Tehran Times

2025-11-11 20:56
Iraq votes

Elections stand as reaffirmation of democratic resilience and reminder of struggle for sovereignty

TEHRAN – Iraq’s parliamentary elections have been more than a routine exercise in democracy. The elections unfolded against a backdrop of regional wars, shifting alliances, and the enduring weight of foreign interference that has shaped Iraq’s modern history. While the vote will determine the composition of parliament for the next four years, the deeper contest is over sovereignty itself — whether Iraq’s future will be decided by its people or constrained by external agendas.
- Can Iraq navigate November’s vote without succumbing to Washington’s coercion?
- Iraqis to vote amid tension with Washington

By Sondoss Al Asaad

Lebanon and secret side of Egypt’s initiative

BEIRUT — The so-called initiative presented by Egypt’s head of general intelligence agency, Major General Hassan Rashad, has been framed as an Arab-international attempt to stabilize southern Lebanon.
By Shahab Sarmadi

Sharaa–Trump summit: U.S.–Israeli interests at play

TEHRAN – Monday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian leader Ahmed alSharaa in Washington has been described as a milestone and historic. For the first time since Syria gained independence from France in 1946, a Syrian head of state was welcomed into the Oval Office with full honors.
Iran’s war room chief visits Persian Gulf islands as threats of aggression loom

TEHRAN – Iran’s war room chief has stepped up inspections of Iran’s southern islands and naval installations in the Persian Gulf, underscoring Tehran’s readiness to counter any potential aggression amid rising regional tensions with the United States and Israel.
By Sahar Dadjoo

‘When the world closes in, art becomes our only window to survive,’ says Ezzedine Shallah

Founder of Gaza Women’s Film Festival says blockade turned into a source of creative power

TEHRAN- Amid the devastation of war and displacement, Gaza has given birth to an extraordinary act of cultural resilience — the First Gaza International Women’s Film Festival. Founded by Ezzedine Shallah, a Palestinian filmmaker and researcher, the festival brings together 79 films from 28 countries, celebrating women’s voices through cinema even as bombs fall and cities crumble.
Tehran, Riyadh vow to deepen cultural, tourism ties

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri said on Monday that tourism could strengthen ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as he invited his Saudi counterpart to attend the upcoming Tehran International Tourism Exhibition.

Politics

World is moving from a unipolar to a just multipolar order: Leader’s advisor

TEHRAN – Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution on International Affairs, said the world is moving away from a unipolar system dominated by the United States toward a fair and balanced multipolar order, signaling the end of U.S. global supremacy.
‘A model for independent states’: Iran-China engagements continue despite US pressure

TEHRAN – Iranians and the Chinese appear resolute about maintaining and strengthening their long-standing ties, holding high-level, back-to-back meetings, and ignoring U.S. efforts to drive a wedge between them.
Quality, quantity of Iranian defense product better than pre-war levels: Defense chief

TEHRAN – The Iranian defense minister says the country’s defense products have improved in terms of both quality and quantity compared to the period before the Israeli military aggression.

Sports

2025 Riyadh: Iranian women karate athletes win golds

TEHRAN – Sara Bahmanyar and Fatemeh Sadeghi of Iran won two gold medals at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) Tuesday night.
Iran’s futsal take gold at 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s futsal team defeated Morocco 5-0 Tuesday night in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) final match.
Weightlifter Moeini snatches silver:2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Alireza Moeini of Iran claimed a silver medal at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Tuesday.

Culture

‘When the world closes in, art becomes our only window to survive,’ says Ezzedine Shallah

TEHRAN- Amid the devastation of war and displacement, Gaza has given birth to an extraordinary act of cultural resilience — the First Gaza International Women’s Film Festival. Founded by Ezzedine Shallah, a Palestinian filmmaker and researcher, the festival brings together 79 films from 28 countries, celebrating women’s voices through cinema even as bombs fall and cities crumble.
Renowned Iranian actor Homayoun Ershadi passes away at 78

TEHRAN- Homayoun Ershadi, the renowned Iranian actor celebrated for his compelling performances in both Iranian and international cinema, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 78.
Ammar Popular Film Festival unveils official poster

TEHRAN- The 16th edition of the Ammar Popular Film Festival unveiled an official poster for its international section during a press conference held in Tehran on Monday.

Economy

Iran, Kuwait sign 5-point deal to boost trade cooperation

TEHRAN – Iran and Kuwait have signed a five-point agreement to expand trade and investment following the 13th Joint Trade Committee meeting in Kuwait, held after an 11-year pause, according to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO).
Tehran hosting electricity, renewable energy exhibitions

TEHRAN – The 25th Iran International Electricity Industry Exhibition and the 15th International Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Exhibition opened on Tuesday at Tehran International Permanent Fairgrounds.
Iran, Uzbekistan agree to expand investment in mining industries

TEHRAN – Iran and Uzbekistan have reached new agreements to strengthen trade and investment cooperation, particularly in mining and mineral industries, the Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade announced.

Society

WHO, Drug Control Headquarters seek to boost joint efforts

TEHRAN – A delegation of the World Health Organization (WHO) paid a visit to the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters on Monday to explore avenues for expanding cooperation, particularly in the prevention and treatment of drug addiction.
Health officials attend workshop on warfare, health system preparedness

TEHRAN – A total of 50 health officials from across the country have participated in a five-day workshop on urban warfare and health system preparedness.
'Digital education' aims to protect children against cyber threats

TEHRAN – The Welfare Organization plans to implement a digital education project for the first time in 11 provinces across the country, aiming to improve digital skills among children and young adults and protect them against cyber threats.

Tourism

Tehran, Riyadh vow to deepen cultural, tourism ties

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri said on Monday that tourism could strengthen ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as he invited his Saudi counterpart to attend the upcoming Tehran International Tourism Exhibition.
Iran welcomes further tourism cooperation with India

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri met with Indian Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh on Monday to discuss expanding tourism cooperation and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Tehran Municipality launches new tourism project dedicated to mosques

TEHRAN – Tehran Municipality has launched a new tourism initiative centered on the city’s mosques, with an initial pilot phase implemented at five sites, Amir Ghasemi, head of the municipality’s tourism headquarters, said on Tuesday.

International

Lebanon and secret side of Egypt’s initiative

BEIRUT — The so-called initiative presented by Egypt’s head of general intelligence agency, Major General Hassan Rashad, has been framed as an Arab-international attempt to stabilize southern Lebanon.
Sharaa–Trump summit: U.S.–Israeli interests at play

TEHRAN – Monday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian leader Ahmed alSharaa in Washington has been described as a milestone and historic. For the first time since Syria gained independence from France in 1946, a Syrian head of state was welcomed into the Oval Office with full honors.
US putting pressure on Lebanon’s politics and economy

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s future is increasingly dictated by external powers, particularly the United States, as its embassy in Beirut and visiting delegations from its Treasury and State Departments are exerting decisive political, financial, and diplomatic influence.

Elections stand as reaffirmation of democratic resilience and reminder of struggle for sovereignty

Founder of Gaza Women’s Film Festival says blockade turned into a source of creative power