Tehran Times

2025-11-24 21:42
By Shahrokh Saei

Truce as trap

Israel’s Beirut strike exposes ceasefire as a cover for carnage, with Tabtabai’s killing raising fears of wider war

TEHRAN – Nearly a year after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire, and just weeks after a truce with Hamas in Gaza, the situation on the ground shows that neither agreement has brought lasting calm.
- A familiar pattern: Tel Aviv targets truce
- Israel’s dream of renewed occupation

Iran’s foreign minister to hold talks in Paris on Wednesday

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will hold talks with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris this week, France's foreign ministry said on Monday, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
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 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.
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.

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

Women’s futsal head coach Mozafar proud of Iran

TEHRAN – Shahrzad Mozafar, Iran’s women’s futsal team head coach, is proud of her team in the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.
Football matches in Tehran cancelled due to air pollution

TEHRAN - All football games that were to be played in the Iranian Professional League in Tehran were cancelled due to heavy air pollution.
Tractor edge Nasaf in AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26

TEHRAN - Tractor football team continued their unbeaten start to the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 campaign on Monday as Dragan Skocic’s side handed hosts Nasaf a 1-0 defeat in Qarshi to edge closer to the next stage.

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

‘Narrators of Ancient Iran’ extended after popular demand

TEHRAN - Due to “its great success”, the exhibition “Narrators of Ancient Iran: A Selection of Objects from the National Museum” has been extended for one month and will now remain open to the public until December 21.
Mashhad hosting 4,000 pilgrims arriving on foot for Hazrat Fatemeh mourning

TEHRAN - More than 2,500 pilgrims arriving on foot entered Mashhad on Sunday to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Local officials expect the number of pilgrims entering the holy city on foot may reach 4,000.
Restoration of world’s only historic mosque with four minarets begins in Darab

TEHRAN--Restoration operation of Jameh Mosque of Darab in Fars province, the only historical four-minaret mosque in the world, has begun, head of Darab Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department has said.

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.