In a recent Al Jazeera interview, Hamas leader Abu Marzouk affirmed the group’s dedication to Gaza’s future and its readiness to surrender weapons to a future Palestinian state. He acknowledged acceptance of key elements of Trump’s peace proposal but emphasized the need for detailed negotiations. Marzouk stated that arms would be transferred to the governing body of Gaza in the upcoming Palestinian state. He rejected Hamas being labeled a terrorist organization, asserting it is a liberation movement. Amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza, he called for international support and emphasized that peace requires addressing occupation and restoring Palestinian rights.
Starting September 1, 2025, Pakistan will begin repatriating over 1.3 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, declared unlawful residents after their cards expired on June 30, 2025. The interior ministry announced the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), instructing local authorities to facilitate voluntary returns. The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) will assist with deregistration at transit points, while the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will manage repatriation at border crossings. The UNHCR has expressed concern about forced returns, arguing it contradicts humanitarian principles and the longstanding support Pakistan has shown to refugees.
The Comprehensive Strategic Agreement signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President during Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow is seen as a pivotal development in strengthening Iran-Russia relations amid geopolitical shifts. Analysts view this agreement, coinciding with the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, as a strategic move to bolster bilateral ties under increasing Western pressure. The agreement emphasizes military cooperation, economic collaboration, and political coordination, challenging U.S. influence and signaling independence for both nations. Despite concerns from the West, officials assert that their strengthened alliance is not aimed at any third country, potentially reshaping global power dynamics.
Iran’s Vice-President Mohammad Javad Zarif has announced he will not engage in talks with US officials during the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. His office urged against spreading rumors about his trip, clarifying that no negotiations with the US or other nations will occur at the event. Zarif, who is attending at WEF’s invitation, emphasized that any future discussions will be guided by Iran’s highest authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is expected to participate in an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, addressing Iran’s stance on global issues amid ongoing speculation about US-Iran relations.
A rift has emerged within Iran’s ultra-hardliner faction, highlighted by lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian’s criticism of protests against enforcing a strict hijab law. His remarks suggest internal conflict over maintaining national stability versus strict adherence to morality legislation, which could incite unrest. The Supreme National Security Council’s recent decision not to implement the hijab law, likely approved by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, indicates a prioritization of the regime’s survival over religious strictness. Nabavian warned against societal polarization amidst geopolitical tensions, while concerns grow about potential protests reminiscent of past unrest, emphasizing the fragile political climate in Iran.
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna, has played a key role in negotiations to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. In a recent interview, he noted that the remaining signatories—Iran, Russia, China, France, Germany, and Britain—were close to an agreement before European nations coordinated with the U.S. to exit discussions in 2022. Ulyanov emphasized that U.S. actions are crucial for revival, while Western nations’ political agendas hinder progress. He expressed hope for renewed dialogue and highlighted the JCPOA’s potential to enhance regional stability.