Photo: Mahnaz Abdi, Soheil Saadatmandi

Uruguay presents football shirts to Iran in gesture of sporting friendship

TEHRAN – The Embassy of Uruguay in Tehran hosted a ceremony on Tuesday (February 17), presenting shirts from the Uruguayan national team and two major clubs—Nacional and Peñarol—to Iranian football officials. The event welcomed representatives from Iran's Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Sports, and Culture, alongside the Football Federation and foreign ambassadors. Ambassador Beraldo Roque Nicola emphasized football's power to unite nations, particularly in challenging times.

Photo: Payam Sani

Russia committed to bolstering trade, energy ties with Iran’

TEHRAN- In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times on Tuesday (February 17), Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov underscored Moscow’s dedication to expanding trade and energy cooperation with Iran. The remarks came before the conclusion of the 19th meeting of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Committee, which was hosted by Tehran.

Exclusive photos

Iran drills for ‘smart control’ of Hormuz Strait

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy launched the first phase of a large-scale live-fire drill across Iran’s islands in the Persian Gulf on February 16, 2026. It mobilized rapid-response battalions and deployed new missile systems to Iran’s strategic islands to rehearse the “smart control” of the Strait of Hormuz.

Photo: Fatemeh Mirahmadi

Bahman 22 rallies in photos

Millions of Iranians from all strata of society gathered on Bahman 22 to commemorate the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution. The nationwide celebrations mark the historic end of the monarchy and the birth of the Islamic Republic.

Photo: Adil Abbas

Kashmiris march in support of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS) and in support of Iran and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, a march was held in the Budgam area of Kashmir.

Photo: Saeed Reza Razavi

Nationwide rallies supporting the gov., denouncing riots, terror attacks

TEHRAN – On January 12, 2026, Iranians from all walks of life demonstrated across the country, with tens of thousands gathering in Tehran’s iconic Enghelab Square, showing their support for the Islamic Republic and expressing their condemnation of the recent foreign-instigated riots and terrorist attacks which led to the martyrdom of over 100 security forces and civilians.

Photo: Mohsen Rezaei

Tehran holds cycling race to promote clean transportation

A cycling race was held on Friday in District 17 of Tehran to encourage public sports, increase social vitality, and promote the culture of clean transportation. The Municipality organized the event to mark Father’s Day, the birthday of Imam Ali (AS), which falls on January 3, 2026.

Life under displacement in Gaza: A firsthand visual testimony from Rafah and Deir al-Balah

This photo report is compiled by Ezzedine Shallah, a Palestinian filmmaker and researcher displaced by Israel’s war on Gaza. The images document two stages of forced displacement: his bombed home in Rafah (2024) and daily life inside a tent in Deir al-Balah (2025). Taken from within the Gaza Strip, these photographs bear witness to the destruction of civilian homes, the erosion of family life, and the ongoing reality of survival under bombardment, hunger, and uncertainty.

Photo: Bahman Vakhshour

Painting on the news: Iranian artist turns newspapers into art

TEHRAN- Iranian painter Behdad Najafi is showcasing his latest works in an exhibition titled "Palimento" at Tehran's Nian Gallery. Using newspapers as canvas, he reworks them through layered paint to reflect on media, memory, and the fading presence of newspapers in contemporary life.

Photo: Samira Sadrnejad

Tehran ceremony honors scientific achievers of Islamic Iran

TEHRAN – A prestigious ceremony titled "Hello to the Future" was held on Wednesday evening at the Milad Tower Conference Hall in Tehran, celebrating the outstanding contributions of scientific achievers in Islamic Iran. The event gathered prominent figures from various fields of science and technology, as well as family members of esteemed military commanders martyred during Israel’s June war against Iran.

Photo: Ali Haddadi Asl

Tehran honors mothers of martyrs in solemn ceremony

TEHRAN – A ceremony was held on Tuesday afternoon in Tehran to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the families of fallen Iranian soldiers. The event specifically honored the mother of martyrs Hassan and Mohammad Baqeri, alongside a group of mothers who lost their children during the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, known in Iran as the "Sacred Defense."

