Closed-door nuclear negotiations have begun in Geneva between the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Iran, according to the Iranian ISNA news agency.

The talks are being held without media presence, and the agency has not disclosed the location or the exact number of participants.

Earlier, ISNA, citing Iran’s representative Gharibabadi, reported that a new round of discussions involving Iran and several Western countries would take place on January 13. The main topic of the meeting is the signing of a nuclear deal.

Last year, on September 24, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi met with Enrique Mora, the EU’s Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service. During the meeting, Iran emphasized its readiness to engage in diplomacy and accused the United States of destabilizing the Middle East and sabotaging nuclear deal talks, while attempting to get the EU to negotiate separately in an effort to sideline the US, which effectively succeeded.

BREAKING: KJT Law Group, alongside former Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley and Parris Law Firm, has filed a mass tort lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) over the Eaton Fire, which began on January 7, 2025. According to a press release published by the firm, the fire has claimed 16 lives, destroyed over 7,000 structures, burned more than 14,000 acres, and displaced thousands in Altadena and Pasadena. The lawsuit alleges that SCE failed to take preventative measures despite warnings of strong Santa Ana winds, which eyewitnesses claim ignited the fire at a power structure in Altadena.

Caspar Jivalagian, co-founder of KJT Law Group and a Pasadena native, emphasized the importance of holding SCE accountable. “This is about accountability. We will not sit by without demanding answers on how this happened and why it wasn’t prevented,” he stated. An Altadena resident described the fire’s rapid spread: “The fire started towards the top of the mountain and rushed down so fast we didn’t have any time to think or pack anything.”

The Eaton Fire is one of four major fires currently affecting the Greater Los Angeles area, exacerbated by strong winds and a worsening insurance crisis. Many fire insurance policies expired on December 31, 2024, leaving homeowners vulnerable.

Jivalagian reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to supporting the impacted communities, regardless of their insurance status. “This is personal for us. We are going to do everything in our power to help those impacted – irrespective of their homeowner’s insurance. This is not about profit – it’s about people.”

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Eaton Fire, contact KJT today to check eligibility for joining this lawsuit.

Visit PasadenaFires.com or call 818.507.8525.

Lebanese Parliament Elects Army Commander Joseph Aoun as President After Two-Year Deadlock

After 12 failed attempts, Lebanon’s parliament on Thursday elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president, ending a two-year political impasse.

In the first round of voting, Aoun secured 71 out of 128 votes, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for outright victory. The remaining ballots included 37 blank votes and 14 for “sovereignty and the constitution.”

The election followed chaotic scenes in parliament, with lawmakers shouting over one another. Aoun, widely backed by Lebanon’s allies, including the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, received a boost after Hezbollah-backed candidate Suleiman Frangieh withdrew and endorsed him.

This marks the 13th session to elect a successor to former President Michel Aoun, whose term ended in October 2022. Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system has often led to extended vacancies, including a two-and-a-half-year stalemate between 2014 and 2016.

As a sitting army commander, Aoun faces constitutional hurdles, with a ban on military officials holding the presidency requiring special waivers. His election signals a potential shift as Lebanon grapples with rebuilding after conflict and economic crisis.

Southern California Community Fire Safety Update

Armenian community centers of Southern California open doors during these troubling fires.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US has opened its doors to families in need of shelter due to the fires in Southern California. Please call to confirm available space and make arrangements.

• South Valley Armenian Center: Raffi - (818) 424-8568

• Burbank Armenian Center: Artin - (818) 486-0668

• Montebello Armenian Center: Jack - (323) 216-1239

• Crescenta Valley Armenian Center: Lucy - (818) 590-5580

• Pasadena Armenian Center: Mano - (626) 354-4724

Los Angeles County is currently battling multiple life-threatening wildfires, with the Palisades Fire being the largest and most devastating. Together, these fires have caused widespread destruction. Below is an overview of the fires and their impacts.

The Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire has become the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County history:

• Over 5,000 acres have burned, with the fire reaching the Pacific Coast Highway.

• Approximately 1,000 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed.

• Mass evacuations have been enforced, displacing countless families.

The Hurst Fire

The Hurst Fire broke out in Sylmar overnight, rapidly spreading due to strong winds:

• Over 500 acres burned.

• High winds worsened fire conditions, making containment efforts difficult.

The Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire ignited near Altadena and Pasadena on Tuesday evening:

• Over 2,200 acres burned.

• Two fatalities confirmed, with several others seriously injured.

The Woodley Fire

Another fire, the Woodley Fire, erupted Wednesday morning:

• The fire started at 6:15 a.m. near the Sepulveda Basin and quickly spread to 75 acres.

Ongoing Developments

Firefighters continue to battle these blazes under challenging conditions, with high winds and dry weather fueling the fires. This is a developing story, and further updates will follow.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted. Please stay safe and share this information with those in need.

UPDATE: Sahag Mesrob Armenian School in Altadena has been destroyed by the recent LA wildfires. Below is an updated video showing the damage to the school.

🎥 Courtesy of Pastor Hovhannes Halladjian's Facebook page.