By Sahar Dadjoo

Iran–Russia treaty to shift regional power balance, says Russian Scholar

Dr. Ravandi-Fadai outlines the agreement’s potential to counter sanctions and deepen cooperation in energy, defense, and diplomacy

TEHRAN – Following the official activation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Tehran and Moscow, Iran and Russia have entered a new phase in their long-standing relationship. The 20-year agreement, encompassing cooperation in defense, energy, technology, and finance, is widely regarded as a milestone in strengthening bilateral and regional ties.

By Ali Hamedin

Our DNA feels Palestine’s pain: Irish illustrator 

TEHRAN-For more than 700 days, a small strip of land has endured some of the most savage assaults in human history—attacks not waged against warriors, but against women and children who, even if left untouched by bombs, would slowly be claimed by the dagger of hunger, sacrificed to the true masters of a regime that proclaims itself “chosen by God.”

By Sahar Dadjoo

Sanctions deepen Iran’s economic pressure but strengthen its strategic independence, says economist

Prof. Farzanegan sees renewed focus on national innovation, eastern alignment, and reform-minded governance

TEHRAN – This is the second part of Tehran Times’ exclusive interview with Prof. Dr. Mohammad Reza Farzanegan on the activation of the snapback mechanism and the broader impact of renewed UN sanctions on Iran.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: Sanctions will harm Iranian consumers, not defense capabilities, economic expert says

Prof. Farzanegan highlights that trade and inspection restrictions will harm ordinary citizens more than strategic sectors

TEHRAN- As sanctions on Iran intensify with the reactivation of the UN snapback mechanism, questions arise about their long-term economic and geopolitical consequences for the country. The measures, targeting Iran’s trade, defense, and financial sectors, have sparked debates about their impact on ordinary citizens and the nation’s capacity for innovation. Amid these challenges, understanding Iran’s position in a shifting global landscape is critical.

By Sahar Dadjoo

EXCLUSIVE: Islamabad sees snapback sanctions as obstacle to dialogue, Pakistani scholar says

Dr. Qaiser Ahmed outlines Pakistan’s balancing act between East and West while preserving cooperation with Iran

TEHRAN – The reactivation of the snapback mechanism at the United Nations Security Council has once again placed Iran’s nuclear program at the center of global diplomatic tensions. Following the European trio’s move to reinstate sanctions, Tehran has sharply criticized the decision, while countries across the region are weighing the implications for stability, trade, and security.

By Sedigheh Hosseini

Strengthening cultural and tourism diplomacy: Indonesia and Iran move closer

TEHRAN- An Iranian media delegation, including journalists, influencers, and media professionals, recently traveled to Indonesia to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s tourism and cultural opportunities. A reporter from Tehran Times accompanied the delegation to cover the visit and provide an in-depth report on Indonesia’s real landscape and the potential for cultural cooperation between the two nations. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Spain’s arms embargo on Israel will influence EU states, says analyst 

TEHRAN- Spain has recently intensified its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by not only imposing an arms embargo on Israel and banning the shipment of military fuel through its ports and airspace but also authorizing an official investigation into Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

By Sedigheh Hosseini

Indonesians hail Iran as symbol of resistance and steadfast backer of Palestine

BALI – In interviews with a Tehran Times reporter, several Indonesian citizens highlighted Iran’s historical, cultural, and political significance, describing the country as a “symbol of resistance” and a steadfast supporter of Palestine.

By Mona Hojat Ansari 

‘My father, then my husband’: One woman's sacrifices for Iran

TEHRAN – Soraya Kazemi is among the thousands of Iranian millennials who lost their fathers during Iraq's invasion of Iran. Her father, a soldier at the time, passed away shortly after being exposed to Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons – weapons that were provided by Germany, and put to use based on American intelligence.

