Tehran Times

2026-08-23 20:36
Iran shifts to offensive posture

Major General Mohsen Rezaei warns Iran will target the interests of countries joining the US economic war

TEHRAN — Major General Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), warned on Saturday that the Islamic Republic will respond decisively to any country joining Washington’s economic warfare against the nation.
- 'A new chapter is unfolding for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz'
- ‘Strait of Hormuz to determine future of global economy’

Araghchi says US pressure tactics have failed as Iran expands regional diplomacy

TEHRAN- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of reverting to failed economic and military pressure tactics against Tehran, while highlighting Iran’s parallel diplomatic efforts with regional countries to reduce tensions and strengthen bilateral ties.
US-Israeli strikes hit medical and nuclear facilities, Iran nuclear chief says

TEHRAN- The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami, said US and Israeli military strikes over the past year targeted facilities linked not only to Iran’s nuclear program but also to the production of medical and diagnostic materials used by patients across the country.
By Ali Minabi

Trump destroys U.S. diplomacy and global trust in America

TEHRAN — From using negotiations as a pretext for surprise attacks to abducting and assassinating heads of state and reneging on American commitments, including his own, Trump’s damage to U.S. diplomacy will remain evident for many years to come.
By Syeda Farheen Naqi Mossavi

The dollar's suicide note: How Washington's financial arrogance is destroying its own empire

TEHRAN — When the US Treasury announced on August 20 it would increase buybacks of long-dated bonds, the financial world should have been alarmed. Instead, markets reacted with the only rational response: they sold the dollar.
By staff writer

Once again, Israel bombs populated Lebanese villages with prohibited white phosphorus

TEHRAN — Israeli forces launched an extensive wave of artillery shelling and airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight into Saturday, saturating several residential neighborhoods with banned white phosphorus munitions.

Politics

US tanker aircraft leave Bulgaria as Iran war raises doubts over NATO protection

TEHRAN — Two US Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft, originally deployed to support US military operations involving Iran, have departed Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base. The withdrawal was confirmed on Friday by Bulgaria’s Defense Minister, Dimitar Stoyanov.
Expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Paris could damage bilateral ties, Tehran warns

TEHRAN- Iran has warned that France’s expulsion of two Iranian diplomats could seriously damage relations between Tehran and Paris, after both countries took reciprocal measures amid accusations of diplomatic interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Field Marshal Asim Munir visiting Tehran to bolster regional peace

TEHRAN — Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, will travel to Tehran on Monday, leading a high-level official delegation to conduct key strategic talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing regional security.

Sports

Iran beaten by China at 2026 AVC Women Asian Continental Championship

TEHRAN – Iran lost to China 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-14 ) at the 2026 AVC Women Asian Continental Championship on Monday.
Wheelchair basketball coach Soltani pleased with Turkey camp

TEHRAN - Iran national wheelchair basketball team head coach Behrouz Soltani expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparations in Turkey, saying the squad followed their plans and are now ready to begin their campaign at the Ottawa 2026 IWBF World Championships.
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.

Culture

Iran attends 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair

TEHRAN – The 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, featuring over 300 publishers from more than 30 countries, including Iran, concluded in Istanbul on Sunday.
VIVO Orchestra to perform at Tehran’s Rudaki Hall under Paniz Faryousefi

TEHRAN- VIVO Orchestra, conducted by Paniz Faryousefi, is scheduled to perform at Tehran’s Rudaki Hall on Monday evening, featuring a program spanning works by renowned Iranian and international composers.
Iranian artists to showcase works at Sydney exhibition on war and peace

TEHRAN- The Benevolent Iranian Women Association will participate in an art exhibition in Sydney, Australia, in early September, presenting selected works by Iranian artists at an event exploring the human consequences of war and destruction.

Economy

Iran-Cuba economic ties: Unlocking investment potential amid sanctions, legal reform

TEHRAN- On a global stage increasingly defined by economic fragmentation and unilateral sanctions, two nations with decades of experience in navigating external pressures—Iran and Cuba—are actively seeking to deepen their bilateral economic ties. Recent high-level exchanges and business delegations signal a mutual determination to translate longstanding political solidarity into tangible commercial partnerships.
Iran discovers major gas field "Takhteh" in Fars province worth $45b

TEHRAN- The Exploration Director of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has announced that the newly discovered "Takhteh" gas field in Fars Province has an estimated economic value of approximately $45 billion, describing it as one of the most significant gas discoveries in the country over the past two decades.
IDRO, SATBA pledge closer ties to boost renewable energy development

TEHRAN- A meeting was held between the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade and Chairman of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO)’s Board of Directors, and the Deputy Minister of Energy and Head of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), with the aim of strengthening joint cooperation and accelerating the implementation of renewable energy projects.

Society

National Youth Population Award slated for November

TEHRAN – The fourth National Youth Population Award is set to be held on November 15, with the aim of strengthening the institution of the family, advancing effective demographic policies and initiatives, and encouraging greater public participation in implementing the Youth Population Law.
Iran attends STI Ministerial Meeting in India

TEHRAN – The president of the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) participated in the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting held on August 21 in Chennai, India.
Iran proposes BRICS to establish network centered on children’s human capital

TEHRAN – Iran's representatives at the BRICS Child Futures Forum have proposed developing a BRICS knowledge network focused on children’s human capital.

Tourism

Iraqi students to become ‘tourism ambassadors’ for Kermanshah

TEHRAN – Iraqi students studying in Iran’s Kermanshah province are expected to be trained as “tourism ambassadors” to help promote the province’s historical and cultural attractions in their own country, a provincial tourism official said on Sunday.
Kerman’s Pateh has potential to become global brand: official

TEHRAN – Pateh, a traditional embroidered handicraft deeply rooted in the history and cultural identity of Iran’s Kerman province, has the potential to become a recognized global brand if commercialization, branding and market development are strengthened, a provincial handicrafts official said.
Dome installation begins at Shams Tabrizi mausoleum in Khoy

TEHRAN – The installation of the dome at the mausoleum of Shams Tabrizi in Khoy, a major architectural project in northwestern Iran, has begun, according to the director general of West Azarbaijan’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department.

International

Trump destroys U.S. diplomacy and global trust in America

TEHRAN — From using negotiations as a pretext for surprise attacks to abducting and assassinating heads of state and reneging on American commitments, including his own, Trump’s damage to U.S. diplomacy will remain evident for many years to come.
The dollar's suicide note: How Washington's financial arrogance is destroying its own empire

TEHRAN — When the US Treasury announced on August 20 it would increase buybacks of long-dated bonds, the financial world should have been alarmed. Instead, markets reacted with the only rational response: they sold the dollar.
Once again, Israel bombs populated Lebanese villages with prohibited white phosphorus

TEHRAN — Israeli forces launched an extensive wave of artillery shelling and airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight into Saturday, saturating several residential neighborhoods with banned white phosphorus munitions.

Major General Mohsen Rezaei warns Iran will target the interests of countries joining the US economic war