Tehran Times

2026-02-17 23:06
Ayatollah Khamenei: ‘More dangerous than a US warship is the weapon capable of sinking it’

TEHRAN - As more American warships move toward the Persian Gulf, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, warned that those vessels represent greater danger to the United States than to Iran — because in the event of conflict, they would be sunk.
- A warning to America, resistance forces placed on alert
- We find Trump guilty for casualties & damages inflicted upon Iranian nation

By Mona Hojat Ansari

‘Good progress’ in Iran-US talks, but ‘more difficult’ days ahead

TEHRAN — Iran and the United States held a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with Iranian officials describing the discussions as more serious and constructive than the previous round, while cautioning that a final agreement remains distant and difficult negotiations lie ahead.
We are ready to close Hormuz Strait: IRGC navy chief

TEHRAN – The commander of the naval unit of the IRGC announced on Monday that Iran is ready to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz upon an order by Iran’s top echelons.
Russian energy minister meets Larijani

TEHRAN – Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev held talks on Tuesday with the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani.
By staff writer

U.S. power play and Cuba’s fight for sovereignty

TEHRAN – The latest wave of tensions between the United States and Cuba has unfolded under the weight of a rapidly intensifying oil blockade—an escalation that critics describe as a modern extension of Washington’s long-standing hemispheric dominance.
Indonesia’s role in the Gaza Board of Peace lacks strategic weight: Philippine scholar

Julkipli Wadi says the board is a political masquerade that shields Israeli regional aggression

TEHRAN- Amid growing controversy surrounding Washington’s so-called Gaza “peace plan” and the proposed Board of Peace, questions persist over its real objectives and the role assigned to non-Western actors, including Indonesia. In this interview, Tehran Times speaks with Julkipli Wadi, dean of the Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman, one of Southeast Asia’s most respected Islamic scholars.

Politics

Iran, Russia, and China deploy vessels for joint drill in Hormuz Strait

TEHRAN - Russia, China and Iran have deployed naval vessels for joint exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian presidential aide Nikolay Patrushev announced on Tuesday.
‘Blood on Trump's hands’: Iran mourns victims of US and Israeli-backed riots

TEHRAN – Iranian citizens and top officials filled Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Tuesday to observe a Chehelom ceremony, a traditional 40th-day memorial, in honor of the more than 2,500 security forces and civilians killed in recent U.S.- and Israeli-backed riots.
Iranian Space Agency chief explains prospects to develop satellite internet system

TEHRAN - The head of the Iranian Space Agency has outlined plans to develop a “satellite internet” network in the country.

Sports

Omid Ravankhah no longer Iran U23 head coach

TEHRAN - The Iran Football Federation has parted ways with head coach Omid Ravankhah following the national U23 team’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Iran to face Nigeria and Costa Rica in March: spokesperson

TEHRAN – Amirmahdi Alavai, spokesperson of the Football Federation of Iran, the national team will play two friendly matches on March 27 and 31, respectively.
Official: Iran – Spain friendly called off

TEHRAN – Amirmahdi Alavai, spokesperson of the Football Federation of Iran, has announced that the planned friendly match between Iran and Spain has been canceled.

Culture

Winners of 27th International Storytelling Festival honored in Isfahan

TEHRAN- The 27th International Storytelling Festival concluded on Monday, during a ceremony held in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, where the winners of this year’s edition were announced.
Early Gothic novel “The Old English Baron” published in Persian

TEHRAN – The Persian translation of the early Gothic novel “The Old English Baron” written by the English author Clara Reeve has been released in the Iranian book market.
Marsha Norman’s “night, Mother” on stage at Labkhand Theater

TEHRAN – The play “night, Mother” by American playwright Marsha Norman is being performed at the Labkhand Theater Complex in Tehran.

Economy

Tehran, Moscow target $10b trade amid calls to ease customs hurdles

TEHRAN – Iranian and Russian business representatives called for the removal of customs restrictions and faster trade procedures, setting a $10 billion target for bilateral trade over the next three years.
TPO head visits Tajikistan to expand industrial, commercial ties

TEHRAN – The head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) traveled to Tajikistan alongside the industry minister to discuss expanding industrial, mining and trade cooperation between the two countries, officials said.
Iran’s agriculture minister visits Pakistan to boost bilateral co-op

TEHRAN – Iran’s agriculture minister arrived in Islamabad on Monday at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, Iranian media reported.

Society

'WHO verifies Iran has sustained measles, rubella elimination'

TEHRAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified that Iran has sustained rubella and measles elimination, an official with the health ministry has said.
Iranian delegation to attend Korea Chem, Korea Pharm & Bio

TEHRAN – Iranian knowledge-based companies will set up their pavilions at the 18th Korea International Exhibition for Chemical Processing, Fine and Specialty Chemicals (KOREA CHEM) and the 16th Korea International Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Exhibition (KOREA PHARM & BIO), which are scheduled to be held from March 31 to April 3 in Seoul, South Korea.
Muscat calls for boosting ties with Tehran in combating drugs

TEHRAN – Omani Drug Liaison Officer, Abdul Hakim bin Saleh Al Siyabi, in a meeting with Iran’s anti-narcotics police chief, Iraj Kakavand, has called for signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deal with illegal drugs by taking joint measures and sharing expertise.

Tourism

Siah-Chador weaving in South Khorasan, from nomadic tradition to economic opportunities

TEHRAN--In the vast deserts of eastern Iran, where life is tied to the harsh climate, a long-standing art still breathes; an art that not only creates shelter, but also narrates the history, identity, and sustainability of a culture. Siah-Chador weaving (weaving the black tents) by the nomads of South Khorasan province is on verge of a new development today; a development that can link this indigenous heritage from nomadic habitats to national and even global markets.
26 Golestan events added to national tourism calendar

TEHRAN – Some 26 tourism events of Golestan province have been included in Iran's National Tourism Events Calendar.
Ilam’s Sarcham hill, a place of settlement from prehistoric to historical eras, says archaeologist

TEHRAN--Initial studies show that human settlement was established in the hill of Sarcham in Holeylan county, Ilam province, from prehistoric to historical eras, as well as the Bronze Age.

International

U.S. power play and Cuba’s fight for sovereignty

TEHRAN – The latest wave of tensions between the United States and Cuba has unfolded under the weight of a rapidly intensifying oil blockade—an escalation that critics describe as a modern extension of Washington’s long-standing hemispheric dominance.
China cuts Treasury holdings: A shift away from the U.S. dollar?

TEHRAN – China recently decided to reduce its investments in U.S. Treasury bonds, shifting its strategy to strengthen financial stability and reduce dollar reliance.
U.S. involvement in Lebanon’s economic policymaking

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s ongoing financial collapse has reopened fundamental questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the country’s strategic choices.

Julkipli Wadi says the board is a political masquerade that shields Israeli regional aggression