In Urmia, the grape is more than a fruit

The 9th Urmia Grape Festival drew thousands to Chi Chest Coastal Village, showcasing dozens of varieties, traditional drying methods like "Milakh," and products like Doushab syrup. Urmia produces 240,000 tons annually, with 30,000 growers. Mayor Rahmani-Rezaeieh said ambassadors from 15 countries attended. But for many families, the festival is also a reunion—"the grapes are only part of the reason to come."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/530202/In-Urmia-the-grape-is-more-than-a-fruit

Ansarallah consolidates Red Sea control as Trump rejects MBS' desperate appeals

Yemeni forces have captured Mokha, Mayyun Island, and strategic heights overlooking Bab al-Mandab, collapsing Saudi proxy lines. Riyadh launched 760+ airstrikes in response, but Yemen struck Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Trump reportedly ordered then reversed a strike plan, leaving Saudi Arabia to fight alone. Yemen warns its missiles can reach "anywhere Saudi officials might be sheltering."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/530263/Ansarallah-consolidates-Red-Sea-control-as-Trump-rejects-MBS

IRGC spox: If US attacks Kuh-e Kolang or anywhere, we will confront it

🔹IRGC Spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohabi advised US officials not to repeat experiences in which they have already failed: "Testing the tested is a mistake."

🔹"Trump habitually threatens, forgetting that he has made threats before and failed to carry them out. Now he is making new threats again," he said.

🔹"If the US wants to attack any point in Iran—not just Kuh-e Kolang—we are fully prepared to confront it, and the experiences the US gained from our response, which prevented it from achieving its goals, will be repeated."

🔹"We are ready for every enemy scenario, and we will give a crushing response in any arena the enemy chooses."

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The Bell That Never Rang

Iran’s women’s kabaddi beat Bangladesh in Nagoya

Iran’s women’s kabaddi team continued their winning start at the Nagoya Asian Games with a commanding 54–19 victory over Bangladesh in their second match on Tuesday.

Team Melli delivered a dominant performance throughout the contest to secure their second consecutive win of the tournament.

Iran had opened their Asian Games campaign with a victory over hosts Japan, making it two wins from two matches.

Iran’s men’s kabaddi overpower Nepal in Nagoya

Iran’s men’s kabaddi team got off to a winning start at the Nagoya Asian Games, defeating Nepal 76–23 in their opening match.

Iran produced a dominant performance to secure a convincing victory and make a strong start to their campaign.

The Iranian side are drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, Nepal, Malaysia and Thailand.

Iran will play their second group-stage match against Malaysia on Wednesday, as they look to maintain their winning momentum.

Kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Games is being held from Sept. 21 to 26 at Tōkai Citizens Gymnasium.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York.

Iranian, Pakistani officials explore potential to develop science diplomacy

University of Tehran and Pakistan's ambassador discussed strengthening academic ties, including a joint conference on Allama Iqbal, an "Iqbal Lahori room," and collaboration in AI and engineering. They agreed on online courses, student exchanges, and scholarships. Pakistan proposed a joint scientific working group, and Iran offered Sistan-Baluchestan University as a hub for Pakistani students.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/530281/Iranian-Pakistani-officials-explore-potential-to-develop-science

Leader's message on school, university reopening: Be guardians of national identity, mother tongue, and the flag

🔹Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message marking the new academic year, calling it a herald of "vitality, hope, and the nation's movement toward a bright future."

🔹Honoring students martyred in the recent imposed war, he urged students to equip themselves with "knowledge and piety, hope and ethics," and to "always be guardians of national identity, cultural independence, the mother tongue, and the sacred flag."

🔹He stressed that "knowledge coupled with piety is a steel shield against aggressors."

🔹On teachers, he said their livelihood must be improved through "wise planning and effective efforts."

Iran, Qatar FMs hold talks on UNGA sidelines

Cuban delegation walks out of UN General Assembly during Trump's speech

IRGC: War continues in Hormuz; US has no interceptor missiles left

🔹Brigadier General Shahcheraghi said fighting continues day and night in the Strait of Hormuz, Sea of Oman, and Persian Gulf.

🔹"The Strait is not open; America is lying. If it had the capability it claims, why hasn't it reopened it?" he asked.

🔹"We have no shortages—the enemy's interceptor missiles are finished."

🔹He revealed 23,000 enemy projectiles were fired in the 40-day war, over 60% hitting military targets. One base was struck 1,000 times.

Iran, Uzbekistan eye AI-driven agricultural co-op as trade delegation aims for $2b

Iran and Uzbekistan have agreed to pursue joint investment in AI-based farming, livestock breeding, and pasture development. With over 100 Iranian companies present, officials set a target of boosting agricultural trade from $200 million to $600 million in two years, with broader ambitions of $2 billion. Iran also offered Uzbekistan access to open waters via its transport corridors.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/530296/Iran-Uzbekistan-eye-AI-driven-agricultural-co-op-as-trade-delegation

The power of knowledge, joined with piety and ethics, protects humanity from criminal US and Israel

In a message marking the new academic year, Leader Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei honored students martyred in the recent Imposed War and urged the younger generation to pursue knowledge, piety, and ethics. He called power rooted in knowledge "an iron shield and a sharp sword" against the "savagery" of the US and Zionist regime, and stressed safeguarding national identity.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/530303/The-power-of-knowledge-joined-with-piety-and-ethics-protects

Saddam and Trump's shared delusion

On the 46th anniversary of Saddam's invasion, the writer draws parallels with Trump's war on Iran: both believed a weakened Iran would quickly submit, both committed war crimes against civilians, and both miscalculated the Iranian people. Gulf states that backed Saddam—and now host US bases—have again bet on "the losing horse." Saddam died humiliated; Trump will live with Iran's shadow.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/530304/Saddam-and-Trump-s-shared-delusion