First direct Lebanon-Israel talks in decades held in Washington – US calls it 'historic opportunity'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio:

🔹 "We have a historic opportunity regarding Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Washington. Complexities will not be resolved in the next six hours, but we can begin moving forward and establishing a general framework."

🔹 This is the first direct negotiation between the Zionist regime and Lebanon in decades.

18 mostly European countries condemn Israeli attacks on Lebanon

🔹 The foreign ministers of 18 mostly European nations issued a joint statement condemning Zionist regime attacks on Lebanon and warning of the consequences of continued conflict.

🔹 They emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation and a move toward a political solution in Lebanon.

🔹 The statement welcomed the start of Lebanon-Zionist regime negotiations, stating: "We urge both sides to seize this opportunity. Direct talks can pave the way for lasting security for Lebanon, Israel, and the region."

Unprecedented global solidarity with Iran's heroic defense against US-Israeli aggression will never be forgotten: Iran FM spox 🌍🇮🇷

Esmaeil Baghaei appreciated millions worldwide – from Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon to Japan, Cuba, even the US – who rallied in support of Iran's heroic defense against brutal US-Israeli aggression.

Lebanon's president says Israeli aggression has displaced over one million Lebanese

🔹 President Joseph Aoun told the UN High Commissioner for Refugees that Zionist regime aggression has displaced more than one million Lebanese citizens.

🔹 He emphasized that Lebanon requires urgent aid, particularly as the consequences of displacement will continue even after a ceasefire.

The map of damage tells its own story

From February 28 to April 8, airstrike shockwaves damaged or destroyed 132 cultural sites, museums, and historical monuments across Iran. The destruction spans 17 provinces and 26 cities—but nearly half (61 sites) is concentrated in Tehran alone. Hard-hit landmarks include the Grand Bazaar, Marble Palace, and Sepahsalar Mosque. Isfahan follows closely, with Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Chehel Sotoun Palace, and Abbasi Friday Mosque among the damaged. Together, Tehran and Isfahan account for over 64% of all cases. Historical houses (33 total), mosques, palaces, and even the tomb of poet Baba Taher have suffered. When cultural heritage offices themselves become targets, the line between collateral and intentional blurs. This is not random—it is the erosion of cultural memory.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525446/The-map-of-damage-tells-its-own-story

Iran calls on IFLA to condemn US-Israeli attacks on cultural sites

Iran Public Libraries Foundation has formally requested the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) to explicitly condemn US and Israeli military attacks on Iran's cultural infrastructure. Secretary-General Azadeh Nazarboland's letter to IFLA President Leslie Weir reports that 62 public libraries have been damaged—two in Zanjan and Dehloran completely destroyed. The attacks, described as a clear violation of the 1954 Hague Convention, target "fundamental cultural, educational, and social infrastructures." Iran urges IFLA to go beyond general statements and become a strong international voice for damaged libraries. The assault began February 28, killing Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and many civilians. A two-week ceasefire began April 8.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525442/Iran-Public-Libraries-Foundation-requests-IFLA-to-condemn-US-Israeli

📰 The full version of the newspaper is available in the PDF file here.

‼️ Tehran Times Exclusive:

Trump’s ‘support for Iranians’ masks economic warfare and narrative manipulation: Senior analyst

In an interview with the Tehran Times, senior analyst Elijah J. Magnier argues that Trump’s rhetoric of “supporting the Iranian people” is not a contradiction to sanctions—it is a strategy.

This posture decouples U.S. pressure from its human consequences, reframing economic strangulation as a “necessary byproduct” of helping Iranians. Sanctions are designed to generate public distress and social volatility. Endorsing protests weaponizes internal dissent as an auxiliary pressure tool.

