Tehran Times

2025-10-13 21:45
By Garsha Vazirian

A Victim of the Banality of Evil

Saleh al-Jaafarawi: Who he was, and why Israel silenced his voice in Gaza

TEHRAN – Hannah Arendt’s phrase “the banality of evil” describes the terrible ordinariness of a system that makes atrocity routine. In Gaza this October, the phrase revealed itself in flesh and blood.

Why did Iran choose to skip the Sharm el-Sheikh summit?

TEHRAN – U.S. President Donald arrived in Egypt Monday evening, essentially on a victory lap to celebrate what he claimed no one else could have achieved: a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, but one that virtually no one believes Israel can be expected to comply with in the long run.
By Wesam Bahrani

Concessions, not military force, help free Israeli captives

TEHRAN – The Palestinian resistance movement said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his occupation army failed for two years to free its captives through military means and ultimately had to accept the resistance’s terms, acknowledging that the only path to their captives’ return was through a prisoner exchange and an end to the war of extermination.
Iran, Israel, Arabs, and the policy of regional engagement

By Xavier Villar

MADRID – On Saturday, October 11, the publication of classified U.S. military documents by The Washington Post revealed a crucial aspect for understanding the current security dynamics in West Asia. Despite the high tensions that characterize the region and the public expressions of opposition to Israeli military operations in Gaza from many Arab states, a discreet network of military cooperation has emerged.
By Minoo Khaleghi

The Nobel Peace Prize has lost its meaning

Jurist and researcher in international relations

TEHRAN - The Nobel Prize, established under the will of Alfred Nobel in 1901, was meant to be awarded annually to “the person or organization that has done the most or the best work for the benefit of humanity” in relation to peace. Yet from the very beginning, the interpretation of its criteria has rested in the hands of the Norwegian Committee, and its decisions — especially in politically sensitive cases — have repeatedly stirred controversy.
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.

Politics

What Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said at his weekly briefing

TEHRAN – Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reviewed the latest regional and international developments, including Iran’s diplomatic efforts on border security, regional mediation, and nuclear negotiations.
Russia rejects UN-backed sanctions on Iran, says arms supplies will continue legally

TEHRAN – Russia has dismissed the United Nations’ recent decision to reinstate sanctions on Iran, declaring that Moscow does not recognize the move and will continue its legally approved military cooperation with Tehran.
Iranians make plea for recapture of Persian Gulf islands of Aryana, Zarkooh

TEHRAN – A group of Iranian citizens have called for the liberation of the Iranian islands of Aryana and Zarkooh, which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) claims ownership of.

Sports

Hesamifard becomes first Iranian woman to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000m

TEHRAN - Iranian mountaineer Afsaneh Hesamifard has become the first Iranian woman to summit all 14 of the world's highest mountains above 8,000 meters, following her successful ascent of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m) on Tuesday morning.
Iran open AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers on high

TEHRAN – Iran defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their opening AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers Group B tie on Monday.
Iran to compete at Dubai’s football tournament

TEHRAN - Iran national football team will compete in a four-team tournament during the FIFA International Window in mid-November.

Culture

Iran participates in Iraq Gaming Expo (IGEX)

TEHRAN – Iran participated in the Iraq Gaming Expo 2025 (IGEX), the first national exhibition dedicated to video games in Iraq.
Five Iranian books selected for 2025 White Ravens list

TEHRAN- The 2025 White Ravens Catalogue, compiled by Munich’s International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek, IJB), includes five notable works by authors from Iran.
Iranian short flick “Like A Secret” wins at India’s Pink City International Short Film Festival

TEHRAN – The Iranian short film “Like A Secret” by Saeed Zamanian won an award at the 12th Pink City International Short Film Festival, which was held in Jaipur, India, from October 1 to 12.

Economy

INSTC seen as a path to greater regional integration, Iran’s transport minister says

TEHRAN – Iranian Minister of Transport and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh highlighted the International North–South Transit Corridor (INSTC) as a key driver of regional cooperation between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia, calling it a platform for deeper connectivity in transport, transit, and energy.
The invisible war: Baseless accusations as a weapon against Iran’s economy

TEHRAN- In the complex arena of international relations, economic stability is a cornerstone of national sovereignty. For the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of decades of external pressure, the growth of its non-oil exports represents a vital lifeline and a testament to its economic ingenuity.
Iran, Switzerland private sectors seek deeper cooperation in non-sanctioned fields

TEHRAN – Iran and Switzerland’s private sectors are calling for stronger collaboration in non-sanctioned industries, emphasizing the key role of private enterprises in shaping future economic ties between the two countries.

Society

National women’s health week to be marked

TEHRAN – The health ministry will hold national women’s health week from October 16 to 22, with the theme ‘women’s health supports individual, family, and social resilience’.
Tehran’s Tabi'at Bridge to light up blue for World Food Day

TEHRAN – The iconic Tabi'at Bridge - the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran – will shine in blue on Thursday, October 16, to mark World Food Day.
Tehran ready to host COP 7 for marine environment protection

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) has announced readiness to hold the Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, known as COP 7.

Tourism

Nahavand ancient fortress to be revived in major restoration effort

TEHRAN – The ancient fortress of Nahavand, also known as the Yazdegerd Citadel, is set to undergo restoration as part of a significant cultural heritage initiative in west-central Iran.
Promoting a ‘safe and beautiful Iran’ is key to tourism development: minister

TEHRAN — Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, underscored the importance of presenting an accurate and positive image of Iran on the international stage as the first step toward developing the country’s tourism industry.
Golestan Palace implements smart water and solar energy management plans

TEHRAN — Golestan Palace, one of Tehran’s oldest and most historically significant palace complexes, is taking major steps toward sustainable resource management by introducing smart irrigation and exploring solar energy use.

International

A Victim of the Banality of Evil

TEHRAN – Hannah Arendt’s phrase “the banality of evil” describes the terrible ordinariness of a system that makes atrocity routine. In Gaza this October, the phrase revealed itself in flesh and blood.
Concessions, not military force, help free Israeli captives

TEHRAN – The Palestinian resistance movement said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his occupation army failed for two years to free its captives through military means and ultimately had to accept the resistance’s terms, acknowledging that the only path to their captives’ return was through a prisoner exchange and an end to the war of extermination.
Lebanon between Gaza truce and fiery messages

BEIRUT—West Asia is entering a pivotal stage following the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, what appears to be the end of a bloody phase in the Strip opens the door to a highly sensitive phase for Lebanon.

Saleh al-Jaafarawi: Who he was, and why Israel silenced his voice in Gaza

By Xavier Villar

Jurist and researcher in international relations