Tehran Times

2025-05-12 21:40
By Sahar Dadjoo

Jolani's gamble: Surrendering fragmented Syria to US and Israel

TEHRAN - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) has embarked on a controversial diplomatic campaign to secure U.S. sanctions relief, proposing a Trump Tower in Damascus and détente with Israel.

Hezbollah chief says Israeli pressure is doomed to fail, Resistance to prevail

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful speech on Sunday commemorating the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of senior resistance commander Mustafa Badreddine, addressing his legacy as one of the longest-standing members of Hezbollah.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Hamas thwarts Mahmoud Abbas’s goal ahead of his ill-intentioned visit to Beirut

BEIRUT — Lebanese and Palestinian factions in Lebanon are anticipating the repercussions of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's planned visit to Beirut on Lebanon and the situation of displaced Palestinians, especially since the issue of Palestinian resistance weapons has come under scrutiny.
By Wesam Bahrani

Israeli troops fall in deadly Gaza ambush

TEHRAN – In a complex operation, the Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza target a group of occupation officers and soldiers.
Putin’s Tehran visit in works, says Iranian govt spokesperson

TEHRAN – Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced on Monday that Tehran is finalizing preparations to host Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling another milestone in the deepening alliance between the two nations.
By Dr. Mehdi Khanali-Zadeh, Professor of International Relations

Manama’s official stance: We will not allow attacks on Iran from our soil

TEHRAN – Following the developments related to Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, which led to a significant shift in the security dynamics of West Asia, the approach and behavior of some Arab countries along the Persian Gulf have taken on a more "realist" tone.

Politics

Tehran condemns EU's ‘abuse’ of JCPOA snapback, offers path to revive nuclear diplomacy

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a warning to European powers on Sunday, stating that any misuse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)’s snapback mechanism would lead to the “end of Europe’s role in the agreement” and “irreversible tensions.”
Iran, Egypt discuss nuclear talks and Gaza ceasefire efforts

TEHRAN – A high-level conversation took place Monday between Iranian and Egyptian diplomats, focusing on the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington as well as the situation in Gaza.
No threat will go unanswered as Iran armed forces stand on full alert: top commander

TEHRAN – Iran’s senior military official has reiterated the country’s unwavering readiness to defend its national interests, territorial waters, and regional influence.

Sports

Iran defeat Chinese Taipei in 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup quarters

TEHRAN - Iran stayed on course to win a third AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup title by overcoming Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
My long-term goal is 2026 Asian Games: Izadyar

TEHRAN — Iranian para swimmer Shahin Izadyar aims to prepare vigorously for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya.
Dutch legend Seedorf appointed as Esteghlal’s CEO advisor

TEHRAN – Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf was named as an advisor to the CEO in Iranian football club Esteghlal.

Culture

International Hanzala Prize focuses on children’s literature, resistance narrative

TEHRAN – The International Hanzala Prize, a prestigious literary and cultural award, is set to prioritize children's and adolescent literature exploring themes of resistance, the organizers have announced.
Platform 101 representing Iranian digital art at Expo 2025 Japan

TEHRAN-Platform 101, directed by Mohammadali Famouri, is the only digital art team from Iran and West Asia participating in the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Japan, in the Projection Mapping section.
“The Magnificent Ambersons” available in Persian

TEHRAN-The Persian translation of the 1918 novel “The Magnificent Ambersons” by Booth Tarkington has been released in the Iranian bookstores.

Economy

Iran, Turkmenistan target 30% growth in bilateral trade

TEHRAN - The head of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce says the two countries are aiming to increase bilateral trade by 30 percent, following the first-ever exhibition of Turkmenistan’s export capabilities in Iran — an event driven entirely by private sector investment.
Monthly trade balance in Iran’s free trade zones positive

TEHRAN - Iran’s Free Zones High Council announced that the trade balance of the country's free trade zones was $41.463 million positive in the first Iranian calendar month Farvardin (March 21-April 21).
Iran, Russia launch 2nd phase of card payment network integration

TEHRAN - Iran and Russia have officially launched the second phase of a card payment network integration project, enabling Russian tourists and businesspeople to make purchases at retail outlets across Iran using the Russian “Mir Pay” application.

Society

China, UNAIDS to help Iran boost HIV rapid response

TEHRAN – In an effort to enhance the overall resilience of Iran’s national AIDS program and HIV testing capacity, Iran’s Health Ministry, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have convened a meeting to share expertise.
Iran attending 9th meeting of SCO education ministers

TEHRAN – Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf is participating in the ninth meeting of education ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, which was held on May 12 and 13 in Urumqi, China.
'Organ Donation, Life Donation' week to be marked

TEHRAN – The national ‘Organ Donation, Life Donation’ week will kick off on Thursday and wrap up on May 21.

Tourism

Discover Shurgol wetland: a sanctuary for birds, wildlife, and nature lovers

TEHRAN – Shurgol wetland in northwest Iran is a favored destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists due to its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes.
Russian visitors connected to Iranian shopping terminals via Mir Pay application

TEHRAN--Card payment networks between Iranians and Russians were connected on May 13, based on which Russian citizens can shop from Iranian shopping terminals through using the Mir Pay application, said the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Asghar Abolhasani Hastiani.
Temple within UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil restored

TEHRAN – The first phase of a specialized conservation and restoration project on the Inshushinak Temple, located on the first floor of the Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat in Khuzestan province, has been successfully completed, a cultural heritage official announced on Monday.

International

Jolani's gamble: Surrendering fragmented Syria to US and Israel

TEHRAN - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) has embarked on a controversial diplomatic campaign to secure U.S. sanctions relief, proposing a Trump Tower in Damascus and détente with Israel.
Hamas thwarts Mahmoud Abbas’s goal ahead of his ill-intentioned visit to Beirut

BEIRUT — Lebanese and Palestinian factions in Lebanon are anticipating the repercussions of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's planned visit to Beirut on Lebanon and the situation of displaced Palestinians, especially since the issue of Palestinian resistance weapons has come under scrutiny.
Israeli troops fall in deadly Gaza ambush

TEHRAN – In a complex operation, the Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza target a group of occupation officers and soldiers.