Iranian artists showcase traditional arts in India exhibitions

TEHRAN - Iranian artists are presenting traditional arts at a series of exhibitions in India under a cultural memorandum of understanding between Shiraz’s Setaiesh art house and the Jaipur Art Summit institute.

Daffodils and their special place in collective memory of Iranians

TEHRAN — The daffodil holds a special place in the collective memory of the Iranian people. A symbol of rebirth, new beginnings, hope, joy, and good fortune, the flower emerges each spring to brighten barren landscapes with its cheerful yellow, orange, and white blooms.

Hamedani women participate in Italy’s Artigiano exhibition

TEHRAN – A group of female Iranian crafters from Hamedan province recently showcased their skills at Artigiano in Fiera, held in Milan from December 6 to 14.

Global tourist arrivals rise 5% in first nine months of 2025

TEHRAN - International tourist arrivals rose 5% in the first nine months of 2025 from a year earlier, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by UN Tourism.

Iranology goes beyond academia, Armenian researcher says

TEHRAN—Iranology is a quiet diplomacy between Iran and Armenia. Mariam Zazyan, an Armenian Iranologist, believes that being an Iranologist has a responsibility beyond academic study and can play an effective role in strengthening the cultural and friendly relations between the nations.

Zoroastrian lawmaker highlights restoration of historic fire temples

TEHRAN — An Iranian lawmaker representing the Zoroastrian community has called for continued restoration and protection of historic fire temples in the central province of Isfahan.

Iran’s Khoy and Turkey’s Konya sign sister-city agreement

TEHRAN - The Iranian city of Khoy and Turkey’s Konya have signed a sister-city agreement, committing to expand cooperation in spiritual tourism, cultural exchanges, urban management and sustainable infrastructure development, officials said.

Sassanid-era inscription referring to royal festival discovered

TEHRAN — An Iranian archaeologist said a Sassanid-era inscription referring to the calendar of a royal festival has recently been discovered on rock cliffs in the Marvdasht Plain in southern Iran.

Expo of creative, knowledge-based firms to focus on AI

TEHRAN – The fourth exhibition showcasing the achievements of creative and knowledge-based companies is scheduled to take place from December 28 to 31 in Tehran, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

Iran ready to foster tech ties, share expertise with Ethiopia

TEHRAN – The head of the Organization for the Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, Hossein Roozbeh, has announced the country’s readiness to share knowledge and boost technological cooperation with African countries, particularly Ethiopia.

Iran shakes with 136 earthquakes in a week

TEHRAN – A total of 136 earthquakes were recorded across the country in a week from December 6 to 12, according to the seismological networks of the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Tehran.

WFP releases November report on Iran

TEHRAN – The World Food Program (WFP) has released a report, expounding on activities in Iran over the month of November.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ICRC seeks to boost co-op with IRCS

TEHRAN – Vincent Cassard, the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has highlighted the need to expand collaborations with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in 2026.

Expert warns traditional approaches could lead to managerial backwardness

TEHRAN - Abuzar Shahpari, the head of the Association of Iranian Elites and Knowledge-Based Companies, has criticized traditional management approaches and the ceremonial view toward elites, warning of the danger of managerial backwardness in the country.

Supervisory board appointed ahead of Parliamentary, Assembly of Experts elections

TEHRAN – The Guardian Council of Iran has selected the members of the Central Supervisory Board tasked with overseeing the upcoming midterm elections for the Assembly of Experts and the Parliament, the council’s spokesperson said on Saturday.