Tehran Times

2026-08-22 21:07
Iran's defense surges as US war machine crumbles

Iran’s Defense Ministry says production of strategic military equipment tripled during the latest US-Israeli war

TEHRAN — In the face of American military and economic pressure, Iran continues to systematically fortify its defensive and offensive capabilities. As the US and Israel confront a strategic impasse in their military campaigns, Iran’s defense industry is expanding rapidly, demonstrating the resilience of a self-reliant nation.
- Iran modernizing defense industry in response to US-Israeli aggression: Defense Ministry
- US general's warning underscores Iran's strategic success

Georgia rejects EU sanctions against Iran, prioritizes sovereignty and pragmatism

TEHRAN — In a firm declaration of its independent foreign policy, Georgia has officially refused to align with the European Union’s latest coercive sanctions imposed on Iran. The decision reflects a growing trend among nations refusing to blindly follow Western economic pressure tactics at the expense of their own national interests.
Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

TEHRAN — Qatar has agreed to allow an Iranian expert team to meet with Iranian pilots being held in the Arab country, a military official said, as Tehran continues efforts to determine their condition and secure their return.
Iran will prevail over economic terrorism, Khatibzadeh says

TEHRAN — Iran will overcome 'economic terrorism' through national resilience and coordinated government action, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, accusing Western countries of pursuing a failed strategy of pressure and sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
By Ali Minabi

What follows Kushner’s meetings with al-Hayya and Netanyahu?

TEHRAN – Gaza remains caught between Israeli intransigence and electoral calculations, U.S. pressure, and Palestinian efforts to preserve the agreement. This is keeping the region in a state of neither war nor peace until the outcome of the upcoming elections becomes clear.
By staff writer

Israeli troops kill father of martyrs in Jenin; settlers murder teenager near Hebron

TEHRAN — Israeli forces and armed settler groups launched a synchronized wave of violence across the occupied West Bank on August 21 and 22. The raids stretched from Jenin to Hebron. Palestinian communities face an accelerating campaign of territorial conquest and lethal force.

Politics

From broken promises to open war: The contradictions of Trump’s Iran policy

Islamabad — There is a rhythm to Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran. A warning is issued. Markets react. Military assets move into position. Diplomats search for an opening. Then, just as confrontation appears inevitable, Washington steps back.
Commander rejects claims of naval destruction, citing continued presence in Gulf of Oman

TEHRAN-Iran’s Navy commander has rejected claims that the country’s naval forces have been destroyed, pointing to the continued deployment of Iranian forces in strategic waters and saying the absence of any enemy attempt to enter the area demonstrates Tehran’s maritime deterrence.
Hashminejad: Iran has endured the bitter reality of terrorism for decades

TEHRAN — Iran has endured the devastating consequences of terrorism for decades, with attacks targeting civilians, officials and critical infrastructure, said Mohammad Javad Hashminejad, secretary-general of the Habilian Foundation, at a ceremony commemorating the victims of terrorism.

Sports

Bam Khatoon qualify for AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27

TEHRAN - Sara Didar netted twice as Bam Khatoon came from behind to beat Jordan’s Etihad Club 3-1 on Sunday and qualify for the Group Stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27.
Iran rout Chinese Taipei at 2026 FIVB U17 World Championship

TEHRAN – Iran defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-17) at the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship in Doha, Qatar on Sunday.
Shahin Izadyar aims to make his Asian Para Games medal record untouchable

TEHRAN - Iranian para-swimmer Shahin Izadyar, the most decorated Paralympic swimmer in the country’s history, is determined to add to his record haul of 24 Asian Para Games medals at the upcoming Nagoya Games.

Culture

Iranian movie, filmmaker participating in 39th Herceg Novi Film Festival

TEHRAN – An Iranian film and a filmmaker are attending the 39th Herceg Novi Film Festival, which kicked off on Saturday in Montenegro.
Duncan Macmillan’s “People, Places and Things” on stage at Art Palace

TEHRAN – The play “People, Places and Things” by the British playwright Duncan Macmillan is currently on stage at Art Palace in Tehran.
Iranian artist showcases “Constitutional Revolution of Iran” at US exhibition

TEHRAN- Iranian photographer and filmmaker Armin Amirian is participating in the 13th International FL3TCH3R Exhibition in the US with his artwork “Constitutional Revolution of Iran.”

