Children's Book Council announces Iranian nominees for 2028 Hans Christian Andersen Award

Author Ahmad Akbarpour and illustrator Reza Dalvand have been nominated by Iran's Children's Book Council for the 2028 Hans Christian Andersen Award—often called the Nobel Prize for children's literature. Akbarpour, a 2026 finalist, tackles war, peace, and social issues. Dalvand blends Persian heritage with universal themes. Their works have been translated and recognized internationally.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529710/Children-s-Book-Council-announces-Iranian-nominees-for-2028-Hans

Echoes of the past: Ceremonial dress of a Safavid noble

A red‑ground silk robe from 17th‑century Safavid Iran, woven in Yazd, is preserved at the National Museum of Iran. Its geometric floral pattern, metallic zarbaft trims, and seventeen silver buttons reflect courtly opulence and rank. The garment synthesizes weaving, painting, and tailoring—embodying the sophistication of Safavid textile arts, which were prized from the Ottoman Empire to Europe.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529707/Echoes-of-the-past-Ceremonial-dress-of-a-Safavid-noble

🔴 General Abdollahi: US false expectation of Iran's surrender will never be realized

🔹Chief of Staff Major General Ali Abdollahi said the US has not heard a "negative answer" from any country for over 80 years—but its expectation of Iran's surrender "will never be realized."

🔹He noted the enemy is trying to compensate for strategic defeats through soft war, cognitive warfare, and economic pressure—but "will also fail."

🔹Abdollahi concluded: "The future world will be different—in favor of Iran and with the definite decline of US power."

Economy Minister arrives in Moscow for bilateral, BRICS talks

🔹Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, arrived in Moscow on Sunday at the head of a delegation for bilateral and multilateral consultations .

🔹He was welcomed by Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, upon arrival at Sheremetyevo International Airport .

🔹The minister is scheduled to meet with Russia's Finance Minister, hold consultations within the BRICS and SCO frameworks, and attend a gathering of Iranian and Russian traders and business leaders .

Ghalibaf: US must understand rules have changed; 'proportionate responses' era is over

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that the era of "proportionate responses" to US aggression is over, warning that any attack on Iran's interests or security will now receive a "faster, heavier, and more painful" response.

🔹"The US has understood that our recent strikes on their bases were just the beginning," Ghalibaf said.

🔹He emphasized that maintaining internal cohesion and external deterrence are the two key tools against the enemy, and warned against any rhetoric that weakens the nation's resolve

🔹Ghalibaf also stressed the need to address economic challenges through domestic production and elite-driven innovation.

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Why does Trump downplay the war with Iran?

Ghalibaf mocks Bessent's $40 oil fantasy: 'Warm up before you take off!'

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's claim that oil prices could drop to $40 by the midterm elections and that the US economy is "taking off."

🔹In a sarcastic post on X, Qalibaf shared a satirical image of Bessent taking off and crashing, telling him: "Warm up before you take off!"

🔹He listed five inconvenient realities:

1️⃣ US diesel prices at record highs.
2️⃣ Japan, the largest US bond holder, is selling off.
3️⃣ Norway's sovereign wealth fund is offloading $80 billion in US bonds.
4️⃣ US military recruitment is plummeting.
5️⃣ Fed officials are warning of rising inflation and interest rates.

🔹"What a situation!" Qalibaf concluded.

Iran's retaliatory fire sends US warships fleeing, exposes American vulnerability

The IRGC launched multiple ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and destroyer involved in the naval blockade, forcing them to withdraw. CENTCOM acknowledged the strikes. Iran also shot down a US surveillance balloon over Erbil and struck three US-linked vessels. The operations come after US attacks on Larak Island, Khuzestan, and a wedding in Kuhestak. Analysts warn US interceptor stockpiles are critically depleted.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529757/Iran-s-retaliatory-fire-sends-US-warships-fleeing-exposes-American

‼️ Exclusive:

US military emulates Israeli 'total war' tactics by deliberately targeting civilians

Former Pentagon analyst Karen Kwiatkowski says the US is adopting Israeli "total war" tactics—deliberately targeting civilians, schools, and weddings. She argues Washington has immense intelligence capabilities, so such strikes are not accidents but a strategy to "assault the humanity" of opponents. She also warns the Pentagon is weakened by political purges, and that the Israeli lobby heavily shapes US foreign policy.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529756/US-military-emulates-Israeli-total-war-tactics-by-deliberately

