Tehran Times

2026-04-28 21:19
By staff writer

Five reasons why Islamabad talks reached a stalemate

TEHRAN - The stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States remain at the forefront of global geopolitics, following Pakistan-mediated talks in Islamabad earlier this month that concluded without a breakthrough.
- US positions remain an obstacle to agreement
- How Trump shifted his approach after battlefield setbacks

Strategic solidarity: Iran offers defense expertise to SCO members

TEHRAN - Iran’s Acting Minister of Defense Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Ibn Reza has denounced the joint US-Israeli war on Iran as a “war crime” and “state terrorism”.
Former top Biden official criticizes US policy on Iran

TEHRAN– Wendy Sherman, who served as President Biden's deputy secretary of state, has stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "created a genocide" in Gaza, while also criticizing the US approach to Iran and the unraveling of the nuclear deal.
Iran slams US ‘maritime blockade’ at UN, warns of threats to global navigation

TEHRAN – Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has sharply criticized the United States during a Security Council session, accusing Washington of undermining maritime security and violating international law through a “maritime blockade.”
By Batool Subeiti

Iran holds the stronger cards in high-stakes diplomacy

LONDON — The current friction between Iran and the United States has reached a diplomatic precipice. However, a full-scale military conflict remains unlikely; had the U.S. possessed the strategic will or the capacity to endure the fallout of a prolonged war, it would not have hesitated during previous escalations.
By Garsha Vazirian

The South Lebanon death marsh, where Israeli ambitions wither

Strike-back doctrine and asymmetric warfare turn Israeli occupation into a losing gamble

TEHRAN — The landscape of the confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel has undergone a seismic shift, marking the definitive end of an era. While the fragile ceasefire was initially framed as de-escalation, the reality on the ground has revealed a systematic campaign of Israeli violations that has forced the Resistance’s transition into a new, more lethal doctrine.

Politics

Iran vows parallel paths of 'war' and 'diplomacy'

TEHRAN — Iran's government is simultaneously pursuing two complementary and high-stakes strategies, supporting battlefronts while actively engaging in diplomacy, as the Islamic Republic braces for continued confrontation with the United States and its allies, the country's government spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Army: Iranian Air Force struck ‘enemy’ bases at start of US–Israel war on Iran

TEHRAN - A spokesperson for Iran’s Army said on Tuesday that Iranian fighter jets carried out strikes against “enemy” positions in the region at the outset of the joint US–Israel war that began in late February.
Former British diplomat: War with Iran is a global war against a corrupt financial architecture

TEHRAN- Former British diplomat and leading geopolitical analyst Alastair Crooke has warned that the ongoing war with Iran is not a conventional military conflict but a global war against a corrupt financial architecture that has long suppressed the real economy in favor of Wall Street speculation.

Sports

Iran football delegation named “Minab-168” for 2026 World Cup

TEHRAN – The Iranian football team, known as Team Melli, will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the banner of Minab-168.
Angola and North Macedonia cancel matches against Iran

TEHRAN - The football federations of North Macedonia and Angola have officially canceled their friendly matches against Iran.
Iran basketball commentator Atashi dies

TEHRAN – The Iranian basketball community mourns the loss of veteran commentator Enayatollah Atashi, who passed away Tuesday in Tehran at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer.

Culture

4,000 children’s e-books, audiobooks offered free in memory of Minab martyred students

TEHRAN- In a cultural initiative titled "Hopes of Iran’s Tomorrow," a coalition of prominent Iranian publishers has made 4,000 e-books and audiobooks for children and young adults available free of charge, dedicated to the memory of the children of Minab.
Iran’s sovereignty over Hormuz marks new era for human dignity, veteran director says

TEHRAN- Prominent Iranian filmmaker Alireza Davoudnejad has released a statement addressed to world leaders, reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s National Orchestra to hold concert on Persian Gulf National Day

TEHRAN – Iran’s National Orchestra, conducted by Homayoun Rahimian and featuring the vocals of Hossein Alishapour, will perform the concert “That Persian Blue” on the occasion of the Persian Gulf National Day in Iran on April 30.

Economy

Hidden cost of a conflict: Why a US-Israel war on Iran would shake global energy markets

TEHRAN- As tensions rise over the possibility of a coordinated US-Israeli military strike against Iran, the world’s energy markets are quietly bracing for a shock that could dwarf previous oil crises.
Deadlock in Iran war continues; Goldman Sachs raises its oil price forecast

TEHRAN- Citing the deadlock in the West Asia war and negotiations between Washington and Tehran, Goldman Sachs has raised its oil price forecast.
Capital, facilities should be directed toward production: minister

TEHRAN- The Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade, emphasizing that capital and facilities must be directed toward production, stated that industrial and production units need liquidity to revive and sustain their production lines.

Society

Iran slams UNICEF for failing to denounce US-Israeli crimes against children

TEHRAN - The Iranian High Council for Human Rights has criticized UNICEF for failing to denounce the US-Israeli crimes against Iranian children during the recent aggression.
Italian academics condemn US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s scientific, research centers

TEHRAN – Chancellors of two Italian universities have censured the brutal attacks conducted by the US and the Israeli regime on Iranian universities, as well as research and educational centers.
90 Iranian universities in THE Asia university rankings 2026

TEHRAN –The Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026 has placed 90 Iranian universities among the top Asian institutions, up from 85 universities in 2025.

Tourism

Illegal wells near Persepolis sealed amid subsidence fears

TEHRAN - All illegal water wells within protected zones surrounding the ancient site of Persepolis have recently been sealed, a senior regional water official said on Tuesday, warning that land subsidence poses a growing threat to the UNESCO-listed monument.
Iran eyes UNESCO status for ancient circular city of Darabgerd

TEHRAN – Authorities in Iran’s Fars province have announced a comprehensive plan to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for the ancient city of Darabgerd, citing its unique historical significance and archaeological potential.
Shiraz restores 21 historical mosques in push to boost religious tourism

TEHRAN – Authorities in Shiraz have inaugurated restoration projects at 21 historical mosques as part of a broader urban renewal initiative aimed at reviving their social functions and strengthening religious tourism in the southern Iranian city.

International

The South Lebanon death marsh, where Israeli ambitions wither

TEHRAN — The landscape of the confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel has undergone a seismic shift, marking the definitive end of an era. While the fragile ceasefire was initially framed as de-escalation, the reality on the ground has revealed a systematic campaign of Israeli violations that has forced the Resistance’s transition into a new, more lethal doctrine.
PMF helps break the Iraqi PM impasse

TEHRAN – Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc has officially nominated its candidate for the country’s powerful post of Prime Minister.
Quad erosion shows US no longer a reliable strategic partner: analysis

TEHRAN – The Quad, known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is on the verge of collapse as Donald Trump’s return to power has degraded its “geostrategic” significance, says a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California.

Strike-back doctrine and asymmetric warfare turn Israeli occupation into a losing gamble