Iran 2nd at 2025 AYPG

TEHRAN – Iran finished second at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) in Dubai. A 194-member Iranian contingent collected a total of 262 medals, including 76 gold, 96 silver, and 88 bronze, at the Games held in Dubai, the UAE, from Dec. 10 to 13. Iran’s para swimmers won 104 medals, while para athletes secured 82 medals across various disciplines.

Photo: Bahman Vakhshour

Iran National Orchestra performs at Vahdat Hall

TEHRAN- Iran National Orchestra, conducted by Homayoun Rahimian, presented its latest concert titled “Now It Has Reached Our Ears…” on Sunday and Monday at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall. Prominent Iranian vocalist Vahid Taj accompanied the orchestra during the concerts.

"Terror Online" International Contest seeks to combat censorship of artworks on social media

The press conference for the first International Cartoon and Poster Contest "Terror Online" was held on Saturday, December 6, with the presence of Masoud Shojai Tabatabai, the event’s secretary, and Masoud Nejabatí, the head of the jury, in Tehran. The main goal of the event is to combat the censorship of artworks and present authentic visual narratives of the resistance culture by inviting both Iranian and international artists.

Palestinians celebrate as young couples attend mass wedding

A number of young Palestinians gathered in the war-torn city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza to solidify the love they found amid the ruins. Speaking to reporters, they stated their determination to start a new life despite mass displacement and the devastating living conditions caused by Israeli violence that began in 2023.

Photo: Fatemeh Mirahmadi

Ayatollah Khamenei’s vision of freedom and humanity discussed in intl. conference

The International Conference on Nation's Rights and the Legitimate Freedoms in the Intellectual Framework of Ayatollah Khamenei (Leader of the Islamic Revolution) convened Wednesday at the IRIB International Conference Center in Tehran. The event saw the attendance of Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside several members of the Guardian Council, including Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei, who heads the Research Institute of the Guardian Council. Foreign scholars and intellectuals were also in attendance.

Photo: Foad Ashtari

Tehran inaugurates 'Holy Virgin Mary' metro station

Tehran Municipality inaugurated the new metro station, Maryam-e Moqaddas (Holy Virgin Mary), located near the Saint Sarkis Armenian Cathedral on Saturday. The station was designed with Christian-themed art and architecture to showcase religious coexistence in the country. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and religious leaders of Iranian Christians attended the inauguration ceremony.

Photo: Bahman Vakhshour

Young Scholars Club materializes Iran’s scientific diplomacy, superiority

In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Reza Hosseini, the head of the Young Scholars Club, elaborated on achievements over the past years. He said that young and talented Iranian students are a source of honor for the country, materializing the goals of scientific diplomacy and superiority. The Young Scholars Club prepares students for international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, literature, biology, computer sciences, chemistry, astronomy, and astrophysics.

Photo: Foad Ashtari

Academics analyze social dimensions of Resistance in Tehran conference 

TEHRAN – At a conference titled "Resistance as a Social Phenomenon" held at the University of Tehran on November 19, 2025, Iranian sociologists presented data indicating robust public support for the concept of Resistance and analyzed its evolving role in domestic and international spheres.

Photo: Fatemeh Mirahmadi

At Tehran Times meeting, Indonesian envoy talks future of Iran-Indonesia relations

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Iran, Rolliansyah Soemirat, visited the Tehran Times office on November 18, 2025. After meeting with the publication's leadership, he gave an interview discussing the current state and future prospects of Iran-Indonesia relations, as well as Jakarta’s vision of an ideal regional and global order.

