Were the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings necessary?

Was it a show of power to end the war — or shape the peace?

The order to attack Japanese cities with atomic bombs was issued on July 25, 1945, by acting U.S. Army Chief of Staff Thomas Handy to Gen. Carl Spaatz, commander of the U.S. Strategic Air Forces, to "deliver (the) first special bomb as soon as weather will permit after about Aug. 3, 1945. ... The target list: 'Hiroshima, Kokura, Niigata and Nagasaki.' "

Putin open to meeting Zelensky if conditions are met; Kremlin aide says Putin, Trump to meet

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is not against holding a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky but conditions should be created to do that, TASS news agency reported. 

Israel kills nearly 100 Palestinians in Gaza in 24 hours, including 51 aid seekers

At least 98 Palestinians, including 51 aid seekers, have been killed and 603 injured in Israeli attacks across Gaza in the past 24 hours, the enclave’s Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Iran move down two spots in FIFA Women’s World Ranking

TEHRAN – Iran dropped two places to 70th in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday.

By Farrokh Hesabi

Rising concerns over Iran’s youth volleyball

TEHRAN - Iran’s U19 national volleyball team, historically the third most successful team globally in this age group, settled for a disappointing fourth place at the 2025 World Championship—marking their 15th appearance.

By Mohamadreza Seyedagha

Young minds, big ideas: Baazista empowers next generation of game designers

TEHRAN – The closing ceremony of the first national game-scriptwriting event “Baazista” was held on August 4, at the Art Bureau in Tehran, with the announcement of the event’s winners.

Defense Council to bolster Iran’s military coordination, say lawmakers

TEHRAN – Two senior members of Iran’s Parliament have welcomed the formation of the National Defense Council, describing it as a timely and strategic move to strengthen decision-making and accelerate military responses amid ongoing wartime conditions.

Iranian court uncovers MEK role in coordinated attacks with Israel during recent war

TEHRAN – During ongoing legal proceedings against the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), Tehran’s Criminal Court heard new evidence linking the terrorist group to Israeli attacks during the recent 12-day war—including the targeting of a civilian hospital.

Pezeshkian pays tribute to child victims of Israel's war at Tehran ceremony

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday attended a ceremony at the Ameneh Welfare and Nursery Complex in Tehran to honor the memory of children killed during the recent 12-day Israeli assault.

Islamic solidarity vital to end Gaza genocide, Pezeshkian tells Malaysian PM

TEHRAN – Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim jointly called for urgent collective action by Muslim nations to stop Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza during a phone conversation on Wednesday.

Mossad spy hanged in Iran after contribution to nuclear scientist’s assassination 

TEHRAN – Iran has carried out the death sentence of Roozbeh Vadi, who was convicted of spying for Israel and providing critical information to Mossad that led to the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist. The execution, confirmed by the Iranian Judiciary, took place on Wednesday following a Supreme Court affirmation of his guilt and sentence.

President names Ahmadian to head new strategic development body

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian is putting a sharp focus on boosting Iran's strategic projects. He's appointed Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, previously Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), to lead a newly created “Iranian Headquarters for National and Strategic Projects Development”, a move his circle says shows the president is serious about using the country’s resources to hit key goals. 

Iran beat Guam at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup

TEHRAN – Iran defeated Guam 77-52 in in their Group B opener at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City.

By Shahrokh Saei 

Relief or ruse: US-Israeli scheme masking military agendas in Gaza

TEHRAN — An alleged humanitarian aid initiative backed by the United States and Israel — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — is drawing sharp criticism from UN human rights experts, who say the program conceals military and political objectives beneath a false veneer of relief.

Trump raises India tariffs to 50% over Russian oil purchases

The White House announced Wednesday that it is imposing an additional 25% tariff on India, bringing the total levies against the major United States trading partner to 50%, CNBC reported. 

China urges Israel to halt “dangerous actions” as Netanyahu weighs full Gaza takeover

China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, spoke at an open meeting of the Security Council on the Palestine-Israel issue on Tuesday, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the implementation of the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Ashura-themed art exhibition opens in Tehran 

TEHRAN- The Ashura-themed art exhibition titled "Tall Heights of History," featuring ten short narratives in the form of paintings and miniatures, was inaugurated at the Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization in Tehran on Tuesday. 

Story of Standing media festival to celebrate resilience during 12-day war 

TEHRAN- The Story of Standing media festival has officially been launched by the City Journalists' House, emphasizing the vital role of media narratives in strengthening social unity and national resilience. 

Ex-Real Madrid keeper Antonio Adan joins Esteghlal

TEHRAN – Esteghlal football club completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Adan on Wednesday.

Iranian consul-general: 507 Iranian Mookebs operate in Najaf

TEHRAN-- Iranian Consul-General in Najaf Seyyed Saeed Seyyedein gave news of launching 507 Iranian Mookebs--service centers with a religious nature where Shia Muslims come together and conduct religious rituals during Arbaeen—in Najaf with coordination of Iraqi delegations.

Haj Bektash Vali Hill, symbol of Iran's mystical history and culture

TEHRAN--Haj Bektash Vali Hill in Neyshabur, Khorasan Razavi province, is a prominent symbol of Iran's mystical history and culture, which has the potential to attract domestic and foreign tourists, an archaeologist said.

Gilan among top provinces in tourism field

TEHRAN—Gilan province is among top provinces in tourism field, said a senior tourism official, Javad Vahedi.

First Gelij carpet of Mazandaran province woven

TEHRAN--For the first time in Mazandaran province, an authentic carpet with a “Gelij” design and inspired by ancient motifs from the Sassanid period was created entirely by hand: a luxurious work that revives a connection between the ancient art of northern carpet weaving and the aesthetics of historical architecture in a new format.