Magnier warns this approach violates causal accountability, endangers protestors, and entrenches permanent conflict. The result is persistent instability, not democratic change—a coercive narrative laundered as solidarity.


https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/523067/Trump-s-support-for-Iranians-masks-economic-warfare-and-narrative

Trump's brazen 'Antichrist' complex meets torrent of condemnation and Pope's defiance

After branding Pope Leo XIV as "WEAK on crime," Trump shared an AI image of himself as a messianic healer—framed by B-21 bombers with a Baal-like shadow looming overhead. Global backlash was swift: Italy's PM Meloni called it "unacceptable," Catholic bishops expressed dismay, and even MAGA figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene cited an "Antichrist spirit." Pope Leo declared he has "no fear" of the White House. The deleted post, critics say, reveals a Faustian bargain—power through destruction. With U.S. strikes killing thousands in Iran and Gaza, Trump's attack on peace signals a rejection of any moral law above American-Israeli hegemony.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/service/international

✍By Kurosh Alyani

A flag in the heart of the night: When "home" enters the square

During the darkest nights of US-Israeli terror against Iranian civilians, city squares transformed—not into chaos, but into a large family. Flags in green, white, and red spin through the air as prayers, chants, elegies, and laughter merge. People drink tea together, melting the cold terror of the enemy with affection. As missiles strike nearby, they shout "Allahu Akbar" with unwavering calm.

Women are the driving force—not opposing men, but reclaiming society's foundational power. They manage logistics, cook food, brew tea, and provide psychological safety with a smile. This is the "most feminine movement of resistance," turning military spaces into human ones.

Under a single flag, life refuses to bend—offering the world a nation calm and joyful amid turmoil.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525458/A-flag-in-the-heart-of-the-night-When-home-enters-the-square

Italian geopolitical analyst Giulio Chinappi, in an interview with Mehr News Agency, has characterized the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as "coercive economic warfare" and a violation of international law absent a UN Security Council mandate.

He warned that President Trump's rhetoric of civilizational annihilation and the collapse of Islamabad talks signal a premeditated strategy of capitulation rather than genuine diplomacy, sending a damaging message to the Global South about the selective enforcement of international law.

🔗 en.mehrnews.com/news/243648

🆔 @enmehrnews

"US naval blockade will be met with full force" – Iran's senior commander

Major General Pilot Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued a stark warning to the United States:

🔹 "If the aggressive and terrorist US continues its illegal naval blockade in the region and creates insecurity for Iran's commercial ships and oil tankers, this action will constitute a breach of the ceasefire. Iran's powerful Armed Forces will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, or the Red Sea."

🔹 "Iran will act decisively to defend its national sovereignty and interests."

The warning comes amid heightened tensions following recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cultural and civilian sites.

UAE vice president contacts Iran's Parliament speaker amid regional tensions

Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Court, held a telephone conversation with Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, today.

The two sides discussed regional developments and ways to reduce tensions amid ongoing US-Israeli airstrikes against Iranian civilian and cultural sites.

Another Iranian tanker successfully crosses Strait of Hormuz

Despite US threats of a naval blockade, the sanctioned Iranian oil tanker "Alisha" has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, passing through the waterway monitored by Iran between Hormuz and Larak Islands.

The route operates as a toll corridor for commercial vessels, and the tanker encountered no obstacles during its transit.

This marks at least the third Iranian tanker to navigate the strategic strait in recent days, underscoring Tehran's ability to maintain maritime exports despite American pressure.

Iran likely to host Pakistani delegation today: FM spox

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced:

🔹 "Today, we are likely to host a delegation from Pakistan. This follows previous talks held in Islamabad, as well as discussions between the Pakistani side and the United States."

🔹 "During this visit, the views of both sides are expected to be discussed in detail."

Trump claims Iran deal possible before UK king's US visit

US President Donald Trump told Sky News that reaching an agreement with Iran is likely before the British king's upcoming state visit to the United States.

According to the announced schedule, King Charles III is set to travel to the US for a state visit in late April.

No peace in region with Zionist regime existing: Ardoğan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a sharp statement on regional peace efforts:

🔹 "If peace is to be established in our region, it will not be achieved as long as the Zionist regime exists."

🔹 "Whenever the slightest hope for peace emerges, Israel does its utmost to sabotage it."

Erdoğan also confirmed that Turkey is working to extend the ceasefire and continue facilitating US-Iran negotiations.