Estahban’s centuries-old tradition of sustainable fig cultivation

Estahban in Fars province is one of the world’s leading centers of rainfed fig production, with about 2.6 million fig trees covering 25,950 hectares. For more than 250 years, local gardeners have passed down traditional cultivation techniques while developing innovative ways to capture and conserve rainwater. These practices improve water efficiency, protect soil and reduce erosion. The fig gardens also support thousands of families and provide food for domestic and wild animals, making them vital to the region’s economy and environment.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529792/From-rainwater-to-figs-Estahban-s-tradition-of-sustainable-cultivation

Iranian students achieve milestones at international Olympiads despite war

Iranian students won 13 medals across multiple Olympiads despite the US-Israeli war. The physics team ranked first globally with 3 golds. Iran also won its first AI Olympiad gold, first medals in mathematics, and unprecedented geography success. Students triumphed at competitions in Colombia, Kazakhstan, China, Turkey, Italy, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, and online—demonstrating resilience and academic excellence under pressure.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529784/Iranian-students-achieve-milestones-at-international-Olympiads

India's new ambassador to Iran seeks to deepen ties amid shifting geopolitics

India's Ambassador-designate Vishwesh Negi has met with Iranian officials to boost bilateral cooperation. His appointment comes as New Delhi advocates de-escalation and backs SCO declarations condemning US-Israeli aggression. Key priorities include the Chabahar port, the INSTC corridor, and local-currency trade mechanisms. Negi's defense and security expertise positions him to operationalize growing India-Iran strategic ties.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529807/India-s-new-ambassador-to-Iran-seeks-to-deepen-ties-amid-shifting

Economic blockade is difficult in a multipolar world

The head of the Iran‑Russia Joint Chamber of Commerce says a total US economic blockade is difficult in today's multipolar world, as China, India, Russia, and Gulf states have independent interests. He stresses diversifying trade routes, boosting non‑oil exports, and reducing currency conversion costs—not just bypassing the dollar, but building reliable regional payment and logistics networks.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529801/Economic-blockade-is-difficult-in-a-multipolar-world

Iran to declare 'restricted zone' beyond Strait of Hormuz

Iran's SNSC chief announced plans for a restricted zone beyond the Strait, where unauthorized vessels face sanctions. He dismissed Trump's claim the waterway is open, saying traffic has collapsed from 100+ ships daily to just 7‑8. He also revealed a new anti‑ship missile test above a US warship, forcing it to flee. Tehran will only reopen the strait if Washington ends aggression.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529788/Iran-to-declare-restricted-zone-beyond-Strait-of-Hormuz-amid

Aramco facilities in Jizan burn as Yemeni forces advance

Yemeni forces struck Saudi Aramco's Jizan refinery again, sending Brent above $97. Yemen also downed three Saudi drones in 24 hours and advanced along the Red Sea coast. Meanwhile, a Saudi airstrike on a jail in Al‑Jawf killed a child and left dozens trapped. Ansarullah warns Riyadh will "bear the consequences" of its aggression.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529809/Aramco-facilities-in-Jizan-burn-as-Yemeni-forces-advance

US House moves to silence universities in favor of Israel

The House passed a bill (237‑169) that would bar federal funding for universities that boycott Israeli institutions—including those in illegal West Bank settlements. Critics call it a violation of free speech and a blow to academic freedom. With US public support for Israel plummeting, the bill penalizes dissent while shielding Israel from accountability. It now heads to the Senate.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529810/US-House-moves-to-silence-universities-in-favor-of-Israel

Washington Post confirms US bombing of Iranian wedding

The Washington Post has confirmed that a US bomb struck a wedding in Kuhestak, killing four and wounding dozens. A JSOW glide bomb intended for a nearby tower strayed into the residential venue—just 440 feet away. The report links this to the Minab school massacre, where 168 were killed. The Pentagon has dismantled civilian harm oversight, critics say, evading accountability for systematic civilian casualties.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529796/Washington-Post-confirms-US-bombing-of-Iranian-wedding

📞 Iran FM congratulates new OIC chief, urges united Islamic response to Israeli aggression

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his election as OIC Secretary-General, urging him to use the organization's capacities to strengthen unity among Islamic nations.

