Tehran Times

2025-05-02 22:52
By Mona Hojat Ansari

A nation’s unity and resolve in the ashes of tragedy

A Tehran Times reporter's firsthand account of the Bandar Abbas inferno, and how the country reacted to it

BANDAR ABBAS – Social media had shown a disturbing, almost surreal scene at the Shahid Rajaee section of Bandar Abbas port. The photos and videos circulating from news sources on April 26th were hard to truly grasp. Five days later, seeing the wreckage in person was even more harrowing.

By Soheila Zarfam

Will Iran-U.S. nuclear talks fall victim to U.S. political turmoil and internal discord?

TEHRAN – The fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States—set to take place on Saturday—has been postponed, with the Islamic Republic reiterating its firm and unwavering commitment to a diplomatic resolution.
By Garsha Vazirian

French Noise

Iranian UN envoy dismisses French FM's allegations as 'politically motivated'

TEHRAN – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has accused Iran of being “on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons,” further threatening to reinstate sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if Iran’s nuclear activities threaten European security.
By Sahar Dadjoo

Yemen’s resilience: How Ansarallah outmaneuvers US military might

TEHRAN- For nearly a decade, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict, with Ansarallah emerging as a formidable force against both the Saudi-led coalition and, more recently, the United States. Despite relentless airstrikes and a crippling blockade, Ansarallah has not only maintained control over significant portions of the country but have demonstrated an increasing ability to strike back, reshaping regional dynamics.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

What lies behind the Lebanese Forces’ bitter hatred of Iran?

BEIRUT — On April 26, 2025, a massive and deadly explosion happened at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. Various countries rushed to express sympathy and offer help, except the Lebanese government, specifically its Foreign Ministry run by the Lebanese Forces’ Youssef Rajai.
By Wesam Bahrani

Yemen issues warning to Britain

TEHRAN – Britain pounds Yemen, marking the first joint attack with the U.S. under the Trump administration.

Politics

High-profile Mossad agent linked to terrorist operations in Iran executed: Judiciary

TEHRAN – Iran’s Judiciary has announced the execution of Mohsen Langarneshin, a Mossad-linked agent who had an important role in orchestrating terrorist operations on Iranian soil.
20 new satellites under development as Iran ramps up private sector role in space program

TEHRAN – Iran is currently developing around 20 new satellites through joint public-private partnerships, marking a major shift in the country’s space strategy toward private sector leadership, according to the head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA).
Fourth round of Iran-U.S. talks set for Rome after E3meeting: Araghchi

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the fourth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program will take place in Rome this Saturday, with Oman once again mediating the negotiations.

Sports

Tractor win Iran football league for first time

TEHRAN – Tractor football team claimed the title of the 2024/25 Iran’s Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL) for the first time on Friday.
Iran start 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup on high

TEHRAN - Iran staved off a late fightback from debutants Mauritania to start their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 Group B campaign with a 5-4 win on Thursday.
Persepolis victorious against Mes, Havadar relegated from PGPL

TEHRAN – Persepolis football team defeated Mes 3-0 in 2024/25 Iran’s Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL) on Thursday.

Culture

Conductor Rahbari to perform “Persia, Concerto for Two Tars” again in Saint Petersburg

TEHRAN-Renowned Iranian composer and conductor Ali (Alexander) Rahbari will perform “Persia, Concerto for Two Tars” for a second time at the world-famous Mariinsky Opera and Concert Hall in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in June.
Imam Reza graphic festival highlights resistance and solidarity with Palestine

TEHRAN- The primary focus of the judging process of the works participated at the 9th edition of Imam Reza graphic festival is on themes of fighting oppression, confronting imperialism, and defending the oppressed—particularly the people of Gaza, one of the organizers has announced.
“The Thing Around Your Neck” presented in audio format for Persian audience

TEHRAN- The audio version of the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s book “The Thing Around Your Neck” has recently become available for Persian listeners.

Economy

Iran, Tajikistan hold industry talks on sidelines of Expo 2025

TEHRAN — Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Atabak met with Tajikistan’s minister of industry and new technologies on the sidelines of Expo 2025 to discuss expanding industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Tehran, New Delhi focus on sanction-free trade in business talks

TEHRAN – Head of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA) Mahmoud Najafi Arab met with Indian Ambassador Rudra Gaurav Shresth to explore avenues for expanding economic ties between Iran and India, with both sides emphasizing the need to prioritize the exchange of non-sanctioned goods.
Iran, Kyrgyzstan seek banking, investment agreements to boost trade

TEHRAN - Iran and Kyrgyzstan must establish financial and banking agreements to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade, said Ghadir Ghiafeh, deputy head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) during a meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart Mamadsadek Bekirov.

Society

Iran attends 2025 BRS COPs in Geneva

TEHRAN – A delegation of officials from the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Oil has participated in the 2025 Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (2025 BRS COPs) which opened in Geneva on April 28 and will run until May 9.
Tehran, Havana follow up on joint biotechnology, vaccine production projects

TEHRAN – Cuban Ambassador to Tehran, Jorge Fernando Nicolás, in a meeting with Alireza Biglari, the Iranian deputy health minister for international affairs, discussed ways to follow up on joint projects, especially in biotechnology and vaccine production projects.
Preparatory meeting for intl. congress on AI to be held

TEHRAN – The fourth preparatory meeting for the second International Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Science will be held at Smart University of Medical Sciences in Tehran on May 11.

Tourism

Minister highlights Isfahan’s cultural significance at Iran-Africa conference

TEHRAN – In a speech marking the conclusion of the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference held in Isfahan, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, described the city as a “symbol of Iranian civilization”.
Tourism Triangle: special rail tour to connect Tehran to Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz

TEHRAN - The Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran has announced the launch of a dedicated rail service aimed at boosting cultural tourism across three of Iran’s most iconic historical cities: Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz—collectively known as the "Tourism Triangle of Iran."
Iran promotes Carnet de Passages for expanding regional mobility and tourism

TEHRAN - Iran took an active part in the 6th Expert Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Customs Committee, held in Turkey, emphasizing the importance of the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) system in facilitating cross-border vehicle movement and promoting regional tourism.

International

What lies behind the Lebanese Forces’ bitter hatred of Iran?

BEIRUT — On April 26, 2025, a massive and deadly explosion happened at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. Various countries rushed to express sympathy and offer help, except the Lebanese government, specifically its Foreign Ministry run by the Lebanese Forces’ Youssef Rajai.
Yemen’s resilience: How Ansarallah outmaneuvers US military might

TEHRAN- For nearly a decade, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict, with Ansarallah emerging as a formidable force against both the Saudi-led coalition and, more recently, the United States. Despite relentless airstrikes and a crippling blockade, Ansarallah has not only maintained control over significant portions of the country but have demonstrated an increasing ability to strike back, reshaping regional dynamics.
Yemen issues warning to Britain

TEHRAN – Britain pounds Yemen, marking the first joint attack with the U.S. under the Trump administration.

A Tehran Times reporter's firsthand account of the Bandar Abbas inferno, and how the country reacted to it

Iranian UN envoy dismisses French FM's allegations as 'politically motivated'