the backfire of Iran's "mandatory" laws.&nbsp;
As per psychology's Reactance Theory, the human brain tends to resist and do the opposite of what it is forced to do when something unpleasant and unwanted is imposed on it. Well, that's exactly what is being seen in Iran, where as the country is raising the strict bar of its laws on hijab, the more rebels it is seeing.&nbsp;
Afghanistan or Iran per se made this year a high time to sit back and think why a woman's body is every nation's political power tool.
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

In 2024, Iran passed laws on hijab that prescribed the death penalty or 15 years in jail for non-compliance. The Islamic nation even set up clinics to "treat" women against hijab.

In December 2024, Iran passed a set of new laws to promote a "culture of chastity and hijab". If any of the Iranian women would go against these laws, they would either be sentenced to death or sent to jail for 15 years. These severe penalties will apply to those who will be caught “promoting nudity, indecency, unveiling, or improper dressing”. As per Article 37 of the new law, those who promote "bad dressing" to foreign entities, including international media, would either face 10 years in prison or over $15,000 fine. If you are surprised reading this, hold your breath. Also read | Sexual violence against women in 2024: From Kolkata to Gisele Pelicot rape cases, a year of horrors Iran opened a "hijab removal treatment clinic" in November 2024, and the whole and sole purpose of the clinic is to "treat" women who are not ready to accept the hijab for themselves. All this to keep a woman under the veil forcefully? Yes. So nothing changed even more than a year after Mahsa Amini's case? Sadly not. When a country like Iran, which aspires to be a Khalifa (leader) for Islamic nations and Muslims across the globe, does such things and cites the religion in its defence, it does show a lot of discrepancies. It does make a Muslim woman think: has she missed understanding the religion? When something that was supposed to be entirely her decision became something that put her life at stake? A reputation tool for the world Why was "bad dressing" in front of international media given so much importance in these laws? Is it really about religion or Iran's global image as a political power and its aspiring goals in West Asia for which women are being used? One must think. The reactance theory Also read | Explained: Who is the TTP whose camps were struck by Pakistan in Afghanistan? Let's talk about the backfire of Iran's "mandatory" laws. As per psychology's Reactance Theory, the human brain tends to resist and do the opposite of what it is forced to do when something unpleasant and unwanted is imposed on it. Well, that's exactly what is being seen in Iran, where as the country is raising the strict bar of its laws on hijab, the more rebels it is seeing. Afghanistan or Iran per se made this year a high time to sit back and think why a woman's body is every nation's political power tool. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

2024 and Iranian women's rights: Has anything changed?

New Delhi, India 
In what is set to be the first key visit of a foreign diplomat to India in the new year, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Dr Majid Takht Ravanchi, will be in Delhi. Dr Takht Ravanchi, who was Iran's former ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022, has been the country's deputy foreign minister since September 2024. During this tenure at the UN, he was a key figure in discussions related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-appoints-majid-takht-ravanchi-as-new-un-ambassador-209039"> Iran appoints Majid Takht Ravanchi as new UN ambassador</a>
During the Delhi visit, he will hold key talks with his counterparts, with a focus on economic ties, the Chabahar port project, and the current situation in West Asia. India is actively operating the first phase of Chabahar, which provides connectivity to Central Asia and Afghanistan. In May 2024, a 10-year deal was signed by both the countries, Iran and India, to operate a terminal at the strategic port, with India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) investing $120 million and offering a $250 million credit line for infrastructure improvements.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-us-from-december-24-29-first-high-level-visit-after-trumps-election-win-786223">Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues</a>
The area of conversation will also be on Iran's reintegration into BRICS and SCO, where India holds significant influence. Iran became a member of the SCO grouping under India's presidency in 2023. The West Asian country became a full member of BRICS on 1st January 2024, a decision that was taken during South Africa's presidency of the group in 2023.

Dr Takht Ravanchi, who was Iran's former ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022, has been the country's deputy foreign minister since September 2024.



New Delhi, India In what is set to be the first key visit of a foreign diplomat to India in the new year, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Dr Majid Takht Ravanchi, will be in Delhi. Dr Takht Ravanchi, who was Iran's former ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022, has been the country's deputy foreign minister since September 2024. During this tenure at the UN, he was a key figure in discussions related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal. Also Read: Iran appoints Majid Takht Ravanchi as new UN ambassador During the Delhi visit, he will hold key talks with his counterparts, with a focus on economic ties, the Chabahar port project, and the current situation in West Asia. India is actively operating the first phase of Chabahar, which provides connectivity to Central Asia and Afghanistan. In May 2024, a 10-year deal was signed by both the countries, Iran and India, to operate a terminal at the strategic port, with India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) investing $120 million and offering a $250 million credit line for infrastructure improvements. Also Read: Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues The area of conversation will also be on Iran's reintegration into BRICS and SCO, where India holds significant influence. Iran became a member of the SCO grouping under India's presidency in 2023. The West Asian country became a full member of BRICS on 1st January 2024, a decision that was taken during South Africa's presidency of the group in 2023.

