22 new eco-lodges aim to improve hospitality in Hormozgan

TEHRAN – A total of 22 new eco-lodges were inaugurated across Hormozgan during the past Iranian calendar year 1398 (ended March 20) in a bid to improve hospitality sector in the southern Iranian province.

‘Persian Gulf is our region and our armed forces should be able to patrol without hurdles’

Iran says foreign forces are source of regional tension

TEHRAN - Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that foreign forces’ presence in the region is the source of insecurity, instability and tension.

Foreign Ministry welcomes improvement of cooperation between Iran and Persian Gulf states in face of coronavirus

Iran insists it is ready for dialogue with Persian Gulf states

TEHRAN — On Monday, Iran reiterated it is ready to hold talks with regional countries, especially the Persian Gulf countries, without any preconditions.

IRGC Navy advises U.S. to avoid adventurism in Persian Gulf

TEHRAN - The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a statement on Sunday saying Iran will respond firmly to any miscalculation of the United States, advising Washington to avoid any adventurism in Persian Gulf.

Warning to U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf

TEHRAN – In a report published by the Vatan-e-Emrooz daily on Saturday, it was said that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) gave a military warning to the U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf.

U.S. has weakened security in Persian Gulf: Hatami

TEHRAN - Defense Minister Amir Hatami said on Friday that the United States’ “illegal” and “aggressive” presence in the Persian Gulf has weakened security in the region.

Tehran province exports over $73m of handicrafts in year

TEHRAN - Handicrafts exports from Tehran province reached $73 million during the current Iranian calendar year 1398 (started March 21, 2019).

12 ancient sites to go in western Iran

TEHRAN – From the coasts of the Persian Gulf to the lush mountainous forests of the northwest, and from snow-tipped northern cliffs to scorching southern deserts, here is a pick of ancient sites to inspire, delight and motivate if willing to visit wild western Iran.

Kish Island to close tourist sites during Noruz amid coronavirus outbreak

TEHRAN – It started with domestic flight restrictions to the Kish Island, but authorities have announced the Persian Gulf island “will receive no traveler” during the Noruz holidays (starting March 21).

Domestic flights restricted to Iran’s Kish Island

TEHRAN – Domestic flights have been restricted to Iran’s Kish Island as coronavirus cases have mounted in the country.

Iran’s ambassador meets Sultan of Oman 

TEHRAN - Iran's Ambassador to Muscat, Mohammad Reza Nouri Shahroudi, met on Monday with Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the new Sultan of Oman.

Iran urges citizens to postpone travel to Qatar amid coronavirus fears

TEHRAN – In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Iran’s embassy in Qatar has urged Iranian citizens to temporarily postpone travels to the Persian Gulf littoral state.

IRGC commander: U.S. looking for a guilty to hide defeats in Yemen 

TEHRAN - The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Saturday rejected U.S. accusations that an Iranian cargo boat had been carrying arms for Yemen, saying such allegations are aimed at justifying Washington’s failed policies in Yemen. 

By Salman Parviz

Prof: Iran does not consider Saudi Arabia as enemy

Dr. Foad Izadi is an associate professor of American Studies for a doctorate program at the University of Tehran, Faculty of World Studies. Having studied in the U.S., he has a PhD in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University. After his studies in U.S. he returned to Iran in 2009 and started a teaching profession. During an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times in Qom he talked about regional geopolitical situation and Iran’s ties with neighboring countries. 

‘Any military measure against Iran will send American forces to bottom of Persian Gulf’

Top judge strongly warns U.S. against escalation

TEHRAN — Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi has strongly warned the United States that any military measure against Iran will send the American forces to the bottom of the Persian Gulf.

Khanzadi says Navy is firm supporter of Iran’s defense policy 

TEHRAN – Navy will remain a firm supporter of Iran’s defense policy, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said on Saturday. 

Norwegian ship MV Osprey catches fire off UAE coast

An oil tanker has caught fire in the Persian Gulf near the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

By Seyed Hossein Mousavian

Trump has recklessly dragged the Persian Gulf to the brink of war

Millions of Iraqi citizens recently gathered together to participate in a "million-strong” march, the biggest demonstration during the history of Iraq in the capital Baghdad to demand the withdrawal of all U.S. forces. Al-Sadr, whose party holds the most number of seats in Parliament, seized on the public anger over the drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani to call “a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations.”

'Normal’ countries don’t attack neighbors, Zarif tells S. Arabia 

TEHRAN – In an open reference to Saudi Arabia which has been striking neighboring Yemen since March 2015, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on his Twitter account on Friday that “normal countries don’t attack their neighbors, cause a humanitarian crisis, and refuse to talk.” 

Qatari emir’s talks in Tehran mainly focused on Persian Gulf security: Vaezi

TEHRAN - Presidential chief of staff Mahmoud Vaezi said on Wednesday that the recent meetings between senior Iranian officials and the emir of Qatari in Tehran was mainly focusing on reinvigoration of security in the Persian Gulf.  

Tehran slams Seoul for miscalling Persian Gulf

TEHRAN — Tehran has strongly criticized Seoul for misnaming the Persian Gulf and dispatching a military mission to the waters south of Iran under a pressure by the United States.

Iran’s Hormuz peace initiative a dialogue-based catalyst for durable security: MP

TEHRAN - An Iranian lawmaker said on Tuesday that the Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE) proposed by President Hassan Rouhani is capable of leading the region towards durable peace and security based on dialogue. 

South Korea says consulting Iran on how to secure Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN - Seoul is consulting with Tehran on how to secure the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of sending troops to the Middle East, a Cheong Wa Dae official said Saturday, Yonhap reported.

Tehran slams Macron for ‘Arab-Persian Gulf’ falsification

TEHRAN — Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for misnaming the Persian Gulf and for France’s military presence in the region.

Top Persian Gulf airlines continue using Iranian airspace

TEHRAN – Qatar Airways, Emirates and several other Persian Gulf airlines have been continuing to use Iranian airspace despite propaganda over security issues in the region.

Qeshm Island: A warm destination to escape the cold in winter

TEHRAN – Iran’s southernmost Qeshm Island is a top destination for whom dreaming of having a wintertime holiday under the sun in flip-flops and a swimsuit!

Cloudburst closes UNESCO-tagged geopark in Iran’s Qeshm

TEHRAN – Severe rainstorms over the past few days have led to the temporarily closure of Qeshm Geopark in the Persian Gulf, aiming to safeguard eco-travelers and visitors to the UNESCO-registered site.

Persian Gulf’s underwater museum: an environmental threat?

TEHRAN – An underwater museum has been suggested to be designed in the Persian Gulf to prevent coral reef habitats from extinction due to over-fishing and over-visiting, but the question is that do these museums cause threats to the marine environment?

Iran tourism will rebound despite suffering a severe blow: minister

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism minister on Sunday said that the country’s tourism industry has suffered a major setback but it will certainly return to “normal”.

Qatar's emir set to visit Tehran for talks with Iranian officials

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will visit Iran on Sunday to hold talks with officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, al Jazeera reported.