Lenj boats: guardians of maritime heritage in Persian Gulf

Tehran – Construction of Lenj boats is an ancient indigenous craft along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf that has historically played an important role in navigation, trade, and the livelihoods of southern Iran's people.

Researchers warn against mangrove loss in Persian Gulf

TEHRAN – According to a study by researchers at National Institute of Oceanography, mangrove ecosystems in the northern Persian Gulf are facing a range of environmental and anthropogenic pressures.

Khorasan Razavi earns $4.5 billion annually from intl. tourism

TEHRAN – Khorasan Razavi generates some $4.5 billion annually from international tourism, according to Seyyed Javad Mousavi, the director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts for the northeastern Iranian province.

Investments along southern and northern Iranian coastlines in progress, tourism minister says

TEHRAN - Iran’s tourism minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri has announced plans to boost tourism investments along the country’s northern and southern coastlines, highlighting the untapped potential of the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Caspian Sea.

‘Guardians of the Persian Gulf:’ IRGC Navy chief vows crushing response to threats

TEHRAN – Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, issued a stark warning to adversaries on Saturday, pledging a “decisive and crushing answer” to any threats against Iran’s territorial integrity.

Iran committed to fostering AI cooperation in region

TEHRAN –The combination of talent, data, and innovation makes Iran a key player in the regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) value chain, capable of driving meaningful cooperation and development. Iran is committed to fostering regional cooperation and building a future where AI drives prosperity and unity, the minister of information and communications technology has said.

Exhibit showcasing Siraf’s ancient heritage opens in Bushehr

TEHRAN - A special exhibition featuring ancient relics excavated from the historic port city of Siraf has opened at the Persian Gulf Region Museum in Bushehr.

Book on Persian Gulf’s intangible heritage goes out of print

TEHRAN - A recently published book, The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Northwest Persian Gulf, explores the rich traditions, rituals, and customs of this historically significant region.

Military delegates from eight countries visit Bu Musa Island, Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN – A group of military personnel from eight countries, currently attending a national defense program at Iran's prestigious National Defense University, recently visited Bu Musa Island and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran pursues ICESCO heritage status for ancient port

TEHRAN - The ancient port of Tis, situated in Chabahar county in southeastern Iran, is set to be registered on the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) cultural heritage list.

104% growth in intl. tourists visiting Kish Island

TEHRAN - The CEO of Kish Free Zone Organization, Mohammad Kabiri, has said that during the last month, the number of foreign tourists who visited the Island has registered 104% growth.

IRGC Navy chief says "no white flag shall fly" against hostile forces

TEHRAN – Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, has declared that Iran “will not raise the white flag,” underscoring the country's commitment to maintaining security and sovereignty in its waters without surrendering to external pressures.

Iran’s reality distorted by propaganda, tourism minister warns

TEHRAN - Iranian Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri has criticized what he described as a widespread campaign of “Iranophobia” aimed at tarnishing the country’s image and deterring international visitors.

Iran eases travel to southernmost Bu Musa Island

TEHRAN - The Iranian government has announced the removal of travel restrictions to Bu Musa Island, making the strategic isle accessible to all Iranian citizens without prior vetting.

‘Forever Iranian’: interior minister highlights strategic significance of Iran's trio islands

TEHRAN – The Iranian Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, has emphasized the strategic importance of Hormozgan Province, particularly its maritime and economic assets, including the three islands of Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb, and the Lesser Tunb that he described as “eternally Iranian.”

By Afshin Majlesi

Masghati: a culinary jewel of Lar

LAR, Fars Province - A translucent dessert, with its gentle floral aroma and silky texture, the Masghati of Lar is a jewel of regional cuisine in the ancient city, situated in southern Iran.

Tribal crafts exhibit underway in Bandar Abbas

TEHRAN – A tribal festival featuring a variety of nationwide Iranian handicrafts and souvenirs has opened to the public in Bandar Abbas, an ancient port city in southern Iran.

Iran’s Bandar-e Khamir recognized by UNESCO as a Global Learning City

TEHRAN – Bandar-e Khamir, a coastal city in southern Iran, has been named one of 12 exemplary cities in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) for its contributions to lifelong learning and climate action.

Archaeological discoveries shed light on Abu Musa’s rich history

TEHRAN - Iranian archaeologist Mohammad Esmaeili-Jelodar has revealed fascinating insights from archaeological excavations conducted on Abu Musa, a strategic Iranian island in the Persian Gulf.

Iran emphasizes sea tourism development amid baseless claims over its triple islands

TEHRAN - Iran’s deputy tourism minister, Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, alongside several experts and private investors, convened on Tuesday to discuss strategies for advancing marital tourism within the framework of the Seventh National Development Plan.

Iran’s parliament says open to discuss return of Ariana, Zarkoh islands with UAE

TEHRAN – In response to ongoing territorial disputes in the Persian Gulf, the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament has announced the formation of a specialized committee to oversee issues related to its disputed islands, including calls for the return of Ariana and Zarkoh, which are under the United Arab Emirates’ administration.