Tehran Times

2026-02-15 21:55
By Soheila Zarfam

'Munich Circus': Under destruction

Sidelined in Ukraine and ignored in West Asia, Europe sacrifices its diplomatic standing to appease Israel

TEHRAN – What the Munich Security Conference (MSC) has become is nothing short of a “circus”. That's the assessment from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the annual event. He shared this blunt view on his X account, likely after witnessing the son of a deposed king—who fled the country with hundreds of millions in Iranian wealth almost five decades ago—being invited to the event to claim popular desire for his monarchical restoration.
- The Zeitenwende is real this time
- Did U.S. trick EU into backing Ukraine war?

By staff writer

Greenland’s icequake: The rift that rocks U.S.–Europe relations

TEHRAN – Tensions over Greenland were already high in the weeks before the 2026 Munich Security Conference. President Donald Trump’s repeated statements about acquiring the Arctic island had triggered strong reactions in Denmark and Greenland, raising concerns about sovereignty and trust within the alliance.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Saad Hariri and the future of his Future Movement

BEIRUT — On the 21st anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafic Hariri, thousands gathered in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square in a scene that blended remembrance with political anticipation.
By Wesam Bahrani

Gaza truce fails Palestinian hopes and Israeli goals

TEHRAN – The situation in the Gaza Strip remains volatile, failing to meet the hopes of its residents or the strategic objectives of the occupying Israeli regime.
By Sahar Dadjoo

Peace must be shaped by Palestinians, says rights activist

Rifat Odeh Kassis says the Trump-backed Gaza Board of Peace lacks UN legitimacy and meaningful Arab engagement

TEHRAN- In an interview with the Tehran Times, Palestinian Christian human rights activist Rifat Odeh Kassis offers a critical assessment of the Gaza “Board of Peace” amid growing international controversy over Gaza’s post-war governance and security arrangements.
By Faramarz Kouhpayeh

A surrendered Iran is a balloon in Trump’s dreams

US president openly admits his aim is pressure and pain, not a diplomatic solution

TEHRAN – When Iran and the United States began new nuclear negotiations earlier this month, the entire region breathed a sigh of relief. West Asia had come close to being drawn into a conflagration after President Donald Trump said he was considering military action against Iran, framing it as support for CIA-backed riots aimed at toppling the government.

Politics

Iranian, Russian, and Chinese diplomats hold talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

TEHRAN - The ambassadors of Iran, Russia, and China to international organizations in Vienna have held another round of talks on the latest developments related to Iran’s nuclear program.
Amidst US pressure to halt enrichment, IAEA chief says Iran entitled to peaceful atomic activities

TEHRAN - The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged that Iran has the right to pursue peaceful nuclear work under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
A Chinese professor's take on the anniversary parade of the Islamic Revolution

TEHRAN – On February 11th, I once again witnessed the parade celebrating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran. In previous years, I have witnessed such celebrations in both Tehran and Urmia. As a Chinese professor who earnestly hopes for a brighter future for Iran, I have some personal observations and reflections after witnessing this year’s celebratory parade, which I would like to share with the Iranian people who are yearning for positive changes in their country.

Sports

Iran’s potential March friendly opponents: Costa Rica and Nigeria

TEHRAN – The Football Federation of Iran is expected to officially announce Team Melli’s friendly match schedule as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iran football preparations’ hurdles ahead of 2026 World Cup

TEHRAN - As Iran national football team gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the road to preparation has become unexpectedly challenging. After qualifying for the tournament — securing their place with a key result in the Asian qualifiers — expectations were high for a robust series of friendly matches ahead of the summer finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran volleyball team invited to Russia

TEHRAN – The Russian Volleyball Federation has officially invited the Iran men’s national team for friendly matches.

Culture

41st Fajr International Music Festival concludes with tribute to veterans, unveiling of AI singer

TEHRAN- The closing ceremony of the 41st Fajr International Music Festival was held at Vahdat Hall on Saturday evening, bringing the six-day event to an end with tributes to veteran artists and the presentation of the prestigious Barbad Awards.
Veteran actor Enayatollah Bakhshi passes away at 80

TEHRAN- Veteran Iranian stage and screen actor Enayatollah Bakhshi passed away on Sunday after a period of illness. He was 80.
Simorgh Theater Hall to stage play by Martin McDonagh

TEHRAN – Simorgh Theater Hall in Tehran will stage the 2018 play “A Very Very Very Dark Matter” written by Martin McDonagh in March.

Economy

‘Iran–Russia Joint Economic Committee meeting marks turning point in bilateral co-op’

TEHRAN – Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has described the 19th meeting of the Iran–Russia Joint Economic Committee as a pivotal opportunity to deepen strategic ties between Tehran and Moscow and open a new chapter in bilateral economic relations.
Iran’s date exports rise 25% in 2024, generating $213m

TEHRAN – Iran’s exports of fresh and dried dates increased by 25 percent in value in 2024, generating more than $213 million in foreign currency earnings, according to trade data.
Iron ore concentrate output rises 9% in 9 months; lump ore up 44%

TEHRAN – Production of iron ore concentrate by Iran’s major mining companies rose nine percent in the first nine months of the current Iranian year (ending December 21, 2025), while lump iron ore output surged 44 percent, according to new data released by Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

Society

IRCS provides free health services in deprived areas abroad

TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) medical centers abroad provided humanitarian assistance and health-based services free of charge in less privileged areas, on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, marked from February 1-11.
National week on natural resources and watershed management to be held

TEHRAN – The natural resources and watershed management week will be held from February 29 to March 4 with the theme “investment for sustainable development”.
Intl. conference on air pollution management underway

TEHRAN – The first international conference on air pollution management is being held on February 15 and 16 in Tehran.

Tourism

Desert village Qaleh Bala moves closer to possible UN label

TEHRAN – Cultural heritage authorities in Shahroud have finalized a dossier to nominate the village of Qaleh Bala in Semnan province for inscription by the UN Tourism, a local official said on Saturday.
National wrestling hall of fame opens to public in Tehran

TEHRAN – Iran’s National wrestling hall of fame (aka national wrestling honors museum) opened to the public in Tehran on Saturday.
Tabas Salt Lake added to national natural heritage list

TEHRAN – The Tabas Salt Lake in South Khorasan province has currently been registered on Iran’s national natural heritage list following approval by the National Council for Registration of Natural Heritage, a provincial official said.

International

Greenland’s icequake: The rift that rocks U.S.–Europe relations

TEHRAN – Tensions over Greenland were already high in the weeks before the 2026 Munich Security Conference. President Donald Trump’s repeated statements about acquiring the Arctic island had triggered strong reactions in Denmark and Greenland, raising concerns about sovereignty and trust within the alliance.
Saad Hariri and the future of his Future Movement

BEIRUT — On the 21st anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafic Hariri, thousands gathered in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square in a scene that blended remembrance with political anticipation.
Gaza truce fails Palestinian hopes and Israeli goals

TEHRAN – The situation in the Gaza Strip remains volatile, failing to meet the hopes of its residents or the strategic objectives of the occupying Israeli regime.