Tehran Times

2026-02-17 23:06
Ayatollah Khamenei: ‘More dangerous than a US warship is the weapon capable of sinking it’

TEHRAN - As more American warships move toward the Persian Gulf, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, warned that those vessels represent greater danger to the United States than to Iran — because in the event of conflict, they would be sunk.
- A warning to America, resistance forces placed on alert
- We find Trump guilty for casualties & damages inflicted upon Iranian nation

By Mona Hojat Ansari

‘Good progress’ in Iran-US talks, but ‘more difficult’ days ahead

TEHRAN — Iran and the United States held a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with Iranian officials describing the discussions as more serious and constructive than the previous round, while cautioning that a final agreement remains distant and difficult negotiations lie ahead.
We are ready to close Hormuz Strait: IRGC navy chief

TEHRAN – The commander of the naval unit of the IRGC announced on Monday that Iran is ready to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz upon an order by Iran’s top echelons.
Russian energy minister meets Larijani

TEHRAN – Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev held talks on Tuesday with the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani.
By staff writer

U.S. power play and Cuba’s fight for sovereignty

TEHRAN – The latest wave of tensions between the United States and Cuba has unfolded under the weight of a rapidly intensifying oil blockade—an escalation that critics describe as a modern extension of Washington’s long-standing hemispheric dominance.
Indonesia’s role in the Gaza Board of Peace lacks strategic weight: Philippine scholar

Julkipli Wadi says the board is a political masquerade that shields Israeli regional aggression

TEHRAN- Amid growing controversy surrounding Washington’s so-called Gaza “peace plan” and the proposed Board of Peace, questions persist over its real objectives and the role assigned to non-Western actors, including Indonesia. In this interview, Tehran Times speaks with Julkipli Wadi, dean of the Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman, one of Southeast Asia’s most respected Islamic scholars.

Politics

Iran, Russia, and China deploy vessels for joint drill in Hormuz Strait

TEHRAN - Russia, China and Iran have deployed naval vessels for joint exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian presidential aide Nikolay Patrushev announced on Tuesday.
‘Blood on Trump's hands’: Iran mourns victims of US and Israeli-backed riots

TEHRAN – Iranian citizens and top officials filled Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Tuesday to observe a Chehelom ceremony, a traditional 40th-day memorial, in honor of the more than 2,500 security forces and civilians killed in recent U.S.- and Israeli-backed riots.
Iranian Space Agency chief explains prospects to develop satellite internet system

TEHRAN - The head of the Iranian Space Agency has outlined plans to develop a “satellite internet” network in the country.

Sports

Iran’s women’s football team announced for 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s football team head coach Marzieh Jafari has called up 25 players for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Iran aim to create history at 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup: AFC

TEHRAN - Iran will be aiming to create more history when they compete against Asia’s elite at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
Hosseinzadeh hails Tractor after win over Al Gharafa

TEHRAN - Goalscorer Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh hailed Tractor’s top-notch performance after the Iran side concluded their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 league phase with a 2-0 win against Al Gharafa on Tuesday.

Culture

Winners of 27th International Storytelling Festival honored in Isfahan

TEHRAN- The 27th International Storytelling Festival concluded on Monday, during a ceremony held in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, where the winners of this year’s edition were announced.
Early Gothic novel “The Old English Baron” published in Persian

TEHRAN – The Persian translation of the early Gothic novel “The Old English Baron” written by the English author Clara Reeve has been released in the Iranian book market.
Marsha Norman’s “night, Mother” on stage at Labkhand Theater

TEHRAN – The play “night, Mother” by American playwright Marsha Norman is being performed at the Labkhand Theater Complex in Tehran.

Economy

'Iran, Russia pledge to move beyond understanding to implementation'

TEHRAN- Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stated that what was ultimately agreed upon in the 19th meeting of Iran-Russia Joint Economic Committee represents the achievement of moving from understanding to the implementation phase.
Trade between Iran, Qatar turns positive as exports rise 34% in 10 months

TEHRAN – Iran’s trade balance with Qatar swung into surplus in the first 10 months of the Iranian year 1404 (March 2025-January 2026), driven by a sharp rise in exports and a decline in imports, a senior trade official said.
Iran invites UAE investors to tap major economic projects

TEHRAN – Iran has invited Emirati investors to participate in major projects across its economy, the country’s economy minister said during a meeting with the United Arab Emirates’ new ambassador to Tehran.

Society

WHO representative stresses road safety as key to public health

TEHRAN – Awad Mataria, the acting World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Iran, has highlighted the critical role of road safety as one of the most urgent intersections of engineering and public health.
Some 30,000 out-of-school students resume education

TEHRAN – Nearly 30,000 out-of-school students have resumed education in the current academic year, which started on September 23, 2025, according to an official with the Ministry of Education.
Winners of national event on future schools honored

TEHRAN - The third national event on future schools was held on Tuesday, honoring eight top ideas from more than 200 received by the event’s secretariat.

Tourism

Iran’s Neolithic communities excelled in antler craft, research shows

TEHRAN - A recent archaeological study published in the journal Anthropozoologica sheds new light on the sophisticated craftsmanship and resource strategies of early human societies on the Iranian Plateau.
17th-century Chehel Sotoun Palace fully reopens to visitors

TEHRAN – All sections of Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun Palace, including the room known as Chaharshanbeh Suri and the Stone Museum, have been reopened to the public, the site’s director said on Wednesday.
101 Shiraz-minted coins registered on national heritage list

TEHRAN – A collection of 101 coins minted in the southern city of Shiraz has been registered on Iran’s national list of movable cultural heritage, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said.

International

U.S. power play and Cuba’s fight for sovereignty

TEHRAN – The latest wave of tensions between the United States and Cuba has unfolded under the weight of a rapidly intensifying oil blockade—an escalation that critics describe as a modern extension of Washington’s long-standing hemispheric dominance.
China cuts Treasury holdings: A shift away from the U.S. dollar?

TEHRAN – China recently decided to reduce its investments in U.S. Treasury bonds, shifting its strategy to strengthen financial stability and reduce dollar reliance.
U.S. involvement in Lebanon’s economic policymaking

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s ongoing financial collapse has reopened fundamental questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the country’s strategic choices.

Julkipli Wadi says the board is a political masquerade that shields Israeli regional aggression