Top Iran diplomat Dr Takht Ravanchi to visit Delhi

Iran on Tuesday denounced what it termed Israel's "brazen admission" of having killed former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this year. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Iran Conflict: Tehran Denounces Israel's Admission Of Assassinating Haniyeh

Iran plans to ease its strict internet restrictions, starting with unblocking WhatsApp and Play Store. This move is tied to reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian’s promises. Watch this report for more details!

Iran: Decision To Lift Ban On WhatsApp Sparks Debate

Iran Condemns Israel's Admission Of Hamas's Ex-leader Ismail Haniyeh

Iran Condemns Israel's 'Brazen Admission' of Killing Hamas Ex-leader Ismail Haniyeh

Iran Lifts Ban On WhatsApp And Play Store

In what is set to be the first key visit of a foreign diplomat to India in the new year, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Dr Majid Takht Ravanchi, will be in Delhi. Dr Takht Ravanchi, who was Iran's former ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022, has been the country's deputy foreign minister since September 2024. During this tenure at the UN, he was a key figure in discussions related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-appoints-majid-takht-ravanchi-as-new-un-ambassador-209039">&nbsp;Iran appoints Majid Takht Ravanchi as new UN ambassador</a>

During the Delhi visit,&nbsp;he will hold key talks with his counterparts, with a focus on economic ties, the Chabahar port project, and the current situation in West Asia. India is actively operating the first phase of Chabahar, which provides connectivity to Central Asia and Afghanistan. In May 2024, a 10-year deal was signed by both the countries, Iran and&nbsp;India, to operate a terminal at the strategic port, with India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) investing $120 million and offering a $250 million credit line for infrastructure improvements.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-us-from-december-24-29-first-high-level-visit-after-trumps-election-win-786223">Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues</a>

The area of conversation will also be on Iran's reintegration into BRICS and SCO, where India holds significant influence.&nbsp;Iran became a member of the SCO grouping under India's presidency in 2023. The West Asian country became a full member of BRICS on 1st January 2024, a decision that was taken during South Africa's presidency of the group in 2023.

In what is set to be the first key visit of a foreign diplomat to India in the new year, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Dr Majid Takht Ravanchi, will be in Delhi.

In what is set to be the first key visit of a foreign diplomat to India in the new year, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Dr Majid Takht Ravanchi, will be in Delhi. Dr Takht Ravanchi, who was Iran's former ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022, has been the country's deputy foreign minister since September 2024. During this tenure at the UN, he was a key figure in discussions related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal. Also Read: Iran appoints Majid Takht Ravanchi as new UN ambassador During the Delhi visit, he will hold key talks with his counterparts, with a focus on economic ties, the Chabahar port project, and the current situation in West Asia. India is actively operating the first phase of Chabahar, which provides connectivity to Central Asia and Afghanistan. In May 2024, a 10-year deal was signed by both the countries, Iran and India, to operate a terminal at the strategic port, with India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) investing $120 million and offering a $250 million credit line for infrastructure improvements. Also Read: Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues The area of conversation will also be on Iran's reintegration into BRICS and SCO, where India holds significant influence. Iran became a member of the SCO grouping under India's presidency in 2023. The West Asian country became a full member of BRICS on 1st January 2024, a decision that was taken during South Africa's presidency of the group in 2023.

Tehran, Iran
Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play, as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.
The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>
"A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play," Iran's official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
"Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken," IRNA cited Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-man-of-the-hole-died-but-what-about-his-land-786529">Brazil's 'man of the hole' died but what about his land?</a>
In September, the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks.



Tehran, Iran Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play, as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' "A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play," Iran's official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. "Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken," IRNA cited Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying. Also read | Brazil's 'man of the hole' died but what about his land? In September, the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran removes ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, state media confirms

Tel Aviv, Israel
After Houthi militants in Yemen fired ballistic missiles in Israel on Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will begin targeting the Houthi rebel group leaders, further vowing that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire on the country. 
Israel, however, intercepted the missile fired by the Houthi group, but sirens wailed in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel in the morning.
The Israeli military said the missile had been successfully intercepted outside of its territory, adding that there were no reports of casualties. 
“Just as we took care of Sinwar in Gaza, Haniyeh in Tehran, and Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana’a or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz said, referring to the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-behead-their-leaders-israel-admits-it-killed-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-786344">Also read: ‘Will behead their leaders…,’ Israel confirms it killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>
"We will act both against their infrastructure and against them to remove the threat,” he added. 
Katz further threatened the Houthis' Iranian backers, vowing “whoever sponsors the Houthi terror in Hodeida or Sana’a will pay the full price.”
Iran-backed Houthis have been involved in firing on Israel as they are showing solidarity with their allies after the October 7 attack. 
Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu Says, 'Ordered Israeli Forces To Destroy Houthi Infrastructure'
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However, now the attacks have been happening more frequently, raising the chances of retaliation. 
Earlier on Monday, Katz threatened to assassinate Houthi leaders to persuade them to agree to the terms. 
“We will inflict a devastating blow to the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen,” said Katz. “We will hit its strategic infrastructure and behead its leadership.”
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

“We will act both against their infrastructure and against them to remove the threat,” Katz said. 