By Sahar Dadjoo

South African journalist: Israel’s war on media is a ‘deliberate massacre’

Deshnee Subramany tells Tehran Times about solidarity with Gaza journalists and the lessons from South Africa’s apartheid past

TEHRAN- For South African journalist Deshnee Subramany, the struggle for Palestinian press freedom is deeply personal. Sitting at her desk earlier this year, she was overwhelmed by a steady stream of devastating news: journalist after journalist killed in Gaza.

By Sahar Dadjoo

US will stop at nothing to assert dominance over other nations: Sierra Leone scholar

TEHRAN – In a dramatic development at the United Nations last Friday, September 19, 2025, the Security Council voted against a proposal to extend sanctions relief for Iran, paving the way for the automatic re-imposition of previous UN sanctions under the so-called “snapback” mechanism.

By Sahar Dadjoo

EXCLUSIVE: Global recognitions of Palestine send message to Washington, says ex-Palestinian official

Khalid Abd al-Majid says wave of Palestinian recognition is fruit of people’s sacrifices

TEHRAN- As international momentum builds up behind the recognition of the Palestinian State, several Western countries—France, Canada, Britain - have officially recognized the Palestine State.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Araghchi represents Iran’s official stance, Prof. Gärtner says after Macron’s controversial remarks

Political expert adds it’s fair that Iran demands no new military strikes during renewed talks

TEHRAN – Prof. Dr. Heinz Gärtner, a distinguished scholar of international relations and political science at the University of Vienna, brings decades of expertise on global security, transatlantic relations, nuclear non-proliferation, and West Asian geopolitics. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: EU bans on Israel remain symbolic, says Swedish university scholar

Ashok Swain says public outrage from European capitals forced Brussels to act

TEHRAN - As tensions in Gaza and the West Bank escalate, the European Union has taken an unprecedented step by proposing the suspension of trade concessions with Israel, signaling growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis. The move comes amid widespread protests across European capitals, raising questions about the effectiveness of symbolic sanctions versus tangible political pressure. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: Summits without action are ‘a waste of time,’ says political commentator 

Munir Daair says Arabs and Turkey must join Iran in security pact or face continued Israeli attacks

TEHRAN- In the aftermath of Israel’s recent airstrike on Doha, which targeted Hamas leaders under the shadow of U.S. military presence, questions are rising over Washington’s role in regional affairs. Analysts say the attack exposes a repeated pattern of deception, echoing previous strikes on Iran and Yemen, and highlights the danger posed by American bases in the Persian Gulf.

By Ali Hamedin

Novel on Gaza brings fictional heroes into real struggle

TEHRAN-The superhero of this story, Z, does not soar over imaginary skylines nor strike with an iron fist; his mission is different: to tear down the barricades of fake news and pull the truth from beneath the rubble of lies that Zionists pump daily into the media about Gaza. In “The Last Superhero: The Fight for Palestine”, Z searches for the roots of Zionism and the project of Israel in the twentieth century—a project that, through its propaganda machine, labels every Palestinian as “Hamas” in order to justify the killing of women and children.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Israel uses Gaza-style raids on Yemeni journalists, Yemeni expert says

TEHRAN – Israeli airstrikes on offices of two Yemeni newspapers, 26 September and Yemen, have claimed the lives of 32 journalists and media staff. The attacks, which Israel has acknowledged, are seen as deliberate attempts to silence the media and intimidate the Yemeni people, drawing widespread condemnation from analysts and human rights observers.

Exclusive: U.S. isolation inevitable if ‘snapback’ mechanism revived, cautions nuclear physicist

Dr. Khaled Hussein points to Washington’s domination of global oversight mechanisms and calls for respect of Iran’s legal rights

TEHRAN- As debates over Iran’s nuclear rights and Western pressures on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework continue to dominate regional and international discourse, questions are being raised about the credibility of global nuclear governance. 

If Palestine can’t win, many principles are at stake,” says Italian activist on Sumud flotilla

Claudio, a volunteer from Sicily, says solidarity with Gaza is a continuation of historic liberation struggles

TEHRAN- The Sumud flotilla has brought together volunteers and sailing boats from across the Mediterranean, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver solidarity to Gaza. From Italy, dozens of boats are preparing to set sail. Among them is Claudio, an Italian activist from Sicily affiliated with the International Solidarity Movement, who shared his perspective with the Tehran Times in Tunis.

