Tehran Times

2026-07-20 21:05
By Mahmoud M. Ravi-Nejad

IRGC vows “unforgettable lesson” for US

Two US soldiers killed in Jordan were identified as Iran escalates strikes, raising total US war deaths to 17.

TEHRAN — Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday vowed to deliver an “unforgettable lesson” to the United States, while announcing a series of military operations and maritime security measures amid escalating tensions across the Persian Gulf and neighboring countries.
- No US base in West Asia is beyond Iran's reach

Iran urges IAEA to condemn US nuclear site strike

TEHRAN – Iran on Monday accused the United States of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities during its ongoing military campaign, while confirming that it has received mediation proposals aimed at reducing tensions with Washington but insisting it will continue to defend its national interests through both diplomacy and military action.
By Fardin Molaei

Spain's World Cup glory denies Trump and Bibi their dream finale

TEHRAN – The curtain fell on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States with an ending that few in Washington had hoped to witness. Instead of Argentina lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Spain emerged victorious after defeating the defending champions 1-0 in extra time, turning what many expected to be a political celebration into a night of disappointment for President Donald Trump and his closest international allies.
By Wesam Bahrani

Fate of Palestinians in Gaza: emigration or death?

TEHRAN – It is impossible to say with confidence that Palestinians in Gaza can endure much longer without solutions that remain nowhere in sight.
Can Trump swallow his pride and back down from Strait of Hormuz?

TEHRAN- Nearly five months into a war that Washington arrogantly assumed would be a quick victory, the Trump administration finds itself trapped in a strategic dead end of its own making.
Tehran, Minsk move to expand tourism ties

TEHRAN – Iran and Belarus are moving to strengthen tourism cooperation, with direct flights between Tehran and Minsk set to be launched after Belarus granted the necessary aviation approvals, officials from both countries said at a meeting in Tehran.

Politics

New ambassadors of Pakistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and Ireland present credentials to Iran’s FM

TEHRAN — The newly appointed ambassadors of Pakistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and Ireland officially commenced their diplomatic missions in Iran on Monday, presenting copies of their credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Army: Rationality requires war to continue until Iran achieves full deterrence

TEHRAN — Iran has vowed to sustain its defensive operations against US aggression until the Islamic Republic establishes absolute deterrence, ensuring the permanent prevention of any future violations against the country.
Judiciary chief: Iranian officials united against US hostility

TEHRAN — Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei has reiterated that there is absolute alignment among the country’s high-ranking officials regarding resistance against foreign hostility, dismissing any claims of internal division over the necessity of defending the nation.

Sports

Ghalenoei rues Iran's troubled preparation for 2026 World Cup

TEHRAN – Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accepted full responsibility for Team Melli's disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign while insisting the squad overcame extraordinary challenges before and during the tournament.
Iran at 2026 World Cup: more questions than answers

TEHRAN - The 2026 FIFA World Cup was supposed to be Iran's opportunity to rewrite history. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, Team Melli entered the competition believing they had their best chance yet to reach the knockout stage. Instead, they return home with disappointment, unanswered questions and renewed debate over the future of the national team.
Tabatabaei elected president of Iran Blind Sports Federation

TEHRAN – Hassan Tabatabaei has been elected as the new president of the Iran Blind and Visually Impaired Sports Federation, securing a four-year mandate after a two-round voting process at the federation's electoral assembly on Monday.

Culture

23rd Meeting of Ministers of Culture of SCO Member States concludes

TEHRAN – The 23rd Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States concluded on Sunday in the city of Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan, and the heads of the participating delegations, including the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, signed the final statement.
Arbaeen theater festival to showcase diverse live plays along pilgrimage route

TEHRAN- The 10th edition of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage International Theater Festival will feature a diverse array of live performances across the pilgrimage route, emphasizing the role of art as a spiritual and cultural service.
Iranian Academy of Arts to hold virtual exhibition for prominent Uzbek painter Akmal Nuriddinov

TEHRAN – An exhibition of selected paintings by Akmal Nuriddinov, President of the Uzbekistan Art Academy and one of the country’s prominent contemporary painters, will be held online on the website of the Iranian Academy of Arts.

Economy

Can Trump swallow his pride and back down from Strait of Hormuz?

TEHRAN- Nearly five months into a war that Washington arrogantly assumed would be a quick victory, the Trump administration finds itself trapped in a strategic dead end of its own making.
Renewable power plant capacity exceeds 5,400MW

TEHRAN- An official, announcing that the country's renewable power plant capacity has surpassed 5,400 MW, stated: If equipment, foreign currency, and financial resources are provided, the target of exceeding 7,000 MW by the end of summer will be achieved.
Iran-Russia cooperation in developing oil, gas fields continues

TEHRAN- The Manager of Engineering and Development at the National Iranian Oil Company, referring to the meeting between Iran's Oil Minister and Russia's Minister of Energy, emphasized the continuation of cooperation between the two countries in developing oil and gas fields.

Society

Iranian students win six medals at Intl. Mathematical Olympiad

TEHRAN – Iran grabbed two gold medals, one silver medal, and three bronze medals at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held on July 15 and 16 in Shanghai, China.
Police dismantle 388 drug trafficking gangs since March

TEHRAN – In the first four months of the current Iranian year, which started on March 21, the anti-narcotics police have disbanded 388 drug trafficking gangs across the country, Iraj Kakavand, the head of anti-narcotics police, has said.
Iran, Turkey planning to launch joint innovation center

TEHRAN – Iran and Turkey are planning to establish a joint innovation center and define a sustainable business model, an official with the Ministry of Science has said.

Tourism

Oldest known photographs reveal how Persepolis has changed over time

TEHRAN - The oldest known photographs of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, provide a rare visual record of the monument before modern archaeological excavations reshaped its appearance.
Tehran, Minsk move to expand tourism ties

TEHRAN – Iran and Belarus are moving to strengthen tourism cooperation, with direct flights between Tehran and Minsk set to be launched after Belarus granted the necessary aviation approvals, officials from both countries said at a meeting in Tehran.
Ilam to showcase historical heritage to Arbaeen pilgrims, official says

TEHRAN – Iran’s western province of Ilam will use the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage to introduce its historical monuments and ancient civilization to domestic and foreign pilgrims passing through the Mehran border crossing, the province’s cultural heritage chief said on Monday.

International

Palestinians celebrate Spain’s World Cup victory

Hundreds of Palestinians across Gaza and the Occupied West Bank celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory, gathering around makeshift screens, cheering in stadiums and taking to the streets in celebration of Spain’s victory and the support its government has given to Palestine.
Fate of Palestinians in Gaza: emigration or death?

TEHRAN – It is impossible to say with confidence that Palestinians in Gaza can endure much longer without solutions that remain nowhere in sight.
Yemen declares naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in response to ‘oppressive siege’

Yemen announced on Monday it was imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that opens a new front against the United States in its war on Iran and widens the threat to global oil supplies and trade beyond the Persian Gulf.

Two US soldiers killed in Jordan were identified as Iran escalates strikes, raising total US war deaths to 17.