TEHRAN PAPERS

Silent veto

TEHRAN - In an article, Hamshahri addressed the positions of China and Russia since the launch of the “snapback” mechanism in support of Iran.

IRGC intercepts smuggling tanker in Iran’s territorial waters

TEHRAN – Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized a foreign tanker carrying millions of liters of smuggled fuel in the Persian Gulf, detaining its crew and transferring the vessel and its cargo to government ownership, Iranian officials said.

Iran to host trilateral naval exercise, says navy commander

TEHRAN – Iran will host a trilateral naval exercise in the near future, with plans to expand participation to additional countries, the commander of the Iranian Army Navy said on Friday.

Former Iranian FM says Israel drives U.S. policy, calls Netanyahu main obstacle to peace

TEHRAN – Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Israel exerts decisive influence over U.S. policy and remains the main source of instability in the region, calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the biggest obstacle to peace.

Top officials join Iran’s Christians in celebrating Jesus’ birth 

TEHRAN – On Wednesday and Thursday, Iran's top authorities issued Christmas messages and visited prominent Christian families in the country to share their joy for the birth of Christ, an event honored by approximately 600,000 people in Iran every year. 

Israeli media alleges second Iranian spy arrest within a week; one suspect knew IDF chief

TEHRAN – On Thursday and Friday, Israeli media reported the separate arrests of two alleged Iranian spies, raising concern in the regime’s political and military circles by revealing that one detainee had met several times with the Israeli military's Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, before transferring information to Iran.

Enemy seeking to hit Iran hard via economic pressure: Iran FM

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says enemies are seeking to put Iran under economic pressure following their defeat in the 12-day act of military aggression against the country.

Authentic Iranian clothing exhibition held at Cultural Heritage Ministry

TEHRAN --An exhibition of authentic, royal, ethnic Iranian clothing and, for the first time, sustainable clothing produced from recycled materials was recently held in the vestibule of the Cultural Heritage Ministry recently.

Two-week tourist visa to be issued for Mazandaran, minister says

TEHRAN--Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handircrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri described the approval of a two-week tourist visa for Mazandaran province as a positive news.

Araghchi: Preserving Zayandeh-Rood River a national and international necessity

TEHRAN--Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the historical and cultural status of Isfahan, and said that Isfahan is not just a city, it is a symbol of Iranian civilization, and preserving Zayandeh-Rood River, its historical heritage, and boosting its tourism are considered a national and international necessity.

Iran, Tajikistan national museums plan joint exhibitions to expand cultural cooperation

TEHRAN — Officials from the National Museum of Iran and the National Museum of Tajikistan have agreed on plans to expand cultural cooperation and organize joint exhibitions during a meeting in Tehran on Wednesday.

Ancient rock-cut grain stores highlight tourism potential of Ilam village

TEHRAN - An Iranian village in Ilam province is drawing attention for a series of rock-cut grain storage structures believed to be up to 800 years old

INSF, RSF to support implementation of 15 joint research projects

TEHRAN – Iran and Russia will support the implementation of 15 out of 115 research projects proposed after the second joint call by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) and the Russian Science Foundation (RSF).

National document on women’s health declared

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared the national document on women’s health as a comprehensive and strategic initiative to enhance women’s physical, mental, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.

Iran, Armenia to expedite joint projects in health sector

TEHRAN – Iranian and Armenian officials have agreed to accelerate the implementation of joint projects in the health sector, particularly the registration of food, medicine, and medical equipment.

Jakarta intends to foster sci-tech co-op with Tehran

TEHRAN – Highlighting Iran’s extensive capabilities in science and technology, Rolliansyah Soemirat, the Indonesian ambassador to Tehran, has said the new Indonesian administration intends to develop scientific and technological ties with Iran.

TEHRAN PAPERS

Missile drill in Tehran, panic in Tel Aviv

TEHRAN - Vatan-e-Emrooz analyzed Iran’s large-scale missile maneuver on Monday.

Two smuggling vessels carrying narcotics, fuel intercepted in southeast Iran

TEHRAN – Iranian border guards have seized two large fishing vessels off the coast of Chabahar carrying a significant quantity of narcotics and smuggled fuel, authorities said on Tuesday.

Tehran sends sympathy message after fatal plane crash kills Libyan army chief

TEHRAN – Iran has extended its condolences to Libya following the death of the country’s army chief in a fatal plane crash near Ankara.

Iran questions US definition of ‘diplomacy’ after envoy’s ironic remarks at UNSC

TEHRAN – About ten hours after a UNSC session on Iran’s nuclear program concluded on Tuesday, as morning broke in Tehran, Iranian officials began to publicly react to remarks put forth by the U.S. during the meeting. Their reactions signaled that no one in Tehran trusts American pronouncements about diplomacy anymore.

‘Maritime piracy in Caribbean’, Iranian MPs condemn US military actions near Venezuela

TEHRAN – A group of 150 Iranian lawmakers has issued a strong condemnation of recent U.S. actions in the Caribbean, including the interception and pursuit of oil tankers, calling them acts of maritime piracy and a significant threat to regional stability.

No rules, no inspections until legal clarity from IAEA: Iran nuclear chief

TEHRAN – Iran’s senior nuclear official has clarified that the nation will not entertain illegitimate demands for the inspection of its nuclear facilities damaged in acts of foreign aggression. 

Expert warns crisis in West Asia will worsen in 2026 without policy shifts

‘2025 has exposed dangers of unilateralism, militarized regional strategies and maximalist ideological projects’

TEHRAN - A Princeton University researcher says 2026 may bring “deeper instability” at a great cost to the Middle East and United States if UN resolutions are not enacted, a regional security mechanism is not established, and the US and Iran don’t enter comprehensive dialogue.

Borujerd apple festival registered in tourism events calendar

TEHRAN--Borujerd apple festival in Lorestan province was registered in Iran’s tourism events calendar, said the head of the Borujerd Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department on Wednesday.

Dossiers of Ilam’s 3 natural sites under preparation for national registration

TEHRAN--Three significant natural dossiers of Ilam province are being prepared and completed with the aim of being registered in the National Heritage List, said Head of Ilam Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department Farzad Sharifi.

Tourist arrivals reach a positive 10 percent, minister says

TEHRAN--Tourist arrivals to Iran have returned to normal level in the second half of current Iranian year. The number of tourist arrivals has increased from minus 52 to plus 10 percent, and this trend is continuing rapidly.

‘WHO is Iran’s strategic partner in health sector’

TEHRAN – The deputy health minister, Alireza Raeisi, has said the World Health Organization is a strategic partner and a norm-setting reference for the country's health sector.