GII 2026 places Tehran 65th among top 100 science and technology clusters

Tehran ranked 65th in WIPO's Global Innovation Index 2026, with 405 patent applications, 58,732 scientific publications, and 107 VC deals. Top fields include medical technology and computer tech. Tehran also rose 20 spots to 348 in StartupBlink's innovation cities ranking, home to 96 startups. Pardis Technology Park and fintech (72nd globally) drive Iran's growing ecosystem.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529855/GII-2026-places-Tehran-65th-among-top-100-science-and-technology

Iran, Russia, China condemn Israeli attacks on Syria in joint IAEA statement

🔹In a joint statement at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Iran, Russia, and China strongly condemned Israeli regime attacks on Syrian territory and stressed the need to hold perpetrators accountable under international law .

🔹The three countries warned that IAEA assessments must not rely on third-party information, satellite imagery, or unproven assumptions.

🔹They emphasized that politicization of issues and Israeli attacks have been major obstacles to technical cooperation and IAEA access to relevant sites in Syria .

Sanaa: Saudi regime carried out 48 airstrikes on Yemen in 12 hours; attacks will not go unanswered

🔹The Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson stated that in response to escalating Saudi aggression, dozens of airstrikes have targeted various regions across Yemen over the past 12 hours.

🔹F-15SA fighter jets from King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, along with Typhoon fighters from King Fahd Air Base in Taif, have carried out 48 strikes against Yemeni territory.

🔹The governorates of Al-Jawf, Marib, Taiz, Al-Hodeidah, Saada, and Al-Bayda have been hit by these extensive attacks. This ongoing aggression will not remain unanswered or unpunished.

🔹The strikes come after Yemeni forces launched a retaliatory offensive with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones on Saudi Aramco facilities in Abha, Najran, and Jizan, as well as the King Khalid Air Base.

Moby-Dick catch in Hormuz

Iran’s IRGC Navy has captured a U.S. Dive-LD autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz following what it described as a “complex intelligence and operational action.” The advanced vessel, developed by California-based Anduril Industries, is designed for intelligence, surveillance, seabed mapping and mine countermeasures. The capture highlights the growing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare and underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Read more:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529874/Moby-Dick-catch-in-Hormuz

Iran UN envoy: US draft resolution is 'rewarding aggressor, punishing victim'

🔹Iran's permanent representative to the UN in Vienna, Reza Najafi, said the proposed US resolution is a political instrument aimed at "distortion" and pressuring Iran into submission while ignoring military attacks on nuclear sites.

🔹He argued that the US-Israeli attacks have made safeguards implementation "practically impossible" - and under international law, this "forced inability" is the responsibility of aggressors, not Iran.

🔹Najafi called accusations of non-cooperation "dangerous half-truths," stating that IAEA inspectors had to leave due to lack of security caused by the strikes.

🔹"The U.S. is the architect of the crisis and should not exploit the Board to legitimize its unlawful actions," he added.

Gharibabadi: IAEA resolution won't compensate for US policy failures

🔹Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has responded to the IAEA Board of Governors' vote to refer Iran to the UN Security Council, which passed with 23 votes in favor, 3 against, and 8 abstentions .

🔹Gharibabadi highlighted the hypocrisy of the resolution, pointing out that the US and Israel "attack safeguards-covered nuclear facilities, disrupt routine verification, and then exploit that same disruption as a pretext for a resolution at the Board of Governors" .

🔹He warned that such politicized maneuvering cannot compensate for the failures of US policies and actions in the region.

Is Israel reshaping its occupation of southern Lebanon?

Israel appears to be considering a narrower occupation zone in southern Lebanon while retaining military control through fortified positions, drones and airpower. The proposed “Gray Line” could reduce the territory occupied on the ground without constituting a legal withdrawal to the UN-established Blue Line. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue beyond the occupation zone, targeting civilian infrastructure and Lebanese military personnel. The emerging model raises a key question: Is Israel withdrawing from southern Lebanon or reshaping its occupation?

Read more:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529858/Is-Israel-reshaping-its-occupation-of-southern-Lebanon

Iran War: A Strategic Folly Causing Global Economic Ruin

The US-Israel war on Iran has triggered irreversible global economic damage. By permanently altering control over the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran has introduced a lasting risk premium into energy markets. This conflict has also cemented China as the dominant force in oil markets, accelerating the global energy transition on adversaries' terms. The US now faces soaring inflation, weakened economic standing, and a geopolitical quagmire—a stark lesson in how misguided policy boomerangs, harming the initiator far more than its intended target.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529870/Strategic-folly-of-Iran-war-a-global-economic-catastrophe

Iranian Illustrator Shines as Finalist at 2026 Golden Pinwheel Competition

Maryam Mahmoudi Moghadam has been named among 50 finalists at the 2026 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition in Shanghai, selected from over 2,100 entrants worldwide. She is the only Iranian artist on the list, representing 19 countries. Her work comes from the children's book "Muri and Guri" by Ahmad Akbarpour, which has previously won multiple international awards. The finalists' artworks will be exhibited in November at the China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair and featured in the annual yearbook, with a public vote for the People's Choice Award.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529857/Iranian-illustrator-among-finalists-of-2026-Golden-Pinwheel-Young

Iran Showcases Vibrant Art Scene at Cosmoscow Fair for Third Year

Iran has participated in the 14th Cosmoscow International Contemporary Art Fair for the third consecutive year, presenting works from over 50 artists through eight galleries. The dedicated "Persian" section featured both modern masters and contemporary talents, receiving a warm reception from Russian visitors. Ambassador Kazem Jalali highlighted the event's role in fostering cultural ties and building trust in the Russian art market. Fair Director Margarita Pushkina praised Iran's rich artistic heritage, while Cultural Attaché Abdolreza Rashed emphasized this presence as a powerful example of cultural diplomacy beyond official channels.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529839/Iran-attends-Cosmoscow-International-Contemporary-Art-Fair-for

President Masoud Pezeshkian will depart for New Delhi on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit of Heads of State.

Iran to UN: Snapback mechanism has no legal basis

🔹Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN stated that the so-called activation of the "snapback" mechanism by the European Troika was never legally valid, citing the E3's widespread non-compliance with the JCPOA and Resolution 2231.

🔹"With the expiration of Resolution 2231 on October 18, 2025, all nuclear-related provisions, measures, and restrictions permanently ended. There is no legal basis for the alleged activities of Committee 1373," the mission said.

🔹It stressed that UN Security Council procedures must serve international peace and security, not be a tool for political accusations or a cover for illegal actions.

Iran, Saudi FMs discuss regional escalation, stress diplomatic efforts

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to exchange views on the latest regional developments.

🔹Both sides noted the escalation of tensions and growing insecurity in the region, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further spread of tensions and restore stability and security.

Iran FM, Pakistani Army chief discuss regional escalation, coordination

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir held a phone call on Thursday evening to discuss the latest regional developments.

🔹Both sides exchanged views on escalating tensions, growing insecurity in the region, and its consequences for regional peace and stability.

🔹They emphasized the need for vigilance and coordination among regional countries, stressing the use of shared capacities to help establish lasting peace and security.