Tehran Times

2026-07-14 21:39
180 MPs call for terminating MoU, demand strategic deterrence over the Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN — As the United States continues to violate the newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tehran, Iranian lawmakers have fiercely called for the immediate termination of the interim agreement, demanding a revolutionary shift in the country's defense doctrine.
- "Hormuz belongs to us, not foreigners," Iran says

Qomi: Retribution for Soleimani assassination must remain a national priority

TEHRAN – Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Qomi, head of Iran's Islamic Development Organization, has stressed that retribution for those responsible for the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani remains a fundamental obligation, saying broader strategic objectives such as the expulsion of the United States from the region do not replace the need to hold the perpetrators accountable.
By Hossein Amiri

Guarding nature, losing family: American airstrike leaves Iranian park ranger alone amid the ruins

TEHRAN – For years, veteran environmental ranger Javad Hassanzadeh dedicated his life to protecting the wildlife and fragile ecosystems of southern Iran. In the early hours of Tuesday, while standing watch over one of the country's protected natural areas, he was spared by fate. His family was not.
Why does Washington target a railway bridge 700 miles from battlefield?

When military strategy becomes economic terrorism against a nation

TEHRAN- On the night of July 9, 2026, American cruise missiles struck the Aq-Tekeh Khan railway bridge near Aq-Qala in Iran’s northern Golestan province. The target was not a military base, not an air defense battery, not a missile silo—it was a civilian infrastructure node more than 700 miles from the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict’s primary theater of operations. Seven projectiles hit the bridge, damaging the Gorgan–Incheh Borun railway line. No casualties were reported. Yet the symbolism and strategic implications of this strike demand urgent scrutiny.
By Garsha Vazirian

Yemen draws a hard line in the skies, imposes a new equation

The bombing of Sana’a airport drags Riyadh into a self-destructive strategic trap

TEHRAN — The desperate Saudi bombardment of Sana’a International Airport on July 13 has backfired, exposing the deep panic of the Riyadh, Washington, and Tel Aviv axis.
By Wesam Bahrani

From Macron to Trump to Israel: What is Syria’s share?

TEHRAN – French President Macron surprised everyone by visiting Syria as the first Western leader to meet self-declared president Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus.

Politics

Iran condemns UK’s IRGC designation, warns of reciprocal measures

TEHRAN – Iran has denounced the UK's decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a "threat under the United Kingdom's National Security Act."
Ayatollah Khamenei hails massive public participation in martyred Leader’s funeral

TEHRAN — A major memorial ceremony for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was held on Tuesday at the Grand Mosalla of Imam Khomeini in Tehran. The massive gathering in the capital drew an immense crowd from all walks of life, highlighting the continuation of solemn mourning ceremonies across Iran and several other countries.
The flawed logic of Lindsay Graham: A pretext for destroying innocent people

TEHRAN- I must state that life experiences have long taught me never to rejoice in anyone’s death, and this holds true for the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, despite all his grave mistakes.

Sports

Iran face tough Week in 2026 Volleyball Nations League

TEHRAN - Iran are set for a decisive week in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) as Team Melli begin Week 3 with a match against Ukraine before taking on Germany, Slovenia, and Turkey in the final round of the preliminary stage.
Iran rout Bahrain at 2026 AVC U18 Volleyball Championship

TEHRAN – Iran defeated Bahrain in straight sets (25-12, 25-18, 25-14) at the 2026 AVC Boys' U18 Volleyball Championship on Tuesday.
Women’s and men’s victorious at 2026 Sitting Volleyball World Championships

TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s and men’s teams emerged victorious over their rivals on Tuesday at the 2026 Sitting Volleyball World Championships.

