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France: Farmers’ Protests Against Mercosur Expand Across Country, Motorway Blockages Continue

Thousands of European farmers are gathering in Brussels today, December 18, to protest the EU-Mercosur trade deal during a high-stakes European Council summit. In France, the unrest has escalated with motorways being blocked and protests expanding toward major ski resort access routes just ahead of tomorrow's scheduled vote on the agreement. This surge in mobilization follows a massive day of action yesterday, which saw over 3,600 farmers participate in at least 80 separate demonstrations across the country.

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Mizuho Financial to buy Indian investment bank

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. President Masahiro Kihara (L) and Gaurav Deepak, CEO of Avendus Capital Private Ltd., shake hands at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 17, 2025. The major Japanese financial group said it will buy the major Indian investment bank to strengthen operations in the South Asian country with high growth potential.

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IBM Japan president to head Keizai Doyukai

IBM Japan Ltd. President Akio Yamaguchi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 16, 2025, after being named head of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, a major Japanese business lobby known as Keizai Doyukai. The appointment, effective on Jan. 1, 2026, follows the resignation of former Suntory Holdings Ltd. Chairman Takeshi Niinami after a police probe over his purchase of certain supplements.

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IBM Japan president to head Keizai Doyukai

IBM Japan Ltd. President Akio Yamaguchi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 16, 2025, after being named head of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, a major Japanese business lobby known as Keizai Doyukai. The appointment, effective on Jan. 1, 2026, follows the resignation of former Suntory Holdings Ltd. Chairman Takeshi Niinami after a police probe over his purchase of certain supplements.

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IBM Japan president to head Keizai Doyukai

IBM Japan Ltd. President Akio Yamaguchi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 16, 2025, after being named head of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, a major Japanese business lobby known as Keizai Doyukai. The appointment, effective on Jan. 1, 2026, follows the resignation of former Suntory Holdings Ltd. Chairman Takeshi Niinami after a police probe over his purchase of certain supplements.

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IBM Japan president to head Keizai Doyukai

IBM Japan Ltd. President Akio Yamaguchi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 16, 2025, after being named head of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, a major Japanese business lobby known as Keizai Doyukai. The appointment, effective on Jan. 1, 2026, follows the resignation of former Suntory Holdings Ltd. Chairman Takeshi Niinami after a police probe over his purchase of certain supplements.

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An adobe tower rises above arched structures inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view of the surrounding landscape is seen through protective netting inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An arched passageway leads through adobe walls inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe rooftops and a watchtower are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A flat rooftop and inner section of the Arg-e Bam citadel are seen in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view of adobe buildings is seen through a doorway inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An open courtyard and adobe structures are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel are reflected in water in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An arched window and scaffolding are seen during restoration work inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An adobe tower stands inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Visitors stand near an adobe tower inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Visitors stand near an adobe tower inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel are reflected in water in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view of adobe buildings is seen through a doorway inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A narrow alleyway runs between adobe buildings inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A damaged structure is seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. The citadel was almost completely destroyed during the 2003 earthquake and has since undergone long-term reconstruction and conservation efforts. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A narrow alleyway runs between adobe buildings inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A narrow alleyway runs between adobe buildings inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A visitor walks along a pathway inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Japan: Low-Pressure System Brings Blizzard Conditions to Hokkaido, Knocking Donw Trees

A rapidly developing low-pressure system moved through Hokkaido on Monday, December 15, bringing heavy snow and blizzard conditions that have caused widespread havoc and left up to 36,000 homes without power. The severe winter storm resulted in collapsed roofs, downed trees, power lines and school fences, stranded cars, and major train cancellations.

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US: First Major Snow of Season Blankets New York City 2

New York City experienced its first significant snowfall of the season overnight into Sunday, December 14, as snow spread across the Tri-State area. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for New York and New Jersey through Sunday afternoon, while winter storm warnings were in effect for much of New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania. Across the region, snowfall totals ranged from a couple of inches to as much as six inches.

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows wide subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across fields on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows a wide subsidence crack cutting across fields on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows wide subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across fields on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows wide subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across fields on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows wide subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across fields on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows wide subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across fields on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows a large subsidence crack and circular sinkholes cutting across the ground on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

A view shows a large subsidence crack in the ground on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across the ground near a road on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows subsidence cracks and circular sinkholes cutting across the ground near a road on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Subsidence in Neyshabur Iran

An aerial view shows a large subsidence crack and circular sinkholes cutting across the ground on the outskirts of Neyshabur, Iran, on November 14, 2025. Experts say excessive groundwater extraction has turned Neyshabur into one of Iran’s most critical subsidence hotspots. The subsidence now poses a threat to agriculture and key infrastructure, including the Tehran-Mashhad railroad and major energy pipelines. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM