Report: Hamas accepts new ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar

Several news outlets report that Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal with Israel, brokered by Egypt and Qatar.

Tehran confirms 2025 launch of Zafar and Paya satellites aboard Russian Soyuz

TEHRAN – The head of the Iranian Space Agency has announced that the country’s Earth-observation satellites Zafar and Paya will be launched into orbit aboard Russia’s Soyuz rocket in the fall of 2025, following delays caused by foreign partners.

Israel had strategic miscalculations during war against Iran: IRGC

TEHRAN – The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that Israel severely misjudged its war against Iran, despite deploying its full capabilities during a 12-day conflict.

Efforts to activate ‘snapback’ are illegal and illogical: Iran foreign ministry

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected European efforts to activate the JCPOA snapback mechanism, calling the move both illegal and illogical.

1.2 million undocumented Afghan nationals left Iran in past year, declares interior minister

TEHRAN – Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has announced that more than 1.2 million Afghan nationals—mostly undocumented migrants—have left Iran over the past year, with the highest number of departures recorded at the eastern borders of Khorasan Razavi province.

TEHRAN PAPERS

China and Russia oppose invoking snapback mechanism

TEHRAN - In an article, Vatan-e-Emrooz addressed China and Russia’s opposition to Europe’s move to activate the snapback mechanism against Iran and wrote: The opposition of China and Russia, as two permanent members of the UN Security Council, has created a significant political capacity against Europe’s move.

Persian edition of Woolf’s “The Waves” republished

TEHRAN- The 12th edition of the Persian translation of English novelist Virginia Woolf’s 1931 novel “The Waves” has recently been published.

Iraqi FM warns PMU, Lebanese Hezbollah cannot be disarmed by force

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated on August 18 that efforts to pass a new law in the parliament to regulate the status of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are coming at the wrong time, while at the same time emphasizing the government's inability to disarm the resistance factions comprising the PMU by force.

First international award for Iranian animation “Juliet & the King” from PSIAF

TEHRAN – The Iranian animated feature film “Juliet & the King” written, directed, and produced by Ashkan Rahgozar won its first international award at the 2025 Palm Springs International Animation Festival (PSIAF) in the U.S.

Iranian Artists Forum to screen “The Hobbit” trilogy final instalment

TEHRAN – The 2014 epic fantasy adventure film “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” directed by Peter Jackson will be screened at the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran on Thursday.

Iraq to end presence of US-led military coalition by September, PM's advisor says

The Iraqi government announced on Sunday that the US-led international coalition’s mission in Iraq will officially end in September 2025, according to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s advisor, Hussein Allawi, as reported by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

New mural in Tehran unveiled, commemorating Iran Army’s sacrifices in 12-day war  

TEHRAN-The newest mural at Valiasr Square in central Tehran was unveiled on Saturday, commemorating the sacrifice of 57 martyrs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army who lost their lives during the recent 12-day conflict initiated by the Zionist regime against Iranian territory.

Football match held between Iran, Tajikistan to boost tourism

TEHRAN-Deputy head of Tehran Tourism Department gave news of holding a football match between Iranian art stars and Tajik art stars with the aim of attracting tourists.

Kermanshah province holds handicraft exhibitions during Arbaeen

TEHRAN—Head of Kermanshah Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department announced sales of 70 billion rials ($77,777) at the province's handicraft exhibitions during Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, marking the end of a 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Each year, millions of Shia Muslims from around the globe undertake this pilgrimage to Karbala, walking hundreds of kilometers as an expression of their faith and devotion.

Iran police seize 11 ancient Parthian coins in Khorramabad

TEHRAN – Iranian police have seized 11 historical coins believed to date back to the Parthian era in Khorramabad, the capital of western Lorestan province.

Millennium festival planned for minaret of Semnan Jame’ Mosque

TEHRAN—Semnan governor gave news of planning for holding the millennium festival of the minaret of the Jame’ Mosque of Semnan concurrent with Semnan Day.

Echoes of the Past: Stucco plaque of Sasanian lady

The pictured Sassanid-era stucco plaque set within a central square depicts the bust of a smiling woman—likely a Sasanian princess, suggested by her ornate adornments. Unearthed at Tepe Hessar in Damghan, modern-day Semnan province, it dates to the late 6th or early 7th century CE.

Zelenskyy and European leaders will meet with Trump on ending Russia’s war

Ukraine’s future could hinge on a hastily assembled White House meeting on Monday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives with a high-profile group of European leaders to present a united front against Russia to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Study of ancient rock-carved structures launched in Kermanshah

TEHRAN – A project to study, document, and conduct laboratory research on ancient rock-carved structures in Kermanshah province has begun, an archaeologist who leads the project said on Monday.

Health Ministry: Death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza surpasses 62,000

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Monday 60 people were killed and 344 injured in the past 24 hours as a result of ongoing Israeli attacks, Al Jazeera reported. 

Some 800,000 more Afghan refugees to be expelled by March 2026

TEHRAN – Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has said some 800,000 more undocumented Afghan refugees will be sent back to their home country by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2026).

Overhaul of South Pars first refinery begins

TEHRAN- The manager of the first refinery of the South Pars Gas Complex announced the start of major repairs to the refinery with the technical and support teams fully prepared.

Iran honors WHO representative at end of mission

TEHRAN – In a farewell ceremony held on Wednesday, August 14, in Tehran, the ministry of health appreciated Jaffar Hussain, the World Health Organization representative, for his efforts and contributions to the development of the country’s health sector.

Amnesty International: Israel deliberately starving Gaza

Amnesty International has accused Israel of carrying out a deliberate campaign of starvation in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli army chief: Gaza City residents to be ‘evacuated’ within two months

Israel’s army chief has said plans are in place to “evacuate” Gaza City residents within two months, before an expanded military operation, according to an Israeli media report.

Intl. building, construction industry exhibition opens in Tehran

TEHRAN – Iran on Monday opened the 25th International Exhibition of Building and Construction Industry (Iran CONFAIR 2025), the country’s largest trade fair for the construction sector, with officials highlighting the industry’s export potential and central role in the economy.