23,000 foreign tourists visited Fars during March-September 2025

TEHRAN—Over 23,000 foreign tourists visited Fars province during the first half of current Iranian year (March-September 2025).

Silversmithing, a potential beyond domestic market in tourism industry

TEHRAN--Silversmithing has a high potential for introduction not only in the domestic market, but also in the tourism industry, so that this art can be introduced to the pilgrims and travelers and, along with it, it can be presented as a capital good that is currently well received.

Turkish consul visits historical and tourism sites in Neyshabur

TEHRAN - Turkey’s consul general in Mashhad, Murad Erkul, has visited some historical and tourism sites in Neyshabur on an informal family trip, local cultural heritage officials said.

17 foreign tour groups visit Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom

TEHRAN - Seventeen foreign tour groups from nine countries have paid visits to the Fatima Masumeh Shrine in the city of Qom over the past week, the shrine’s international affairs office said.

Extension of Isfahan subway project awaits UNESCO approval

TEHRAN—The extension of Isfahan’s Metro Line 2 near the city’s UNESCO-listed Jameh Mosque, also known as the Atiq Mosque, is under review at national and international levels and will proceed only after approval from UNESCO, officials said.

Over half of Gaza under Israeli control as it expands ‘yellow line’

Israeli forces expanded the “yellow line” in eastern Gaza on Sunday—especially Tuffah, Shujayea, and Zeitoun—tightening control and squeezing civilians into smaller areas, while pushing closer to Salah al-Din Street and forcing more displaced families to flee.

Igor Sergeev officially joins Persepolis

TEHRAN – Igor Sergeev, who spent last season with Pakhtakor, has officially joined Iranian giants Persepolis.

Denmark rejects ‘absolutely absurd’ US claims to Greenland after Venezuela raid

Denmark urged the United States to stop “threatening” Greenland after Donald Trump said he “absolutely” needs the territory, following Washington’s military seizure of Venezuela’s president.

White pelicans back to Caspian Sea coasts

In recent weeks, white pelicans have been spotted in Mazandaran province, neighboring the Caspian Sea, making the place an ideal time for birdwatchers and photographers to catch a glimpse of these rare visitors, along with the many other migratory species that flock to the refuge in winter.

‘Climate change, sea level rise threaten food security in southern Iran’

TEHRAN – Global warming and ice sheet melting pose serious threats to food security in the south of the country, Ahad Vazifeh, the head of the Meteorological Organization, has warned.

National polio vaccination campaign to target over 1m children

TEHRAN – The first phase of the national immunization campaign for polio eradication, using domestically produced vaccines, will cover a total of 1.1 million Iranian and foreign children under the age of five.

Journalist and child among those swept up in overnight West Bank raids

Israeli forces detained dozens of Palestinians in raid-and-arrest operations across the occupied West Bank on Monday, Middle East Eye reported, citing local sources.

Comprehensive plan developed to preserve luristanica Sorbus

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) has developed a comprehensive plan to preserve luristanica Sorbus, a rare plant species that is native to Iran and is classified as critically endangered.

Mobile phone imports fall 20% in value in 9 months

TEHRAN – Iran’s imports of mobile phones declined sharply in the first nine months of the current Iranian year, with both volumes and dollar values posting double-digit falls, customs data showed.

Footwear exhibit to bring 700 brands together as exporters seek market rebound

TEHRAN – The second national footwear industry exhibition (Iran Shoes Exhibition 2026) will open in Tehran this month, bringing together around 700 domestic brands and a number of foreign companies as producers look to revive exports and expand commercial ties, industry officials said.

Iran shakes with 70 earthquakes in a week

TEHRAN – A total of 70 earthquakes were recorded across the country in a week from December 27 to January 2, according to the seismological networks of the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Tehran.

SPGC boosts domestic production of equipment by 15% in 9 months on year

TEHRAN – Domestic production of equipment at Iran’s giant South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC) rose by more than 15 percent year on year over the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (late March-late December 2025), as domestic manufacturing and repair capabilities continued to expand, a senior official said.

Rail cargo transport up 12% as Iran accelerates shift to freight rail

TEHRAN – Iran’s rail cargo transport rose 12 percent in the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 21-November 21, 2025), highlighting a faster shift toward rail-based freight as authorities seek to cut logistics costs, ease pressure on roads and expand export capacity.

Iranian wrestling champions visit cancer patients

TEHRAN - World heavyweight champion Amirhossein Zare, Greco-Roman wrestling world gold medalist Ali Arsalan, and world junior Greco-Roman champion Fardin Hedayati visited cancer patients in a humanitarian initiative aimed at offering support and encouragement.

At least 80 killed in U.S. strikes on Venezuela; Cuba reports 32 citizens among the dead

The New York Times reported that at least 80 people were killed in Venezuela following U.S. military strikes. 

Iran moves to next stage in latest satellite missions following initial checks

TEHRAN – Iran has announced the successful orbital deployment and initial testing of three new satellites. According to a Sunday statement from the Iran Space Agency, the Zafar, Paya, and Kowsar satellites are now in a multi-week orbital testing phase, having completed their first series of in-orbit checks with an overall favorable technical status.

In diplomatic briefings, Iran emphasizes deeper ties with Azerbaijan and Georgia

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has underscored a dual focus on strengthening regional ties, emphasizing the importance of expanding comprehensive relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia. 

Border guards foil attempted terrorist infiltration in SE Iran 

ZAHEDAN – Iranian border security forces successfully intercepted and repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration along the border in Saravan County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province—a development believed to be linked to ongoing attempts by Israel and the West to exploit peaceful economic protests in Iran. 

Iran begins ‘targeted arrest’ of rioters 

Declaration comes as foreign intervention evidence mounts, Netanyahu publicly enters game

TEHRAN – Iran’s Police Chief Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Radan announced Sunday that law enforcement forces have begun arresting individuals whose incitement of violence—carried out under the direction of foreign spy agencies—has become clear.

Venezuela thanks Iran for solidarity as Caracas vows to resist US aggression 

TEHRAN – Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto has expressed his gratitude to Iran for voicing solidarity with his country.