By Sahar Dadjoo

‘When the world closes in, art becomes our only window to survive,’ says Ezzedine Shallah

Founder of Gaza Women’s Film Festival says blockade turned into a source of creative power

TEHRAN- Amid the devastation of war and displacement, Gaza has given birth to an extraordinary act of cultural resilience — the First Gaza International Women’s Film Festival. Founded by Ezzedine Shallah, a Palestinian filmmaker and researcher, the festival brings together 79 films from 28 countries, celebrating women’s voices through cinema even as bombs fall and cities crumble.

By Sahar Dadjoo

UAE conceals intelligence network linking Israel ans US behind Darfur conflict: Sudanese journalist

Saad Kamil says Abu Dhabi’s covert operations from Bab al-Mandab to the Suez Canal aim to reshape regional power maps

TEHRAN- Mohamed Saad Kamil, Editor-in-Chief of the Brown Land News, focuses on issues of peace, justice, and human rights in Sudan. He is known for his steadfast stance in defending the truth and exposing the violations committed against civilians, especially in conflict areas such as Darfur, including El Fasher. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

‘Iran’s solidarity with Sudan reflects commitment to Muslim unity,’ says Ambassador Saleh

Envoy expresses gratitude for Tehran’s condemnation of El Fasher killings and anticipates deeper cooperation following restoration of ties

TEHRAN- On Sunday, November 9, Sudan’s Ambassador to Tehran, Abdulaziz Hassan Saleh, visited the Tehran Times newsroom, where the daily conducted an exclusive interview with him on the ongoing crisis in Darfur and the prospects of Sudan-Iran relations. 

By M.A. Saki

Kimball says Trump’s nuclear testing push could ‘blow apart NPT’

TEHRAN – Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association (ACA), says if the United States conducts nuclear testing it will likely “blow apart the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty” or NPT.

By Mona Hojat Ansari 

After its drone success, Iran's next breakout hit could come from the sea

Iran's self-sufficient naval tech wins 'Best Foreign Exhibitor' at PIMEC 2025 — and daws a crowd of potential customers

TEHRAN – Over the past few years, Iran has, for the first time in its history, entered the global arms market and begun competing with world powers. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Turkish youth movement challenges ties with Israel

Activists from “A Thousand Youth for Palestine” say grassroots pressure can shatter entrenched networks of state and corporate complicity

TEHRN - Members of “A Thousand Youth for Palestine”, a non-hierarchical, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist youth movement based in Turkey share their journey, principles, and goals. 

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran is not what Western media depicts, Indian ambassador says

TEHRAN - In an exclusive interview with the Times of Tehran on Saturday, the Indian ambassador to Iran urged greater efforts to correct what he called a “distorted image” of Iran shaped by Western media.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Trump trying to be president of his fans: American sociologist

David Meyer says "No Kings" protests reflect growing fear of executive overreach

TEHRAN- In an exclusive interview with Tehran Times, David S. Meyer, a professor of sociology, political science, and urban planning at the University of California, Irvine, sheds light on the ongoing "No Kings" protests and the potential implications of Donald Trump's policies. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Israel pounds Gaza, Lebanon to rewrite truce terms: Palestinian analyst

Hassan Lafi says Tel Aviv’s violations seek to shift the balance in its favor

TEHRAN- In the wake of Israel’s renewed attacks following the Gaza ceasefire, Palestinian writer and analyst Hassan Lafi examines the underlying political and strategic motivations driving Tel Aviv’s escalation. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Gaza shows international law is dead — and moral courage must replace hope, Antony Hequet says

With legal structures failing, French-American artist calls for ethical clarity and active resistance to prevent further oppression

TEHRAN- In this Tehran Times exclusive, we present the voice of Antony Hequet—a French-American poet, composer, singer and multidisciplinary thinker whose work fuses music, myth, trauma and moral reflection into a profound cultural critique.

