Tehran Times

2026-02-26 17:58
Iran, US hold nuclear talks in Geneva, Oman presents Tehran’s proposals to US

TEHRAN – The third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. started in Geneva on Thursday with the mediation of Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.

A fortified line along Iran’s borders

Why the recent IRGC ground forces drill in southern Iran matters

TEHRAN – In recent weeks, Iran’s military planners have offered new clues about how the country is preparing for a potential regional confrontation involving the U.S. and its proxies. While Tehran continues to describe its overarching doctrine as defensive, officials and analysts close to the security establishment emphasize that this strategy is not limited to passive deterrence.
Trump’s Iran war: a direct hit to Americans’ wallets

What is the price of America's military adventurism for taxpayers and the global economy?

TEHRAN- As tensions escalate in the West Asia and the United States builds up its military presence, the world watches with growing unease. A potential conflict with Iran, holder of the world's third-largest oil reserves and controller of one of global energy's most vital arteries, would send shockwaves far beyond the battlefield. While diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. and Iranian officials reportedly set for talks in Oman, the threat of military action looms large.
‘Historic’ deal possible if diplomacy prioritized, Araghchi says ahead of US talks

TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign minister said Wednesday that Tehran is ready to strike a quick nuclear deal with the United States, but only if Washington proves it is serious this time.
Iran warns Trump using ‘Hitler-era’ propaganda to justify potential aggression

TEHRAN – Iranian officials have rejected claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump in his recent State of the Union address, accusing him of spreading deliberate falsehoods aimed at derailing upcoming nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian academics and activists unite in public declaration against war

TEHRAN - More than 350 Iranian researchers, civic activists, and political figures from across the political spectrum have signed a joint statement titled “No to War and Aggression Against Iran.” They are now calling on the public to join them by signing a petition launched at a dedicated campaign website.

Politics

Offense within a defensive formula

LONDON - Two factors arising from miscalculation may prompt the U.S. to attack Iran. The first miscalculation is that Iran is in its weakest state, as claimed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his address to Congress.
Six terrorists killed in IRGC ambush in southeast Iran

TEHRAN – In an ambush on Tuesday night, troops from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have killed six members of the Jaish al-Adl (known in Iran as Jaish-al-Zulm) terrorist group in an ambush near the border city of Saravan in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan.
Iran names new ambassadors to Lebanon, Algeria

TEHRAN - Iran has named its new ambassadors to Lebanon and Algeria.

Sports

Antonio Manicone parts ways with Iran football team

TEHRAN - Italian coach Antonio Manicone has ended his cooperation with the Iran national football team.
Iran to compete at China international U23 tournament

TEHRAN - The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has confirmed the four participating teams for the CFA Team China International U23 Tournament 2026, scheduled to take place from March 25 to 31 in Xi'an, China.
Crisis in Red: Persepolis’ title dream slipping away in 2025/26

TEHRAN - Persepolis football team entered the 2025/26 Persian Gulf Pro League season as clear favorites, widely tipped to reclaim domestic dominance and reinforce their status as Iran’s most decorated club. But as the campaign has unfolded, the Reds have found themselves battling inconsistency, pressure, and internal tension instead of lifting silverware.

Culture

18th Fajr Visual Arts Festival opens in Shushtar with focus on water

TEHRAN- The 18th edition of Fajr Visual Arts Festival officially opened on Wednesday beside the UNESCO-listed Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System in southwestern Khuzestan province, under the motto “My Land / Iran, the Embodiment of Water.”
National Union of Writers of Kyrgyz Republic to publish 100 selected works by leading Iranian poets

TEHRAN – In a significant move to bolster cultural ties, Iran is set to introduce a comprehensive anthology of its poetic heritage to the Kyrgyz people.
37th Tehran International Book Fair to be held in May

TEHRAN- The 37th edition of the Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF), the country’s largest annual cultural event, is scheduled to open on May 13, the organizers have announced.

Economy

Trump’s Iran war: a direct hit to Americans’ wallets

TEHRAN- As tensions escalate in the West Asia and the United States builds up its military presence, the world watches with growing unease. A potential conflict with Iran, holder of the world's third-largest oil reserves and controller of one of global energy's most vital arteries, would send shockwaves far beyond the battlefield. While diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. and Iranian officials reportedly set for talks in Oman, the threat of military action looms large.
Iran–China trade reaches $2.54b in a month

TEHRAN – Non-oil trade between Iran and China reached about $2.54 billion in the Iranian month of Aban 1404 (October-November, 2025), according to data released by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO).
Iran rail transit surpasses 5m tons, sets new record

TEHRAN – Iran’s international rail freight volume has exceeded five million tons so far this year, setting a new record in the country’s railway transport history, a senior official at the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways said.

Society

WHO hails Iran’s mental health strategy as an “innovative and replicable global model”

TEHRAN – The World Health Organization has praised Iran’s SERAJ – a pioneering model for integrated mental health and social care, describing it as an “innovative and replicable global model.”
Tehran, Ankara discuss ways to develop science diplomacy

TEHRAN – Iranian and Turkish officials have discussed avenues to expand academic cooperation within the framework of a joint program to promote science diplomacy.
Five cholera cases identified in Iran in 2025

TEHRAN – In the first nine months of the current Iranian year, which started in March 2025, five cholera cases have been identified in the country, according to the health ministry.

Tourism

Elamitologist Abdolmajid Arfa’i, decipherer of Cyrus Cylinder, dies at 86

TEHRAN – Professor Abdolmajid Arfa’i, Elamite scholar and prominent researcher of ancient Elamite and Akkadian languages, died on Wednesday, after a period of illness. He was 86.
Iranian conservator calls for fundamental reform in restoration education

TEHRAN – An Iranian architectural conservator and university lecturer has called for a fundamental overhaul of restoration education, criticizing what he described as an overly theory-based academic system and weak institutional support for field training.
Food in Hormozgan tells story of people's connection with sea

TEHRAN -- Food in Hormozgan province is not just a meal, but rather a story of people's long-standing connection with the sea.

International

How is Israel confronting global isolation?

TEHRAN – Despite deep internal political divisions, there is broad agreement within the Israeli regime on one issue: it is facing unprecedented global hostility.
Trump’s 2026 State of the Union: Painting a mirage of power

TEHRAN – In his 2026 State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an extended narrative of American resurgence and foreign policy accomplishments. While the tone was confident and assertive, a factual review reveals that many of the president’s most dramatic claims were exaggerated, misleading, or unsupported by credible evidence. In particular, his discussion of conflicts abroad and military actions mischaracterized complex realities and overstated the United States’ influence and achievements.
Mounting strategic tensions: The escalating military buildup along Lebanon’s eastern frontier

SOUTH LEBANON — It is no coincidence that Lebanese anxieties have intensified amid growing reports of military preparations along the Syrian-Lebanese border.

Why the recent IRGC ground forces drill in southern Iran matters

What is the price of America's military adventurism for taxpayers and the global economy?