By Dr. Kamal Ebrahimi Kavari

Trade Diplomacy Through Free Zones

TEHRAN- As the West Asia region experiences geopolitical shifts and economic competition, countries are striving to strengthen economic links through regional frameworks.

Russian visitors connected to Iranian shopping terminals via Mir Pay application

TEHRAN--Card payment networks between Iranians and Russians were connected on May 13, based on which Russian citizens can shop from Iranian shopping terminals through using the Mir Pay application, said the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Asghar Abolhasani Hastiani.

Remnants of Sassanid architecture identified in Urmia mosque

TEHRAN—Remnants of Sassanid architecture have been identified during archeological excavations at the Jameh Mosque of Urmia in West Azarbaijan province, the provincial tourism chief said.

Rosewater distillation festival underway in Karaj

TEHRAN—Rosewater distillation festival is underway in Karaj’s Parsian Shopping Center, Alborz province, said the caretaker of Alborz Cultural Heritage, Tourism, Handicrafts Department.

Temple within UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil restored

TEHRAN – The first phase of a specialized conservation and restoration project on the Inshushinak Temple, located on the first floor of the Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat in Khuzestan province, has been successfully completed, a cultural heritage official announced on Monday.

Iranian village showcased as sustainable tourism model at BRICS meeting

TEHRAN - The historical stepped village of Palangan in Iran’s Kordestan province was introduced as a successful example of sustainable tourism that preserves local culture and heritage during a BRICS meeting held in Brazil on Monday.

By Afshin Majlesi

Discover Shurgol wetland: a sanctuary for birds, wildlife, and nature lovers

TEHRAN – Shurgol wetland in northwest Iran is a favored destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists due to its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes.

‘Maryam Mirzakhani is a scientific role model for Iranian girls’

TEHRAN – Maryam Mirzakhani is not only a scientific role model for Iranian girls, but a source of honor for the global knowledge, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the spokeswoman for the government, has said.

Yemen bombing raised fears that US could slide into another endless war: Foreign Affairs

Although US bombing campaign put Houthis under tremendous pressure, they were far from deterred

TEHRAN - In the following article published on May 9 on the Foreign Affairs website, the writer, April Longley Alley, refers to Yemen’s Ansarallah movement as the Houthis. Contrary to the claims, Ansarallah only targeted and has announced to continue to target commercial ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea in efforts until Israel stops its genocidal campaign in Gaza. Ansarallah started to fire at American naval ships in the Red Sea only after the Pentagon attacked them.

Hamas approached pro-Trump activist for secret talks that freed Edan Alexander

 Backchannel talks leading to the release of Edan Alexander, the last American held in Gaza, began with a message from a Hamas official to Bishara Bahbah, former leader of "Arab Americans for Trump," according to Israeli, Palestinian, and U.S. officials speaking to Axios.

'Organ Donation, Life Donation' week to be marked

TEHRAN – The national ‘Organ Donation, Life Donation’ week will kick off on Thursday and wrap up on May 21.

Over 1.8m tons of steel products produced in a month

TEHRAN – More than 1.8 million tons of steel products were produced in Iran during the first month of the current Iranian calendar year, Farvardin (March 21-April21).

Iran, Russia launch 2nd phase of card payment network integration

TEHRAN - Iran and Russia have officially launched the second phase of a card payment network integration project, enabling Russian tourists and businesspeople to make purchases at retail outlets across Iran using the Russian “Mir Pay” application.

Iran attending 9th meeting of SCO education ministers

TEHRAN – Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf is participating in the ninth meeting of education ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, which was held on May 12 and 13 in Urumqi, China.

Iran, Turkmenistan target 30% growth in bilateral trade

TEHRAN - The head of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce says the two countries are aiming to increase bilateral trade by 30 percent, following the first-ever exhibition of Turkmenistan’s export capabilities in Iran — an event driven entirely by private sector investment.

Xi attends opening ceremony of fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum

BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing on Tuesday.

China, UNAIDS to help Iran boost HIV rapid response

TEHRAN – In an effort to enhance the overall resilience of Iran’s national AIDS program and HIV testing capacity, Iran’s Health Ministry, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have convened a meeting to share expertise.

Tehran, Doha discuss boosting bilateral trade

TEHRAN - Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Mohammad-Ali Dehqan Dehnavi met with Qatar’s Customs Authority Chief Ahmed Al-Jamal, on the sidelines of Iran Expo 2025, stressing the need to enhance commercial ties and develop trade infrastructure to increase bilateral trade volume.

Dutch legend Seedorf appointed as Esteghlal’s CEO advisor

TEHRAN – Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf was named as an advisor to the CEO in Iranian football club Esteghlal.

Hezbollah chief says Israeli pressure is doomed to fail, Resistance to prevail

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful speech on Sunday commemorating the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of senior resistance commander Mustafa Badreddine, addressing his legacy as one of the longest-standing members of Hezbollah.

Hakim Meets Ayatollah Javadi Amoli in Najaf

Ammar Hakim, leader of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, held a meeting with Ayatollah Abdullah Javadi Amoli in Najaf on Monday. 

Platform 101 representing Iranian digital art at Expo 2025 Japan

TEHRAN-Platform 101, directed by Mohammadali Famouri, is the only digital art team from Iran and West Asia participating in the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Japan, in the Projection Mapping section.

International Hanzala Prize focuses on children’s literature, resistance narrative

TEHRAN – The International Hanzala Prize, a prestigious literary and cultural award, is set to prioritize children's and adolescent literature exploring themes of resistance, the organizers have announced. 

Children among 27 killed as Israel strikes Gaza before release of Israeli-American captive

The Israeli army killed at least 27 Palestinians, including children, and injured several others in strikes across the war-torn Gaza on Monday ahead of the scheduled release of Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander.

Famine imminent in Gaza if Israel doesn’t lift blockade, hunger monitor warns

Famine is imminent in Gaza, with half a million people at risk of starvation unless Israel lifts its siege, according to a grim new report released on Monday by a global hunger monitor, marking a major deterioration since its last report in October, Middle East Eye reported.