By Ebrahim Fallahi

Iran steps up drive to tap Africa’s markets via new transport gateways

TEHRAN – Iran has stepped up engagement with Africa in recent months, sealing agreements with Tunisia and holding high-level meetings aimed at tapping into the continent’s growing markets. But experts warn that lasting success depends on removing structural barriers, especially in transport and financial channels.

BRICS tax chiefs meet to boost cooperation and transparency

TEHRAN – Heads of tax authorities from Iran, Russia, China, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates held a joint meeting to exchange experiences and review the latest achievements in tax administration systems.

CBI allocates over $6.9b for importing essential goods

TEHRAN – The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) said it has provided more than $27.7 billion in foreign currency for imports of basic goods, medicine, industry and services since the start of the current Iranian year in March.

India signals interest in resuming oil imports from Iran

TEHRAN – India has imported a large shipment of Iranian crude for the first time in years, raising speculation that New Delhi may be preparing to resume broader purchases despite U.S. sanctions.

Iran, Iraq and Russia plan meeting on international transport corridors

TEHRAN – Iran’s railways chief has held talks with Iraq’s transport minister on advancing joint rail projects, including the long-delayed Shalamcheh–Basra line, as part of broader efforts to expand regional connectivity.

Israel is increasingly being treated as a global pariah. It’s shielded by Trump, for now

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses world leaders at the United Nations on Friday, it will be at the helm of a country that is increasingly being treated as a pariah, even by some of its longtime allies.

Iran’s wheat output falls by 2.5m tons, USDA says

TEHRAN – Iran’s wheat production is expected to decline to 13.5 million tons in the 2024/25 crop year, down 2.5 million tons from last season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Iran says snapback mechanism will not impose new hurdles on oil sales

TEHRAN – Iran’s oil minister said the possible activation of the so-called snapback mechanism would not create fresh restrictions on crude exports, stressing that contingency measures are in place if needed.

Gold production in Iran to reach 25 tons annually by 2027

TEHRAN – Iran expects to raise its annual gold production to 25 tons by the end of its Seventh Five-Year National Development Plan (early 2027), while attracting $30 billion in mining investments, according to the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

Iran, Eurasia sign 3-year roadmap for economic cooperation

TEHRAN – The Eurasian Economic Commission said it has signed a three-year roadmap with Iran to expand economic cooperation across multiple sectors.

Five Iranians nominated for AFC Awards 2025

TEHRAN - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the highly anticipated list of nominees for the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM, which will take place on Oct. 16.

By Xavier Villar 

The ex-Israeli spy chief and the big question: Zakaria, Cohen, and Iran’s horizon

MADRID – A few days ago, CNN International aired an interview between Fareed Zakaria, one of the most prominent voices in the U.S. geopolitical landscape, and Yossi Cohen, former director of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service. The question Zakaria posed to his guest— “Will the Islamic Republic of Iran exist in ten years?”— goes beyond mere speculation about the country’s future. 

True Promise IV to be executed with more precision if Israel attacks again: Qalibaf

TEHRAN – Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has praised the success of Operation True Promise III and warned that any new aggression by the enemy would be met with an even more powerful and precise response under Operation True Promise IV.

TEHRAN PAPERS

Pahlavi is more isolated than before

TEHRAN - In an analysis, Javan discussed Reza Pahlavi's isolation and his failure to strengthen his political base.

Nuclear chief says Iranian facilities damaged in US strikes will be rebuilt

TEHRAN – Iran’s nuclear chief and Vice President, Mohammad Eslami, has said that nuclear facilities damaged during U.S. airstrikes will be fully rebuilt, stressing that Iran’s scientific and technological foundations remain strong and cannot be destroyed by foreign aggression.

Iranian shorts competing in Encounters Film Festival 

TEHRAN- Four Iranian short films are competing in the 30th edition of the Encounters Film Festival, currently underway in Bristol, England. 

Shahab Hosseini’s 4th film as director “The Last Act” will hit silver screen across Iran

TEHRAN – The feature film “The Last Act,” a joint production of Iran and the U.S., directed and produced by Shahab Hosseini will hit Iranian cinemas from October 1. 

Iran participates in inaugural BRICS Literary Award with three authors

TEHRAN – Iran has introduced three writers to represent the country at the inaugural BRICS Literary Award, a newly established global event.