Economy

Vast reserves, Hormuz, infrastructure define Iran's geopolitical oil weight: expert

TEHRAN- Hamid Nobahar, an economic expert, in an interview with Tasnim News Agency, while explaining the position Iran's oil in the world's energy equations, said: Iran's oil power cannot be measured by daily production volume or export levels at a given point in time. Iran's position in the global energy geography is the result of a combination of vast hydrocarbon reserves, a long history of production, field development capacity, access to the Persian Gulf waters, and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz—a waterway that, before the disruptions of 2026, was one of the world's most important energy transit routes.
Iran-Turkey agreement document for rail connection exchanged

TEHRAN- The Deputy Minister of Transport and Urban Development announced the exchange of the Iran-Turkey agreement document for rail connection at the Cheshmeh Soraya border.
TPO official outlines 2-year achievements in trade infrastructure, export development

TEHRAN- The Deputy Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO), outlining the organization's most important actions and achievements over the past two years, identified the development of trade infrastructure, strengthening Iran's presence in target markets, targeted support for exporters, and facilitation of foreign trade processes as the main axes of the organization's activities.

Society

Nicaraguan academic center commemorates Minab school martyrs

TEHRAN – Over 250 students, professors, and members of the Iran-Nicaragua Parliamentary Friendship Group held a commemoration ceremony for 168 students martyred by the US missile in Minab, Hormozgan province, marking the 168th day of their martyrdom at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua).
Over 200,000 Afghans expelled in 5 months

TEHRAN – More than 200,000 illegal Afghan refugees have been deported from Iran since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21).
Benefactors allocate $100m for building educational facilities

TEHRAN - More than 200 trillion rials (around $100 million) has been provided by benevolent people over the past two years to expand educational facilities across the country, science minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf has said.

Tourism

Pomodoro’s masterpiece gets new lease of life in Tehran museum

TEHRAN – A monumental bronze sphere by late Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro has been unveiled at Tehran’s Time Museum following months of conservation and restoration project, marking the centenary of the artist’s birth.
Rock art: Tiny Sasanian bird motif discovered in southern Iran

TEHRAN – Archaeologist Abolhasan Atabaki has reported the discovery of what he describes as the smallest known bird motif from the Sasanian period, measuring just 3 by 2 centimeters and engraved on the rocks of the Marvdasht Plain in Fars province, southern Iran.
Hamedan Day: Herbal medicine festival opens near Avicenna’s tomb

TEHRAN – A herbal medicine festival and sales exhibition, named after Avicenna, opened next to the renowned Persian polymath’s tomb in Hamadan on Sunday, coinciding with Hamadan Day and commemorations honoring the celebrated scholar.

International

What follows Kushner’s meetings with al-Hayya and Netanyahu?

TEHRAN – Gaza remains caught between Israeli intransigence and electoral calculations, U.S. pressure, and Palestinian efforts to preserve the agreement. This is keeping the region in a state of neither war nor peace until the outcome of the upcoming elections becomes clear.
Israeli troops kill father of martyrs in Jenin; settlers murder teenager near Hebron

TEHRAN — Israeli forces and armed settler groups launched a synchronized wave of violence across the occupied West Bank on August 21 and 22. The raids stretched from Jenin to Hebron. Palestinian communities face an accelerating campaign of territorial conquest and lethal force.
The constants and variables in the political dynamics of West Asia

LONDON — The policy of the West Asia region is drawn based on political dynamics. These are either constants that are not subject to change or variables. This is especially with regard to the political situation in Lebanon and Syria, and the regional or international sponsorship of political directions.

Iran’s Defense Ministry says production of strategic military equipment tripled during the latest US-Israeli war