By Mahnaz Abdi

South Korean ambassador visits Tehran Times, highlights strengthening bilateral ties

TEHRAN – In a significant gesture underscoring the importance of Iran-South Korea relations, His Excellency Kim Junpyo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Iran, led a high-level delegation on a visit to the Tehran Times Newspaper and Mehr News Agency on Sunday, October 19.

By Sahar Dadjoo

Despite hunger and trauma, reporters keep Gaza’s story alive: CPJ regional director

Sara Qudah says resilience of journalists in Gaza is nothing short of extraordinary

TEHRAN – Despite the recent Gaza ceasefire, the situation for Palestinian journalists remains tragic. Newsrooms lie in ruins, dozens of reporters are displaced or detained, and access for international media continues to be completely blocked by Israel.

Fragile armistice between Pakistan and Afghanistan after deadly clashes

Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan announced an immediate ceasefire on Sunday after emergency talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey, a move intended to halt the worst cross-border fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.

31 film reels from Qajar era discovered in Golestan Palace

TEHRAN—A total of 31 film reels from Qajar era has been discovered in the UNESCO-designated Golestan Palace, located in downtown Tehran.

Iran seeks to attract more visitors from neighboring countries, tourism minister says

TEHRAN — Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, on Sunday stated that Iran is currently focusing on attracting tourists primarily from nearby countries.

Sudan’s al-Burhan signals readiness for talks but rejects Quartet mediation

The Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said Saturday that the army is ready for talks to “end the war and restore Sudan’s unity and dignity,” Anadolu reported Sunday.

Branko Ivankovic close to Persepolis hot seat

TEHRAN – Persepolis football club have opened negotiations with Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.

World Statistics Day highlights role of reliable data in global progress

TEHRAN – Marked on October 20 every year, the World Statistics Day 2025 underlines the key role of reliable data in global progress.

‘UNECE ready to help Iran implement environmental programs’

TEHRAN – The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has announced its willingness to support the country in implementing environmental conservation programs.

Iran to attend International Nano Olympiad 2026

TEHRAN – Iran will participate in the third International Nano Olympiad (INO), which is scheduled to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from December 12 to 18, 2026.

Handala hacker group exposes 17 “architects of destruction” in Israeli military 

 The pro-Palestinian hacker group Handala has released what it says are the identities and personal details of 17 senior Israeli military scientists, describing the disclosure as “the beginning of accountability for the architects of war and destruction.”

Iranian scientist wins UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Award

TEHRAN – Behzad Qiasi, a faculty member of the University of Tehran, has won the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientists Awards for his project titled ‘Develop a sustainable hydrotourism model in Iran’s Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve’.

Hamas rejects US allegations of imminent ceasefire violation in Gaza

Hamas has rejected a statement from the U.S. State Department in which it cited “credible reports” indicating the Palestinian group would imminently violate the ceasefire deal with Israel, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel strikes Rafah as ceasefire frays; Gaza civilians bear the cost

Israeli aircraft struck Rafah on Sunday in what Gaza authorities and independent observers called a breach of the fragile ceasefire that began earlier this month, rejecting Israel’s claim that the attack was a response to fire on its troops.

Sponge iron export up 79% in 6 months on year

TEHRAN- The value of Iran’s sponge iron export rose 79 percent during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21-September 22), as compared to the same period of time in the past year, according to the Iranian Steel Producers Association (ISPA).

Isfahan's entrepreneurs, industrialists plan to strengthen economic co-op with Vietnam

TEHRAN- The governor-general of Isfahan, in a meeting with the ambassador of Vietnam in Tehran, informed about the plans of Isfahan's entrepreneurs and industrialists to strengthen economic cooperation with Vietnam and stated: “Trade, industry, and tourism can be three important pillars of cooperation between the two countries, and we are fully prepared to host Vietnamese artistic, cultural, and tourism groups.”

5,000 new rooftop solar units to be installed in Sistan-Baluchestan by Mar. 2026

TEHRAN – The Sistan-Baluchestan Power Distribution Company plans to install 5,000 new five-kilowatt solar systems across the province by the end of this year (late March 2026), its managing director Mohammad Raeisi said, predicting that the region’s total renewable energy capacity will reach 1,000 megawatts within the next two years.

ICCIMA urges currency reform, budget relief for businesses

TEHRAN – Members of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) have called for urgent reforms to the country’s foreign exchange policies and greater fiscal relief for business owners in the upcoming Iranian calendar year 1405 (begin in late March 2026) budget during the chamber’s 27th general meeting.

Artworks by Mahmoud Farshchian unveiled at Sa’dabad palace museum

TEHRAN – Four paintings by the late Iranian master Mahmoud Farshchian, held by the Mostazafan Foundation, unveiled and displayed on loan for one month at the Farshchian Museum located within Sa’dabad palace complex in Tehran.

“Miss Julie” on stage in Ahvaz

TEHRAN- A production of Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s play “Miss Julie” is currently being performed at Aftab Hall in Ahvaz, located in the southwestern Khuzestan province.