Tehran Times

2026-03-23 00:29
The global backlash against Trump’s 'maniacal' energy ultimatum

TEHRAN — As the 48-hour clock expires on Donald Trump’s inflammatory ultimatum, the United States finds itself facing a firestorm of internal dissent and unprecedented international condemnation.
- Trump digging himself a bigger grave over Hormuz Strait

Iran to deliver 'decisive response' to Trump's 'reckless threats' 'on the battlefield'

TEHRAN — In the face of a desperate ultimatum from Washington threatening to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Iranian officials and prominent figures have issued resolute warnings emphasizing defensive necessity and readiness for proportional escalation, while condemning Trump's reckless threats of renewed aggression against civilians.
By Matin Jamshidi

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s great affection to eastern neighbors

Iran’s bonds with Pakistan and Afghanistan are unbreakable

TEHRAN - In his New Year message on March 20, the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei pointed to some key issues with a primary focus on national unity, resistance economy, and developing relations with Muslim countries, especially the eastern neighbors.
By Xavier Villar

The contradictions of power: Trump, the Strait of Hormuz, and the unravelling of a system

MADRID – The joint American and Israeli assault on Iran, launched on February 28, 2026, was conceived as a demonstration of decisive force. Air superiority, applied with precision and persistence, was expected to compel Tehran into submission or, at minimum, to degrade its capacity to shape events in the Persian Gulf. Four weeks later, that premise appears increasingly detached from realities at sea.
Strait of Hormuz closure would trigger global economic shock: experts warn

TEHRAN- In the wake of escalated military aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, regional tensions have reached a critical threshold.
By Afshin Majlesi

Strait of Hormuz: Where geography challenges advanced military powers

TEHRAN – The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, initially aimed at weakening Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and accompanied by talk of possible regime change, has now entered a complex and uncertain phase.

Politics

Trump digging himself a bigger grave over Hormuz Strait

TEHRAN – U.S. President Donald Trump has openly threatened to commit war crimes by attacking Iran’s power plants, “starting with the biggest one first,” if the country does not allow all ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
War room chief says Iran’s military doctrine has shifted to ‘offensive’

TEHRAN – A top Iranian commander has declared that the Islamic Republic’s military postuSuccessful strike in Dimona re has evolved from defensive to offensive, a shift driven by the deployment of advanced weaponry and new tactics amid escalating reprisal strikes against American and Israeli targets.
Iran intercepts another enemy fighter jet

TEHRAN- Iran’s air defense units have announced that they shot down another enemy fighter jet, this time in the country’s southern skies.

Sports

Iran to meet Nigeria, Costa Rica in Turkey

TEHRAN – Iran national football team will play two friendly matches on March 27 and 31 in Turkey, respectively.
Iran in ‘group of death’ of 2026 FIVB U17 World Championship

TEHRAN – Iran are drawn in a tough group in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys' U17 World Championship.
Mexico ready to host Iran’s matches in 2026 FIFA World Cup

TEHRAN – Mexico president Claudia Sheinbaum has said they are ready to host Iran’s matches in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Culture

Head of Tajikistan Cinema Organization expresses support for Iran in war against enemies

TEHRAN – On the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebrated in Iran and several other countries, the head of Tajikistan Cinema Organization has emphasized that the 6,000-year history of Iran’s civilization cannot be erased, and this is impossible.
New mural in Tehran blends Nowruz traditions with national defiance

TEHRAN- A new large-scale mural was unveiled at Tehran’s Valiasr Square mural in the early hours of Friday on the occasion of the new Persian calendar year 1405.
A convergence of faith and heritage: celebrating Nowruz amidst war

BABOLSAR- As the sun dips toward the horizon on this final Friday of the Persian calendar year 1404, the air in the northern city of Babolsar, Mazandaran, carries a bittersweet fragrance. It is the scent of blooming bergamot blossoms—the namesake of my eight-year-old daughter, Toranj—mingled with the salty mist of the Caspian Sea and the heavy, solemn aroma of rosewater from a recent funeral procession.

Economy

Strait of Hormuz closure would trigger global economic shock: experts warn

TEHRAN- In the wake of escalated military aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, regional tensions have reached a critical threshold.
Power plant maintenance operations continuing without interruption across country

TEHRAN- The Deputy of Production Operation of the Thermal Power Plant Holding Company stated that despite the current critical conditions resulting from the imposed war, the determined and commendable resolve of the staff and their enthusiastic participation in carrying out their duties have ensured that no disruption or stoppage occurs in the effective execution of readiness enhancement programs and maintenance of power plant units across the country.
US opinions to confront closing of Hormuz Strait not operational: economic analyst

TEHRAN- Ali Ashraf Afkhami, an economic analyst, believes that the US opinions to confront closing of the Strait of Hormuz are not operational, and the outlook for oil price reduction is weak.

Society

Tehran national parks in good condition despite war

TEHRAN – Sorkheh Hesar and Khojir national parks, in east of Tehran, are in good condition despite the ongoing war and attacks by the U.S. and the Zionist regime against the country’s natural environment, an official with Tehran Province’s Office of the Department of Environment has said.
Emergency social services of Welfare Organization to war-affected people

TEHRAN – The Welfare Organization has provided a wide range of emergency social services such as counselling, raising money, providing emergency accommodations, and rebuilding damaged houses since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli imposed war on February 28.
The power of Nowruz: a renewal of hope, even when everything is against it

Every year, as the spring approaches, Iranians prepare for Nowruz; a holiday that marks a new beginning, light after darkness, and hope after a long winter.

Tourism

Nowruz in the shadow of war

This year, Nowruz does not feel the way it used to. Many things still look the same on the outside. The Haft-Seen table is ready, just like every year. There is green wheat, flowers, a mirror, a copy of the Holy Quran, and a glass bowl with small red fish swimming quietly.
Protecting cultural heritage under fire: The fragile role of international law

The deliberate targeting of cultural heritage during armed conflict remains a grave concern. International law provides crucial instruments for protection, anchored by agreements such as the 1972 UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. These conventions represent a foundational effort to safeguard sites of historical and artistic significance, recognizing their intrinsic value beyond purely monetary terms.
How are Isfahan’s UNESCO and national heritage sites faring after airstrikes?

ISFAHAN - Airstrikes on the Iranian city of Isfahan have severely damaged two of its most iconic heritage sites: the UNESCO-listed Chehel Sotoun Palace and the National Heritage Site Ashraf Hall, alongside damage to over 12 other cultural landmarks.

International

London erupts in protest against the US-Israeli war on Iran

TEHRAN — Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of central London on Saturday, marking a nationwide day of mobilization to condemn the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and demand an end to British military support.
Joe Kent’s resignation is telling that speaks volumes

TEHRAN – In a social media post on Tuesday, Joe Kent announced that he was resigning as Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center in protest to the Trump administration’s decision in joining Israel in the war against Iran.
The roar against dangerous war against Iran

TEHRAN - After the United States and Israel started a surprise and unlawful war on Iran on Feb. 28, waves of protests have gripped the United States. The protests have spread to more than 50 cities across the country. The huge protests in Washington, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles have been of particular importance.

Iran’s bonds with Pakistan and Afghanistan are unbreakable