Tehran Times

2025-05-17 21:49
Ayatollah Khamenei expounds on US president's West Asia trip

'You might not be there without US'; This is Trump's model for Arab states

TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, met with a number of teachers and educators from across the country on May 17, 2025, in the Imam Khomeini (ra) Hussainiyah.
- Ayatollah Khamenei: Americans must leave the region
- Leader: ‘Naïve’ foes suffer from illusion that Iranians have lost faith in Islamic Republic system

By Sahar Dadjoo

Trump’s Persian Gulf tour prioritizes business over diplomatic ethics

TEHRAN – In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a high-profile Persian Gulf tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the White House promoted the trip as a diplomatic success marked by multi-billion-dollar defense and economic agreements, critics raised alarms over ethical violations.
Exclusive: Any nuclear consortium must involve enrichment to happen in Iran

TEHRAN – Iran is open to exploring a nuclear consortium with regional countries, provided that it continues to enrich uranium domestically, according to information obtained by the Tehran Times. However, concrete plans for such a consortium are yet to be developed.
Iran honors 2nd anniversary of 86th Naval Fleet’s global mission

TEHRAN – Iran commemorated the second anniversary of the return of the 86th Naval Fleet of the Iranian Navy (part of Artesh) from a historic circumnavigation mission during a ceremony attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior military leaders, and government officials.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Will Washington relinquish control over Lebanon to Riyadh?

SOUTH LEBANON—Analysts are monitoring the repercussions of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Persian Gulf on the situation in Lebanon. Washington appears to be moving toward clearing the way for Saudi Arabia to impose its guardianship over Lebanon, especially after Trump announced he would lift sanctions on Syria “at Riyadh’s request.”
By Wesam Bahrani

IOF opens new fronts amid genocide

TEHRAN – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) escalate the genocide in Gaza as the regime’s infantry is invading the coastal enclave from several fronts, along with relentless bombardments.

Politics

President Trump and the name Persian Gulf

As we noted during his stay in the region, President Trump forwent wisely tinkering with geographical names and discarded the ostensible preliminary idea of using a different name for the Persian Gulf. A report by the AP pointing to this eventuality has stirred emotional reactions among the Iranians from all different walks of life.
Iranian envoy engages Pope Leo XIV, stresses interfaith diplomacy for peace

TEHRAN – Iran’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Hojjatoleslam Mohammad-Hossein Mokhtari, met with Pope Leo XIV on Saturday during a gathering of diplomats accredited to the Vatican.
Pakistan thanks Iran for de-escalation efforts during standoff with India

TEHRAN – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a Saturday phone call, commending Tehran’s “sincere and brotherly diplomacy” during Pakistan’s military standoff with India earlier this month.

Sports

Paykan win promotion to the 2025/26 PGPL

TEHRAN – Paykan Football Club secured their promotion to the 2025/26 Iran Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL) after defeating Mes Kerman 2-1 on Sunday.
Tabiat beat Sagesse in 2025 WASL

TEHRAN - Tabiat once again withstood Sagesse SC in a thrilling encounter, 79-73, to complete the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) 2025 Final, Saturday night at the Stade Nouhad Naufal.
Maral Torkaman wins Top Scorer accolade

TEHRAN - With four goals for Iran prior to the third-place playoff, Maral Torkaman added two more on Saturday against China to emerge as the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup and help lead her side to the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025.

Culture

Embassy of Mexico in Iran promoting literary, cultural understanding

TEHRAN - A book launch ceremony was held at the stand of the Embassy of Mexico in Iran at the 36th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) on Thursday, where the book “Teherán lleva tilde” was unveiled in the presence of the Ambassador of Mexico in Iran, Guillermo Puente Ordorica, and the authors of the book.
Arasbaran Cultural Center to show “The Good Boss”

TEHRAN – Spanish filmmaker Fernando León de Aranoa’s 2021 movie “The Good Boss” will be screened during a session at the Arasbaran Cultural Center in Tehran on Sunday evening.
Iran-Russia joint media cooperation working group held in Moscow

TEHRAN - The Iran-Russia Joint Media Cooperation Working Group was held in Moscow on Tuesday evening, with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Media and Advertising of Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Mass Media of Russia.

Economy

Iran designs 6 AI megaprojects to tackle energy imbalance

Tehran – The Information Technology Organization of Iran has launched efforts to address the country’s energy imbalance using artificial intelligence, with six large-scale AI projects designed to support the initiative, according to an IT and AI expert.
Tehran to launch two new refineries, three fuel quality projects

TEHRAN – Iran plans to commission two new oil refineries and three fuel quality upgrade projects by the end of the current Iranian year (March 2026), the head of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC) announced on Saturday.
Thermal power capacity set to grow by 4,000 MW ahead of summer peak

TEHRAN – Iran will add over 4,000 megawatts of new thermal power capacity to its electricity grid this summer through the construction of new units, upgrades to gas turbines, and removal of production bottlenecks in existing steam power plants, a senior energy official said.

Society

Tehran, Moscow discuss boosting counter-narcotics co-op

TEHRAN –Iranian and Russian officials have explored the potential of promoting joint efforts in combating drugs.
Iran to attend Nevsky Intl. Ecological Congress

TEHRAN – An Iranian delegation will participate in the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress which is planned to be held from May 22 to 23 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Youth population key priority for health ministry

TEHRAN – Youth population is the top priority of the health ministry and the current administration, an official with the health ministry has said.

Tourism

Commemorative stamp honoring Persepolis Fortification Tablets unveiled

TEHRAN - On Sunday, May 18, coinciding with International Museum Day, a ceremony was held at the National Museum of Iran to unveil a commemorative stamp honoring the Persepolis Fortification Tablets.
Iran is a roofless museum, deputy cultural heritage minister says

TEHRAN - Iran is like a roofless museum in terms of cultural and historical assets and values, said the country’s Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage.
Hegmataneh Museum unveils golden artifacts to mark Intl. Museum Day

TEHRAN - In celebration of International Museum Day, the Hegmataneh Museum in Hamedan province has unveiled three exquisite golden artifacts, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Iran’s rich cultural heritage spanning millennia.

International

Trump’s Persian Gulf tour prioritizes business over diplomatic ethics

TEHRAN – In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a high-profile Persian Gulf tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the White House promoted the trip as a diplomatic success marked by multi-billion-dollar defense and economic agreements, critics raised alarms over ethical violations.
Will Washington relinquish control over Lebanon to Riyadh?

SOUTH LEBANON—Analysts are monitoring the repercussions of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Persian Gulf on the situation in Lebanon. Washington appears to be moving toward clearing the way for Saudi Arabia to impose its guardianship over Lebanon, especially after Trump announced he would lift sanctions on Syria “at Riyadh’s request.”
IOF opens new fronts amid genocide

TEHRAN – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) escalate the genocide in Gaza as the regime’s infantry is invading the coastal enclave from several fronts, along with relentless bombardments.