Tehran Times

2026-05-24 21:33
Trump in Netanyahu’s Grip

For the US government, an “Israel First” policy takes priority over exiting the quagmire of war with Iran

TEHRAN - There seems to be no end in sight to President Donald Trump’s contradictory statements despite intensified efforts to bring a permanent end to the US–Israeli war on Iran, which initially began on February 28.
- Is Trump’s diplomacy a ruse?
- Trump–Netanyahu persistent delusions

No decision made without Leader's approval: President Pezeshkian

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described national unity as the country's most important asset in overcoming crises and threats, stressing that no decision in Iran is taken without the approval of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
IRGC warns of ‘hellish’ response to any new aggression against Iran

TEHRAN- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any renewed act of aggression against Iran would trigger a “devastating and hellish” response extending across the region and beyond.
By Xavier Villar

Spain rejects the war against Iran: Legality and strategic autonomy

MADRID - For an Iranian reader, the European response to the war reflects an alliance beginning to reveal internal fractures. Most governments within the European Union have aligned themselves with Washington and Tel Aviv through military support, diplomatic cover or calculated discretion. Spain matters not because it represents absolute opposition to NATO – it will remain within the alliance – but because it has transformed its refusal to participate into a political act that challenges automatic alignment with Washington.
By Garsha Vazirian

The irreversible shattering of Israel’s diplomatic armor

TEHRAN — The profound diplomatic unraveling confronting Israel in mid-2026 is neither a passing reputational crisis nor a temporary political phase that will vanish once the guns fall silent.
By Wesam Bahrani

Hezbollah strikes Israel’s Iron Dome launchers

TEHRAN – The Lebanese resistance is striking at the core of the Israeli regime’s security infrastructure, targeting advanced defense systems built over the years to protect settlements in the north.

Politics

Iran’s strategy for Persian Gulf, Hormuz Strait to shape West Asia’s new order: Major General

TEHRAN- The plans and strategies of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution for managing the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz will guarantee the future of the region and a new regional order, in which foreigners will have no place, a top IRGC commander said.
From Khorramshahr to Hormuz: A legacy of bravery and resistance against aggressors

TEHRAN – This year’s anniversary of the liberation of the strategic Iranian port city of Khorramshahr from Iraqi occupation has come into sharp focus amid Iran’s enduring resilience and resistance, set against the backdrop of recent US-Israeli aggression.
Gabbard's resignation exposes deep split over Iran policy in Trump administration

TEHRAN – The resignation of the US director of national intelligence has intensified scrutiny of divisions within President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly over Washington’s approach toward Iran and the use of military force abroad.

Sports

Kiani takes gold at 2026 Asian Taekwondo Championships

TEHRAN – Iran’s Nahid Kiani won a gold medal at the 27th Asian Taekwondo Championships underway in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Sunday.
Iran sweep Sri Lanka at 2026 CAVA

TEHRAN – The Iranian women’s national volleyball team defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-11) in the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) on Sunday.
Former Iran midfielder Parviz Ghelichkhani dies

TEHRAN — Former Iran national football team midfielder Parviz Ghelichkhani died on Saturday after a long battle with illness. He was 80.

Culture

A tale of a pen fighting on the battlefield: front line on a blank canvas

TEHRAN – When the siren wails across the city and the air in the media space becomes thick with the scent of war-news gunpowder, everyone picks up a weapon and stands at a corner of this vast front. One takes up a rifle; another adjusts their camera lens. And in this fray, there is an artist whose weapons are lines, colors, and meaningful, biting satires.
Artworks by Mexican printmakers on display at TMoCA

TEHRAN – Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) is hosting the third program in the “Art and War” series, exploring the theme of war as seen by Mexican artists.
NPT must not be based on 'nuclear exceptionalism': Deputy FM

TEHRAN – Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has stated that the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) must be founded on "equal security, equal sovereignty, and equal accountability," warning that Tehran would not allow countries to misuse international institutions for political purposes.

Economy

Strait of Hormuz closure sets stage for global food price shock

TEHRAN- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that the fallout of war on Iran could push millions in the world into hunger within a year.
Signs of Washington's helplessness in managing energy crisis becomes evident

TEHRAN- The US and Israeli military aggression against Iran has so far cost companies and economic enterprises worldwide at least $25 billion in expenses and damages. As this war enters its third month, its economic toll grows larger every day, according to a report by IRNA.
Iran's position in international maritime bodies will be elevated: PMO head

TEHRN- The head of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) cited effective presence and the elevation of Iran's position in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as one of the serious approaches, and emphasized: "Backed by 5,800 kilometers of maritime border and the history of Iranian seafaring on the high seas, Iran's presence in international forums must be more prominent than in the past."

Society

Japan ready to broaden humanitarian ties with Iran

TEHRAN - Japan's Ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, has announced his country's readiness to expand cooperation with Iran in humanitarian areas.
Sea turtles: threats and opportunities

TEHRAN – As one of the oldest reptiles on Earth, with some species dating back more than 200 million years, more than half of turtle species are threatened with extinction today, and without extensive conservation efforts, they may die out.
‘Tobacco-free families for a tobacco-free generation’

TEHRAN – The National No Tobacco Week will be held from May 25-31 with the theme of "Exposing the allure and false advertising for a tobacco-free generation."

Tourism

151 Iranian artifacts to return from China after ‘Land of Kindness’ exhibit

TEHRAN – Following an extended loan exhibition in China aimed at strengthening cultural ties, Iran is arranging the return of 151 artifacts to the country, a senior cultural heritage official announced on Saturday.
Iranian Ashiq music tradition struggles for survival amid calls for greater support

ZANJAN - The centuries-old tradition of Ashiq music in northwestern Iran remains a vital expression of regional identity and oral history, but a number of performers and enthusiasts say stronger institutional support is needed to preserve the art form for future generations.
Isfahan says restoration of war-damaged historic buildings 80% complete

TEHRAN - Restoration work on Isfahan’s historic buildings damaged during the recent war with the US and Israeli regime has reached 80% completion, with most structural repairs expected to be finalized within two weeks, a municipal official said on Saturday.

International

The irreversible shattering of Israel’s diplomatic armor

TEHRAN — The profound diplomatic unraveling confronting Israel in mid-2026 is neither a passing reputational crisis nor a temporary political phase that will vanish once the guns fall silent.
Hezbollah strikes Israel’s Iron Dome launchers

TEHRAN – The Lebanese resistance is striking at the core of the Israeli regime’s security infrastructure, targeting advanced defense systems built over the years to protect settlements in the north.
Widening divide between the US and Europe

TEHRAN – The world is living through one of the most sensitive periods in international relations, a time when the “Atlantic Alliance” has faced a storm called Trumpism after decades of stability.

For the US government, an “Israel First” policy takes priority over exiting the quagmire of war with Iran