Tehran Times

2025-10-22 22:16
By Faramarz Kouhpayeh

New Tehran-Baghdad alignment ends Israel's safety in Iraqi skies

TEHRAN – The United States is doubling down on efforts to pressure Iraq into distancing itself from Iran—a nation with which it shares a nearly 1600km border, religious ideologies, and centuries of history—as Iranians simultaneously work to curb U.S.-Israeli violation of Iraqi airspace.
- Larijani signs new security agreement in Iraq before heading to Lebanon
- U.S. push to disarm PMF endangers Iraq’s security and stability

By Sahar Dadjoo

“No Kings” protests are reaction to Trump’s authoritarian drift: ex-CIA official

Paul Pillar says public demonstrations are the last line of defense against erosion of democratic norms

TEHRAN- In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Paul R. Pillar, a veteran intelligence analyst and former senior CIA official, examined the emergence of the “No Kings” movement in the United States as a grassroots reaction to what many see as Donald Trump’s authoritarian drift during his second term.
Tehran Times gains new info on Germany’s war role after foreign ministry issues denial

TEHRAN – The Tehran Times reached out to its sources after the German Foreign Ministry stated in an email that Germany had not participated in Israel’s 12-day war with Iran.
By Sahar Dadjoo

‘No military solution to Iran nuclear issue — only diplomatic multilateralism,’ argues Marc Finaud

Former French foreign ministry spox underscores necessity of multilateral agreements for lasting peace

TEHRAN- In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Marc Finaud, Senior Advisor at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and former spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, offered his expert analysis on France’s recent move to activate the JCPOA “snapback” mechanism, reinstating UN sanctions on Iran. He also explored the wider diplomatic and strategic implications for Europe and the broader West Asia.
By Afshin Majlesi

Iran-China relations through ages: an interview with National Museum director

In an exclusive interview with the director of the National Museum of Iran, we explore the remarkable “Silk Legacy” exhibition currently underway in Tehran. The show offers an unprecedented look at the deep and enduring cultural ties between Iran and China, tracing a connection that stretches back over four millennia.
By Shahab Sarmadi

U.S. push to disarm PMF endangers Iraq’s security and stability

TEHRAN – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent call for the disarmament of Iraqi anti-terror groups, particularly the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of Iraq’s security realities and a continuation of Washington’s interventionist approach.

Politics

Opportunities for diplomacy thwarted by U.S. demands: Araghchi

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized Tehran’s continued commitment to diplomacy despite repeated setbacks caused by “excessive demands” from the United States.
Intelligence Ministry releases photos of, info on ‘Iran International’ contributors in Israel

TEHRAN –The Iranian Intelligence Ministry has released photos of the building housing the UK-based anti-Iran TV network Iran International, along with pictures of homes belonging to the staff of the terrorist-designated media outlet and Zionist guests in the occupied territories.
Three Iranian domestic satellites scheduled for launch by March 2026

TEHRAN – The head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), Hassan Salarieh, announced that Iran plans to simultaneously launch three domestically built satellites by the end of the current Iranian year (March 2026).

Sports

Persepolis beat Zob Ahan in 2025/26 PGPL

TEHRAN – Persepolis football club registered their second win of eight matches in the 2025/26 Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL) on Friday.
U23 Greco-Roman team crowned 2025 world champions

TEHRAN – Iran’s Greco-Roman team claimed the title of the 2025 U23 Wrestling World Championships held in Novi Sad, Serbia.
Iranian kabaddi teams win two silvers at 2025 AYG

TEHRAN - Iran’s girls’ and boys’ kabaddi teams lost to India in the final of the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) on Thursday.

Culture

South Korea, Iran celebrate 63 years of diplomatic relations through calligraphy

TEHRAN – In a vibrant celebration of cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Tehran hosted the Korea-Iran Calligraphy Exhibition on October 23. The event, held at the Ambassador’s Residence, commemorated the 63rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, transforming the venue into a crossroads of artistic tradition and modern friendship.
Iranian painter Wahed Khakdan passes away at 75

TEHRAN – Iranian painter Wahed Khakdan passed away at a hospital in Tehran on October 23 at the age of 75.
Iranian short film “The Plain Sings” wins at Albanian festival

TEHRAN – The Iranian short film “The Plain Sings” directed by Gita Feizi won an award at the 4th Idromeno International Film Festival, which was held from October 11 to 18 in Shkoder, Albania.

Economy

Iran calls for unity in reviving water resources at OIC water ministers’ meeting in Jeddah

TEHRAN – Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said it is time for Muslim countries to restore their shared heritage of water management through collective action, noting that cooperation rather than rivalry is essential for protecting vital water resources.
Iran elected as chair of GECF executive board

TEHRAN – Iran has been elected as chair of the executive board of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and its proposal to transform the forum into an “Organization of Gas Exporting Countries” received broad support, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said on Thursday.
Iran strengthens rail diplomacy at “Middle East Railway Forum”

TEHRAN – Iran’s rail diplomacy gained momentum at the 36th Regional Assembly of Middle East Railways (UIC RAME), attended by senior representatives from Turkey, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, alongside officials from the International Union of Railways (UIC).

Society

Workshop on vaccination held with WHO, GAVI Alliance support

TEHRAN – Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI Alliance), Kerman University of Medical Sciences played host to a 3-day regional workshop on vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Iranian companies attending Health Asia expo in Pakistan

TEHRAN – Six Iranian companies are participating in the 22nd Health Asia International Exhibition and Conference, being held from October 23-25 in Karachi, Pakistan.
Health Insurance Week to be held

TEHRAN – Health Insurance Week will be marked from October 25 to 31 across the country with the theme of ‘Health insurance, national consensus for healthier Iran’.

Tourism

Minister urges ambassadors to help attract visitors from neighboring countries

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said on Wednesday that Iranian ambassadors in neighboring and friendly countries can play a role in attracting more tourists to the Islamic Republic.
Iran becomes guest of honor of Antalya Tourism Fair

TEHRAN—Iran took part as a guest of honor at Antalya Tourism Fair (ATF) in Turkey which was held for the seventh time between October 22–24.
Iran-China relations through ages: an interview with National Museum director

In an exclusive interview with the director of the National Museum of Iran, we explore the remarkable “Silk Legacy” exhibition currently underway in Tehran. The show offers an unprecedented look at the deep and enduring cultural ties between Iran and China, tracing a connection that stretches back over four millennia.

International

U.S. push to disarm PMF endangers Iraq’s security and stability

TEHRAN – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent call for the disarmament of Iraqi anti-terror groups, particularly the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of Iraq’s security realities and a continuation of Washington’s interventionist approach.
Al-Ghamari’s enduring legacy in Yemen’s defense industry

BEIRUT— The late Lieutenant General Mohammed Nasser Al-Ghamari (Sayyed Hashem) stands as one of the most distinguished leaders in modern Yemeni history—a symbol of steadfastness in the face of American-Israeli-Saudi aggression against Yemen.
Will Netanyahu resume Gaza genocide?

TEHRAN – The New York Times reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could end the Gaza ceasefire and return to the genocidal war against Palestinians.