Photo: Bahman Vakhshour

Mexican Embassy in Tehran celebrates Day of the Dead with visual arts exhibition by Iranian artists

TEHRAN – The Mexican Embassy in Tehran held a visual arts exhibition from November 3 to 11 to celebrate the tradition of the Day of the Dead. Held in Collaboration with the Tehran Visual Arts Association, the exhibition showcased 40 works of art across various fields, including painting, illustration, graphic design, and sculpture, all created by Iranian artists on the subject of the Day of the Dead, one of Mexico’s most beloved traditions, filled with color, flowers, scents, and memories.

Photo: Ali Haddadi Asl

Tehran Times hosts Venezuelan envoy to expand bilateral cooperation

José Rafael Silva Aponte, the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Iran, paid a visit to the Tehran Times and Mehr News Agency in Tehran on Tuesday. The delegation engaged in constructive discussions with Mehr Media Group CEO Dr. Mohammad-Mahdi Rahmati and Tehran Times Editor-in-Chief Mr. Mohammad Sarfi, with both sides emphasizing the expansion of media and journalistic cooperation between the two countries.

Gaza launched 1st International Festival for Women’s Cinema in October 2025

In a powerful act of cultural defiance and with the support of the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, Gaza has inaugurated its first International Festival for Women’s Cinema, bringing together voices of female filmmakers from across the world despite the ongoing siege and devastation.

Photo: Khadijeh Mohamadi Nameghi

Indonesia Marks 80th Independence Anniversary, 75 Years of Ties with Iran in Tehran

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia held a ceremony to commemorate both the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Iran. The event was attended by numerous foreign diplomats based in Tehran, as well as Iranian officials and representatives from various economic and cultural sectors. Seyed Sattar Hashemi, Iran's Minister of Information and Communication Technology, was a special guest at the event. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral relations. Rolliansyah Soemirat, Indonesia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iran, also addressed the audience, reaffirming Jakarta's dedication to strengthening its ties with Tehran.

4th Homam International Festival underway in Tehran

Photo: Hossein Sadri

‘Apple festival’ showcases Maragheh's flourishing tourism, economy

The city of Maragheh, northwestern East Azarbaijan province, hosted the 12th edition of a festival dedicated to its well-known and high-quality apple varieties, aiming to publicize the role of agriculture in boosting local and regional tourism and economy. Held from October 22-24, the festival attracted officials, farmers, tourists, and other interested people to apple orchards on the outskirts of the city.

Inside the Silk Legacy: National Museum director discusses Iran-China cultural relations

Jebrael Nokandeh, director of the National Museum of Iran, sat down with the Tehran Times in his office on October 21, 2025, for an exclusive interview about Silk Legacy, an ongoing exhibition featuring millennia of cultural exchanges between Iran and China.

Photo: Ali Haddadi Asl

South Korean ambassador visits Tehran Times to strengthen bilateral ties

TEHRAN- His Excellency Kim Junpyo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Iran, led a high-level delegation on a visit to the Tehran Times Newspaper and Mehr News Agency in Tehran on Sunday, October 19. The delegation, which included Cultural Attaché Mr. Kim Jongoh and Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Jongoh Eunkyung Park, engaged in constructive discussions with Mehr Media Group CEO Dr. Mohammad-Mahdi Rahmati and Tehran Times Editor-in-Chief Mr. Mohammad Sarfi.

Southwest China; Imperial Plants

The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road was held in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province. The forum was attended by 200 journalists from more than 80 countries. Side events of the forum included visits to several other cities, such as Chongqing, to learn about their industries, natural landscapes, and tourist attractions.

Iranians show gratitude to Armed Forces with "Well done, Iran" campaign

TEHRAN - A crowd of Iranian citizens, primarily women and children, gathered in Tehran's Haft-e-Tir Square for a ceremony presenting letters, artworks, and handicrafts to a representative of Iran's Armed Forces. The items were collected through the "Dastmarizad Iran" ("Well done, Iran") campaign, organized by the municipality's department of women and family affairs, to express gratitude to soldiers and honor those who were matryed fighting the recent U.S.-Israeli aggression.