Tehran Times

2026-02-14 21:53
By Faramarz Kouhpayeh

A surrendered Iran is a balloon in Trump’s dreams

US president openly admits his aim is pressure and pain, not a diplomatic solution

TEHRAN – When Iran and the United States began new nuclear negotiations earlier this month, the entire region breathed a sigh of relief. West Asia had come close to being drawn into a conflagration after President Donald Trump said he was considering military action against Iran, framing it as support for CIA-backed riots aimed at toppling the government.
- Why is Trump lying about talks with Iran?
- More contradictions from Trump on Iran’s nuclear program as talks postponed

By Sahar Dadjoo

Peace must be shaped by Palestinians, says rights activist

Rifat Odeh Kassis says the Trump-backed Gaza Board of Peace lacks UN legitimacy and meaningful Arab engagement

TEHRAN- In an interview with the Tehran Times, Palestinian Christian human rights activist Rifat Odeh Kassis offers a critical assessment of the Gaza “Board of Peace” amid growing international controversy over Gaza’s post-war governance and security arrangements.
$Munich Security Conference exposes a fracturing U.S.–Europe alliance$
By staff writer

Munich Security Conference exposes a fracturing U.S.–Europe alliance

TEHRAN – The 2026 Munich Security Conference unfolded as a public display of growing strategic and ideological divergence between the United States and Europe. While officials on both sides reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and the transatlantic partnership, the tone and substance of their remarks revealed a widening gap over leadership, values, and the future structure of Western power.
By Wesam Bahrani

Will Israel annex the West Bank?

TEHRAN – The Zionist regime does not appear to be moving toward a full and direct reoccupation of the West Bank, at least for now.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Enforced disappearances and escalation: Israel’s expanding security pressure in Lebanon

BEIRUT — Amid rising regional tensions, a troubling pattern has begun to take shape inside Lebanon: a series of abductions attributed to Israeli occupation forces, leaving Lebanese citizens in a state of uncertainty and fear.
By Ibrahim Majed

Netanyahu in Washington: The invisible architecture of US-Iran policy

BEIRUT – When Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington, the choreography is familiar: handshakes in the Oval Office, invocations of an “unbreakable alliance,” carefully staged symbolism.

Politics

Iranian, Russian, and Chinese diplomats hold talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

TEHRAN - The ambassadors of Iran, Russia, and China to international organizations in Vienna have held another round of talks on the latest developments related to Iran’s nuclear program.
Amidst US pressure to halt enrichment, IAEA chief says Iran entitled to peaceful atomic activities

TEHRAN - The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged that Iran has the right to pursue peaceful nuclear work under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
A Chinese professor's take on the anniversary parade of the Islamic Revolution

TEHRAN – On February 11th, I once again witnessed the parade celebrating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran. In previous years, I have witnessed such celebrations in both Tehran and Urmia. As a Chinese professor who earnestly hopes for a brighter future for Iran, I have some personal observations and reflections after witnessing this year’s celebratory parade, which I would like to share with the Iranian people who are yearning for positive changes in their country.

Sports

Gol Gohar beat Persepolis to move top of 2025/26 PGPL

TEHRAN – Gol Gohar defeated Persepolis 3–1 in Matchweek 21 of the 2025/26 Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL) on Saturday.
Iran CP football program suspended for one year

TEHRAN - The International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF) has confirmed the conclusion of disciplinary and compliance processes involving the CP Football programs of Iran, Brazil, and Ukraine, following investigations conducted in line with IFCPF regulations and international classification standards.
Beyrami carries spirit of national pride at 2026 Winter Olympics

TEHRAN - 2026 Winter Olympic Games brought the world’s finest winter athletes to the snow-covered stages of Italy, where dreams were tested against ice, speed, and gravity. Among them was Samaneh Beyrami Baher, proudly representing Iran in the demanding discipline of 10km freestyle cross-country skiing.

Culture

Hoda exhibition to showcase Iranian Islamic clothing in Ramadan

TEHRAN- The National Exhibition of Hoda Iranian Islamic Clothing, dedicated to the holy month of Ramadan, will commence at Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran on Wednesday.
David Mamet’s “A Life in the Theater” to be performed at Labkhand Theater Complex

TEHRAN – Labkhand Theater Complex in Tehran will host the play “A Life in the Theater” written by David Mamet from February 15.
Tehran cultural center to review “The Roses”

TEHRAN- “The Roses”, a 2025 black comedy movie by American filmmaker Jay Roach, will be reviewed at the Arasbaran Cultural Center in Tehran on Sunday evening.

Economy

Transit routes are path to peace, development, regional security: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that routes which connect nations are the path to peace, development, science, knowledge, affection, and capability.
ICCIMA head to partake in 41st ICCD General Assembly in Mecca

TEHRAN – The 41st General Assembly of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) will be held on February 16, 2026 in Mecca, on the sidelines of the third Makkah Halal Forum.
Strengthening Iran's fleet, a practical step in development of Caspian Sea corridor

TEHRAN- A 7,200-ton cargo vessel named "Sahel-e Khazar" was handed over to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL)'s fleet in an official ceremony held in the Lotus Special Economic Zone in Russia's Astrakhan region.

Society

COMSTECH meeting: Iran named ‘top vaccine producer in Islamic countries’

TEHRAN – Iran has been named as one of the top three vaccine manufacturers in the Islamic world by the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH).
Farabi International Award to hold closing ceremony

TEHRAN – The closing ceremony of the 16th Farabi International Award (FIA) on the Humanities and Islamic Studies will be held in Tehran on Sunday.
Hyrcanian forests management project to kick off

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) is scheduled to implement the first phase of the Hyrcanian forests sustainable management project in the next Iranian calendar year, which will start on March 21.

Tourism

Desert village Qaleh Bala moves closer to possible UN label

TEHRAN – Cultural heritage authorities in Shahroud have finalized a dossier to nominate the village of Qaleh Bala in Semnan province for inscription by the UN Tourism, a local official said on Saturday.
National wrestling hall of fame opens to public in Tehran

TEHRAN – Iran’s National wrestling hall of fame (aka national wrestling honors museum) opened to the public in Tehran on Saturday.
Tabas Salt Lake added to national natural heritage list

TEHRAN – The Tabas Salt Lake in South Khorasan province has currently been registered on Iran’s national natural heritage list following approval by the National Council for Registration of Natural Heritage, a provincial official said.

International

$Munich Security Conference exposes a fracturing U.S.–Europe alliance$
Munich Security Conference exposes a fracturing U.S.–Europe alliance

TEHRAN – The 2026 Munich Security Conference unfolded as a public display of growing strategic and ideological divergence between the United States and Europe. While officials on both sides reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and the transatlantic partnership, the tone and substance of their remarks revealed a widening gap over leadership, values, and the future structure of Western power.
Will Israel annex the West Bank?

TEHRAN – The Zionist regime does not appear to be moving toward a full and direct reoccupation of the West Bank, at least for now.
Enforced disappearances and escalation: Israel’s expanding security pressure in Lebanon

BEIRUT — Amid rising regional tensions, a troubling pattern has begun to take shape inside Lebanon: a series of abductions attributed to Israeli occupation forces, leaving Lebanese citizens in a state of uncertainty and fear.

US president openly admits his aim is pressure and pain, not a diplomatic solution

Rifat Odeh Kassis says the Trump-backed Gaza Board of Peace lacks UN legitimacy and meaningful Arab engagement