Friday is the last day of the week in Iran, making it a natural day to reflect on the major political, economic, and social events that have shaped the country over the past seven days. This weekly roundup provides a concise overview of the key trends that have defined Iran’s domestic situation and regional and international engagements.
The following sections are concise, sourced, and balanced to help you understand what has happened in and around Tehran over the past seven days.
Revolutionary Guards Navy conducts military exercises in the Persian Gulf
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy began a two-day “Eghtedar” (authority) exercise in the Persian Gulf on Thursday.
Revolutionary Guards officials said the exercise highlights the Iranian Navy’s courage and defense readiness and reflects continued efforts to strengthen its deterrence and operational capabilities in the Persian Gulf.
Iran begins military exercises in West Azarbaijan province
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Thursday began military exercises in western Azarbaijan province aimed at strengthening the readiness of Basij forces in the province.
Iran hosts Sahand 2025 exercise
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) hosted the Sahand 2025 joint counterterrorism exercise with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Iran’s East Azarbaijan province this week.
More than 10 countries participated in the Sahand-2025 joint counter-terrorism exercise, said Deputy Chief of Operations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Iran, Russia and China write joint letter to UN Secretary-General
In a joint letter to the President of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, the ambassadors of Iran, Russia and China stressed that all provisions of resolution 2231 expired on October 18, 2025.
Freight trains between Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye to resume operations
Pakistan’s Railway Minister announced that the ECO freight train connecting Islamabad, Tehran and Istanbul will resume operations on December 31, underscoring the country’s interest in expanding regional ties with Iran.
Shiraz hosts this year’s Fajr International Film Festival
The 2025 edition of Fajr International Film Festival was held in Shiraz this week with the participation of foreign guests.
Iran issues ownership documents for Trio Persian Gulf Islands
Iran this week formally issued land demarcation and ownership documents for Greater and Lesser Tunb as well as Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf, asserting its sovereignty over the territory.
Iran holds high-level talks with Turkish and Saudi officials in Tehran
This week, Iran welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati to Tehran.
Bilateral relations and international issues were reviewed during the visit of the two diplomats to Tehran.
Iran seizes foreign ship carrying smuggled fuel
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has seized a foreign-flagged vessel carrying 350,000 liters of smuggled fuel in the Persian Gulf, according to the commander of the 2nd Naval Zone of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Iranian military adds new naval base
The Iranian military also unveiled the rebuilt destroyer Sahand, integrating a new floating base into its navy, months after it sank in an accident in Bandar Abbas.
Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Inc. Agreement on North-South Corridor
Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan signed a new trilateral agreement in Baku to expand the western route of the International North-South Transport Corridor.
MNA