Culture

100 artworks to be offered at 25th Tehran Auction

TEHRAN – The 25th Tehran Auction is set to take place on Friday, July 17, at the Parsian Azadi Hotel in Tehran, featuring 100 artworks with an estimated total value between 354 and 423 billion Tomans ($2 to $2.35 million).
"Ali, as Told by Ali" translated into Turkish to expand global reach

TEHRAN- The acclaimed work "Ali, as Told by Ali," authored by Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadian, has been released in Turkish, marking the latest step in the book's international distribution.
"Unfinished Homework" artistic event to honor child martyrs on Tabiat Bridge

TEHRAN- Tehran's Tabiat Bridge—the city's most expansive pedestrian landmark- will transform into an open-air gallery this week as it hosts "Mashq-e Natamam" (Unfinished Homework), a cultural and artistic event dedicated to the memory of over 400 Iranian children who lost their lives during the recent war.

Economy

Why does Washington target a railway bridge 700 miles from battlefield?

TEHRAN- On the night of July 9, 2026, American cruise missiles struck the Aq-Tekeh Khan railway bridge near Aq-Qala in Iran’s northern Golestan province. The target was not a military base, not an air defense battery, not a missile silo—it was a civilian infrastructure node more than 700 miles from the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict’s primary theater of operations. Seven projectiles hit the bridge, damaging the Gorgan–Incheh Borun railway line. No casualties were reported. Yet the symbolism and strategic implications of this strike demand urgent scrutiny.
Iran, China agree to strengthen economic ties with joint committee roadmap

TEHRAN- Iranian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, in a meeting with Cong Peiwu, Chinese Ambassador to Iran, emphasized the determination of his country to develop sustainable and strategic relations between the two countries.
Iran, Tajikistan emphasize transport, transit, logistics co-op expansion

TEHRAN- The Minister of Transport and Urban Development of Iran and the Deputy Minister of Transport of Tajikistan, in a meeting in Tehran, emphasized the development of transportation, transit, and logistics cooperation, leveraging mutual capacities, and expanding cooperation in road, rail, air, and port sectors.

Society

VP suggests initiatives at OIC meeting to foster ties on women

TEHRAN – The Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, has put forward two initiatives to boost collaborations among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for empowering women.
Youth: driving force for progress in martyred Leader’s thought

TEHRAN - In the thought of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, young people are not merely a demographic group; they are regarded as the country's greatest national asset and the primary driving force behind Iran's progress.
Iran offers proposals at Global Dialogue on AI Governance

TEHRAN – The head of the Secretariat of the Headquarters for AI Technology Development and Applications has delivered a lecture at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and put forward five proposals, and announced the country’s readiness for the expansion of international cooperation.

Tourism

Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley and Iran’s deep past on UNESCO World Heritage List

This week marks the first anniversary of a milestone that reshaped how the world sees Iran’s ancient past. On July 11, 2025, during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, the Paleolithic Sites of the Khorramabad Valley were inscribed on the World Heritage List—Iran’s 29th such site, and its first ever dedicated to the Paleolithic period.
Restoration work resumes at Persepolis after funding allocated

TEHRAN - Restoration workshops have resumed operations at the UNESCO-listed Persepolis complex after funds were allocated for conservation work, the site’s director said.
Iranian cultural institutions partner on art economy and innovation projects

TEHRAN - Dafineh Museums Institute and the Institute for Culture and Art Development signed a memorandum of understanding in Tehran aimed at expanding cooperation in scientific, cultural, artistic and social projects and strengthening museum-related activities, the Dafineh Museums public relations office said on Tuesdays.

International

Yemen draws a hard line in the skies, imposes a new equation

TEHRAN — The desperate Saudi bombardment of Sana’a International Airport on July 13 has backfired, exposing the deep panic of the Riyadh, Washington, and Tel Aviv axis.
From Macron to Trump to Israel: What is Syria’s share?

TEHRAN – French President Macron surprised everyone by visiting Syria as the first Western leader to meet self-declared president Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Israel Katz seeks pardon for soldier who killed Palestinian

Israeli war minister Israel Katz has requested that President Isaac Herzog pardon Elor Azaria, a former Israeli soldier convicted for killing an incapacitated Palestinian in Hebron, Israeli media reported.

When military strategy becomes economic terrorism against a nation

The bombing of Sana’a airport drags Riyadh into a self-destructive strategic trap