By Shahrokh Saei 

Historical amnesia: Europe turns a blind eye to Iran’s WWII humanitarian legacy

Professor Azarov: Israel and the US shape West’s anti-Iran stance

TEHRAN – During the darkest days of World War II, when Europe was engulfed in flames, Iran extended a hand of humanity—welcoming more than 100,000 Polish refugees and offering them safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild their shattered lives. That chapter of compassion and solidarity remains etched in history as a testament to Iran’s generosity.

By Mahnaz Abdi

The Last to Leave: An ambassador's pledge and a bridge of trust

TEHRAN- On October 19, the Tehran Times hosted a high-level delegation from the South Korean Embassy, led by His Excellency Ambassador Kim Junpyo. The visit featured extensive and constructive talks with the newspaper's directors and editors, as well as an exclusive interview with the Ambassador, the text of which follows.

By Sahar Dadjoo

“No Kings” slogan unites diverse voices, says American scholar

Philip Rocco notes the movement’s strength lies in its broad symbolism that connects workers, immigrants, and defenders of civil rights

TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Philip Rocco, a professor of political science at Marquette University, examines the rise of the “No Kings” protests across the United States. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

“No Kings” protests are reaction to Trump’s authoritarian drift:  ex-CIA official

Paul Pillar says public demonstrations are the last line of defense against erosion of democratic norms 

TEHRAN- In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Paul R. Pillar, a veteran intelligence analyst and former senior CIA official, examined the emergence of the “No Kings” movement in the United States as a grassroots reaction to what many see as Donald Trump’s authoritarian drift during his second term. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

‘No military solution to Iran nuclear issue — only diplomatic multilateralism,’ argues Marc Finaud

Former French foreign ministry spox underscores necessity of multilateral agreements for lasting peace

TEHRAN- In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Marc Finaud, Senior Advisor at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and former spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, offered his expert analysis on France’s recent move to activate the JCPOA “snapback” mechanism, reinstating UN sanctions on Iran. He also explored the wider diplomatic and strategic implications for Europe and the broader West Asia.

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran-China relations through ages: an interview with National Museum director

In an exclusive interview with the director of the National Museum of Iran, we explore the remarkable “Silk Legacy” exhibition currently underway in Tehran. The show offers an unprecedented look at the deep and enduring cultural ties between Iran and China, tracing a connection that stretches back over four millennia.

By Samaneh Aboutalebi 

Expressing the unseen: Ibrahim Nasrallah’s insights on Palestinian stories, culture

TEHRAN- In a significant cultural event in Tehran on Monday, the Persian translation of Ibrahim Nasrallah’s acclaimed literary works was unveiled during a ceremony dedicated to the resistance and Palestine, drawing renewed attention to the profound contributions of this Palestinian writer.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Despite hunger and trauma, reporters keep Gaza’s story alive: CPJ regional director

Sara Qudah says resilience of journalists in Gaza is nothing short of extraordinary

TEHRAN – Despite the recent Gaza ceasefire, the situation for Palestinian journalists remains tragic. Newsrooms lie in ruins, dozens of reporters are displaced or detained, and access for international media continues to be completely blocked by Israel.

Future of Russia–Iran partnership hinges on economic depth, Russian expert says

The two sides must move beyond defense deals and build a durable economic foundation 

In an in-depth interview with Anton Mardasov, a noted expert on Russian foreign policy and Middle Eastern affairs, the Tehran Times delved into the multifaceted relationship between Russia and Iran. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Gaza ceasefire a pause, not the end of the war, says Egyptian sociologist

Prof. Mohamed Sayed Ahmed says the conflict with Israel remains “a battle of existence, not borders”

TEHRAN- In his exclusive interview with Tehran Times, Egyptian political analyst and professor of political sociology Mohamed Sayed Ahmed offers a sharp evaluation of the Gaza ceasefire after nearly two years of devastating war.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Iran–Russia treaty reflects new legal foundation for strategic cooperation, says Russian expert

Margoev underscores that the new partnership framework strengthens bilateral ties without forming a military alliance

TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Adlan Margoev, a Russian expert on Iran and nuclear nonproliferation, and a researcher at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), discussed Moscow’s position at the United Nations regarding the recent the “snapback” of UN sanctions against Iran, as well as the implications of the newly enacted Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Tehran and Moscow.

