Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
Masoud Pezeshkian, in a meeting with guilds and bazaaris, claimed he met with Mojtaba Khamenei, highlighting the "humble and cordial demeanor" of the leader as the most notable aspect of their interaction.
A Russian Project 22800 Karakurt-class corvette was struck by Ukrainian drones near the port of Kaspiysk, more than 1,000 km from the frontline. Ukraine's General Staff reports that the extent of damage to the ship, which can carry up to 8 Kalibr cruise missiles, is still being assessed.
Iran has announced that all ships must obtain approval from its naval forces to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with IRIB reporting no vessels currently passing through. Shipping intelligence sources indicate Iran has established a new authority to manage transits and impose fees, and note a lack of vessel movement through the strait in recent days.
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that any talks with the US are contingent on the lifting of the blockade, reiterating a position he has maintained for several weeks.
Iranian President Fazlakhian claimed to have recently met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that any discussions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz must be preceded by the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade.
Iranian President Pezeshkian met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for two and a half hours in an atmosphere described as one of "trust and direct dialogue."
Negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are advancing, with initial deals to lift the blockade in phases, according to Saudi Al-Hadath, which reports that a resolution for stranded vessels could be reached within hours.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has ordered residents of Deir Al-Zahrani, Bafarwa, and Habboush in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, stating that Hezbollah has violated the ceasefire and that military action will follow.
NBC News, citing two U.S. officials, reported that President Donald Trump halted U.S. operations to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz following pressure from Saudi Arabia, which refused to allow the use of its air bases and airspace for the operation.
Saber Ramazani, a 30-year-old mechanical engineering graduate, was killed during protests in Lahijan on December 18, 2025. His friends described him as kind-hearted and passionate about Iran.
Tehran has reportedly begun reducing production at some oil wells due to a storage crisis triggered by the ongoing naval blockade, according to the New York Times.
