Tehran Times

2024-12-24 22:11
By Soheila Zarfam

Israel’s admission of Haniyeh assassination

Iran says confirmation proves the legitimacy of Operation True Promise II

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the Tehran Times that Israel’s recent confirmation of Haniyeh’s assassination unequivocally validates Iran's rightful retaliatory response on October 1st when approximately 200 precision-guided ballistic missiles were launched at the occupied territories.
- Haniyeh assassination intended to drag US into war: commentary
- Blinken’s regional mission: Salvaging Israel, whitewashing genocide

By Wesam Bahrani

One Palestinian child “killed every hour”

TEHRAN – The United Nations has underscored the stark reality for children facing the U.S.-backed Israeli genocidal war in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
By Sondoss Al Asaad

Incessant land theft in West Bank erodes myth of peace

BEIRUT - On December 18, the Land of Israel Lobby introduced a new bill to the Israeli Knesset titled “Israel’s Security,” which seeks to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state through the transfer of land. The Israel Hayom newspaper reported that after October 7, 2024, Israel will not allow Palestinian fighters to position themselves on its borders and endanger the “security” of its citizens, as they put it.
Trump's behavior will shape Iran’s policies: Leader’s advisor warns threats will be matched

TEHRAN – In a comprehensive interview with Al Mayadeen that aired on Monday, Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, delineated Iran's strategic responses to the incoming Trump administration, revealing Tehran's diplomatic approach across various fronts.
Foreign adversaries cannot bring Iran to its knees: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN – The Iranian president has commended the Ministry of Intelligence for its pivotal role in protecting national security, emphasizing that external threats will not weaken Iran's resolve.
All religions should unite in pursuit of peace, Zarif says in Christmas message

TEHRAN – Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif and his wife Maryam Imaniyeh visited a church in Tehran on Tuesday, December 24, to congratulate Christians worldwide on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ and Christmas.

Politics

Pezeshkian tells Russian Deputy PM Iran resolved to complete Rasht-Astara railroad

TEHRAN – Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has underscored the nation's unwavering commitment to completing the Rasht-Astara railroad project, a crucial part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
U.S. hostage-taking of nationals breach of intl. law: Iran deputy FM

TEHRAN – Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary, and Expatriate Affairs, Vahid Jalalzadeh, has vehemently denounced the recent arrests of Iranian nationals by the United States, accusing the U.S. of engaging in "hostage-taking" and violating international law.
Iraq’s Kurdistan Region aims to deepen ties with Iran under new consul general

TEHRAN – In a bid to enhance bilateral ties, the Iranian Consul General in Erbil, Faramarz Asadi, received a call for increased cooperation from Safeen Dizayee, the Foreign Relations Minister of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, during their credentials meeting on Sunday.

Sports

Persepolis draw up list of managerial candidates

TEHRAN - A shortlist has been drawn up by Persepolis football club to succeed Juan Carlos Garrido.
Iran’s Zarei wins gold at 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships

TEHRAN – Iran’s Hamidreza Zarei claimed a gold medal at the 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Championships.
Ex-Esteghlal winger Ravankhah takes charge of Havadar

TEHRAN – Omid Ravankhah was named as new head coach of Iranian top-flight club Havadar on Tuesday.

Culture

Global campaign "Fath Soleimani" launched to empower youth with the spirit of resistance

TEHRAN- The "Fath Soleimani" campaign has officially launched, inviting teenagers worldwide to participate in a creative competition focused on resistance against the Zionist regime.
Playwright’s Night honors veteran figures

TEHRAN-The Playwright’s Night ceremony, held at the Shahnaz Hall of the Iranian Artists Forum, celebrated the contributions of iconic Iranian playwrights.
Iran's culture ministry denies claims of TRT Persian Channel license

TEHRAN- Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has announced that, contrary to published reports, the TRT Persian channel does not possess an operating license.

Economy

Iran to unveil its first AI-equipped oil well next year

TEHRAN- Iran’s vice president for science and technology said that the country will unveil its first oil well equipped with the artificial intelligence (AI) next year.
Flare gas emissions at South Pars to be reduced to 3 mcm

TEHRAN - The South Pars Gas Complex, a series of refineries processing Iran's largest gas field, currently burns 7.8 million cubic meters of gas per day in its flare systems. However, by the end of 2025, the country plans to reduce this flare gas emission by nearly two-thirds, aiming for a target of three million cubic meters per day, according to the complex's Head Gholam-Abbas Hosseini.
Iran signs over $1.8b investment contracts with private sector for ports development

TEHRAN - Iran's Ministry of Transport and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), has signed investment contracts and agreements totaling 933 trillion rials ($1.86 billion) with private sector entities to advance the country's port infrastructure and maritime services.

Society

Normal, less than normal rainfall forecast for first half of winter

TEHRAN –Average rainfall is forecasted to be normal and, in some areas, less than normal for December 21-February 2, according to Metrological Organization.
UNICEF improves access to safe water in flood-affected areas

TEHRAN –Following the devastating floods that struck Sistan-Baluchestan province, specifically in Chabahar and its vicinity, at the end of February 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been providing critical assistance, including access to safe water, to the affected communities.
Over 2,000 schools to install solar power panels

TEHRAN –The Ministry of Education has signed a memorandum of understanding with benefactors to equip more than 2,000 schools with solar power panels.

Tourism

Jolfa: a journey through UNESCO heritage and nature’s splendor

JOLFA – A photographer’s paradise, the Jolfa region, settled in the northwest corner of East Azarbaijan province, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage.
Tourism minister highlights plans to boost international arrivals

TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has announced ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at removing obstacles to international tourism in the country.
Filmmaker Pouran Derakhshandeh appointed Iran’s ambassador for UNESCO intangible heritage

TEHRAN - Prominent Iranian filmmaker Pouran Derakhshandeh has been named Iran's ambassador for intangible cultural heritage to UNESCO.

International

One Palestinian child “killed every hour”

TEHRAN – The United Nations has underscored the stark reality for children facing the U.S.-backed Israeli genocidal war in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Incessant land theft in West Bank erodes myth of peace

BEIRUT - On December 18, the Land of Israel Lobby introduced a new bill to the Israeli Knesset titled “Israel’s Security,” which seeks to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state through the transfer of land. The Israel Hayom newspaper reported that after October 7, 2024, Israel will not allow Palestinian fighters to position themselves on its borders and endanger the “security” of its citizens, as they put it.
From fatigues to fashion: Al-Sharaa's suit and tie cannot hide rebels’ true nature

TEHRAN - Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has been dancing to the tune of his foreign backers, notably Turkey and the United States, since his armed men ousted the Syrian government earlier this month.

Iran says confirmation proves the legitimacy of Operation True Promise II