Iran summons Portuguese ambassador over EU sanctions

TEHRAN – The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Portuguese Ambassador to Tehran, Carlos Costa Neves, to protest at the European Union’s “impudent” move to blacklist a number of Iranian officials and bodies.

Police confiscate 254 ancient objects in southern Iran

TEHRAN – Iranian police have seized 254 historical relics from smugglers in the southern Fars province.

Bagh-e Narenjestan: an element of ‘surprise’ while in city of poets and nightingales

TEHRAN – Named after the bitter oranges (called “Narenj” in Persian) that line the courtyard, Bagh-e Narenjestan is one of the most admired destinations in Shiraz.

40 prehistoric, ancient relics restored to closest original states

TEHRAN – A total of 40 Iranian relics, which date from the prehistorical times to the Islamic era, have recently been restored to their closest original states.

ACL Group D: Foolad held by Al Sadd

TEHRAN - Al Sadd football team of Qatar fought back to hold Iran’s Foolad 1-1 in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League at the King Fahd Stadium on Wednesday.

ACL Group B: Tractor, Pakhtakor settle for thrilling draw

TEHRAN – A fine display of attacking football saw Iran’s Tractor and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan play out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Sharjah Stadium in the opening match of the 2021 AFC Champions League Group B on Wednesday.

ACL Group E: winning start for Iran's Persepolis

TEHRAN – Persepolis edged past Al Wahda from the UAE in opening Group E clash of the 2021 AFC Champions League in Goa, India on Wednesday.

Dangerous spiral unleashed by nuclear terrorism can only be contained by lifting sanctions: Zarif

TEHRAN – In a tweet on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the “nuclear terrorism” at the Natanz nuclear site “has unleashed a dangerous spiral that can only be contained” by ending the “economic terrorism” that started against Iran during Donald Trump’s presidency.

“White Winged Horse” leads nominations at ISFA Awards

TEHRAN – Iranian director Mahyar Mandegar’s “White Winged Horse” received nominations in eight categories, including best film and best director, at the 11th edition of the Iranian Short Film Association (ISFA) Awards, the organizers announced on Monday.

UNFPA introduces new representative to Iran

TEHRAN – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) appointed Sathya Doraiswamy as a new representative to Iran, ISNA reported.

Iran, China explore ways to expand anti-narcotics co-op

TEHRAN – Iranian deputy anti-narcotics police chief Naghi Mahmoudi in a meeting with the Chinese anti-narcotics officer in Iran discussed enhanced cooperation on fight against drug trafficking.

Over 35,000 housing units to be built for the deprived

TEHRAN – The Welfare Organization will provide 35,169 residential units for the underprivileged families across the country over the current [Iranian calendar] year (started March 20), IRNA reported on Wednesday.

Iran’s “The Son” to compete in Moscow film festival

TEHRAN –Iranian director Nushin Meraji’s debut movie “The Son” will be screened in the main section of the 43rd edition of the Moscow International Film Festival.

Nuclear chief says 60% uranium is used for radiopharmaceuticals

TEHRAN — The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said on Wednesday that Iran's move to produce uranium up to 60% purity is in line with the parliamentary ratification, noting that this level of enrichment is needed for producing radiopharmaceuticals.

Sabotage at Natanz is Israel’s modus operandi, says presidential chief of staff

TEHRAN — Mahmoud Vaezi, the president’s chief of staff said on Wednesday that there are traces of Israel in the sabotage done at the Natanz nuclear site on Sunday morning.

By Farrokh Hesabi

Olympians, Paralympians among priority groups to receive COVID-19 vaccine: official

TEHRAN - Gholamreza Norouzi, head of Iran’s Sports Medicine, confirmed that no one except the athletes and officials who will participate in the 2020 Olympic Gemas received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Yemen’s National Salvation Government, Ansarallah condemn sabotage act at Natanz 

TEHRAN — Both Yemen’s National Salvation Government (NSG) and the political office of the Ansarallah movement have strongly condemned the sabotage attack on the Natanz enrichment facility.

E3 express ‘grave concerns’ over Iran’s nuclear decisions 

TEHRAN — The United Kingdom, France and Germany, known as E3, on Wednesday expressed concern over Iran’s latest moves to enrich uranium up to 60% purity.

U.S. has a destructive role in the region, Rouhani tells Barham Salih

TEHRAN — On Wednesday, the Iranian president named Iraq a good friend and neighbor, stating that Tehran and Baghdad can play an important role in regional developments. 

312 Iranian films submitted to Fajr Intl. Film Festival

TEHRAN- A total of 312 productions have been submitted to the 38th annual Fajr International Film Festival, which is scheduled to be held from May 21 to June 2 in Tehran, with Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Mehdi Asgarpur as the director.

Iranian writer Mahmud Dowlatabadi’s novel “Kelidar” published in Balochi

TEHRAN – Iranian writer Mahmud Dowlatabadi’s monumental 3,000-page saga “Kelidar” has recently been published in Balochi.

Iran suspends flights to and from France

TEHRAN –All flights to and from France have been suspended due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the spokesman of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) has announced.

Sabotage at Natanz must be pursued internationally, says Natanz MP

TEHRAN — Representative of the people of Natanz in the parliament said on Wednesday that the sabotage at the Natanz nuclear plant must be pursued internationally through legal channels, suggesting that the international community must be held accountable for this act.

Over 3,600 industrial projects with over 80% progress underway in Iran

TEHRAN - There are 3,639 semi-finished industrial projects with over 80 percent physical progress across Iran, Director General of Planning and Financing Office of the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade Alireza Hadi announced.

Iran capable of boosting electricity exchange with neighbors to 10GW

TEHRAN – Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian has said the country is capable of boosting its electricity exchange with the neighboring countries to 10,000 megawatts (10 gigawatts), IRNA reported on Wednesday.