Tehran Times

2026-01-30 21:03
By Saleh Abidi Maleki

‘Iran as ready for diplomacy as it is for war’

In Ankara, Araghchi restates Tehran’s long-held position as neighbors call on Washington to halt escalation against Iran

TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in the Turkish capital on Friday with a message for Washington that was as firm as it was measured: Tehran remains open to a diplomatic resolution regarding its nuclear program, but it will not negotiate under duress, nor will it hesitate to engage in total war if the United States miscalculates again.
- Diplomacy and threats are incompatible, Iran tells US
- Resolve issues with Iran one by one, Turkish FM tells US

U.S. seeks an Iran that is subservient, says Chinese expert

Hongda Fan warns U.S. and Israeli interference could reshape regional alliances and intensify security rivalries

TEHRAN-Amid renewed unrest in Iran and escalating rhetoric from Washington and Tel Aviv, questions are mounting over whether Western claims of supporting civil liberties mask deeper geopolitical objectives. To explore these dynamics, Tehran Times spoke with Professor Hongda Fan, Professor and director of the China-Middle East Center at Shaoxing University, China.
By staff writer

Israel’s admission of Gaza death toll shatters its own denial

TEHRAN — A quiet admission from a senior Israeli military official has opened a door Israel has tried to keep shut for two years. By acknowledging that around 71,000 people have been killed in Gaza, the official effectively confirmed what the Gaza Health Ministry has been reporting since the start of the war.
By Wesam Bahrani

Trump’s threats against Iraq could backfire

TEHRAN – The U.S. president’s aggressive rhetoric about Iraq’s political future may ultimately produce the opposite of its intended effect.
Iran to EU: IRGC is world’s premier anti-terror vanguard

FM Araghchi says Europe would be battling ISIS on its own streets without the IRGC

TEHRAN — The Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a sweeping diplomatic and political counter-offensive following the European Union’s decision to classify the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Iran Army bolsters combat power with massive drone integration

TEHRAN — The Iranian Army (Artesh) has officially integrated 1,000 “strategic” drones into the combat organization of its four service branches.

Politics

Qalibaf says Iran will pursue justice for terror riot victims at home and abroad

TEHRAN – Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf has reiterated that Tehran does not reject dialogue or diplomacy in principle, stressing that any negotiations must be genuine, balanced, and grounded in mutual respect, clear guarantees, and the protection of Iran’s national interests.
Tehran warns Berlin of consequences following Merz’s ‘low-minded provocations’

TEHRAN — The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday summoned German Ambassador Axel Dittmann on Thursday to deliver a condemnation of Berlin’s increasingly aggressive interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Iran’s response to any aggression will be ‘immediate, decisive:’ Pezeshkian warns

TEHRAN — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning against any military miscalculations by foreign powers, asserting that while the Islamic Republic seeks peace, it is fully prepared for a crushing retaliation.

Sports

We need to criticize ourselves to fix weaknesses: Jafari

TEHRAN – Marzieh Jafari, head coach of Iran’s women’s national football team, says self-criticism is essential as the team prepare for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Iran’s Gorgan lose to Astana: 2025/26 FIBA WASL

TEHRAN - BC Astana rose to solo no. 2 in the 2025/26 FIBA WASL-West Asia League standings following a vengeful 88-73 victory over Shahrdari Gorgan at the Sarkarya Velodrome on Friday night.
Iran defeat Saudi Arabia in 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup

TEHRAN - Iran survived a stern test to defeat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 Group D tie on Friday.

Culture

16th Ammar Popular Film Festival concludes in Tehran

TEHRAN – The 16th Ammar Popular Film Festival concluded on the evening of Thursday, January 29, in Tehran.
Iranian artist pens truth on Venezuela's front page

TEHRAN- An Iranian artist has articulated the nation's perspective on recent developments through the platform of a major Venezuelan publication.
Book exhibition at Kanoon displaying 300 titles by Iranian expats

TEHRAN – A book exhibition titled “Tak Khal” (literally meaning Ace), featuring 300 published works by Iranian expats in various languages, is underway at the Reference Library of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon), in Tehran.

Economy

World Bank says 3 governance indicators improved in Iran

TEHRAN – The World Bank said three of Iran’s governance indicators improved in 2024, citing gains in government effectiveness, control of corruption and accountability.
IMIDRO says 420 exploration maps to draw private investment

TEHRAN – Iran’s Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) plans to use more than 400 newly produced exploration maps to attract private sector participation and reduce risk in mineral exploration, its head said.
Paknejad plays down concerns over U.S. dealings with Iran’s oil customers

TEHRAN – Iran’s oil minister dismissed concerns that potential U.S. dealings with buyers of Iranian crude could undermine Tehran’s oil sales or revenues, saying the country remains in control of its export strategy.

Society

DOE underscores use of smart environmental protection systems

TEHRAN – Given that traditional methods can no longer meet the needs of a fragile environment, the integration of smart technologies for environmental conservation seems inevitable, an official with the Department of Environment has said.
Iran to host ANF specialized standardization workshop

TEHRAN – Iran will play host to a specialized standardization workshop for the member states of the Asian Network Forum (ANF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 229.
Third national event on ‘future schools’ to be held

TEHRAN – The third national event on future schools will be held in February, highlighting the use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blended learning in fostering thinking skills and creativity, as well as collaboration among the future generation of students.

Tourism

Koozeh-Shekani: Where tradition, belief and renewal converge

TEHRAN - The Koozeh-Shekani ceremony is one of the nearly forgotten traditions observed on the eve of the last Wednesday of the Iranian calendar year, coinciding with Charshanbe Suri, in some villages and towns of South Khorasan province in eastern Iran.
Natural heritage overlooked in Iran’s tourism policy, researcher says

TEHRAN – Iran’s natural heritage is an integral part of the country’s national identity but remains poorly defined, under-prioritized and constrained by institutional conflicts, a natural heritage expert said.
Ancient Sadeh festival can reinforce social cohesion and unity, governor-general says

TEHRAN – Kerman’s governor-general Mohammad-Ali Talebi said on Wednesday that the ancient Sadeh festival is a national ritual belonging to all Iranians and can contribute to social cohesion and unity.

International

Israel’s admission of Gaza death toll shatters its own denial

TEHRAN — A quiet admission from a senior Israeli military official has opened a door Israel has tried to keep shut for two years. By acknowledging that around 71,000 people have been killed in Gaza, the official effectively confirmed what the Gaza Health Ministry has been reporting since the start of the war.
Trump’s threats against Iraq could backfire

TEHRAN – The U.S. president’s aggressive rhetoric about Iraq’s political future may ultimately produce the opposite of its intended effect.
China leads the agenda: Xi–Starmer talks highlight the limits of US unilateralism

TEHRAN — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China has highlighted a broader shift in global diplomacy, showcasing the contrast between nations willing to engage Beijing and the unilateral approach pursued by US President Donald Trump.