Tehran Times

2026-05-18 21:48
Trump–Netanyahu persistent delusions

Iran warns that its armed forces will unveil “new surprises” amid renewed US-Israeli war rhetoric

TEHRAN - Iran has warned its adversaries of “new surprises” as the United States and Israel once again beat the drums of war despite their military failure in the recent conflict.
- Netanyahu shaping Trump’s policy on Iran
- How Trump rejoined ‘team’ Netanyahu

We will never bow before any power, says the president

TEHRAN - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed that Iran will never surrender to external pressure or compromise its national dignity in pursuit of comfort or political expediency.
Iran submits response to latest US proposal, rejects compromise on enrichment rights

TEHRAN - Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday that Tehran has submitted a response to Washington’s latest proposal to bring a permanent end to the US-Israeli aggression that initially began on February 28.
By Mir Mohammad Alikhan

Why renewed war on Iran would shatter global markets more than Tehran

ISLAMABAD - I’ve spent the last two months glued to the trading screens as an investment banker, watching oil swing wildly like a pendulum in a storm. It touched $120 a barrel amid fresh tensions, dipped back toward $80 on de-escalation hopes, and clawed its way above $100 again.
By Garsha Vazirian

Israel launches another illegal raid on civilian aid vessels in international waters

Unarmed doctors and journalists are brutalized and abducted near Cyprus to enforce a criminal blockade

TEHRAN — Israeli naval forces executed a predictable act of high-sea piracy on Monday, violently hijacking the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
By Wesam Bahrani

Why didn’t Iraq fill its cabinet seats?

TEHRAN – On Thursday, Iraq’s parliament approved only part of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s new cabinet. More than half the posts were confirmed, enough to legally seat the government.

Politics

Araghchi holds intensive diplomatic talks as regional tensions escalate

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a series of telephone conversations with his counterparts from South Korea, France, Turkey, and Qatar on Sunday, focusing on regional tensions, diplomatic efforts, and the security situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran announces sweeping arrests in counter-espionage and anti-terror operations

TEHRAN – Iranian security authorities have announced a series of nationwide counter-espionage and anti-terrorism operations, saying thousands of individuals accused of links to hostile foreign actors, sabotage networks, and armed groups have been arrested since the outbreak of the war.
Iran fully prepared to confront any renewed aggression: Defense Ministry

TEHRAN- Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, spokesperson for Iran’s Defense Ministry, has warned that any renewed act of aggression by the United States or the Israeli regime against Iran would be met with a decisive and regrettable response, stressing that the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to confront any potential attack.

Sports

Iran football team to hold camp in Antalya

TEHRAN - The Iran national football team's flight landed in Antalya Monday noon.
2026 World Cup: Azmoun left out of preliminary squad

TEHRAN – Iran football team forward Sardar Azmoun has been left out of Amir Ghalenoei's preliminary World Cup squad.
Iran’s Yousefi wins silver at 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships

TEHRAN – Iran’s Alireza Yousefi secured a silver medal in the +110kg category at the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships on Sunday.

Culture

International literary prize launched to honor Minab victims

TEHRAN- The International Six-Word Story Award: Minab School – 168 Unfinished Short Stories was officially launched on Sunday.
Four Iranian films receive nominations at 14th International Sound & Film Music Festival in Croatia

TEHRAN – Four films from Iran have received nominations at the 14th International Sound & Film Music Festival (ISFMF), which will be held from May 21 to 24 in Varaždin, Croatia.
IAF screening anti-Zionist films

TEHRAN – The cinematheque of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran is running a program titled “God of Carnage,” which is dedicated to the screening of a selection of documentary and narrative films with anti-Zionist themes.

Economy

Strait of Hormuz blockade following Iran war forces global return to coal

TEHRAN- According to a report published Sunday by The Wall Street Journal, countries around the world are returning to the highly polluting but reliable fossil fuel after the Iran war effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, severing approximately 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.
Strait of Hormuz revives Iran's neglected trade corridors

TEHRAN- Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz shifted Iran's trade route toward neglected land and rail corridors, a path now activated from Pakistan and Iraq to China and Central Asia.
ICCIMA holds board of representatives meeting on economic challenges, industrial chains

TEHRAN- The 23rd meeting of the Board of Representatives of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) was held with presentations on the country’s special economic conditions, the latest status of the steel chain and the petrochemical industry chain, and their effects on the commodity exchange.

Society

Rainfall, restoration projects replenish many wetlands

TEHRAN – Recent heavy rainfall, along with restoration projects, has increased water flow into many wetlands, including Shimbar, Zarivar, Helleh, and Hour al-Azim, bringing them back to life.
Tripartite MOU inked for preservation of Asiatic cheetah

TEHRAN – To ensure the preservation of the Asiatic cheetah, a critically endangered species found only in Iran, the Department of Environment (DOE), the National Environment Fund, and the Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Project have signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Malaysia determined to enhance scientific co-op with Iran

TEHRAN – Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, Zambry Abdul Kadir, in a phone conversation with Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, has said that Malaysia is determined to boost scientific ties with Iran, particularly in the higher education sector, with consultations and planning currently in progress.

Tourism

Pamenar: Where painted doors speak the language of identity

TEHRAN - Nestled in the northern reaches of Dezful in southwestern Khuzestan province, the ancient village of Pamenar has emerged as one of Iran’s most distinctive rural destinations, blending cultural heritage, environmental identity, and community-based tourism into a living narrative of local memory. In recent years, the village has increasingly drawn attention as a candidate for future international heritage recognition, not only because of its natural beauty and historical character, but also due to innovative efforts by residents to preserve and showcase their cultural identity.
Belarus, Iran discuss expanding tourism co-operation

TEHRAN - Officials from Belarus and Iran discussed expanding bilateral co-operation in the tourism sector during a meeting in Minsk, according to a report published Monday by SB News.
Tehran launches metro-based tourism plan after wartime disruption

TEHRAN - Tehran municipality has launched a new tourism initiative allowing residents and visitors to explore the Iranian capital through its metro network, following disruptions to the tourism sector during the recent war, the head of Tehran Municipality’s Tourism Headquarters said.

International

Israel launches another illegal raid on civilian aid vessels in international waters

TEHRAN — Israeli naval forces executed a predictable act of high-sea piracy on Monday, violently hijacking the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
Why didn’t Iraq fill its cabinet seats?

TEHRAN – On Thursday, Iraq’s parliament approved only part of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s new cabinet. More than half the posts were confirmed, enough to legally seat the government.
Hezbollah warns Lebanese authorities on talks with Israel

TEHRAN – On the anniversary of the 1983 “Agreement of Shame,” Hezbollah warns that direct talks with the Israeli regime risk surrendering Lebanese sovereignty and dignity to the enemy.