Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will travel to Ashgabat on Monday leading a diplomatic and economic delegation to hold talks with Turkmen officials on bilateral relations in various fields of mutual interest.

Qeshm Launches Multimedia Documentation Project to Preserve Island's Intangible Heritage

Qeshm Island has launched a multimedia project to record indigenous knowledge, oral history, and intangible heritage through interviews with local tradition bearers. The initiative covers maritime knowledge, local stories, and water heritage, aiming to prevent the permanent loss of valuable knowledge and pass it to younger generations. It also seeks to promote community-based cultural tourism rooted in local identity. Qeshm, Iran's largest island, is known for Lenj boatbuilding, Bandari embroidery, mat weaving, mangrove forests, and its UNESCO Global Geopark.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531713/Qeshm-launches-multimedia-documentation-project-to-preserve-island-s

Iran Inflicted at Least $5 Billion in Damage on US Military Bases: WSJ

A Wall Street Journal investigation found Iranian strikes damaged 274 structures at 24 US installations during the war's first six months, with costs estimated between $5 billion and $15 billion. Iran increasingly targeted troop housing and showed improved precision and attack sequencing. The AP reported strikes focused on early-warning systems before hitting aircraft and buildings. More than 20 US service members have died and 400 were wounded before the July ceasefire collapsed, after which casualty figures stopped being published.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531719/Iran-inflicted-at-least-5-billion-in-damage-on-US-military-bases

Midterms Reopen Debate Over Dominance of Wealth in US Politics

The 2026 midterms, projected at $11.6 billion, have reignited debate over money's dominance in US politics. The 50 largest donors gave $2.77 billion, with Musk alone contributing $446 million. Over $1 billion from undisclosed sources flowed into races, and Michigan advertising exceeded $850 million. The Brennan Center warns the FEC lacks quorum to oversee spending. Critics, citing Stiglitz, say American democracy is drifting from "one person, one vote" to "one dollar, one vote," with Citizens United dismantling restrictions.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531716/Midterms-reopen-debate-over-dominance-of-wealth-in-US-politics

Good Nuclear, Bad Nuclear: Europe's Nuclear Hypocrisy

Europe lectures Iran on non-proliferation while joining NATO's Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise, participating in France's Operation Poker, and debating a German or European arsenal. Finland and Lithuania are removing legal bans on hosting nuclear weapons, and Poland may station US arms. Columnist Ehsan Etesam asks: if deterrence is essential for Germany's security, why must Iran—facing sanctions, assassinations, and direct US-Israeli attacks—surrender every defensive option? Security cannot be an exclusive privilege for powerful nations while others are told to depend on goodwill.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531722/Good-Nuclear-Bad-Nuclear

Iran Designates MI6, Royal Navy and RAF Under Reciprocal Measures Against UK

Iran's Foreign Ministry designated MI6 as a hostile group and the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations, citing Britain's role in the US-Israeli war through military bases, facilities, and logistical support, and its July 13 decision to bring the IRGC under the State Threats Act 2026. The measures, based on a Supreme National Security Council resolution, took effect November 1 and invoke laws on espionage and reciprocal action. Tehran holds London responsible for any consequences, citing international law and the principle of reciprocity.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531732/Iran-designates-MI6-Royal-Navy-and-RAF-under-reciprocal-measures

Sasanian-Era Rock Carvings of Human Hands Discovered in Marvdasht

Archaeologists have identified previously undocumented Sasanian-era rock carvings depicting human hands without accompanying figures in Marvdasht Plain, Fars province. Found alongside a Middle Persian prayer inscription, the engravings likely served devotional purposes—symbolizing prayer, oaths, or appeals for divine assistance. Similar independent hand motifs appear on Sasanian seals, including one reading "seeking the assistance of the deities." Researchers say further study is needed to establish the motifs' precise meaning and function .

