Tehran Times

2026-10-16 20:04
Pezeshkian: Iran will not bow to coercion

US must know Iran will powerfully continue its engagement with the world relying on its people and in coordination with neighbors

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday stressed that Iran will not surrender to US pressure and threats and will not bow to coercion.
- Iran seeks deeper ties with neighbors, puts Caucasus and Central Asia in focus

Iran reaffirms Strait of Hormuz closure, says passage must be coordinated

TEHRAN — Iranian military officials have reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to uncoordinated maritime traffic, linking any easing of restrictions to 'respect for Iran’s rights' and warning that continued US military presence in the region will deepen insecurity.
Iran sets out defense modernization plans as officials stress deterrence and domestic arms productio

TEHRAN — Iran is seeking to accelerate the modernization of its armed forces, expand domestic weapons production and strengthen its defense-industrial infrastructure, according to plans presented by defense minister nominee Mehrdad Akhlaqi, as senior military officials stress the importance of deterrence and preparedness amid continued tensions with the United States and Israel.
IRGC Navy Commander:

US carriers dare not approach Hormuz, we are waiting to sink them

TEHRAN – The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy says American warships have withdrawn to hundreds of kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz out of vulnerability, warning that Iranian forces are counting the moments for them to come within range.
Aoun and Araghchi discussed latest regional developments

TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held a series of telephone consultations with regional counterparts, including the foreign ministers of Turkey and Oman, to discuss developments in Yemen and ways to promote regional peace and stability.
Iran’s ambassador to Russia rejects Trump’s allegations about destruction of US cities

TEHRAN — Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali has rejected US President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting that Iranian military capabilities could threaten major American cities, describing the allegations as unfounded and unrealistic and saying they amount to little more than election campaign rhetoric.

Politics

Iran, Azerbaijan seek to turn bilateral agreements into concrete action

TEHRAN — Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan are seeking to translate bilateral agreements into practical measures to expand passenger and commercial traffic, improve border cooperation and strengthen coordination in disaster prevention and response, following a visit to Baku by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
Iranian embassy in Baku rejects baseless claims linking Iran to school hijab row

TEHRAN – The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku on Wednesday categorically rejected what it called unfounded and baseless allegations by Azerbaijan's National NGO Forum attempting to link ongoing debates over hijab in schools to Iran.
Oman says talks with Iran on Strait of Hormuz concluded

TEHRAN- Oman's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that its negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz have concluded, though the implementation of understandings and the full resumption of maritime transport through the waterway depend on the outcome of broader Tehran-Washington talks.

Sports

Iran win U23 World Greco-Roman team title

TEHRAN - Iran U23 Greco-Roman team managed to win the team title of the U23 World Championships in Las Vegas, United States.
Jafari and Beiranvand nominated for AFC Awards Bangkok 2026

TEHRAN – Marzieh Jafari and Alireza Beiranvand from Iran have been nominated for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Awards Bangkok 2026.
Iran’s wheelchair basketball start on high in Nagoya 2026

TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s wheelchair basketball team defeated Iraq 81-23 in their opening match of the 2026 Asian Para Games.

Culture

Kiarostami’s “Where Is the Friend’s House?” selected for Tokyo festival

TEHRAN- The 1987 Iranian film “Where Is the Friend’s House?” by the late acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami will be screened at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan as part of a special program celebrating films cherished by legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa.
Tehran puppet theater festival to open with public ceremony

TEHRAN- The 21st Tehran-Mobarak International Puppet Theater Festival will open on Saturday with a ceremony at the open-air grounds of Tehran’s City Theater Complex, bringing together puppetry artists and members of the public in a celebration of the art form.
Iranian Cinema Day to be held during 3rd Toji Somon National Film Festival in Tajikistan

TEHRAN – The Iranian feature film “The Gambler,” directed by Mohsen Bahari, will be screened during the Iranian Cinema Day in Tajikistan.

Economy

Co-op memorandum signed: Iran, Eurasia take new step for free trade, integration

TEHRAN- The Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade stressed, at the signing of a cooperation memorandum with the member states of Eurasia, the full implementation of the free trade agreement, the removal of trade barriers, and the expansion of transit cooperation.
‘CBI’s response to sanctions is to curb inflation acceleration, strengthen economic resilience’

TEHRAN- The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) said: Our policy response to sanctions is curbing inflation acceleration and strengthening economic resilience, and taking into account available foreign currency reserves.
Ensuring security of transport corridors benefits all regional countries: Iranian minister

TEHRAN- Iran’s Minister of Transport and Urban Development, emphasizing the necessity of protecting civilian infrastructure and guaranteeing the continuity of transport and transit flows in the region, presented proposals and called for the formulation of operational and time-bound plans to remove border obstacles, develop rail cooperation, and strengthen the resilience of regional corridors.

Society

Pezeshkian urges ‘peace diplomacy’ to protect biodiversity, condemns ecocide

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for “peace diplomacy” to protect biodiversity, condemning the devastating environmental impact of wars of aggression as ecocide and urging the international community to establish effective, transparent and enforceable mechanisms to safeguard natural heritage during wartime.
Disaster Risk Reduction Week: building resilience starts at home

TEHRAN – Iran is marking Disaster Risk Reduction Week from October 13 to 19, focusing on the importance of improving the health of individuals, families, and the safety of homes, raising public awareness, and strengthening family economic resilience before the disaster strikes.
Tehran hosts 8th national conference on soil conservation and watershed management

TEHRAN – Tehran played host to the 8th national conference on soil conservation and watershed management on October 13 and 14, under the theme ‘successful experiences, national and international lessons learned’.

Tourism

Iran issues post-war tourism recovery and competitiveness strategy

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism ministry has issued a strategic and operational plan to revive the country’s tourism industry during the transition and post-war periods, with a focus on rebuilding its international tourism brand, improving competitiveness and coordinating recovery measures nationwide.
Minai’i pottery: The exquisite Iranian art lost after the Mongol invasion

TEHRAN – Combining intricate craftsmanship with scenes from Persian epic literature, minai’i ceramics transformed ordinary vessels into richly illustrated works of art during Iran’s Seljuk period. The tradition flourished in the late 12th and early 13th centuries before disappearing amid the upheavals of the Mongol period.
Bushehr: Where Iran’s history meets the Persian Gulf

TEHRAN - On Iran’s southern coast, where the Zagros Mountains descend toward the Persian Gulf, Bushehr offers a distinctive blend of history, architecture, nature and living traditions. The sea has shaped almost every aspect of life here, from trade and fishing to cuisine, music and the design of traditional houses.

International

Saudi Arabia’s billions in arms fail to buy security

TEHRAN - Saudi Arabia spends tens of billions of dollars on arms every year, but is struggling to protect key assets such as airports, refineries and pipelines from missiles and drones fired by Ansarallah, also called the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF).
Reconstruction, resistance, and the battle for Lebanon’s future

BEIRUT — The announcement by Hezbollah’s Executive Council chairman, Sheikh Ali Damoush, of a new housing assistance program for Lebanese families displaced by the ongoing U.S.–led Israeli attacks comes amid a wider struggle over reconstruction, state authority, and the future of Lebanon.
Republicans face expanding midterm backlash over Iran war, living costs

TEHRAN — Donald Trump says the approaching U.S. elections will not change his position regarding Iran. Republican candidates are already changing theirs.

US must know Iran will powerfully continue its engagement with the world relying on its people and in coordination with neighbors