Tehran Times

2025-11-08 22:04
A stone of pride: The story behind Tehran's new statue of a Roman emperor's surrender

By Soheila Zarfam

TEHRAN – Hundreds of people spent their Friday evening at Tehran’s Enghelab Square, awaiting the unveiling of a statue depicting an event from nearly 2000 years ago.
- Triumph of ancient civilization of Iran over enemies depicted on huge billboard in Shiraz
- Tang-e Chogan: a peek into enigmatic legacy of Sassanids

Qalibaf’s Pakistan visit seals push for stronger economic, security cooperation

TEHRAN – The three days Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf spent in Pakistan this week appear to be the latest step in the two countries’ push for closer and stronger bilateral ties.
By Shahab Sarmadi

Haaretz details Israel’s costly campaign to reverse declining U.S. public support

TEHRAN – U.S. public support for Israel has been declining in recent years, a trend highlighted by a recent Haaretz report. Surveys show that negative views of Israel among Americans rose from 42 percent in 2022 to 53 percent by 2025. This decline spans political lines: even among young Republicans—traditionally reliable supporters—criticism of Israel is growing. Younger Evangelical Christians, who were once among Israel’s most steadfast allies, are increasingly skeptical, no longer offering automatic support.
By Wesam Bahrani

Iraq heading for crucial elections

TEHRAN – Iraq will hold its sixth parliamentary elections on November 11, in what may be the most consequential vote since 2003.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

How Washington and its allies are rewriting Lebanon’s future

BEIRUT — Lebanon stands at a decisive juncture. External powers, led by the United States and supported by Israel, are accelerating efforts to reshape the country’s political and military landscape.
By M.A. Saki

Kimball says Trump’s nuclear testing push could ‘blow apart NPT’

TEHRAN – Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association (ACA), says if the United States conducts nuclear testing it will likely “blow apart the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty” or NPT.

Politics

Araghchi says Israel ‘source of instability’ in West Asia region

TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign minister has lambasted recent comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling Tel Aviv as “the source of instability in the region.”
Grossi is at it again: IAEA chief repeats incendiary claims on Iran’s nuclear program

TEHRAN – The latest remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have reignited controversy over the agency’s neutrality of its reports on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, as well as the role the UN body plays in helping Western states justify pressure and aggression against the country.
Tehran seeks compensation as Trump admits he was ‘very much in charge’ of Israel’s raid on Iran

TEHRN – Iran has stated that a public "criminal confession" from U.S. President Donald Trump confirms Washington's direct role in Israel's aggression against the country in June, holding both parties fully responsible for civilian deaths, widespread destruction, and attacks on safeguarded nuclear sites.

Sports

Iran’s men’s volleyball victorious over Turkey: Riyadh 2025

TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s volleyball team came from a set down to beat Turkey 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-16) in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Saturday.
From Azzurri glory to Persian ambition: Gagliardi joins Iran’s coaching staff

TEHRAN - In a significant move aimed at elevating its tactical depth and international profile, the Football Federation of Iran has appointed Italian coach Antonio Gagliardi, a former analyst and assistant at Juventus and the Italian national team, as assistant coach to Amir Ghalenoei in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kheybar defeat Tractor at 2025/26 PGPL

TEHRAN – Kheybar football team defeated Tractor 2-1 in the 2025/26 Iran’s Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL) on Saturday.

Culture

Three awards for Iran at Kirkuk International Street Theater Festival

TEHRAN – Several Iranian artists were recognized and awarded for their artistic excellence at the ninth edition of the Kirkuk International Street Theater Festival, which was held in Kirkuk, Iraq.
Bahram Dabiri’s 50 years of artistic activity to be displayed at TMoCA

TEHRAN – An exhibition of artworks by the veteran Iranian painter Bahram Dabiri will be held at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) from November 10 to December 16.
Turkish version of Award-winning Iranian novel “Call Me Ziba” republished

TEHRAN- The 5th edition of the Turkish translation of the acclaimed Iranian children’s book “Call Me Ziba” by Farhad Hassanzadeh has recently been released in Turkey.

Economy

First scheduled freight train from Russia arrives at Iran’s Aprin dry port

TEHRAN – The first scheduled freight train from Russia arrived at Iran’s Aprin dry port on Saturday, marking a key milestone in expanding trade ties between Tehran and Moscow and paving the way for regular rail services connecting Iran, Russia, and Central Asian countries.
Iran opens trade development center in Shanghai, signs deal with Hangzhou trade council

TEHRAN – Iran inaugurated its Trade Development Center in Shanghai in a ceremony attended by Tehran Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mahmoud Najafi Arab and Secretary General Fereydoun Vardinejad, honoring Vardinejad for his role in strengthening Iran–China ties.
Iran to open its 1st export capabilities exhibition in Turkmenistan on Nov. 20

TEHRAN – The first Iran Export Capabilities Exhibition in Turkmenistan will open on November 20 in Balkan Province, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $3.0 billion within three years, the Iran–Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce announced.

Society

Despite sanctions, Iran has achieved remarkable progress in adapting to climate change: DOE chief

TEHRAN – Despite facing unilateral coercive measures, as well as restrictions on access to modern technologies, knowledge, financial support, and foreign investment, the Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved remarkable progress in adapting to climate change while considering further steps to take in the coming years, the head of the Department of Environment (DOE) has said.
Iranian, Dutch officials hold talks over Afghan refugees

TEHRAN – Nader Yar-Ahmadi, the head of the National Organization for Migration, and Guusje Korthals Altes, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have discussed ways to support Iran in hosting Afghan nationals.
International Week of Science and Peace: significant role of science in society

The International Week of Science and Peace, November 9-15, was first observed in 1986 as part of the observance of the International Year of Peace.

Tourism

Comprehensive book on Kish Island’s Millennia of Art Museum unveiled

TEHRAN – Iran’s Mostazafan Foundation has released its first museum publication, a comprehensive book dedicated to the art collections of the Millennia of Art Museum located on Kish Island in southern Iran, the foundation’s affiliated Daffineh Museum Institute announced on Saturday.
Revival of Cheshmeh-Ali site a national will, deputy minister says

TEHRAN-- Revival of Cheshmeh-Ali site is not just a local demand, but rather a national will of the Iranian people to preserve the historical identity of Rey, southern Tehran, said Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi.
Iranian Carpet Art Day marked at Tehran’s embassy in Berlin

TEHRAN — Iranian Carpet Art Day was celebrated in the conference hall of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Berlin, attended by several ambassadors and diplomats based in Germany, along with enthusiasts of authentic Iranian culture and art.

International

Haaretz details Israel’s costly campaign to reverse declining U.S. public support

TEHRAN – U.S. public support for Israel has been declining in recent years, a trend highlighted by a recent Haaretz report. Surveys show that negative views of Israel among Americans rose from 42 percent in 2022 to 53 percent by 2025. This decline spans political lines: even among young Republicans—traditionally reliable supporters—criticism of Israel is growing. Younger Evangelical Christians, who were once among Israel’s most steadfast allies, are increasingly skeptical, no longer offering automatic support.
How Washington and its allies are rewriting Lebanon’s future

BEIRUT — Lebanon stands at a decisive juncture. External powers, led by the United States and supported by Israel, are accelerating efforts to reshape the country’s political and military landscape.
Iraq heading for crucial elections

TEHRAN – Iraq will hold its sixth parliamentary elections on November 11, in what may be the most consequential vote since 2003.

By Soheila Zarfam