Israel strikes Rafah as ceasefire frays; Gaza civilians bear the cost

Israeli aircraft struck Rafah on Sunday in what Gaza authorities and independent observers called a breach of the fragile ceasefire that began earlier this month, rejecting Israel’s claim that the attack was a response to fire on its troops.

Sponge iron export up 79% in 6 months on year

TEHRAN- The value of Iran’s sponge iron export rose 79 percent during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21-September 22), as compared to the same period of time in the past year, according to the Iranian Steel Producers Association (ISPA).

Isfahan's entrepreneurs, industrialists plan to strengthen economic co-op with Vietnam

TEHRAN- The governor-general of Isfahan, in a meeting with the ambassador of Vietnam in Tehran, informed about the plans of Isfahan's entrepreneurs and industrialists to strengthen economic cooperation with Vietnam and stated: “Trade, industry, and tourism can be three important pillars of cooperation between the two countries, and we are fully prepared to host Vietnamese artistic, cultural, and tourism groups.”

5,000 new rooftop solar units to be installed in Sistan-Baluchestan by Mar. 2026

TEHRAN – The Sistan-Baluchestan Power Distribution Company plans to install 5,000 new five-kilowatt solar systems across the province by the end of this year (late March 2026), its managing director Mohammad Raeisi said, predicting that the region’s total renewable energy capacity will reach 1,000 megawatts within the next two years.

ICCIMA urges currency reform, budget relief for businesses

TEHRAN – Members of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) have called for urgent reforms to the country’s foreign exchange policies and greater fiscal relief for business owners in the upcoming Iranian calendar year 1405 (begin in late March 2026) budget during the chamber’s 27th general meeting.

Artworks by Mahmoud Farshchian unveiled at Sa’dabad palace museum

TEHRAN – Four paintings by the late Iranian master Mahmoud Farshchian, held by the Mostazafan Foundation, unveiled and displayed on loan for one month at the Farshchian Museum located within Sa’dabad palace complex in Tehran.

“Miss Julie” on stage in Ahvaz

TEHRAN- A production of Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s play “Miss Julie” is currently being performed at Aftab Hall in Ahvaz, located in the southwestern Khuzestan province.

“In the Arms of the Tree” wins top award at Canadian festival

TEHRAN – The Iranian feature film “In the Arms of the Tree” written and directed by Babak Khajepasha has won the top award of the 6th Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF), in Toronto, Canada.

Books on resistance, Palestine to be unveiled in Tehran 

TEHRAN- The Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization in Tehran will host the "Walzzaytun" ceremony, featuring the unveiling of 17 new books focusing on resistance and Palestine on Monday. 

42nd Tehran Intl. Short Film Festival to kick off with 95 films from 53 countries

TEHRAN – The 42nd Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) will kick off at Iran Mall Cineplex in the east of Tehran on Sunday with 95 films, from 53 countries, competing in various categories.

TEHRAN PAPERS

Positive effects of FATF

TEHRAN - In an analysis, Etemad discussed the benefits of getting out of the FATF blacklist and said: Iran is joining the FATF by approving the two pending conventions that can have positive effects: first, rebuild Iran's banking credibility globally; second, reduce the cost of foreign exchange transactions and facilitate access to international payment systems; and third, Strengthen the country's standing in global risk assessments.

Tehran denies UK security threat claims after MI5 accusations

TEHRAN – Iran’s embassy in London has forcefully rejected claims by the head of Britain’s MI5 that Tehran poses a threat to the United Kingdom’s security, denouncing the allegations as “baseless and irresponsible.”

By Soheila Zarfam 

The sunset of the JCPOA in the twilight of distrust in Western diplomacy

Resolution 2231 officially expires, ending UN endorsement of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal

TEHRAN – The jubilant crowds that gave then-Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif a hero’s welcome in April 2015 as his flight landed in Tehran from Switzerland were cheering what they believed was the dawn of a new era for Iran.

There are efforts to remove Iran from trade corridors, warns top commander 

TEHRAN – A senior Iranian military commander has warned that the enemy’s objective is to remove Iran from trade corridors.

Chief scientist offers insights on Kowsar and Hodhod satellite launches

TEHRAN – The company developing the Iranian Kowsar and Hodhod satellites has offered a detailed account of the technical achievements following their launch into the Earth’s orbit and their successful passing of different tests.

Araghchi warns of human and regional cost of Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan could result in significant human casualties and threaten the stability of the entire region.

Hamas outlines transitional role and long truce amid fragile ceasefire

Hamas intends to retain security control in Gaza during an interim period while a technocratic administration manages civil affairs, a senior Hamas politburo member, Mohammed Nazzal, said in an interview with Reuters from Doha released Saturday.

Death toll in Gaza surpasses 68,000 as Israel continues attacks after ceasefire

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has reached a grim new milestone, surpassing 68,000 lives lost, as a fragile ceasefire is marred by continued violence.