Wildfires across protected areas drop by 88% year on year

TEHRAN - A total of 1,645 hectares of land within the country’s protected environmental areas were affected by wildfires since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21) and July 6, marking an 88% decrease compared with the same period last year.

Isfahan-Istanbul flights resume as city seeks wider air connectivity

TEHRAN - The resumption of direct flights between Isfahan and Istanbul could pave the way for expanding the Iranian city’s international air corridors and boosting tourism, according to a provincial tourism official.

Sistan-Baluchestan advances UNESCO bid for historic Asbads

TEHRAN – Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan is stepping up efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for its historic Asbads, with officials planning a dedicated task force to strengthen the nomination dossier and highlight the province’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Iranian writer Mirkiani’s “Tintin and Sindbad” reaches 49th edition

TEHRAN- The popular youth novel “Tintin and Sindbad,” authored by Iranian writer Mohammad Mirkiani, has reached its 49th edition published by Qadiani Publications.

Neutralizing sanctions through structural reform

Javan, in an article evaluating the path toward economic progress and improvement, argues that for years a significant portion of Iran’s economic policymaking has been centered on foreign sanctions and strategies to counter them.

Trump’s top general seeks ‘off-ramp’ as Iran war exposes limits of US military power

TEHRAN - US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has privately warned senior White House officials that Washington needs to find an “off-ramp” from its war with Iran, acknowledging that further military escalation could backfire and that airpower alone is unlikely to achieve President Donald Trump’s stated objectives, according to a report by CNN.

Iran judiciary warns enemy crimes will be punished

TEHRAN — Iran’s Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir has warned that crimes committed against nations and Islamic movements will not go unanswered, saying those responsible will ultimately be held accountable.

Bita Fayyazi’s artworks on display at Plus 2 Gallery

TEHRAN – A solo exhibition of artworks by Bita Fayyazi is underway at the Plus 2 (Deh Vanak) Gallery in Tehran.

Iranian director to stage reading of “The Elephant Man” in Tehran

TEHRAN- A stage reading of American playwright Bernard Pomerance’s play “The Elephant Man” will be held at Sahne-ye Abi Cultural and Artistic Center in Tehran on Sunday.

Babak Karimi’s Italian movie “Balcanica” to premiere at 83rd Venice International Film Festival

TEHRAN – Iranian actor Babak Karimi’s new movie “Balcanica,” directed by Nicola Sorcinelli, will have its world premiere in competition at the 23rd Giornate degli Autori, also known as Venice Days, held alongside the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, set to be held from September 2 to 12 in Venice, Italy.

Iran sets six conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN —Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has set out six conditions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway will remain closed until the United States changes its hostile conduct toward Iran.

Deputy health minister: Evidence points to phosphorus bombing in Lamerd

TEHRAN - Deputy Health Minister for Research and Technology Shahin Akhoundzadeh has said that there is evidence suggesting the use of phosphorus bombing of Lamerd in Fars province on the first day of the joint US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28.

Hormuz reopening depends on US, Iran says

TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said negotiations between Iran and Oman on arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz are nearing an agreement, while stressing that reopening the strategic waterway remains contingent on the United States addressing its violations of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.

Pezeshkian in a press conference:

 We will stand firm behind Leader’s decision on war

TEHRAN - Regarding decision on war and peace, Iranian President Masoud says: “Whether we should fight or not, the military commanders know better than you or me. They know their own capabilities. The Leader will make the decision, and whatever decision he makes, we will stand firm to the end.”

Monitoring begins at centuries-old sites in UNESCO-listed city of Yazd

TEHRAN — Monitoring of centuries-old monuments in the UNESCO-listed Historic City of Yazd has begun as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen conservation and management of the Iranian oasis city, a local official has said.