“Children of Gaza, don’t lose hope, we are by your side”: Dutch activist on Sumud mission says

Dominique, the sole Dutch participant in the Sumud flotilla, says ordinary citizens must act where governments fail

TEHRAN - As the Sumud humanitarian flotilla voyages waters of Tunisia with the aim of breaking the siege on Gaza, international activists are stepping forward to challenge the blockade through non-violent action. Among them is Dominique, the only delegate from the Netherlands, who spoke to the Tehran Times about their motivation, readiness to face risks, and heartfelt message to Palestinian children.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: If IAEA remains politicized, safeguards system may collapse, ex-senior inspector warns

Abu Shadi calls for nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia, urges equal accountability for Israel

TEHRAN – Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently agreed to resume cooperation after the agency's inspectors left Iran during a U.S.-Israeli bombardment campaign on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, and were subsequently barred from re-entry. 

Exclusive: Trump okayed Israel’s strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Aleef Sabbagh says

Host countries must know Israel ignores state sovereignty when backed by US, political expert says

TEHRAN- As the repercussions of Israel’s latest strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha reverberate across the region, questions are mounting over the future of ceasefire negotiations and Qatar’s role as a trusted mediator.

American activist sends message of support to Iranian people ahead of Gaza voyage

Kathy Greaves, an American activist from California and Virginia, is participating in the international solidarity flotilla Sumud, which set sail on September 7 with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid, including food and medicine. 

By Silvina Pachelo

Zionism is the problem: Ariel Feldman breaks down Israel’s Nakba and genocide

BUENOS AIRES — Ariel Feldman is an audiovisual filmmaker, lecturer in film and philosophy, and photographer who supports Palestine and denounces Israel’s colonial and genocidal policies. Drawing from his life experience in Israel and his Jewish identity, Feldman calls for ethical awareness in the face of the Israeli occupation and the suffering of the Palestinian people.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: Europe has become a ‘vassal’ of US in Iran policy, says Norwegian professor 

Glenn Diesen argues EU dependence on Washington leaves no room for independent diplomacy

TEHRAN - In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Glenn Diesen, a Norwegian political scientist and professor specializing in international relations, offered a critical perspective on the U.S. approach toward Iran’s nuclear program and the escalating tensions across West Asia. 

By Masoud Hossein & Farrokh Hesabi

We have a lot to say in future, women canoe polo players

TEHRAN – In an exclusive with Tehran Times, Iran’s women’s Canoe Polo players Elaheh Pourabdian, Mahdieh Shabani, and Anahita Mahtarpour talked about their rollercoaster journey in championship.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: West using ‘snapback’ for political manipulation, says former UN expert

Alfred de Zayas denounces U.S. and EU move as illegitimate under Resolution 2231

TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview, the Tehran Times engaged with Alfred de Zayas, a distinguished professor of international law at the Geneva School of Diplomacy, former Secretary of the UN Human Rights Committee, and former UN Independent Expert on International Order (2012-18). 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: Iran must adopt dual-track strategy to secure Caucasus role, says Italian analyst

Boltuc stresses Tehran should act as stabilizer to counter US, NATO, and Turkish encroachment

TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Silvia Boltuc, an Italian geopolitical analyst and Managing Director of Special Eurasia, analyzes how a foreign-operated corridor could reshape Iran’s strategic environment in the South Caucasus.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: ‘Snapback’ sanctions are illegitimate and unenforceable; Human Rights advocate argues

Robert Fantina says invocation of ‘snapback’ will have serious implications for regional peace and security

TEHRAN – Robert Fantina, author, human rights advocate, and an outspoken critic of Western foreign policies, believes that economic sanctions have become one of the most destructive tools of modern warfare, disproportionately harming ordinary civilians rather than governments.