By Ian Proud

UK’s ‘100-year partnership’ with Ukraine is a meaningless political stunt

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a 100-year partnership between their countries during a meeting in Kyiv on January 16. On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th United States president, this was Starmer’s attempt to position Britain as Ukraine’s best friend at a time when Zelenskyy needs all the friends he can get. In truth, the 100-year partnership appears to offer nothing new.

David Stasavage’s “Decline and Rise of Democracy” available in Persian

TEHRAN-The Persian translation of the book “The Decline and Rise of Democracy: A Global History from Antiquity to Today” written by David Stasavage has been released in the Iranian book market.

Tehran center to host reading performance of “Rumors” 

TEHRAN- Iran Boutique Theater in Tehran will be playing host to a reading performance of the American playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon’s play “Rumors” on Monday. 

Palestinian filmmaker Abdallah Motan detained without trial by Israeli authorities 

TEHRAN- On Thursday, the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) released a statement expressing deep concern for the well-being of young Palestinian documentary filmmaker Abdallah Motan. Arrested by Israeli authorities on January 13, he has been sentenced to six months of "administrative detention" without trial or charges.

Saeed Khatibzadeh takes helm of Iran's leading foreign policy think tank

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has elevated Saeed Khatibzadeh to the role of Deputy Foreign Minister and appointed him as the new head of the Ministry's Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS).

MKO influenced assailant in murder of Supreme Court judges: Iranian senior prosecutor

TEHRAN – In a somber acknowledgment at a memorial service for the recently martyred Iranian judges, Hojatoleslam Jafar Qadiani, Iran's Disciplinary Prosecutor for Judges, revealed that the killer of Judges Ali Razini and Mohammad Moqiseh was a long-term infiltrator influenced by the terror group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MKO).

TEHRAN PAPERS

New Middle East or Trump's ideal?

TEHRAN - In a commentary, Arman-e-Emrooz dealt with Trump's policy towards Tehran and wrote: Now that Trump has returned to power, everyone is waiting to see what policy he will adopt towards Iran.

Fake consular agents targeting Iranians in U.S., Canada, Iran warns

TEHRAN – The Iranian Interests Section in Washington D.C. and the Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran are the official authorities responsible for consular services, an official announcement from Iran confirmed.

IRGC naval forces successfully test AI-powered missiles in major exercise

TEHRAN – In a demonstration of advanced capabilities, the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) successfully fired missiles equipped with artificial intelligence, hitting mock enemy targets during a large-scale military exercise.

Leader’s aide calls for focused efforts to implement Iran-Russia strategic agreement

TEHRAN – A top military advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the implementation of the recent strategic agreement between Iran and Russia, signed in the past week, requires not only careful planning but also decisive action to achieve its full potential.

Pakistan Navy talks growing maritime partnership with Iran ahead of AMAN-25 exercise

TEHRAN – The Commander of the Pakistan Navy has expressed his enthusiasm about the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the forthcoming multinational maritime exercise, AMAN-25, set to take place in Karachi from February 7 to February 11.

Azerbaijan summons Iranian diplomat over alleged media tensions

TEHRAN – The Azerbaijani news agency Trend reported that Ja’far Agha’i Merian, the Iranian chargé d'affaires, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan following a series of tensions regarding media coverage.

Sanctions harming children’s rights in Iran, says deputy minister at UN review

TEHRAN – Iran’s Deputy for Human Rights and International Affairs at the Ministry of Justice has addressed the detrimental effects of unjust sanctions on efforts towards advancing children's rights in Iran.

Accusations of arms smuggling to Lebanon ‘baseless’, Iran refutes Israeli regime’s claims

TEHRAN – In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the rotating President of the Security Council, Iran has categorically denied allegations from the Israeli regime that it has been smuggling advanced weapons systems to Lebanon.

Tehran slams European Parliament for exploiting human rights to target Iran

TEHRAN – Iran has strongly condemned the recent resolution by the European Parliament, asserting it has exploited human rights as a pretext for politically motivated allegations against the nation.

Gandhi Peace Prize awarded to Iran for advocacy of Palestinian rights

TEHRAN – Iran has been awarded the International Gandhi Peace Prize for its ongoing support of Palestinians and its contributions toward peace in West Asia.

6th Sarein Winter Festival kicks off in northwest Iran

TEHRAN - The 6th Sarein Winter Festival has officially commenced in Iran’s Ardabil province, inviting tourists from across the country to experience its unique winter attractions.

UN Tourism chief visits Iran’s pavilion at FITUR 2025

TEHRAN - Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO, visited the Iranian pavilion during the opening of the 45th International Tourism Trade Fair aka FITUR 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

Japan’s ambassador visits UNESCO-registered Dome of Soltanieh

TEHRAN - The Japanese ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, recently toured the Dome of Soltanieh, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as one of the largest brick domes in the world.

Loan exhibit of Persian artifacts opens at Sichuan museum

TEHRAN – A loan exhibition titled Land of Kindness showcasing 151 historical artifacts from Tehran’s prominent museums has officially opened at the Sichuan University Museum in Chengdu, China.

Deadline for 9th Fajr Intl. Handicrafts Festival registration extended

TEHRAN - Artists eager to showcase their talents at the 9th Fajr International Handicrafts Festival, also known as Sarv-e-Simin, have been granted an additional 72 hours to register. The new deadline for registration and submission of works is now Monday, January 27, 2025.