Tehran Times

2026-04-25 21:22
By staff writer

Iran’s military strength shatters Washington’s narrative

TEHRAN - The administration of President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has destroyed Iran’s military capabilities during the nearly 40-day war that began on February 28. Trump and his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, have argued that the joint US–Israeli strikes have effectively crippled Iran’s military capacity.
- Trump and his advisors misjudged Iran’s retaliation to war: NY Times
- Committing war crimes under the name of religion

By Shahrokh Saei

From Madrid to Tehran: Spain’s flag emerges as a symbol of principle in Iran’s wartime rallies

TEHRAN - Since the joint US–Israel war on Iran began on February 28, Iranians have gathered nightly across the country to denounce the aggression. These demonstrations, marked by chants, speeches, and the waving of flags, have become a vivid expression of defiance. Iran’s national flag and religious banners dominate the rallies, but the unexpected sight of a European flag has captured wide attention.
Araghchi meets with Pakistani officials to advance diplomatic solutions to regional tensions

TEHRAN– Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday to advance diplomatic consultations on escalating tensions in West Asia and the ongoing war in the Persian Gulf, embarking on a regional tour that also includes planned visits to Oman and Russia.
By Maedeh Zaman Fashami

Amal Khalil wrote the final report with her own blood

TEHRAN – The martyrdom of Amal Khalil once again draws the attention of regional and global public opinion to one of the most significant dimensions of the recent wars in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories: the systematic targeting of journalists on the battlefield.
Iran acting in self-defense, will continue until guarantees are secured: envoy

TEHRAN- Iran is not waging war but will continue to defend itself until hostilities fully cease and credible guarantees are secured to prevent their recurrence, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said.
Turkish academics condemn US-Israeli attacks on Iranian universities

TEHRAN- Hundreds of Turkish scholars have strongly condemned recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian universities, calling the attacks an act of “epistemicide” – a crime against knowledge and humanity’s intellectua heritage.

Politics

Qalibaf: Financial war is main frontline against US

TEHRAN – Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has said that the primary arena for confronting the United States is financial warfare, stressing that economic resistance remains key to weakening Washington’s global influence.
Pezeshkian warns of US-Israel schemes to drive a wedge between Iran and other Muslim nations

TEHRAN - President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that the United States and Israel are hatching plots to sow divisions between Iran and other regional Muslim countries.
Mearsheimer warns: Failure to make peace with Iran will dramatically widen Middle East war

TEHRAN- A renowned political scientist says the US is expanding the conflict while alienating Europe.

Sports

Iran’s Kabaddi down Syria: Sanya 2026

TEHRAN – Iran men’s kabaddi team defeated Syria 53-31 at the 2026 Asian Beach Games on Sunday.
Ajami wins Iran’s first gold medal at 2026 Asian Beach Games

TEHRAN – Hassan Ajami Bakhtiarvand on Sunday claimed Iran’s first gold medal in the 2026 Asian Beach Games underway in Sanya, China.
Iran gear up for World Cup with friendly against North Macedonia

TEHRAN – As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, the Iranian national team are sharpening their tools for the global stage. Amirmehdi Alavi, the official spokesman for the Football Federation of Iran, confirmed on Saturday that Team Melli will face a formidable test in Turkey, squaring off against the resilient North Macedonia in a high-profile friendly.

Culture

Art Bureau connecting artists, raising global awareness through universal language of art

After Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel on February 28, a committee was established at the Art Bureau in Tehran, focusing on the production and collection of artworks related to the war, which lasted for 40 days.
Labkhand Theater reviews Royal National Theatre's “Fleabag”

TEHRAN – Labkhand Theater Complex in Tehran screened a stage recording of the 2019 Royal National Theater's production of “Fleabag” on Saturday evening.
The limits of power: why American materialism falters against the Iranian spirit

MOSCOW – In my view, this situation is less diplomatic, military, or political in nature than it is deeply rooted in the realm of mentality. The entire episode brings to mind a bodybuilder, artificially enhanced by steroids, his physique swollen with muscle, who—fully confident of victory—approaches a frail and unassuming Shaolin monk, one who has attained mastery in the martial arts. From the outside, the outcome of such a confrontation appears entirely predictable; in reality, however, everything unfolds quite differently.

Economy

The 700-million-barrel shock: How a Strait closure could unleash an unprecedented energy crisis

TEHRAN- Based on the projection from the Kepler Institute, by the final week of April, the cumulative deficit in oil supply resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will hit 700 million barrels.
Iran’s capacity of renewables exceeds 4,500MW

TEHRAN- According to a report by SATBA, the capacity of the country's renewable power plants has surpassed 4,500 megawatts, and planning is underway to achieve a capacity of 7,000 megawatts by the peak load of next year.
Nearly 16.7m tons of commodities transited via Iran’s roads in a year

TEHRAN- The head of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization announced the transit of 16,696,751 tons of goods through Iran's land borders in the year 1404 (starting March 2025).

Society

International Sociological Association strongly condemns US-Israeli attack on Iran

TEHRAN - The International Sociological Association (ISA) has issued a statement, strongly condemning military actions carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Iran will rise stronger to serve global health: minister

TEHRAN – Despite the destruction of scientific centers in Iran by the US-Israeli aggression, the country will turn into a more influential player in the global arena, Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi has said.
Water management needed to secure water rights for wetlands: DOE chief

TEHRAN – Although the increase in precipitation has increased hope to secure water rights for wetlands, it does not obviate the need for water management, the head of the Department of Environment has said.

Tourism

Ilam province draws visitors with lush spring landscapes

TEHRAN - In western Iran, along a 425-kilometer border with Iraq, Ilam province emerges each spring as one of the country’s most compelling seasonal destinations.
Minimal intervention key to preserving authenticity of historical sites, expert says

TEHRAN – An Iranian conservation expert has called for a shift toward minimal intervention in the restoration of historical structures, warning that recent war-related damage to heritage sites requires urgent and carefully planned responses.
Classic car rally in Tehran condemns damage to cultural heritage

TEHRAN – A rally and gathering of historical vehicles was held in Tehran on Friday to condemn damage to Iran’s cultural and historical sites caused by airstrikes by the United States and Israeli regime, organizers said.

International

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is proving to be a “cartoonish version” of Robert S. McNamara

TEHRAN - Michael Hirsh, a columnist for Foreign Policy, says Iran “is following Ho Chi Minh’s playbook in Vietnam” in the face of the U.S.-Israeli war against the country.
The catfights Trump can’t hide

TEHRAN — When President Trump sneered that Iran’s leaders “are fighting like cats and dogs” because the U.S. has “created a real mess for them,” it was meant as a gotcha line, proof of American triumph. Instead, it hangs in the air like an unwitting self-portrait.
Amal Khalil wrote the final report with her own blood

TEHRAN – The martyrdom of Amal Khalil once again draws the attention of regional and global public opinion to one of the most significant dimensions of the recent wars in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories: the systematic targeting of journalists on the battlefield.