Tehran Times

2025-11-22 20:14
By Shahrokh Saei

How the West has thrown Ukraine under the bus

Trump’s 28-point plan pressures Zelenskyy to give up territory, shrink military, and abandon NATO hopes—or risk losing U.S. support

TEHRAN – Nearly 1,370 days into the Russia–Ukraine war, President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan has laid bare the contradictions of Western policy. For years, the United States and Europe encouraged Ukraine to confront Russia, promising NATO membership and protection. Now, as the war drags on, those same powers step back, leaving Ukraine to face the consequences of a fire lit by the West itself.
- Zelenskyy and European leaders will meet with Trump on ending Russia’s war

By Wesam Bahrani

Israel threatens Syrian lifeline

TEHRAN – Recent developments in southern Syria highlight a sharp escalation in military actions by the Israeli regime, accompanied by a systematic expansion of its illegal presence across the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and adjoining highland areas.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Lebanon’s independence discourse: Between symbolism and strategic realities

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day speech was made amid a national climate marked by uncertainty, sacrifice, and a persistent longing for a tangible, “third” independence, one defined by security, territorial integrity, and genuine sovereignty.
Brig. Gen. Jahanshahi takes helm of Iran Army Ground Forces

TEHRAN – Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi has been appointed as the new commander of the Iranian Army Ground Forces, succeeding Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari.
By Ranjan Solomon

Iran as civilization - history and identity, and the making of a political vision

GOA –To assert that "Iran is a civilizational entity" highlights its long history and cultural depth, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Elamites and Achaemenids, which goes beyond the modern nation-state of Iran.
New opportunities emerging for investors: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN – Iranian president pointed to the country’s active presence in BRICS, SCO, and EAEU, and emphasized that these diplomatic interactions strengthen economic relations with neighbors and create a large market and new opportunities for merchants and investors.

Politics

MPs ponder response to IAEA’s anti-Iran resolution

TEHRAN – The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament categorically condemned the recently adopted anti-Iran resolution by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after beginning the process to devise an appropriate response.
Israel undergoing an 'epidemic of infiltration', says Iran intelligence minister

TEHRAN — Iran’s Intelligence Minister says Israel is undergoing an “epidemic of infiltration,” as multiple Israeli media outlets report unprecedented levels of espionage cases linked to Iranian intelligence, including penetration of one of Israel’s largest air force bases.
Araghchi says no need for mediators after Lebanese FM makes public call for negotiations

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is ready for dialogue aimed at boosting bilateral relations with Lebanon, while stressing that Iran does not interfere in the country’s internal affairs, and that it does not require a third party to arrange discussions with Beirut.

Sports

Iran crowned champions of IFCPF Asia-Oceania Cup 2025

TEHRAN – Iran defeated Indonesia 2-0 in the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Cup 2025 final on Thursday.
Iran to play India at 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup semis

TEHRAN Iran defeated Nepal 39-11 at the 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup on Saturday.
Foolad ease past Esteghlal Khuzestan in 2025/26 Hazfi Cup Round of 32

TEHRAN – Foolad football team defeated Esteghlal Khuzestan to advance to the 2025/26 Hazfi Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.

Culture

Avaye Mahan Orchestra performs Malaysian composer P. Ramlee’s songs in Tehran

TEHRAN – The Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran organized the program “Irama Malaysia,” an orchestral rendition of selected P. Ramlee’s songs, on November 20 and 21, at the Nemaud Performing Art Center.
"On the Shoulders of Tears” photo exhibition celebrates Iranian martyrs

TEHRAN- The "On the Shoulders of Tears" photo exhibition, a visual narrative depicting Iran’s national ceremonies honoring and mourning its martyrs, including their funerals, is currently being held at the Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran.
Iranian movie “Ropewalker Memories” wins at Rojava International Film Festival

TEHRAN – The Iranian film “Ropewalker Memories” directed by Hamed Rajabi won an award at the 5th Rojava International Film Festival, which was held from November 13 to 20 in Qamishlo, Syria.

Economy

Iran inks 6-nation pact in Istanbul, bolstering its role as key transit gateway

TEHRAN – Iran, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey signed a multilateral agreement in Istanbul aimed at expanding rail freight movement along the southern branch of the Eurasian transit corridor, reinforcing Iran’s position as a core gateway for container traffic between China and Europe.
Ashgabat to host 16th ‘Iran Project’ exhibition in late January 2026

TEHRAN – The 16th edition of the specialized Iran Project exhibition, focused on engineering and technical services, will be held in Ashgabat from January 28 to 30, 2026, after receiving official authorization from the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO).
New opportunities emerging for investors: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN – Iranian president pointed to the country’s active presence in BRICS, SCO, and EAEU, and emphasized that these diplomatic interactions strengthen economic relations with neighbors and create a large market and new opportunities for merchants and investors.

Society

DOE calls for implementing regional action plan to save Caspian Sea

TEHRAN – Sediqeh Torabi, an official with the Department of Environment (DOE), has called for implementing a regional action plan drafted by five littoral states for the conservation of the Caspian Sea.
Tehran, Soul to beef up sci-tech co-op

TEHRAN – Farhad Yazdandoost, an official with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and Kim Junpyo, South Korea’s ambassador to Iran, have discussed ways to promote scientific and technological collaboration between the two countries.
Iran explores potentials to boost tech ties with Algeria, Kenya

TEHRAN – The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister, Sattar Hashemi, has held separate meetings with his Algerian and Kenyan counterparts, discussing ways to develop markets and enhance synergy to promote collaboration on smart government, space industry, digital economy, and cybersecurity.

Tourism

South Korean ambassador says southeast Iran visit enriched his heritage insight

TEHRAN - The South Korean ambassador to Iran has said his recent personal visit to southeastern Iran, including a tour of the regional museum in Zahedan, gave him a deeper insight into the area’s cultural legacy and its connections to ancient Iranian traditions.
3.5 million religious tourists visited Iran last year

TEHRAN – Tourism Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri has said that 3.5 million religious tourists from Iraq, the Persian Gulf region, Central Asia, and the Caucasus traveled to Iran during the past Persian year (1403), which ended on March 20, 2025.
Isfahan firms to promote Iran’s heritage at Madrid’s Fitur fair

TEHRAN--Five travel agencies from Isfahan province have been selected to participate in the Iranian pavilion at the Madrid International Fitur 2026 exhibition to introduce the city's cultural and historical capacities to the global tourists, said Amir Karamzadeh, tourism chief of the province.

International

How the West has thrown Ukraine under the bus

TEHRAN – Nearly 1,370 days into the Russia–Ukraine war, President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan has laid bare the contradictions of Western policy. For years, the United States and Europe encouraged Ukraine to confront Russia, promising NATO membership and protection. Now, as the war drags on, those same powers step back, leaving Ukraine to face the consequences of a fire lit by the West itself.
Israel threatens Syrian lifeline

TEHRAN – Recent developments in southern Syria highlight a sharp escalation in military actions by the Israeli regime, accompanied by a systematic expansion of its illegal presence across the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and adjoining highland areas.
Lebanon’s independence discourse: Between symbolism and strategic realities

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day speech was made amid a national climate marked by uncertainty, sacrifice, and a persistent longing for a tangible, “third” independence, one defined by security, territorial integrity, and genuine sovereignty.

Trump’s 28-point plan pressures Zelenskyy to give up territory, shrink military, and abandon NATO hopes—or risk losing U.S. support