Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday he believed their two countries could finalise agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian convened a crucial meeting in Moscow to discuss Middle East developments, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and the removal of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to arrive in Washington on Saturday evening for an inauguration celebration marking his return to power that has been upended by record cold temperatures.

The Middle East is witnessing widespread celebrations after the Gaza ceasefire announcement. In Iran, crowds filled Tehran and Tabriz, chanting for Gaza's resistance. Jordan's streets came alive with car parades and Palestinian flags.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military not to begin the ceasefire in Gaza, scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT), until Hamas issued the names of the hostages to be released,

Just three days before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, Russia and Iran have finally signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement,” a deal that had been in the works for months.

The presidents of Russia and Iran have signed a broad cooperation pact to deepen their partnership amid stinging Western sanctions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Russia for the signing of a broad cooperation treaty as his country grapples with growing economic problems and other challenges.