By Sedigheh Hosseini

A bridge of shared values: Indonesia's Ani Nigeriawati on deepening ties with Iran

TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview with The Tehran Times, Ani Nigeriawati, the Director of Public Diplomacy at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on the robust and multifaceted relationship between Indonesia and Iran.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Exclusive: Israel’s military failures forced partial withdrawal from Gaza, Aleef Sabbagh says

Senior Palestinian analyst highlights Netanyahu’s inability to defeat Hamas or relocate Gaza’s population

TEHRAN- Following two years of devastating war and unprecedented human suffering in Gaza, Hamas and Israel accepted a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on October 9 under Donald Trump’s controversial 20-point plan. While the agreement temporarily halts Israel’s military operations and paves the way for prisoner exchange and phased withdrawals, analysts warn that it leaves unresolved the root causes of the conflict and may only postpone another round of violence.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Pakistan sees UNSC snapback as setback to dialogue, expert Says

Dr. Dost Barrech examines legal, political, and economic challenges posed by UN sanctions on Iran

TEHRAN- As snapback sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 are reactivated, the impact on regional diplomacy, trade, and security extends well beyond Iran. For Pakistan—a neighbor closely connected to Iran through geography, commerce, and security—the stakes could be somewhat significant.

By Silvina Pachelo

'Gaza is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a crime against humanity:' Argentine physician

BUENOS AIRES - The Tehran Times has interviewed Carlos Trotta, an Argentine doctor and volunteer with Doctors Without Borders, who has dedicated his life to accompanying those suffering the most extreme consequences of inequality, violence, and injustice. 

By Sahar Dadjoo

Iran–Russia treaty to shift regional power balance, says Russian Scholar

Dr. Ravandi-Fadai outlines the agreement’s potential to counter sanctions and deepen cooperation in energy, defense, and diplomacy

TEHRAN – Following the official activation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Tehran and Moscow, Iran and Russia have entered a new phase in their long-standing relationship. The 20-year agreement, encompassing cooperation in defense, energy, technology, and finance, is widely regarded as a milestone in strengthening bilateral and regional ties.

By Ali Hamedin

Our DNA feels Palestine’s pain: Irish illustrator 

TEHRAN-For more than 700 days, a small strip of land has endured some of the most savage assaults in human history—attacks not waged against warriors, but against women and children who, even if left untouched by bombs, would slowly be claimed by the dagger of hunger, sacrificed to the true masters of a regime that proclaims itself “chosen by God.”

By Sahar Dadjoo

Sanctions deepen Iran’s economic pressure but strengthen its strategic independence, says economist

Prof. Farzanegan sees renewed focus on national innovation, eastern alignment, and reform-minded governance

TEHRAN – This is the second part of Tehran Times’ exclusive interview with Prof. Dr. Mohammad Reza Farzanegan on the activation of the snapback mechanism and the broader impact of renewed UN sanctions on Iran.

Exclusive: Sanctions will harm Iranian consumers, not defense capabilities, economic expert says

Prof. Farzanegan highlights that trade and inspection restrictions will harm ordinary citizens more than strategic sectors

TEHRAN- As sanctions on Iran intensify with the reactivation of the UN snapback mechanism, questions arise about their long-term economic and geopolitical consequences for the country. The measures, targeting Iran’s trade, defense, and financial sectors, have sparked debates about their impact on ordinary citizens and the nation’s capacity for innovation. Amid these challenges, understanding Iran’s position in a shifting global landscape is critical.

By Sahar Dadjoo

EXCLUSIVE: Islamabad sees snapback sanctions as obstacle to dialogue, Pakistani scholar says

Dr. Qaiser Ahmed outlines Pakistan’s balancing act between East and West while preserving cooperation with Iran

TEHRAN – The reactivation of the snapback mechanism at the United Nations Security Council has once again placed Iran’s nuclear program at the center of global diplomatic tensions. Following the European trio’s move to reinstate sanctions, Tehran has sharply criticized the decision, while countries across the region are weighing the implications for stability, trade, and security.