Racism Erupts in Israeli Election Campaign After Broadcaster Calls Eisenkot a "Monkey"

A racism controversy has erupted ahead of Israel's October 27 elections after pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal called rival Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey" and suggested he is controlled by Ashkenazi elites. Eisenkot, a former military chief of Moroccan descent leading the Yashar party, could become Israel's first Mizrahi prime minister. The remarks have reignited debate over ethnic discrimination between Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Jews, with Magal previously mocking Eisenkot's Moroccan heritage.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531407/Racism-erupts-in-Israeli-election-campaign-after-broadcaster

Germany, France and UK ready to negotiate with Iran, says German FM

Germany, France, and Britain are ready to negotiate with Iran, Reuters quoted German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as saying, signaling a possible diplomatic opening with Tehran.

Experts Highlight Lut Desert Geopark Bid, Kerman's Geological and Natural Attractions

Experts at Shahid Bahonar University discussed the potential benefits of a UNESCO Global Geopark designation for the Lut Desert, citing sustainable tourism, job creation, and stronger protection of unique geological heritage. Kerman province, holding 10 UNESCO sites but attracting only 0.7% of Iran's tourists, could see its international profile rise. Speakers also emphasized Shahdad's ancient qanats, with one noting: "Civilizations are formed with water and disappear with water."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531413/Experts-highlight-Lut-Desert-geopark-bid-Kerman-s-geological

The US naval blockade of Iran: An illegal act of coercion

The US naval blockade of Iran lacks UN Security Council authorization and doesn't qualify as self-defense under the UN Charter, writes the author. Citing experts Michael Schmitt, Steve Prest, and Mark Nevitt, she argues the blockade is illegal, that sanctions don't grant rights to seize ships on the high seas, and that its humanitarian toll must be documented and pursued legally.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531415/The-US-naval-blockade-of-Iran-an-illegal-act-of-coercion

WFP showcases refugee children's art to support humanitarian work in Iran

The World Food Programme exhibited paintings by refugee children from 20 settlements across Iran, with proceeds supporting humanitarian programs. WFP assists about 60,000 people in Iran, including refugees and conflict-affected host communities. Iran hosts roughly 2.5 million Afghans, one of the world's largest refugee populations. The exhibition concluded Friday in Tehran.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531439/WFP-showcases-refugee-children-s-art-to-support-humanitarian

Iran women's tennis team wins Billie Jean King Cup, promoted to Asia/Oceania Group II

🔹Iran's national women's tennis team defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup, claiming the title and earning promotion to the Asia/Oceania Group II.

Beyond Iran's famous cities: Villages that deserve a place on every traveler's itinerary

From Kandovan's rock-carved homes near Tabriz to Palangan's stepped slopes in Kordestan, and Masuleh's rooftop streets in Gilan, Iran's villages reveal remarkable diversity. Abyaneh's red earthen lanes, Gazor-Khan's gateway to Alamut Castle, and Kharanaq's abandoned Silk Road ruins offer travelers a different perspective beyond Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531447/Beyond-Iran-s-famous-cities-villages-that-deserve-a-place-on

No Persian Gulf for old carriers

Major General Ali Abdollahi says the US Navy has been rendered ineffective and will "never" be allowed back into the Persian Gulf. He mocked Trump's contradictory claims about destroying Iran's capabilities while demanding it not get nuclear weapons. The Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain is said to be destroyed, and the war's objective has shifted from regime change to reopening Hormuz.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531466/No-Persian-Gulf-for-old-carriers

Leader urges judicial reform, anti-corruption drive in meeting with Judiciary chief

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has called for broader access to justice, stronger protection of public rights and decisive action against corruption, stressing that these measures are essential to strengthening public trust in the judiciary.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531467/Leader-urges-judicial-reform-anti-corruption-drive-in-meeting

Macklemore says 'being human is not complicated' as sold-out Gaza benefit tour opens

After being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour over his pro-Palestine stance, Macklemore returned at Red Rocks, declaring "free Palestine" and condemning oppression from Gaza to Sudan and the US. His independent benefit tour—Dublin, Paris, London—sold out in minutes, with proceeds going to 12 Gaza relief groups. Four Sheeran opening acts resigned in protest.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531457/Macklemore-says-being-human-is-not-complicated-as-sold-out

Americans are done paying for Trump's family business

Nine days before midterms, 36% of voters name government corruption as their top issue. Trump's sons' firms have reportedly drawn $3.7bn in federal money—including a $90m Air Force drone-interceptor contract—while the Iran war drives gas above $5. Nearly two-thirds say Trump is enriching himself. His approval sits at a record-low 33%.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531462/American-are-done-paying-for-Trump-s-family-business

Israel brings talks with Lebanon to a standstill by refusing to withdraw from 'pilot zones'

US-hosted talks in Tampa ended without a breakthrough, as Israel refused to withdraw from "pilot zones" for the Lebanese army to take over. Lebanon insists on reciprocal steps and a withdrawal timetable. Israel's attacks have killed over 4,300 Lebanese and displaced a million since February. Hezbollah, excluded from talks, says it won't disarm while Israel remains a threat.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531450/Israel-brings-talks-with-Lebanon-to-a-standstill-by-refusing

Ghalibaf: The Iranian nation will not be intimidated by US threats

🔹 Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said Sunday that Iran will not surrender to US military threats and pressure, stressing that American claims will have no credibility until Washington changes its behavior.

🔹 Marking the anniversary of Imam Khomeini's protest against the Capitulation Law, he said today's Iran is an independent regional power, warning that any aggression will receive a response "beyond the enemies' imagination."

🔹 On domestic issues, Ghalibaf urged the government to address rising prices and protect people's livelihoods, and called for a national effort to cut gas consumption by at least 10% ahead of winter.