Tehran Times

2026-01-28 21:24
By Soheila Zarfam

US plan: ‘Make Iran Texas again’

Senator Cruz wants to bring Texas-style weaponization to Iran, openly stating that Washington must arm terrorists

TEHRAN – Ted Cruz, the U.S. senator from Texas, has a reputation for rhetoric that often outpaces his grasp of its consequences. He was a central figure whose remarks fuelled the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and he remains infamous among his constituents for fleeing to Cancun during a deadly winter storm that crippled the state’s power grid. On the world stage, he is a reliable advocate for American military intervention, from West Asia to South America.
- Iranians ready for the next war, regardless of what Trump says
- Iran begins ‘targeted arrest’ of rioters

By Faramarz Kouhpayeh

America’s ‘big armada’ won’t change the equation — at least not in Trump’s favor

Rather than forcing capitulation, escalating US pressure is driving Iran to prepare for worst-case scenarios

TEHRAN – Since 2018, Tehran has been the primary actor exercising strategic patience to prevent tensions with Washington from spiralling into an all-out regional conflagration. This restraint has sprung from a recognition of the catastrophic costs of conflict—not only for Iran but for the Arab neighbors it has sought to court against Israeli expansionism, and for extra-regional allies like China that depend on West Asian energy.
Open Israeli role in Iran unrest marks new escalation: Canadian historian

Samir Saul says Mossad activity is increasingly visible following the June 2025 failure

TEHRAN — In an interview with the Tehran Times, Canadian historian and political economist Samir Saul offers a critical assessment of U.S. and Israeli involvement in the protests that unfolded in Iran in January, with a particular attention to U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric.
By staff writer

A truce in words only: Israel keeps bombing Gaza

TEHRAN – Israel’s killing of two Palestinians in Gaza City’s al-Tuffah neighborhood on Tuesday reflects a familiar pattern. Israel is once again violating the October truce it claims to uphold. On paper, the ceasefire exists. On the ground, Israeli gunfire, airstrikes, and shelling continue.
Iranian diplomats renew vow to Ayatollah Khamenei, demand tribunal for Trump

TEHRAN- Diplomats and ambassadors from the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a joint statement on Tuesday renewing their allegiance to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Tehran denounces US threats of force, state-sponsored unrest

TEHRAN — Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has delivered an indictment of United States foreign policy, characterizing Washington’s recent actions and threats as a “deliberate and systematic assault” on international law.

Politics

Saudi Arabia considers any threat, escalation against Iran ‘unacceptable:’ MBS

TEHRAN — Reflecting the increasingly coordinated stance of the region’s two major powers, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has declared his kingdom’s opposition to external threats against the Islamic Republic.
‘Any limited strike will trigger an immediate all-out war’

TEHRAN — A senior military official from the Khatam-al-Anbia Central Headquarters has delivered a stark ultimatum to non-regional military actors, declaring that Iran’s defense apparatus has transitioned into a state of total vigilance where the distinction between a “limited” engagement and an all-out war has effectively vanished.

Sports

10-man Foolad defeat Persepolis: 2025/26 PGPL

TEHRAN — 10-man Foolad pulled off a dramatic 3-1 victory over Persepolis in Matchweek 18 of the 2025/26 Iran’s Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL) at the Foolad Arena in Ahvaz on Wednesday.
Iran learn opponents in 2026 VNL

TEHRAN - The Iranian men’s national volleyball team have learned their pool assignments for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), following the official announcement by the competition organizers.
Iran beat Malaysia at 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup

TEHRAN - Iran’s title defense started with a 4-1 win against Malaysia in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 Group D tie on Wednesday.

Culture

Iranian artist pens truth on Venezuela's front page

TEHRAN- An Iranian artist has articulated the nation's perspective on recent developments through the platform of a major Venezuelan publication.
Book exhibition at Kanoon displaying 300 titles by Iranian expats

TEHRAN – A book exhibition titled “Tak Khal” (literally meaning Ace), featuring 300 published works by Iranian expats in various languages, is underway at the Reference Library of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon), in Tehran.
Veteran film critic Parviz Nouri passes away

TEHRAN- Parviz Nouri, a veteran Iranian film critic, screenwriter, and director, passed away in San Francisco on Tuesday due to throat cancer. He was 87.

Economy

Maritime transport key to trade security: transport minister

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Transport and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh said maritime transport plays a pivotal role in trade security, cost reduction and sustainable access to global markets, describing the Persian Gulf as central to the country’s macro-level planning.
Iran boosts trade with Oman, Qatar, UAE

TEHRAN – Iran’s trade with Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates rose in the first nine months of the current Iranian year (March 21 –December 21, 2025) compared with the same period last year, a senior official at Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) said.
Tehran to host Iran–Russia joint economic committee meeting

TEHRAN – The 19th session of the Iran–Russia Joint Economic Committee meeting will be held in Tehran in mid-February, reflecting expanding cooperation prospects between the two countries, Iran’s deputy oil minister for international and commercial affairs said.

Society

Iran, Philippines discuss ways to boost counter-narcotics co-op

TEHRAN – Iranian and Filipino officials have explored the potential to enhance ties in combating narcotics.
Modern tech to help resolve environmental issues

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) and the Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to resolve environmental challenges utilizing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Iran attends Asian Nano Forum

TEHRAN – Attending the Asian Nano Forum in Japan, Emad Ahmadvand, the secretary of the headquarters for the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council, has presented an account of the country’s progress and accomplishments in the nanotechnology sector.

Tourism

Siraf historic port dossier submitted to UNESCO for World Heritage review

TEHRAN - Iran has formally submitted the nomination dossier for the historic port of Siraf to UNESCO for review and possible inscription on the World Heritage list, the deputy minister for cultural heritage said on Wednesday.
Mexican photographer: Iran, a country with cultural diversity and beyond stereotypes

TEHRAN—Mexican documentary photographer Roberto Flores, who traveled to Iran for the first time, emphasized Iran's cultural and human potential and said: “My goal in traveling to Iran is to record the cultural diversity and lifestyle of Iranian nomads, a living reality that can challenge the stereotypical narratives of Iran in the world.”
Lori traditional clothing: an amalgam of Iranian culture, history and identity

TEHRAN – Lori traditional clothing is one of the most vivid expressions of Iran’s indigenous culture. More than a form of dress, it reflects the history, beliefs and lifestyle of the people of the Zagros region who have preserved their Iranian identity for centuries.

International

A truce in words only: Israel keeps bombing Gaza

TEHRAN – Israel’s killing of two Palestinians in Gaza City’s al-Tuffah neighborhood on Tuesday reflects a familiar pattern. Israel is once again violating the October truce it claims to uphold. On paper, the ceasefire exists. On the ground, Israeli gunfire, airstrikes, and shelling continue.
U.S. interference in Iraqi politics

TEHRAN – Iraq stands at a critical point as parliament prepares to elect a new president and form the next government.
The ceasefire illusion: Israel’s cover for calculated aggression in Lebanon

TEHRAN — Despite the ceasefire agreement signed with Israel in November 2024, the promised peace remains a distant hope for the people of Lebanon. Israel’s military has effectively transformed a signed truce into a period of controlled aggression, conducting near-daily strikes that have claimed hundreds of innocent lives.