Tel Aviv, Israel After Houthi militants in Yemen fired ballistic missiles in Israel on Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will begin targeting the Houthi rebel group leaders, further vowing that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire on the country. Israel, however, intercepted the missile fired by the Houthi group, but sirens wailed in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel in the morning. The Israeli military said the missile had been successfully intercepted outside of its territory, adding that there were no reports of casualties. “Just as we took care of Sinwar in Gaza, Haniyeh in Tehran, and Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana’a or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz said, referring to the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Also read: ‘Will behead their leaders…,’ Israel confirms it killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh "We will act both against their infrastructure and against them to remove the threat,” he added. Katz further threatened the Houthis' Iranian backers, vowing “whoever sponsors the Houthi terror in Hodeida or Sana’a will pay the full price.” Iran-backed Houthis have been involved in firing on Israel as they are showing solidarity with their allies after the October 7 attack. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu Says, 'Ordered Israeli Forces To Destroy Houthi Infrastructure' × However, now the attacks have been happening more frequently, raising the chances of retaliation. Earlier on Monday, Katz threatened to assassinate Houthi leaders to persuade them to agree to the terms. “We will inflict a devastating blow to the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen,” said Katz. “We will hit its strategic infrastructure and behead its leadership.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'

In a groundbreaking moment for Iranian aviation, an all-female crew piloted a flight carrying 110 prominent women to Mashhad International Airport on Sunday. 

Iran Marks Milestone With All-Female Flight Crew

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play, as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>

"A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play," Iran's official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

"Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken," IRNA cited Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-man-of-the-hole-died-but-what-about-his-land-786529">Brazil's 'man of the hole' died but what about his land?</a>

In September, the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play, as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play, as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' "A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play," Iran's official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. "Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken," IRNA cited Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying. Also read | Brazil's 'man of the hole' died but what about his land? In September, the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

After Houthi militants in Yemen fired ballistic missiles in Israel on Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will begin targeting the Houthi rebel group leaders, further vowing that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire on the country.&nbsp;

Israel, however, intercepted the missile fired by the Houthi group, but sirens wailed in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel in the morning.

The Israeli military said the missile had been successfully intercepted outside of its territory, adding that there were no reports of casualties.&nbsp;

“Just as we took care of Sinwar in Gaza, Haniyeh in Tehran, and Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana’a or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz said, referring to the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-behead-their-leaders-israel-admits-it-killed-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-786344">Also read:&nbsp;‘Will behead their leaders…,’ Israel confirms it killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>

"We will act both against their infrastructure and against them to remove the threat,” he added.&nbsp;

Katz further threatened the Houthis' Iranian backers, vowing “whoever sponsors the Houthi terror in Hodeida or Sana’a will pay the full price.”

Iran-backed Houthis&nbsp;have been involved in firing on Israel as they are showing solidarity with their allies&nbsp;after the October 7 attack.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu Says, 'Ordered Israeli Forces To Destroy Houthi Infrastructure'

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However, now the attacks have been happening more frequently, raising the chances of retaliation.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, Katz threatened to assassinate Houthi leaders to persuade them to agree to the terms.&nbsp;

“We will inflict a devastating blow to the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen,” said Katz. “We will hit its strategic infrastructure and behead its leadership.”

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Houthi militants in Yemen fired ballistic missiles in Israel on Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will begin targeting the Houthi rebel group leaders, further vowing that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire on the country.

After Houthi militants in Yemen fired ballistic missiles in Israel on Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will begin targeting the Houthi rebel group leaders, further vowing that Israel will not allow missile and drone fire on the country. Israel, however, intercepted the missile fired by the Houthi group, but sirens wailed in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel in the morning. The Israeli military said the missile had been successfully intercepted outside of its territory, adding that there were no reports of casualties. “Just as we took care of Sinwar in Gaza, Haniyeh in Tehran, and Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana’a or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz said, referring to the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Also read: ‘Will behead their leaders…,’ Israel confirms it killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh "We will act both against their infrastructure and against them to remove the threat,” he added. Katz further threatened the Houthis' Iranian backers, vowing “whoever sponsors the Houthi terror in Hodeida or Sana’a will pay the full price.” Iran-backed Houthis have been involved in firing on Israel as they are showing solidarity with their allies after the October 7 attack. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu Says, 'Ordered Israeli Forces To Destroy Houthi Infrastructure' × However, now the attacks have been happening more frequently, raising the chances of retaliation. Earlier on Monday, Katz threatened to assassinate Houthi leaders to persuade them to agree to the terms. “We will inflict a devastating blow to the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen,” said Katz. “We will hit its strategic infrastructure and behead its leadership.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

In a groundbreaking moment for Iranian aviation, an all-female crew piloted a flight carrying 110 prominent women to Mashhad International Airport on Sunday.

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