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531712/Sasanian-era-rock-carvings-of-human-hands-discovered-in-Marvdasht

Robert De Niro Challenges Trump's Leadership, US Foreign Policy

Trump called De Niro a "moron" after the actor intensified criticism, calling Trump Epstein's "protector-in-chief" and asking, "What is he hiding?" De Niro has condemned Trump's treatment of cultural institutions, film tariffs, healthcare, and immigration enforcement, saying, "I want to love my country again." In June, he said he could not love a country that launches "stupid and inhumane wars," killing thousands of innocents—framing his opposition as a broader objection to America's direction.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531709/Robert-De-Niro-challenges-Trump-s-leadership-US-foreign-policy

Araghchi: Regional countries should be careful that a new war does not form

🔹 Foreign Minister Araghchi told Al Jazeera that regional countries should be careful no new war takes shape, warning that if one begins it will have consequences for the entire region.

🔹 He said Iran and America's biggest problem is mutual distrust, noting that diplomacy was tried three times in two years and each time led to war from the American side.

🔹 Araghchi said consultations continue with Qatari and Pakistani mediators on Iran's conditions, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war on all fronts, adding that Iran has no current plan to meet US officials.

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, arrived in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, this morning (Tuesday) for an official visit.

Baghaei: The cause of insecurity in the region is the Zionist regime

🔹 Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told his weekly press conference that developments in the region continue at a rapid pace, that occupied Palestine is the focal point of West Asian developments, and that the cause of insecurity in the region is the Zionist regime.

🔹 He said more than ten Palestinians were martyred today, that conditions for Palestinian refugees are catastrophic as winter approaches, and that they are not even allowed to bring in prefabricated cabins.

🔹 Warning of the "dangerous phenomenon of normalizing crime and killing," he said the fact that Palestinians have become a number shows the international community bears responsibility and must take a position.

Baghaei: International silence won't stop Iran from strengthening defense capabilities

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Tasnim that Iran carefully documents all cases of gross violations of international law and the UN Charter, but experience shows international bodies act mostly in slogans.

🔹"It is regrettable that the UN, Security Council, and IAEA Board of Governors have remained silent against overt US threats."

Baghaei: Bilateral visit to Turkmenistan opens new chapter in trade, energy cooperation

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said economic bodies, including the Oil Ministry, are actively involved in advancing regional diplomacy.

🔹"Neighbors are among Iran's most prominent territorial and geopolitical advantages. In recent years, based on the neighborhood policy, relations with them—especially in Central Asia and the Caucasus—have been growing and expanding."

🔹"Relations with Turkmenistan are on a favorable, deepening path. The upcoming bilateral visit aims to enhance trade,economic, and energy cooperation, expected to be an effective step toward a leap in economic exchanges between the two countries."

Baghaei: US election results won't change Iran's policies

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said safeguarding national security and vital interests is Iran's top priority.

🔹"Seventy years of US hostility—since the 1953 coup—prove that changing administrations or parties in Washington does not change the nature of US behavior toward Iran."

🔹"US election developments have never been a criterion for Tehran's strategic decisions. Iran focuses on relying on internal capacities and strengthening national authority across all arenas."

🔹Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has traveled to Beijing to meet and consult with Chinese officials.

🔹Bagheri is scheduled to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss bilateral, regional, and international developments.

During a meeting with Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and his accompanying delegation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed that Beijing will continue its efforts to establish peace and stability in the region.

Semnan's Oral Heritage: A Living Reflection of History and Cultural Identity

Semnan province holds rich oral traditions, customs, and local narratives passed down through generations. Tourism lecturer Fatemeh-Zahra Haghighi stresses that preserving monuments like Tarikhaneh Mosque and the Seljuk-era minaret isn't enough—traditional lifestyles, crafts, and personal accounts must be documented through recorded interviews with elders and artisans. Semnan's "sea of accents," with distinct dialects in Mahdishahr, Shahmirzad, and beyond, also requires systematic archiving. Without such efforts, dialects may vanish as younger generations adopt dominant languages. Preservation is a collective responsibility.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/531748/Semnan-s-oral-heritage-a-living-reflection-of-history-and-cultural

Rezaei and Putin discuss regional situation in phone call

🔹 Within the framework of high-level consultations between Iran and Russia and following recent meetings of senior officials, Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the current regional and global situation by phone, with particular emphasis on West Asia.

🔹 Appreciation was expressed for Putin's and other Russian officials' explicit positions praising the role of the "martyred Leader of the Revolution" and other national heroes, and supporting the Iranian people's steadfastness.

🔹 The two sides emphasized continuing strategic cooperation based on the roadmap drawn up by the two countries' top leaders.