Tehran Times

2026-05-17 20:53
Berlin clashes expose Merz's 'dirty work' policy

TEHRAN - German police violently clashed with protesters in Berlin over the weekend after they gathered to express opposition to the US–Israeli war on Iran and to show solidarity with Palestinians, marking the 78th anniversary of the Nakba.
- Merz’s appeasement of Netanyahu will only embolden war criminals
- Merz’s Iran remarks reminiscent of Nazi mentality

Stronger Islamic unity reduces outside interference: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN – In a series of high-level meetings held in Tehran, senior Iranian and Pakistani officials have condemned the 'United States and Israeli military aggression against Iran,' while pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation in border trade, security, and parliamentary relations. The diplomatic engagements, which took place on May 16 and 17, underscored a growing alignment between the two neighboring countries amid escalating regional tensions.
Qalibaf appointment elevates Iran–China coordination to highest political level

TEHRAN - The appointment of Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as Iran’s special representative for China affairs elevates bilateral coordination to the highest political level, underscoring Beijing’s central role in Tehran’s strategy amid shifting regional dynamics after the US–Israeli war.
By Maedeh Zaman Fashami

Trump’s China visit and Washington’s failure to bring Beijing into alignment on Iran

TEHRAN - The recent visit of Donald Trump to China can be seen as one of the most complex moments in Washington–Beijing relations in recent years. On the surface, the trip was framed around recalibrating bilateral ties, managing strategic competition, and discussing global stability.
By Wesam Bahrani

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.
Iran condemns Israeli assassination of senior Hamas commander

TEHRAN- Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Israeli assassination of Izz El-Din Al-Haddad, the head of Hamas's Qassam Brigades in Gaza, accusing Israel of pursuing the "colonial eradication" of Palestine.

Politics

Iran sets five non-negotiable prerequisites for nuclear talks with US

TEHRAN– As diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations between Iran and the United States remain stalled, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the terms each side is setting.
Sanders: 'No more money should be spent on US wars'

TEHRAN- Reacting to the United States' endless wars in West Asia, Senator Bernie Sanders has declared that while the country cannot afford housing, healthcare, or childcare, it somehow always finds money for another bloody war.
US commentator urges regime change in Iran, backs armed unrest

TEHRAN - US conservative commentator Mark Levin has intensified anti-Iran rhetoric, calling for regime change and the overthrow of Iran’s government in line with positions associated with President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sports

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.
Foolad Sirjan finish as runners-up at 2026 AVC Volleyball Champions League

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foolad Sirjan claimed the silver medal at the 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League after a 3-1 defeat to Indonesia’s Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi in Sunday’s final.
Afshardoust: Iran handball target 2028 Olympics berth

TEHRAN – Mahmoud Afshardoust, newly appointed Director of Iran’s Men’s National Handball Teams, has outlined an ambitious vision for the future: securing qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Culture

Indonesian remake of "Children of Heaven" hits silver screens

TEHRAN- The Indonesian adaptation of Majid Majidi’s acclaimed 1997 film “Children of Heaven” officially premiered in Indonesia on Saturday.
Iranian animation “Yooz” welcomed in Russia

TEHRAN – The Iranian 3D animated feature film “Yooz” written and directed by Reza Arzhangi has attracted nearly 50,000 viewers in less than a month of release in Russia.
Iran dedicates Cannes pavilion to martyred children of Minab

TEHRAN- The Farabi Cinema Foundation (FCF) has set up the Iranian Cinema Umbrella at the 79th Cannes Film Market (Marché du Film), representing the country's film industry at the prestigious global event, which is running from May 12 to 23.

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

DOE, UNDP study impact of SDSs on biodiversity

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has conducted studies on the impact of sand and dust storms (SDSs) on the country’s biodiversity.
Health minister to attend 79th World Health Assembly

TEHRAN – An Iranian delegation led by Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi will participate in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA), which is scheduled for May 18 to June 23 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Iranian, Malaysian officials discuss ways to foster scientific ties

TEHRAN – Iran’s scientific counselor in East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Alireza Tavakolpour, and scientific officials of the University of Malaya (UM) have explored the opportunities to expand scientific and academic ties between Iranian universities and UM.

Tourism

Iran president cites ancient Abarkuh cypress in message aimed at Trump

TEHRAN - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invoked the 4,500-year-old Abarkuh cypress tree in central Iran in remarks directed at US President Donald Trump, using the ancient tree as a symbol of Iran’s historical continuity and civilization.
Echoes of the past: The Shahdad Standard

The Shahdad Standard consists of a square metal plate (made of arsenical copper) attached to a metal pole. At the top of the pole, above a conical stone base, sits a small metal bird of prey with its wings spread open. The plate bears a crowded scene of human, animal, plant, and geometric figures, first raised in relief through metal casting and then beautifully outlined and detailed with engraving. All the people in this gathering hold their hands in a similar way, conveying a sense of mutual respect.
Riab assessed against UN Tourism criteria for global recognition

TEHRAN - Officials in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province said the village of Riab in Gonabad County is being evaluated according to criteria set by the United Nations tourism body as part of its bid to be recognized among the world’s best tourism villages.

International

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.
The Trump-Xi summit in Beijing and the rise of corporate diplomacy

JAKARTA — U.S. President Donald Trump paid a two-day state visit to Beijing on May 14 and 15, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was the first U.S. presidential visit to China in nearly a decade.
When international law becomes a post-mortem archive

TEHRAN — A report published by Haaretz on May 17 suggests that the International Criminal Court is moving quietly toward new arrest warrants for senior Israeli figures, including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, alongside military officials tied to the genocidal war on Gaza and the wider campaign of destruction across the region.