🔹Araghchi briefed the OIC chief on US-Israeli aggression against Iran, stressing the need for a responsible Islamic response to sovereignty violations.

🔹He also highlighted the situation in Palestine and Lebanon, urging a firm, unified stance against Zionist crimes.

🔹Araghchi invited the new OIC chief to visit Tehran at the earliest opportunity.

Baghaei: Canada's support for US economic war is complicity in law-breaking

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei responded to Canada's joint statement backing US economic war on Iran, saying Canada cannot claim to champion "peace and international law" while supporting US aggression.

🔹He noted that the Strait of Hormuz was secure before the US-Israeli war began on February 28.

🔹"If freedom of navigation is truly the issue, why does Canada—knowing US signatures are 'written in pencil'—support US economic terrorism instead of calling for an end to the war and blockade?"

🔹Baghaei concluded: "This is submission to intimidation that won't shield Canada from American bullying."

Iran SNSC : Washington has received a clear warning from Iran's new missiles

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei stated that in recent days, Washington has received a clear warning through Iran's new missile capabilities.

He added that the economic war will be met with the establishment of a maritime no-go zone across the entire Persian Gulf up to the blockade perimeter.

He further noted that operational strategy against US vessels and military bases has undergone a fundamental review.

General Izadi: We stand firm against the US

🔹Deputy IRGC Commander Mostafa Izadi stated that Iran is "standing firmly against the US," and that the Islamic Revolution has become a "lasting model of resistance."

🔹He noted the current confrontation is between "the Prophetic and Islamic movement of resistance" and its adversaries, with Iran standing alongside Palestine and the resistance front.

🔹"Millions in Iran and neighboring countries are moving for the Revolution's ideals—this shows the immense capacity of the resistance front," Izadi said.

Up to 14,000 bodies still lie under the ruins of Gaza homes

Gaza held a mass funeral for 100 exhumed bodies—70 of them children—killed in Israeli airstrikes over two years ago. Civil Defense estimates 8,000–14,000 more remain buried. Rescue crews lack heavy equipment due to Israel's blockade; 85% of Civil Defense vehicles destroyed. Without machinery, recovery could take years. Critics warn clearing rubble without oversight risks erasing evidence of genocide.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529808/Up-to-14-000-bodies-still-lie-under-the-ruins-of-Gaza-homes

📞 Araghchi: US must return to MoU commitments for Hormuz solution

🔹Foreign Ministers Abbas Araghchi and Toshimitsu Motegi held a phone call to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments.

🔹Araghchi blamed the current tensions on Washington's "sad violation" of US commitments under the Islamabad MoU: "The solution is simple—the US must return to its commitments and signature."

🔹He also said Iran and Oman have made "significant progress" in talks on a temporary Hormuz route, with consultations continuing.

🔹Motegi expressed concern over rising tensions and stressed the need for diplomatic coordination to ensure safe navigation in the Strait.

Pezeshkian to Trump: We are the guardian of the great Iranian nation's rights

🔹President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic has always opposed war and views the protection of people's interests and regional security as reliant on avoiding conflict.

🔹"But as we have bravely risen in defense against aggression, we will continue this resistance with strength until the aggressors are fully regretful, and we will be the guardian of the great Iranian nation's rights," he said.

Qom: A province of ancient beacons along historic routes

Scattered across Qom province, ancient Meels—standalone beacon towers—once guided travelers and caravans through central Iran. Built from the Sasanian to Seljuk eras, they feature cylindrical forms, spiral staircases, and elevated positions overlooking historic routes. Surviving examples include Aliabad, Babak, and Chahak Meels. These lesser‑known heritage sites offer a unique window into Iran's history of travel and communication.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529795/Qom-A-province-of-ancient-beacons-along-historic-routes

Saadi Foundation launches international competition '20 Words, One Text'

Marking Iran's National Day of Persian Poetry (Sept 18), the Saadi Foundation has launched an international competition for Persian learners worldwide. Participants must compose and recite a two‑minute Persian text on Iran, poetry, and literature using 20 specified words. The deadline is September 17, with five winners to be announced. The foundation promotes Persian through 40+ global centers.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529776/Saadi-Foundation-launches-international-competition-20-Words