Iran will veto any decision against its interests: Zanganeh

TEHRAN – Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said Iran will definitely veto any decision which threatens its interests.

Belarus festival hosts “Momma Yerma”

TEHRAN – The Creative Theatre Company from Tehran is competing in the 15th Teatralny Kufar International Student and Youth Theater Festival in Minsk, Belarus with “Momma Yerma”.

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time ends, clocks move back

TEHRAN — With autumn setting in gradually Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends and clocks should move back one hour, whether you like it or not.

There is every indication Americans continue to harbor the illusion of regime change in Iran, Zarif says 

Zarif: Europe must protect nuclear deal for ‘its own sovereignty’

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has told German magazine Der Spiegel that Europe must guard the 2015 nuclear agreement not for Iran but for “its own sovereignty and its long-term economic interests”.

‘U.S. sanctions on Iran unproductive & wrong': Novak

TEHRAN- U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil industry are unproductive and there will be consequences to such a move, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday.

Zeinodin caravanserai, a destination for avid time travelers!

For an avid visitor to a centuries-old caravanserai, it’s not tough to imagine (or even hear!) the hustle and bustle of merchants bargaining on prices, describing their long lived journey to one another as their camels chew on hay in the corner.

Velayati: Russia, China are Iran’s major economic and political partners 

TEHRAN – Senior Iranian politician Ali Akbar Velayati has provided an analysis of the Islamic Republic’s policy of orientation towards the East, saying Russia and China are Iran’s major political and economic partners in countering the U.S. hegemony, Tasnim reported.

Chinese envoy: We support JCPOA 

TEHRAN – China’s ambassador to Tehran says his country will support the Iran nuclear deal, aka the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

UN watchdog: Iran living up to its nuclear commitments 

TEHRAN - Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano once again confirmed on Monday that Iran is honoring its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran, the European Union and the 5+1 nations (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany).

By Mahmood Khaghani

EU, Iran clearing the way for business and trade

The news that Germany, France & UK are actively considering a “Clearing House” to facilitate Iran's global commerce is probably the most important development in financial & energy markets for many years.

By Marjohn Sheikhi

Currency slump gives rise to visits from neighbors, sanctions wane visits from EU

TEHRAN– The fall in Iran’s national currency value has attracted a new wave of visitors from neighboring countries, particularly Iraq. According to recent figures, the arrival of foreign tourists to Iran has had a 45% increase in a five-month period compared to last year.

Hamoun dryness, a tragedy for southwestern Iran

TEHRAN — Hamoun wetland dryness, caused by long-term drought and low precipitation, is the major reason behind problems in southwestern province of Sistan-Baluchestan, Zia-al-din Shoaei, former head of national working group for combatting sand and dust storms has said.

Austria: Six men, Iranian included, attempt suicide in face of deportation

TEHRAN - Six men who were scheduled to be deported from Austria were brought to local hospitals in critical condition late on Friday night after apparently setting fire to their cells in a Vienna detention center. 

Iran started talks with U.S. after Obama accepted Iran’s right to uranium enrichment: Amir Abdollahian

TEHRAN - Hossein Amir Abdollahian, a senior foreign policy advisor to the parliament speaker, has said Iran began talks with the United States in 2011 after then U.S. President Barack Obama accepted Iran’s right to enrich uranium and through a mediation by Oman.

Turkey proposes setting up joint bank with Iran

TEHRAN – Turkey has proposed establishing a joint bank with Iran for facilitating trade between the two countries, IRNA reported citing an article published in the Turkish newspaper “Dünya”.

Iraqis in Basra condemn attack on Iran consulate

TEHRAN – Iraqis from different walks of life on Saturday staged a march in the southern city of Basra to condemn a recent attack on Iran’s consulate in the city, Press TV reported.

Some governors will be replaced: Rahmani Fazli

TEHRAN – Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said on Sunday that a number of governors will be replaced in line with the plan to ban employment of the retirees.

Twitter has blocked Iranian accounts, Zarif protests

TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday that Twitter has blocked the accounts of “real Iranians” but overlooks the “regime change” propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

2 electric bus lines in Tehran to begin operation

TEHRAN — Two electric bus lines will become operational in Tehran in near future, Tehran bus operating company’s director general Peyman Sanandaji has said.

Shanghai filmfest CEO Fu Wenxia visits Iran

TEHRAN – Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) Managing Director Fu Wenxia and a number her colleagues are visiting Iran.

Play on Persian poet Sadi to go on stage in Vancouver

TEHRAN – A play on Persian poet Sadi (C. 1213-1291), famous worldwide for his masterpieces Bustan (The Orchard) and Gulistan (The Rose Garden), will go on stage the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver, Canada on September 22.

Europe looks to thwart Trump’s Iran sanctions

Europe’s biggest economic powers are planning to create a “special purpose” financial company to thwart U.S. President Donald Trump’s sanctions and help Iran to continue to sell oil in the EU.

By Payman Yazdani

Turkey to continue buying gas from Iran despite U.S. sanctions: expert

TEHRAN - Omid Shokri Kalehsar, a senior energy security analyst and PhD candidate in international relations, said in an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency that Turkey is keen on buying natural gas from Iran with “reasonable price” in contrast to the price it pays for the gas imported from Russia and Azerbaijan.

Ahed Tamimi family trying to visit Iran

TEHRAN – The family of Palestinian “hero” Ahed Tamimi, who became an icon after slapping an Israeli soldier and spending eight months in prison, are trying to travel to Iran, her father said.

Iran’s outbound passengers cut by 8.6 percent y/y

TEHRAN – The number of Iran’s outbound passengers has slumped by 8.6 percent during the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21) from a year earlier, Mehr reported.

UN rapporteur: Unilateral sanctions infringe human rights

TEHRAN – The UN’s special rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights has strongly criticized unilateral sanctions, saying they lead to “human rights infringements”.

Tehran, Kabul explore ways to deepen ties 

TEHRAN – At a meeting between Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on Thursday, Tehran and Kabul pledged to deepen ties in various arenas including water sharing.