London Bombs, London Blames

Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected Britain's claim that Tehran coordinated a plot at RAF Fairford, calling it a "false-flag operation." It noted no charges, no explosives, and suspects freed on bail—while Fairford has hosted US bombers striking Iran. "London cannot hide behind 'highly likely,'" Tehran said, demanding evidence or cooperation instead of "trial by press release."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531044/London-Bombs-London-Blames

Baku arrests dozens as hijab ban empties schools

Azerbaijan's new school uniform rule, extending to teachers on October 6, has barred hijab-wearing girls from classrooms. Students walked out in Baku, Masally, and elsewhere; boys joined the boycotts. Police reported 37 arrests, while activists say over 200 were detained. Instagram and TikTok were throttled during the protests. The decree never mentions the hijab, citing "secularism."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531045/Baku-arrests-dozens-as-hijab-ban-empties-schools

Give Riyadh a mirror

✏️ By Mohammad sarfi editor in chief

Responding to a Saudi columnist's outrage over Yemen's airport strike, the editor recalls Saudi airstrikes on Yemeni weddings, funerals, and a 2018 bus attack that killed 40 schoolchildren in Dahyan. He asks why Riyadh still can't defeat Ansarullah, notes Trump's boast of taking $500m in one call, and says: "Instead of pointing the finger at others, take a good look in the mirror."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531056/Give-Riyadh-a-mirror

Araghchi tells Lebanese president: Ending Israeli attacks, occupation is our priority

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday afternoon to discuss developments in Lebanon and the region.

🔹Araghchi stressed Iran's special concern for halting Zionist attacks and aggression against Lebanon and ending the occupation of southern areas, briefing Aoun on Iran's diplomatic efforts in recent weeks.

🔹President Aoun emphasized the priority of diplomatic solutions to regional crises.

🔹Both sides also discussed expanding bilateral relations and continuing contacts between officials of the two countries.

Gen. Javani: Iran will emerge victorious; power equations favor us

🔹IRGC Political Deputy Brigadier General Yadollah Javani said the recent war will reshape the global power order: "Iran, the Resistance Front, and regional Muslim nations will emerge victorious."

🔹Speaking in Gorgan, he said the US thought it could achieve its goals in 48-72 hours, but "the enemy miscalculated."

🔹Javani said Iran has passed the stage of a surprise attack capable of causing collapse: "We have proper readiness to respond to the enemy."

🔹He noted US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have been damaged, with US warships pushed farther away.

Bushehr: Where Iran's history meets the Persian Gulf

Bushehr blends maritime heritage with coastal landscapes—historic merchant mansions, the ancient port of Siraf, and the dramatic Jashak Salt Dome. Its old city, shaped by heat and humidity, features narrow lanes and shaded courtyards. Local cuisine centers on Gulf seafood and dates, while neyanban music and palm-leaf handicrafts reflect a distinctive coastal identity.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531081/Bushehr-Where-Iran-s-history-meets-the-Persian-Gulf

IRGC Navy commander: US carriers dare not approach Hormuz, we are waiting to sink them

Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei says US warships have withdrawn to about 700 km from the Strait, calling the US fleet "useless" and vulnerable. "We are counting down moment by moment" for them to enter range, he said. His remarks coincided with two incidents: a container ship striking a mine and an oil tanker damaged east of the Strait.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531090/US-carriers-dare-not-approach-Hormuz-we-are-waiting-to-sink

Ghalibaf mocks Bessent: Give him a Nobel Prize in Physics!

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's repeated and failed deadlines, writing: "All the deadlines they set for Iran's economic collapse in two weeks, the explosion of Iran's oil wells within three days, and imminent economic collapse from the 'economic isolation operation' have passed—and nothing happened."

🔹"Doesn't the US Treasury Secretary deserve a Nobel Prize in Physics for proving the meaninglessness of the concept of time?"

Gen. Qaani: Al-Aqsa Mosque is always Iran's top priority

🔹IRGC Quds Force Commander Brigadier General Esmaeil Qaani, in a message to the International Quds Institution, said: "Supporting the oppressed Palestinian nation and its resistance is an obligation we have been committed to since 1979—and remain committed to today."

🔹"The issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque and confronting enemy threats is, as a definitive covenant, always at the highest level of Iran's calculations and priorities."

🔹"We sincerely thank you for your supportive positions in defending Iran against the American and Zionist enemy, and for your condolences on the martyrdom of the Leader of the Revolution."

Saudi Arabia's billions in arms fail to buy security

Despite spending $83bn on defense last year, Saudi Arabia has failed to protect Riyadh's airport from Yemeni missile and drone strikes. Ansarallah combines ballistic, cruise, and drone attacks to overwhelm Patriot and THAAD systems. Analysts say Riyadh should "swallow its pride" and negotiate—security cannot be bought through Western weapons or alliances.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531085/Saudi-Arabia-s-billions-in-arms-fail-to-buy-security

Ghalibaf: We both fight and negotiate

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran's dual approach of combat readiness and diplomacy, stating: "We both fight and negotiate—from a position of strength."

🔹He stressed that Iran will not negotiate under pressure or threats, and that talks are only meaningful when the other side respects its commitments.

🔹His remarks align with his earlier statements that the era of "proportionate responses" is over and that Iran acts on the enemy's real behavior, not media rhetoric.

Republicans face expanding midterm backlash over Iran war, living costs

Three weeks before the midterms, 65% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran war—including 37% of Republicans. Consumer sentiment has fallen, and 73% worry about fuel prices. Republican candidates are now distancing themselves: Iowa's nominee calls for an "immediate end" to the war. GOP money is shifting to defend seats in Kansas and Texas.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531084/Republicans-face-expanding-midterm-backlash-over-Iran-war-living

Tehran puppet theater festival to open with public ceremony

The 21st Tehran-Mobarak International Puppet Theater Festival opens Saturday at the City Theater Complex, with organizers inviting the public to attend carrying their own puppets. Running October 17–22, the six-day event features Iranian and international artists showcasing traditional and contemporary puppetry, named after Mobarak, Iran's classic humorous glove-puppet character.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531063/Tehran-puppet-theater-festival-to-open-with-public-ceremony

Iran, Pakistan deepen economic ties with focus on mining sector cooperation

Senior Iranian and Pakistani officials met to expand mining cooperation, building on an August MoU from the Joint Trade Committee. Both sides reaffirmed their $10 billion trade target by 2030, up from $3bn in 2025. Talks covered removing transport, customs, and banking barriers, plus joint free zones and barter mechanisms.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531064/Iran-Pakistan-deepen-economic-ties-with-focus-on-mining-sector