This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
Iran recorded 133 earthquakes from October 4 to 10, with 117 having magnitudes below 3, 15 between 3 and 4, and 1 between 4 and 5. Isfahan led with 24 earthquakes, followed by Fars and Yazd with 11 each. Over the past year, 6,272 earthquakes were documented, including 150 exceeding magnitude 4. Despite only 2% of global earthquakes, Iran has faced over 6% of related casualties in the 20th century. Authorities stress the importance of preparedness, urging residents to have emergency kits, family plans, and to secure heavy items to mitigate risks during seismic events.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), supported by South Korea, is enhancing environmental sustainability in refugee settlements in Iran through waste recycling and composting initiatives. Since 2020, UNIDO has promoted resilience among refugees, highlighted by a training program on vermicomposting conducted in May 2025, attended by 133 refugees. Participants learned to convert organic waste into fertilizer, boosting food security and environmental stewardship. Positive feedback on the training underscored its success. UNIDO plans to expand these efforts, including renewable energy projects like solar power installations, while Iranian officials reaffirmed their commitment to documented refugees amidst ongoing deportations of undocumented individuals.
Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Haider Abd Dahed, announced the country’s intent to send talented students to study at Iran’s state universities, aiming to enhance academic exchange. In discussions with Saeed Habiba, head of the Organization of Student Affairs, they sought to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate this initiative. Dahed highlighted the high global rankings of Iranian universities and proposed addressing current Iraqi laws affecting medical students. The collaboration includes potential exchanges of professors and students, with ongoing discussions about scholarships for outstanding Iraqi students, fostering deeper educational ties and mutual understanding between the two nations.
An Iranian delegation, led by Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi, is attending the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC72) in Cairo from October 15-17. This session focuses on critical health issues such as polio eradication, health emergencies, and the impacts of climate change and sanctions on public health. Key discussions include halving zero-dose children by 2030, integrating palliative care, and addressing health-system recovery in crisis-affected areas. WHO officials praised Iran’s healthcare advancements and collaboration on regulatory improvements, highlighting its role as a regional leader in health coverage and vaccination efforts. The outcomes aim to enhance health across the region.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated, prompting urgent international calls for action. Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to aid civilians facing dire conditions, emphasizing the need for immediate assistance. She acknowledged the significant loss of Red Crescent staff in the crisis and highlighted the ongoing violence affecting Gaza and the West Bank. Iranian Red Crescent Society head Pirhossein Kolivand urged organizations like the ICRC and WHO to mobilize resources for humanitarian diplomacy, citing alarming famine statistics and potential war crimes. Collaborative efforts are crucial to deliver aid and uphold international humanitarian law.