Tehran Times

2026-11-03 19:51
By Ehsan Etesam

Operation Midterms Hammer

The Iran war comes home to hit Trump at the ballot box

TEHRAN -- Washington once imagined that its war against Iran would be a swift demonstration of American military superiority. Months later, with the conflict still exacting a heavy economic and political price, the White House is discovering that wars do not always end when their architects declare victory. Sometimes, they come back home — and this time, they may arrive at the ballot box.
- Iran war becomes Trump’s biggest political liability heading into midterms
- Americans increasingly reject Iran war as polls show growing support for diplomacy

Qalibaf warns of unpredictable response to US aggression

TEHRAN— Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned that any military miscalculation by the United States would trigger an unpredictable and far-reaching response, stressing that Iran remains fully prepared to defend itself and will not yield to threats or excessive demands.
Gharibabadi: Iran ready for any scenario as diplomatic exchanges with US continue

TEHRAN — Iran is prepared for any eventuality as diplomatic exchanges with the United States continue through mediators, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday, stressing that Tehran remains ready to defend itself against further aggression while pursuing a diplomatic solution.
Iran asserts control over Strait of Hormuz, outlines vision for regional security

TEHRAN — Iran has emerged as a new global power center through its control over the Strait of Hormuz, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Ali Abdollahi said, describing the strategic waterway as a key source of the country’s influence and a factor reshaping the global balance of power.
By Ali Minabi

Destroying south Lebanon with impunity

TEHRAN – There was never any ceasefire in Lebanon, only a Lebanese government that signed one and an occupying army that never stopped bombing.
By Batool Subeiti

The legacy of strategic patience

LONDON -- Strategic institution building characterized Iran’s strategic patience phase, whereas now is the moment of testing. The current transformations cannot be separated from the prolonged period that Iran experienced under the leadership of Sayyed Ali Khamenei. It was characterized by a policy of strategic patience and an avoidance of escalation into an all-out confrontation.

Politics

Has Tucker Carlson nuked Trump’s midterm elections?

ISLAMABAD- Tucker Carlson has warned of a possible American nuclear attack on Iran, but the political bomb he has dropped may have landed much closer to home, on Donald Trump’s Republican Party. His extraordinary warning, issued just hours before the November 3 midterm elections, raises a question that goes beyond another military confrontation: could a prominent conservative commentator be challenging Trump’s political credibility at the most sensitive moment for his party?
Baqaei: US nuclear allegations are a pretext for pressure against Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has described allegations concerning Iran’s peaceful nuclear programs as a fabricated pretext used by the United States to justify sanctions, economic restrictions and political pressure, stressing that Tehran will never accept diplomacy based on coercion, blackmail or unilateral demands.
Three oil tankers explode and catch fire in Strait of Hormuz: IRGC Navy

TEHRAN – Three oil tankers exploded and caught fire after entering an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz and striking sea mines, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Tuesday.

Sports

No more excuses: Asian Cup delay puts Ghalenoei’s youth policy to the test

TEHRAN - The postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup has given Iran a new timeline for preparing for the continental competition. But it has also removed one of the main arguments previously used to justify delaying a major generational transition: the limited time between the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Asian Cup.
Former Iran captain Hassan Habibi passes away

TEHRAN – Hassan Habibi, former captain and head coach of Iran’s national football team and former coach of Pas football club, passed away in Tehran after a prolonged illness.
Iranian judo athlete Karimi wins silver at 2026 Youth Olympic Games

TEHRAN – Iran’s Sobhan Karimi claimed the silver medal in the men’s 81kg judo competition at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games after narrowly losing to Slovenia’s Maks Cebulj in the final.

Culture

Iranian TV series ‘The White and Red Cypress’ wins at ABU Prizes

TEHRAN – Iranian television series “The White and Red Cypress” won an award at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes.
Musical composition by Iranian artists wins at Global Music Awards

TEHRAN – The musical piece “Nature's Enigma: 706” composed by Pouria Ghelichkhani, with orchestral arrangement by Ahmad Mirmasoumi, has won a Silver Medal at the 2026 Global Music Awards in the US.
Iranian short film ‘Pasta Alfredo’ selected for Zaragoza Film Festival

TEHRAN- Iranian short film “Pasta Alfredo,” written and directed by Leila Noee, has been selected to compete at the 31st edition of the Zaragoza Film Festival (FCZ) in Spain.

Economy

Iran, Turkey agree to remove transit barriers, develop border cooperation

TEHRAN- Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and Turkey’s Minister of Trade, on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, reviewed solutions for developing economic and trade cooperation, facilitating truck traffic and the transit of goods and services, and removing existing obstacles at the shared borders.
Imports through northern sea borders increase by 76%

TEHRAN- The Minister of Transport and Urban Development said: In the first six months of the year, despite the closure of the southern ports, a 76% increase in imports through the country’s northern sea borders was recorded.
Vietnamese ambassador to Iran pays working visit to Kashan, Isfahan province

TEHRAN- On 31 October and 1 November 2026, Vietnamese Ambassador to Iran Nguyen Luong Ngoc paid a working visit to Kashan, Isfahan Province. During the visit, he met with Mr. Mojtaba Raei, the governor of Kashan, and toured local rosewater and carpet production facilities.

Society

Biosphere reserves showcase harmony between humans and nature

TEHRAN – November 3 is observed as the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, highlighting the role of these areas as examples of harmony between people and nature. Biosphere reserves are valuable territories where biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, and the sustainable development of local communities are pursued together.
Iran explores opportunities to enhance sci-tech ties with Japan

TEHRAN - Iranian officials have sought to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation with Japan through joint programs and greater use of both countries’ research and technological capabilities.
Tehran, Baghdad consider ways to deepen academic, scientific co-op

TEHRAN – Iranian and Iraqi officials have discussed ways to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation, promote the exchange of specialized expertise, and expand partnerships between universities and research institutions in the two countries.

Tourism

Iran, India explore reviving historic Spice Route

TEHRAN - Iran and India are exploring new cultural, tourism and economic cooperation through an initiative to revive the historic Spice Route, with Kerman province emerging as a focal point for the proposed partnership.
Maqbarat-o-Shoara: A literary sanctuary in Tabriz

TEHRAN - Nestled in the historic Sorkhab district of Tabriz, Maqbarat-o-Shoara, or the Mausoleum of Poets, is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural attractions.
Restoration of Vank Cathedral underway ahead of UNESCO World Heritage bid

TEHRAN - Restoration work on the southern and eastern sections of Vank Cathedral in Isfahan is underway as part of efforts to prepare the historic Armenian church for a potential nomination to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, a provincial heritage official has said.

International

Destroying south Lebanon with impunity

TEHRAN – There was never any ceasefire in Lebanon, only a Lebanese government that signed one and an occupying army that never stopped bombing.
The legacy of strategic patience

LONDON -- Strategic institution building characterized Iran’s strategic patience phase, whereas now is the moment of testing. The current transformations cannot be separated from the prolonged period that Iran experienced under the leadership of Sayyed Ali Khamenei. It was characterized by a policy of strategic patience and an avoidance of escalation into an all-out confrontation.
Living costs, housing, and employment uncertainty have united protesters across Europe

Countries across Europe have been swept by a wave of protests by young people angry at the spiraling cost of living who have little trust in traditional institutions, France 24 reported.

The Iran war comes home to hit Trump at the ballot box