Israeli warplanes slaughter civilians, obliterate hospital in southern Lebanon

Israeli strikes on Nabatieh district killed four civilians, wounded 20, and destroyed Al‑Ghandour Hospital—despite a US‑backed framework supposed to secure withdrawal. Hezbollah drones disrupted an Israeli tunnel demolition plot. As Israel plans a forced pullback to a 2‑4 km strip, it is accelerating the scorched‑earth demolition of border villages. Over 4,360 killed in Lebanon since March.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529759/Israeli-warplanes-slaughter-civilians-obliterate-hospital-in

Iran to designate 'prohibited zone' in Strait of Hormuz, blacklist violating vessels: SNSC chief

🔹SNSC Secretary Mohsen Rezaei announced Iran will establish a "prohibited zone" in the Strait of Hormuz, extending from the US naval blockade line into the Persian Gulf, to blacklist vessels attempting unauthorized transit.

🔹"Each ship attempting to transit will be registered in our blacklist. Owners and charterers will face serious insurance and shipping cost problems," he said.

🔹Rezaei also confirmed Iran tested a ballistic missile against a US naval vessel in the past 48 hours, calling it "a turning point."

🔹He stated Iran has finalized a corridor agreement with Oman to manage Gulf entry-exit, with the map agreed upon and the deal to be signed soon.

🔹"This corridor will serve as a practical guarantee in the new diplomacy—in exchange for managing the route, commitments will be made to keep the Strait open, avoid sabotage, and prevent threats or attacks on Iran."

Shadowy Emirati firm exposed as major oil supplier for Israeli military

Heritage Petroleum FZCO, a Dubai-based firm incorporated in December 2023, has quietly supplied 22 million barrels of crude to Israeli refineries since October 2023—fueling the Gaza genocide. Working with Swiss giant Vitol, the company routed shipments via Turkey's Ceyhan port, exploiting loopholes to bypass Ankara's trade ban. Activists say such firms and states risk complicity in genocide under international law.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529760/Shadowy-Emirati-firm-exposed-as-major-oil-supplier-for-Israeli

Baghaei: US expects world to pay for war it started on Iran

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the US has disrupted global shipping and energy markets by launching an "unlawful and savage war" on Iran—and now seeks to present the world with the bill.

🔹"The Strait of Hormuz was wide open until February 28, when the US-Israeli aggression began. Tankers are halted, trade is disrupted, and energy prices are rising," he wrote on X.

🔹"Washington wants to recast its own war as the cost of Iran's behavior—utterly preposterous!"

President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Tajikistan's president, government and people on the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, emphasising the historic, cultural and linguistic bonds between the two nations.

In a message to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Pezeshkian said the two countries' ancient historical, cultural and linguistic ties and their civilisational commonalities are a "great asset" for deepening and expanding fraternal relations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has placed the expansion of comprehensive cooperation with Tajikistan among its foreign policy priorities and stresses its firm resolve to strengthen these relations in the direction of mutual interests, regional stability and security, and the elevation of our shared culture and literature," he said.

Iran warns South Korea against Gulf military presence

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned Seoul that any military presence in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz would be considered "direct support for the American aggressor" with serious consequences.

🔹Baghaei said Iran values its 64-year friendly ties with South Korea but stressed: "No sovereign government submits to US pressure to take part in aggressive acts against Iran."

🔹The warning comes amid US efforts to build a coalition in the Gulf.

Iran attends 39th Moscow International Book Fair

Iran showcased 500 book titles, illustrations, and cultural programs at the Moscow International Book Fair. The pavilion highlighted literature, culture, and religion, with a special memorial for Minab's child martyrs. It also promoted Iran's "Grant" program and pursued publishing cooperation with Russian partners. Over 300 publishers from Russia and abroad participated.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529735/Iran-attends-39th-Moscow-International-Book-Fair

Ghalibaf: If you attack our assets, you will be attacked

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the region's oil and gas production chain—and US companies operating there—are "accessible and vulnerable."

🔹"It's simple and clear: if you attack our assets, you will be attacked. We have proven this ability before. Ask your military bases that have been taken out of operation," he said in a post on X.

🔹The remarks come amid ongoing US-Israeli aggression and economic warfare against Iran, as Washington continues its naval blockade in the Persian Gulf.