Tehran Times

2025-11-22 20:14
By Shahrokh Saei

How the West has thrown Ukraine under the bus

Trump’s 28-point plan pressures Zelenskyy to give up territory, shrink military, and abandon NATO hopes—or risk losing U.S. support

TEHRAN – Nearly 1,370 days into the Russia–Ukraine war, President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan has laid bare the contradictions of Western policy. For years, the United States and Europe encouraged Ukraine to confront Russia, promising NATO membership and protection. Now, as the war drags on, those same powers step back, leaving Ukraine to face the consequences of a fire lit by the West itself.
- Zelenskyy and European leaders will meet with Trump on ending Russia’s war

By Wesam Bahrani

Israel threatens Syrian lifeline

TEHRAN – Recent developments in southern Syria highlight a sharp escalation in military actions by the Israeli regime, accompanied by a systematic expansion of its illegal presence across the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and adjoining highland areas.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Lebanon’s independence discourse: Between symbolism and strategic realities

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day speech was made amid a national climate marked by uncertainty, sacrifice, and a persistent longing for a tangible, “third” independence, one defined by security, territorial integrity, and genuine sovereignty.
Brig. Gen. Jahanshahi takes helm of Iran Army Ground Forces

TEHRAN – Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi has been appointed as the new commander of the Iranian Army Ground Forces, succeeding Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari.
By Ranjan Solomon

Iran as civilization - history and identity, and the making of a political vision

GOA –To assert that "Iran is a civilizational entity" highlights its long history and cultural depth, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Elamites and Achaemenids, which goes beyond the modern nation-state of Iran.
New opportunities emerging for investors: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN – Iranian president pointed to the country’s active presence in BRICS, SCO, and EAEU, and emphasized that these diplomatic interactions strengthen economic relations with neighbors and create a large market and new opportunities for merchants and investors.

Politics

MPs ponder response to IAEA’s anti-Iran resolution

TEHRAN – The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament categorically condemned the recently adopted anti-Iran resolution by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after beginning the process to devise an appropriate response.
Israel undergoing an 'epidemic of infiltration', says Iran intelligence minister

TEHRAN — Iran’s Intelligence Minister says Israel is undergoing an “epidemic of infiltration,” as multiple Israeli media outlets report unprecedented levels of espionage cases linked to Iranian intelligence, including penetration of one of Israel’s largest air force bases.
Araghchi says no need for mediators after Lebanese FM makes public call for negotiations

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is ready for dialogue aimed at boosting bilateral relations with Lebanon, while stressing that Iran does not interfere in the country’s internal affairs, and that it does not require a third party to arrange discussions with Beirut.

Sports

Iran lose to Brazil at 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup

TEHRAN – Iran lost to powerhouse Brazil 4-1 in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, the Philippines.
Bam Khatoon out of 2025/26 AFC Women’s Champions League knockout stage

TEHRAN - Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC booked their place in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 knockout stage after defeating Bam Khatoon 4-0 in their Group B tie on Sunday.
Iran fail to reach Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 final

TEHRAN - India marched into the final of the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 with a 33-21 win over Iran in the semifinals in Dhaka on Saturday.

Culture

Avaye Mahan Orchestra performs Malaysian composer P. Ramlee’s songs in Tehran

TEHRAN – The Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran organized the program “Irama Malaysia,” an orchestral rendition of selected P. Ramlee’s songs, on November 20 and 21, at the Nemaud Performing Art Center.
"On the Shoulders of Tears” photo exhibition celebrates Iranian martyrs

TEHRAN- The "On the Shoulders of Tears" photo exhibition, a visual narrative depicting Iran’s national ceremonies honoring and mourning its martyrs, including their funerals, is currently being held at the Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran.
Iranian movie “Ropewalker Memories” wins at Rojava International Film Festival

TEHRAN – The Iranian film “Ropewalker Memories” directed by Hamed Rajabi won an award at the 5th Rojava International Film Festival, which was held from November 13 to 20 in Qamishlo, Syria.

Economy

Petrochemical industry meets first-year targets under Seventh Plan

TEHRAN – Iran’s National Petrochemical Company (NPC) has met all first-year goals under the Seventh National Development Plan, its managing director said, stressing the need for tougher safety inspections and stronger multilayer protection across the sector.
Iran, Pakistan move to fast-track free trade agreement

TEHRAN – Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran said Tehran and Islamabad are accelerating implementation of their planned free trade agreement, adding that a barter mechanism between the two neighbors will become operational soon.
Alumina powder output exceeds 133,000 tons in 7 months

TEHRAN - Production of alumina powder in Iran reached 133,483 tons in the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year (September 23-October 22), according to the data released by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

Society

Iranian delegation to attend Tokyo Nano Tech 2026

TEHRAN – Supported by the Organization for Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, Iranian knowledge-based companies will participate in the 25th International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference, known as Nano Tech 2026, which is scheduled to be held from January 27 to 31, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.
Literacy Movement starts activities in elementary schools

TEHRAN – The Literacy Movement Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has started activities in elementary schools.
Iran discusses expanding ties with Tajikistan, Pakistan in ICT sector

TEHRAN – To boost cooperation with neighboring countries and strengthen regional interactions in the information, communication, and technology (ICT) sector, ICT Minister Sattar Hashemi has held meetings with his counterparts from Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Tourism

South Korean ambassador says southeast Iran visit enriched his heritage insight

TEHRAN - The South Korean ambassador to Iran has said his recent personal visit to southeastern Iran, including a tour of the regional museum in Zahedan, gave him a deeper insight into the area’s cultural legacy and its connections to ancient Iranian traditions.
3.5 million religious tourists visited Iran last year

TEHRAN – Tourism Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri has said that 3.5 million religious tourists from Iraq, the Persian Gulf region, Central Asia, and the Caucasus traveled to Iran during the past Persian year (1403), which ended on March 20, 2025.
Isfahan firms to promote Iran’s heritage at Madrid’s Fitur fair

TEHRAN--Five travel agencies from Isfahan province have been selected to participate in the Iranian pavilion at the Madrid International Fitur 2026 exhibition to introduce the city's cultural and historical capacities to the global tourists, said Amir Karamzadeh, tourism chief of the province.

International

How the West has thrown Ukraine under the bus

TEHRAN – Nearly 1,370 days into the Russia–Ukraine war, President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan has laid bare the contradictions of Western policy. For years, the United States and Europe encouraged Ukraine to confront Russia, promising NATO membership and protection. Now, as the war drags on, those same powers step back, leaving Ukraine to face the consequences of a fire lit by the West itself.
Israel threatens Syrian lifeline

TEHRAN – Recent developments in southern Syria highlight a sharp escalation in military actions by the Israeli regime, accompanied by a systematic expansion of its illegal presence across the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and adjoining highland areas.
Lebanon’s independence discourse: Between symbolism and strategic realities

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day speech was made amid a national climate marked by uncertainty, sacrifice, and a persistent longing for a tangible, “third” independence, one defined by security, territorial integrity, and genuine sovereignty.

Trump’s 28-point plan pressures Zelenskyy to give up territory, shrink military, and abandon NATO hopes—or risk losing U.S. support