Iran condemns “violent attack against civilians” in Sydney

Iran denounced the attack in Sydney. In a statement posted on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei wrote: “We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. Terror and the killing of human beings, wherever committed, are unacceptable and must be condemned.”

TEHRAN PAPERS

Full Israeli-US support for opposition and terrorist groups

TEHRAN - Javan, in a commentary, addressed Israel’s full support for opposition and terrorist groups against Iran.

Navy commander says readiness being boosted in line with emerging threats

TEHRAN – The commander of Iran’s Navy said the force is enhancing its readiness in proportion to evolving threats, citing the country’s growing scientific and technological capabilities in the maritime domain.

What Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said at his weekly briefing

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday addressed a broad range of regional and international developments, reaffirming its diplomatic positions on issues spanning regional conflicts, relations with neighboring countries, and disputes with the United States and its allies.

‘Common perspective’ needed to protect ecological balance of Caspian Sea: Pezeshkian 

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says to maintain the ecological balance of the Caspian Sea requires “a common perspective” by the regional countries.

Afghanistan’s neighbors gather in Tehran to coordinate support for the war-torn country

Araghchi tells participants ‘external’ solutions cannot ensure stability

TEHRAN – Representatives of Afghanistan’s neighbors — Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, China, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan — and Russia met in Tehran on Sunday to discuss the current and future situation of the war-stricken country, where security and safety have improved since the Taliban first returned to power in 2021, but poverty and hunger have increased and the question of international recognition remains unresolved.

Iran cinema wins two awards at 16th Baku International Film Festival

TEHRAN – Iranian movies won two awards at the 16th Baku International Film Festival, which was held in Azerbaijan last week.

Iran, Tajikistan discuss ways to develop bilateral collaboration in publishing, printing industry

TEHRAN – A delegation of the printing and publishing sector of the Republic of Tajikistan, accompanied by Bahodur Nazir, counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, visited the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Tehran on December 13. 

Culture ministers of Iran, Kazakhstan sign MoU on cinematic cooperation

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi and the Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva have signed a memorandum of understanding on cinematic cooperation in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Shah Cheragh shrine holds unique potential for religious tourism

TEHRAN – The holy shrine of Shah Cheragh, where Seyyed Mir Ahmad, one of the brothers of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, is laid to rest, holds a unique potential for religious tourism in the ancient city of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province.

How Carnet de Passage eases land travel in Iran

TEHRAN — The Touring and Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran (TACI) says the issuance of the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) has created new opportunities for international land travel by simplifying border procedures for vehicles.

Digi and glimpses of culinary heritage in Qaleh Bala village

TEHRAN – A traditional dish known as Digi, prepared using a centuries-old method in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, offers insight into the area’s indigenous culinary culture, reflecting local knowledge, communal practices and social traditions passed down through generations.

By Afshin Majlesi

An inside look at Gorgan’s tribal festival

The 17th International Festival of Tribal Culture, scheduled to take place in Gorgan, the capital of Iran’s Golestan province, from Dec. 16 to 19, is often described as a celebration. But to see it only as a cultural event is to miss its deeper significance.

Tehran cultural center screens “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey”

TEHRAN- “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” a 2025 romantic fantasy film by American filmmaker Park Joong Eun, known professionally as Kogonada, went on screen at the Arasbaran Cultural Center in Tehran on Sunday. 

US troops and a civilian executed by Washington’s ‘partner forces’ in Syria

TEHRAN – A deadly ambush near the historic ruins of Palmyra on Saturday claimed the lives of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, marking the first American fatalities in Syria since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad a year ago.

Deadly shooting disrupts finals at Brown University, underscoring America’s gun violence crisis

More than 400 law enforcement personnel were deployed on Saturday as police sought the suspect in a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island that left two students dead and another nine people wounded at the Ivy League school, Reuters reported Sunday, citing local officials.

Dasht-e Naz, a haven for Persian yellow deer

Dasht-e Naz Wildlife Refuge in Sari, northern Mazandaran Province, serves as a haven for various animal species, particularly the iconic Persian gazelle, also known as the Persian yellow deer.

Iranian students shine at World Mathematics Team Championship 2025

TEHRAN – Five Iranian female students have won gold medals at the World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) 2025 held from December 3 to 8 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ministry of Education inaugurates new school in Qatar

TEHRAN – Education Minister Alireza Kazemi inaugurated a new school on Saturday for Iranians residing in Qatar.