Tehran Times

2025-11-09 20:28
By staff writer

War or peace: What Hegseth and Trump signal

TEHRAN – U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a speech on Friday that left no ambiguity: the United States is not seeking to avoid war — it is actively preparing for a global confrontation. Speaking at the National War College, Hegseth compared today’s world to 1939, the year World War II began, and 1981, when Cold War tensions surged. These weren’t just historical references — they were warnings. And more than that, they were a roadmap.
- U.S. strike kills three in the Caribbean, no proof of drug activity
- U.S. Navy's deadly Pacific blitz: 14 slain in 'narco' strikes, total tops 57

By Shahab Sarmadi

Ceasefire as camouflage: Israel’s continued assault on Gaza

TEHRAN – The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States and officially put into effect on October 10, was intended to pause the violence in Gaza. However, recent developments suggest the truce may have served as a strategic cover for Israel to continue its military operations with reduced international scrutiny.
By Wesam Bahrani

Iraqis to vote amid tension with Washington

TEHRAN – Iraq’s November 11 election will test whether a new government will challenge U.S. control over oil revenues and sovereignty.
By Layla Saad

Rising tensions in Syria’s northeast: What is driving US military activity?

BEIRUT – More than seven months after the March 10 agreement between Syria’s de facto ruler Ahmad al-Sharaa (al-Jolani) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, the deal lies in tatters.
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.
Iran’s underground missile infrastructure safe and intact despite US-Israeli strikes

Official says country ready to respond with more force should enemy repeat aggression

TEHRAN – A senior Iranian official says roughly all of the country’s subterranean missile sites are safe and sound.

Politics

US must face legal, political, and military consequences of the June raid on Iran: speaker

TEHRAN - Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated on Sunday that the United States must bear the legal and political consequences of its act of aggression against the Islamic Republic in June.
Iran and the political construction of a complex identity

MADRID – In the tumultuous arena of global politics, few nations bear symbols as dense and varied as Iran. But while each of these images belongs to a distinct narrative, they all coexist within the body of a single state.
Araghchi says Tehran ready to help ease Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed Tehran’s readiness to help de-escalate growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent deadly border clashes.

Sports

Men’s volleyball victorious over Chad: 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s volleyball team swept past Chad in straight sets (25-15, 25-19, 25-20) in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Monday.
Samyar Abdoli takes Iran’s first gold at 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Swimmer Samyar Abdoli claimed Iran’s first gold medal at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Sunday.
Australia beat Iran at 2025 IWBF Asia Oceania Championships

TEHRAN – Australian men’s wheelchair basketball team defeated Iran 79-71 at the 2025 IWBF Asia Oceania Championships on Monday.

Culture

Poetry night honors Iqbal Lahori in Tehran

TEHRAN- The memorial ceremony dedicated to the renowned poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal Lahori was held at the Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization on Sunday, bringing together distinguished poets and literary figures from Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Iranian films line up for Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

TEHRAN- Four films by Iranian directors are competing in different sections of the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, which is currently underway at the Estonian capital.
Three awards for Iran at Kirkuk International Street Theater Festival

TEHRAN – Several Iranian artists were recognized and awarded for their artistic excellence at the ninth edition of the Kirkuk International Street Theater Festival, which was held in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Economy

Iran, Uzbekistan trade up 58% as minister calls Tashkent key link to Central Asia

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Seyed Mohammad Atabak said Uzbekistan plays a vital role as a connecting hub between Iran and Central Asia, adding that trade between the two countries has risen by 58 percent this year.
Iranian brands gain traction in Chinese market

TEHRAN – A Chinese media outlet highlighted the strong presence of Iranian companies at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), reporting that the appeal of Iranian fragrances and skincare products has drawn large crowds and captured consumer interest in China.
Iran’s oil exports hit highest level since 2018

TEHRAN – Iran’s crude oil exports climbed to around 2.0 million barrels per day in September 2025, marking the highest level since mid-2018, according to international tanker-tracking firm TankerTrackers.

Society

IRCS head, Saudi envoy discuss ways to boost services during Hajj

TEHRAN – Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), in a meeting with Abdullah bin Saudi Al-Enzi, the Saudi ambassador to Tehran, explored ways to enhance cooperation in health and relief fields throughout the Hajj pilgrimage.
Iranian, Uzbek universities aim to expand health co-op

TEHRAN – Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Tashkent State Medical University have explored ways to enhance scientific, research, and educational cooperation, as well as health tourism between the two universities.
Iran-China workshop on decarbonization, sustainable environment underway

TEHRAN – Supported by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), an Iranian-Chinese workshop is being held from Monday to Wednesday, focusing on new technologies for decarbonization and the sustainable built environment.

Tourism

Iran proposes AI-based global tourism innovation network at UN Tourism assembly

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri on Sunday proposed the establishment of a global tourism innovation network based on artificial intelligence during the 26th General Assembly of the UN Tourism in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Beijing’s ambassador: Gilan offers strong potential for investment in tourism, economy

TEHRAN — Beijing’s ambassador to Tehran has said that Gilan province, in northern Iran, possesses rich natural resources and significant economic and tourism attractions, making it an appealing destination for Chinese investors.
Iran, Oman discuss sea-based tourism cooperation

TEHRAN — Iran and Oman have discussed ways to expand cooperation in several areas of tourism, particularly in sea-based and health tourism, during a meeting between Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri and Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi.

International

Ceasefire as camouflage: Israel’s continued assault on Gaza

TEHRAN – The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States and officially put into effect on October 10, was intended to pause the violence in Gaza. However, recent developments suggest the truce may have served as a strategic cover for Israel to continue its military operations with reduced international scrutiny.
Iraqis to vote amid tension with Washington

TEHRAN – Iraq’s November 11 election will test whether a new government will challenge U.S. control over oil revenues and sovereignty.
Rising tensions in Syria’s northeast: What is driving US military activity?

BEIRUT – More than seven months after the March 10 agreement between Syria’s de facto ruler Ahmad al-Sharaa (al-Jolani) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, the deal lies in tatters.