Tehran Times

2026-08-22 21:07
Iran's defense surges as US war machine crumbles

Iran’s Defense Ministry says production of strategic military equipment tripled during the latest US-Israeli war

TEHRAN — In the face of American military and economic pressure, Iran continues to systematically fortify its defensive and offensive capabilities. As the US and Israel confront a strategic impasse in their military campaigns, Iran’s defense industry is expanding rapidly, demonstrating the resilience of a self-reliant nation.
- Iran modernizing defense industry in response to US-Israeli aggression: Defense Ministry
- US general's warning underscores Iran's strategic success

Georgia rejects EU sanctions against Iran, prioritizes sovereignty and pragmatism

TEHRAN — In a firm declaration of its independent foreign policy, Georgia has officially refused to align with the European Union’s latest coercive sanctions imposed on Iran. The decision reflects a growing trend among nations refusing to blindly follow Western economic pressure tactics at the expense of their own national interests.
Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

TEHRAN — Qatar has agreed to allow an Iranian expert team to meet with Iranian pilots being held in the Arab country, a military official said, as Tehran continues efforts to determine their condition and secure their return.
Iran will prevail over economic terrorism, Khatibzadeh says

TEHRAN — Iran will overcome 'economic terrorism' through national resilience and coordinated government action, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, accusing Western countries of pursuing a failed strategy of pressure and sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
By Ali Minabi

What follows Kushner’s meetings with al-Hayya and Netanyahu?

TEHRAN – Gaza remains caught between Israeli intransigence and electoral calculations, U.S. pressure, and Palestinian efforts to preserve the agreement. This is keeping the region in a state of neither war nor peace until the outcome of the upcoming elections becomes clear.
By staff writer

Israeli troops kill father of martyrs in Jenin; settlers murder teenager near Hebron

TEHRAN — Israeli forces and armed settler groups launched a synchronized wave of violence across the occupied West Bank on August 21 and 22. The raids stretched from Jenin to Hebron. Palestinian communities face an accelerating campaign of territorial conquest and lethal force.

Politics

From broken promises to open war: The contradictions of Trump’s Iran policy

Islamabad — There is a rhythm to Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran. A warning is issued. Markets react. Military assets move into position. Diplomats search for an opening. Then, just as confrontation appears inevitable, Washington steps back.
Iranian Navy commander rejects claims of naval destruction, citing continued presence in Gulf of Om

TEHRAN-Iran’s Navy commander has rejected claims that the country’s naval forces have been destroyed, pointing to the continued deployment of Iranian forces in strategic waters and saying the absence of any enemy attempt to enter the area demonstrates Tehran’s maritime deterrence.
Iran condemns new US sanctions as ‘economic terrorism’

TEHRAN —Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the latest US sanctions against the country, accusing Washington of pursuing a decades-long campaign of economic pressure that Tehran described as “economic terrorism” and a “crime against humanity.”

Sports

Iran sweep past Cuba in Ufa friendly cup

TEHRAN - Iran swept past Cuba in straight sets (25-16, 25-19, 25-22) in Ufa friendly tournament on Saturday.
Jafari: Bam Khatoon a worthy representative for Iran

TEHRAN – Marziyeh Jafari, head coach of Bam Khatoon, expressed pride in her players, insisting her side are a worthy representative of the country in the tournament.
Iran basketball head to Manila for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

TEHRAN - Iran’s national basketball team have traveled to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to take part in the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.

Culture

Iranian photographers win awards at 2nd Zyne International Photography Awards

TEHRAN – Several Iranians are among the winners of various categories of the second Zyne International Photography Awards (ZIPA) in India.
Music piece unveiled in Tehran marking 40th day since burial of martyred Leader

TEHRAN- Iranian vocalist and composer Hesameddin Seraj has unveiled his new music piece “Brokenhearted Spring” at a memorial ceremony marking the 40th day since the burial of Iran’s martyred leader.
Asghar Farhadi receives Honorary Heart of Sarajevo

TEHRAN- Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi has received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art of cinema.

Economy

Iran's trade diplomacy surges with expansion of commercial attaché network

TEHRAN- The Director General of the West Asia Office at Iran's Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), elaborating on the organization's major achievements in the years 1403 and 1404 (2024–2025) announced unprecedented records in attracting trade delegations and developing export infrastructure.
Greenhouse products exports rise 12% thanks to modern technology, water crisis management

TEHRAN- Despite sanctions and escalating international tensions, Iran's greenhouse product exports surpassed 770,000 tons in the past agricultural year, recording a 12% growth.
Comprehensive housing plan being drafted at Ministry of Transport, Urban Development

TEHRAN- The financial and economic advisor to the Minister of Transport and Urban Development announced that a comprehensive housing plan is being drafted within the ministry, designed in two phases to serve as a roadmap that accounts for the sector's complexities—an initiative that had been neglected for years.

Society

Iran’s healthcare services to foreign nationals beyond commitments

TEHRAN – Highlighting Iran’s generosity in hosting foreign nationals, the head of the non-communicable diseases office at the health ministry has said the country provides services to foreign nationals beyond its commitments.
DOE hosts national conference on industry, mining, green services

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) played host to the 25th national conference on industry, mining, and green industry on Saturday.
University of Tehran rolls out national atlas of dust

TEHRAN – The International Desert Research Center at the University of Tehran, in cooperation with the Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Iran, has released the country’s first comprehensive atlas of dust after more than a decade of research.

Tourism

Tehran, New Delhi seek stronger tourism co-op

TEHRAN – Iran and India have discussed closer tourism cooperation, stronger air links, private-sector partnerships, joint UNESCO nominations and expanded medical tourism.
Iran, South Africa seek closer tourism cooperation through private-sector ties

TEHRAN – Iran and South Africa have discussed expanding tourism cooperation through stronger private-sector ties, joint marketing initiatives and a framework for implementing bilateral projects.
Iran urges BRICS to build resilient and sustainable tourism sector

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has called for a new definition of resilience in tourism, saying the sector should help connect nations, revive hope, support communities and contribute to lasting peace.

International

What follows Kushner’s meetings with al-Hayya and Netanyahu?

TEHRAN – Gaza remains caught between Israeli intransigence and electoral calculations, U.S. pressure, and Palestinian efforts to preserve the agreement. This is keeping the region in a state of neither war nor peace until the outcome of the upcoming elections becomes clear.
Israeli troops kill father of martyrs in Jenin; settlers murder teenager near Hebron

TEHRAN — Israeli forces and armed settler groups launched a synchronized wave of violence across the occupied West Bank on August 21 and 22. The raids stretched from Jenin to Hebron. Palestinian communities face an accelerating campaign of territorial conquest and lethal force.
The constants and variables in the political dynamics of West Asia

LONDON — The policy of the West Asia region is drawn based on political dynamics. These are either constants that are not subject to change or variables. This is especially with regard to the political situation in Lebanon and Syria, and the regional or international sponsorship of political directions.

Iran’s Defense Ministry says production of strategic military equipment tripled during the latest US-Israeli war