Exports to Africa jump 85% in spring, trade surplus more than doubles

TEHRAN – Iran’s exports to African countries rose 85 percent in the first quarter of the current Iranian year (March 21- June 21) compared to the same period last year, while its trade surplus with the continent surged by 113 percent, a senior official at Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) said on Tuesday.

Anzali Port: Iran’s gateway to Caspian & beyond

TEHRAN- Anzali Port, officially known as Bandar-e Anzali, is one of Iran’s most important maritime hubs on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Its strategic location in Gilan Province, near the city of Bandar-e Anzali and approximately 330 kilometers from Tehran, makes it a critical gateway for Iran’s international trade and transit activities.

Bank lending rises 43% in Q1, households receive quarter of total loans

TEHRAN – Iran’s banking system issued 1.776 quadrillion rials (about $35.5 billion) in loans during the first quarter of the current Iranian year (March 21 – June 21), marking a 42.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) on Tuesday.

MP backs support packages to stabilize stock market amid wartime volatility

TEHRAN – A senior Iranian lawmaker on Monday said targeted government and central bank support could help stabilize the country’s stock market, which has come under pressure amid regional conflict and investor anxiety.

Iran beat Mongolia in FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Division B

TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s basketball team defeated Mongolia 89-55 in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Division B on Tuesday.

IAF to review “The Phoenician Scheme”

TEHRAN – The Cinematheque of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) will screen American filmmaker Wes Anderson’s 2025 movie “The Phoenician Scheme” on Thursday.

“The Toilers of the Sea” comes to Iranian bookstores

TEHRAN – “The Toilers of the Sea” by French writer Victor Hugo has been published in Persian by Hermes Publications. 

Ashura opera puppet show returns to stage to commemorate Muharram 

TEHRAN – Iranian director Behruz Gharibpour is restaging the Ashura opera puppet show with his Aran Theater Troupe at Tehran’s Ferdowsi Hall to mark the month of Muharram.

Over 700 Palestinians killed while collecting water in Gaza

More than 700 Palestinians, mostly children, have been killed by Israeli army fire while collecting water since October 2023, local authorities said on Monday, according to Anadolu Agency.

By Sondoss Al Asaad

Geagea capitalizing on US envoy's threats that Syria may annex Lebanon

BEIRUT — Despite sparking widespread public and political outrage, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was quick to justify the threats made by the US envoy to Lebanon, Thomas Barrack, regarding Lebanon’s “concession” to Syria and its inclusion as part of the Levant.

Gaza civilians killed with commercial drones, probe finds

The Israeli army is weaponizing Chinese-made drones to kill Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, according to an investigation by the Israeli publications 972 Magazine and the Local Call, Al Jazeera reported.

Syria, Azerbaijan renew ties amid secret talks with Israel

Azerbaijan and Syria took steps toward restoring bilateral relations on 13 July, with both countries' leaders pledging enhanced cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, amid talks between Syrian and Israeli officials in the Azeri capital, according to Cradle.

BCG 'paid over $1m' for Gaza maritime aid project

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) was paid over $1m for advising a private US maritime aid initiative for Gaza that operated outside the traditional United Nations-led system, according to the Financial Times.

TEHRAN PAPERS

The complexities of the snapback mechanism

TEHRAN - Javan discussed Europe's readiness to activate the snapback mechanism in an article.

No return to talks without guarantee of diplomatic effectiveness: Iran foreign ministry

TEHRAN — Iran will not reenter nuclear negotiations unless it is assured of diplomacy’s effectiveness, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday, warning against politicizing the concept of dialogue and reaffirming Iran’s commitment to defending its national interests through both diplomatic and military means.

Iran, Iraq, Pakistan unite for Arbaeen amid regional solidarity against Israeli aggression

TEHRAN – The interior ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan convened in Tehran on Monday for a trilateral summit focused on coordinating security and logistical measures for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Netanyahu failed to win war, now trying to control U.S. policy on Iran: Araghchi

TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to achieve any of his objectives in the regime’s recent war against Iran, yet is now attempting to dictate U.S. policy on Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.

War not our choice, but surrender not an option: Pezeshkian to Iranian diaspora

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and national sovereignty in a message to Iranians living abroad following the 12-day war with the Israeli regime.

European snapback bid would be ‘utter audacity,’ senior Iranian diplomat warns

TEHRAN – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, condemned potential European efforts to trigger the snapback mechanism as an act of "utter audacity," warning that it would significantly curb talks with European counterparts and provoke proportional countermeasures.

New figure says 1,062 martyred, 5,800 wounded in 12 days of Israeli aggression

TEHRAN – Head of Iran’s Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation, Saeed Ohadi, confirmed on Monday that at least 1,062 people were killed during Israel’s 12-day military aggression against Iran, with 5,800 others wounded.

Pezeshkian visits families displaced by Israeli attacks, vows continued support

TEHRAN — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met on Monday with several families affected by the recent Israeli aggression during a visit to a temporary shelter center in Tehran Province.

Dr. Abu Safiya enduring severe abuse in Israeli prison

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, is being held under extremely alarming conditions after being detained and taken to an Israeli prison in December following a brutal military campaign on the key Gaza hospital, Al Mayadeen reported.

Rafah plan is ethnic cleansing disguised as aid: Olmert

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in an interview with the Guardian on Monday, said that "Israel's" proposed "humanitarian city" in Rafah is tantamount to ethnic cleansing and would operate as a concentration camp if realized.

Trump set to unveil Ukraine weapons plan at meeting with NATO chief

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to the White House came on the day that Trump promised to deliver a "major statement" on Russia, AFP reported.