Latest News and Views from Iran and the World

Village in South Khorasan restored 38 years after quake

Cultural heritage experts have reconstructed Esfahak Village, 35km from Tabas, in South Khorasan Province, 38 years after it was devastated by an earthquake.

MSOGC Eyes 10% Rise in Output by March 2017

Managing director of Masjed Soleiman Oil and Gas Company said the company will boost its output by at least 10% by the end of the current Iranian calendar year to March 20 2017.

Polo Nominated for UNESCO Cultural Heritage Status

Polo was invented and first played in Iran thousands of years ago. The original name of polo was Chogan which is a team sport...

Iran’s Larijani Hails Afghanistan’s Progress in Anti-Terror Fight

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the Afghan government has made some progress in its fight against terrorism, calling for regional countries’ assistance in the anti-terrorism campaign.

Should Iran Boycott Hajj Pilgrimage Given Saudi Arabia’s Stonewalling?

Hundreds of Iranian pilgrims were killed last year in a deadly crush in Mina, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage. Earlier, two Iranian teenagers...

Iranian Police Seize over 2 Tons of Narcotics in Southeastern Province

Iran's anti-narcotics police have managed to seize over 2,200 kilograms of opium in two search and seizure operations in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the provincial police chief said on Wednesday.

8,000-Year-Old Pottery Unearthed at Sarsakhti Castle

Archeologists have discovered 8,000-year-old pottery during the first season of excavations in Sarsakhti Castle in Shazand, Markazi Province.

China to invest in Mehran Petrochemical construction

The deal for construction of first petrochemical power plant in Mehran was signed on Tuesday between the executor company of Petrosaman Faragostar and Chinese Company CNTIC.

Hezbollah a source of pride for Muslims: Leader

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has denounced a recent Saudi-led campaign against Hezbollah, praising the Lebanese movement as a source of pride for Muslims.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on April 20

IFP has taken a look at the front pages of newspapers on Wednesday and picked headlines from 20 of them. IFP has simply translated the headlines and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Iran Sets No Preconditions for Talks with Saudi Arabia: Cleric

Ayatollah Mohsen Qomi, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, believes that Saudi Arabia has made a lot of mistakes in recent years, for which it intends to blame Iran, considering the country its enemy. However, since Iran is aware of this plan and is not at all interested in fanning the flames of tension with the Arab state, it will not set any preconditions for any possible talks with Riyadh, he stated.

Asia-Pacific Meeting in Iran to Pave Way for Handicrafts Export

A senior Iranian official said that the holding of the 7th Asia-Pacific Forum in Iran could pave the way for boosting exports of Iranian handicrafts to foreign countries.

The Life of a Syrian Family in Tehran

He’s holding a folded piece of paper in one hand, while with the other gripping the hand of a little girl. He passes the paper to the taxi driver’s window, then bends his neck a bit without saying a word. It’s noon under Hafez Bridge in Tehran. A soft breeze blows and there’s no sign of heat yet.

Iranian Dentist Holds Hands-On Course in Dubai World Congress

Behnam Shakibaie, an Iranian researcher and inventor specializing in oral surgery, delivered a speech and held a hands-on course on microsurgery in a conference recently held in Dubai, the UAE.

Iran Rolls Out Red Carpet for World-Class Auteurs

The 34th Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) hosts acclaimed film directors from around the world. Well-known Hong Kong director Andrew Lau and Russian director Alexander Sokurov are among the attendees of the 34th FIFF, which began in Tehran on April 20. This is the second year in which the festival's international section has been held independently from its domestic counterpart. 50 countries are set to participate in the festival.

Opening of EU Office in Tehran: Good News for Iranians

The European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini announced on a recent visit to Tehran that the EU plans to open a permanent office in the Iranian capital in the near future. This move by the European bloc can be described as a great development for Iran. Asr-e Iran news website explains why the upcoming opening of an EU office in Iran is a good piece of news for a nation after the end of Western-imposed sanctions, as per the recent nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

34th edition of FIFF kicks off in Tehran

The 34th edition of Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) in two sections of Cinema Salvation Cinema (International competition) and Eastern Vista (Competition of Asian and Islamic Countries) started today in Tehran.

Top Iranian cineastes to hold workshops at Fajr festival

Some top Iranian cineastes are scheduled to hold a series of workshops during the 34th Fajr International Film Festival, which will open in Tehran tomorrow.

Aliabad Stone Caravanserai – Remnant of Seljuk Dynasty

The stone fort is the only remaining part of this caravanserai of in the heart of the desert. This historical site is located on Iran’s main route from northeast to southwest. Based on the evidence - the type of material and style of architecture - we can tell it belongs to the Seljuk dynasty.

Minister: Iran paying price for world peace, security in fighting narcotics

Interior Minister Mohammad Rahmani Fazli said Iran is paying the price for international peace and security in its fighting againat illegal drugs.

Iranian Speaker Underlines Necessity for Development of Tehran-Astana Parliamentary Cooperation

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani underscored the necessity for the further broadening of parliamentary relations and cooperation between Tehran and Astana.

Iran’s Zarif, US’s Kerry Meet in New York, Discuss JCPOA Implementation

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his American counterpart John Kerry in New York and discussed the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Tehran and six world powers.

Iran’s oil exports to hit 2mn bpd

An NIOC official has announced that Iran's sales of crude oil will reach 2mn barrels per day (bpd) in the current year.

Culture Minister: Major Hajj Pilgrimage if Saudi Cooperates

Ali Jannati, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, said his Ministry and the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization are trying to arrange this year's Hajj pilgrimage, if Saudis cooperate.

Iran National Library Hosts Georgian Manuscript Exhibit

A Georgian manuscript exhibition opened at Iran’s National Library with Georgian Ambassador to Iran Ioseb Chakhvashvili, ambassadors and diplomats from Bulgaria and Egypt, and several prominent Georgian-Iranians all in attendance.