TEHRAN – The Tehran Times, Iran’s oldest English newspaper, celebrated its 46th anniversary on Monday afternoon with a ceremony attended by Tehran’s foreign ambassadors, media executives and senior cultural officials.
The event highlighted the newspaper heritage as the voice of the Islamic Republic in the international arena and a reliable source of independent reporting on regional and global issues.
The attendees were ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Iraq, second secretary of the Indian Embassy, cultural obsessions of the Japanese Embassy, and representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, reflecting the widespread diplomatic capabilities and international recognition of the Tehran Times.
Tehran Times Voice of Justice in Global Media: China’s Envoy
Speaking at the ceremony, Iran’s Chinese ambassador Kong Pei welcomed the Tehran era as a respected institution that has remained loyal to its founding mission for over 40 years.
“For the past 46 years, it has always adhered to its founding mission and the principles of objective and fair reporting,” he said. “It vividly introduced the results and unique cultural attractions of Iran’s development, which deeply interprets regional and international hotspots from an independent and discerning perspective.”
The ambassador also highlighted the role of the paper in promoting media diplomacy and literary understanding.
“As an outstanding representative of Iranian media, the Tehran Times is an active participant and a powerful promoter of dialogue among countries. Through a comprehensive and detailed report, we have shown the world that Iran is committed to multilateral cooperation and shared development.”
Emphasizing the challenges of growing protectionism in world trade, the envoy praised the Tehran Times in a critical analysis. “Recent opinions that deeply analyse the effects of protectionism on developing countries fully demonstrate that the media is not only a recorder of the era, but also a guardian of fairness and justice. Your voice represents the righteous voice of the international community.”
He concluded with a call for stronger media ties between Iran and China, particularly following the recent signing of a cooperation agreement between Mehr Media Group and China’s Xinhua Conference.
Tehran is a diplomatic alliance in the media: a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaille Bagaei described the Tehran Times as a “future-looking” publication, not a remnant of the past. “This is clearly reflected in the content I publish every day.
He said, “We are grateful to be a steady partner in advancing the diplomatic purposes of the country and presenting an accurate and authentic image of our beloved homeland.
Tehran is a permanent media agency: Managing Director
Dr. Mohammad-Mehdi Rahmati, managing director of Tehran Times, said the event was more than a newspaper anniversary.
“We are not only celebrating the anniversary of the media outlet, but also honour the enduring presence of the media institution that has emerged from the development of the Islamic Revolution and became the country’s first English newspaper.”
He emphasized that the spirit of solidarity among the staff of the Tehran Times really highlights it.
Voice and Repression for the Truth of Tehran Times: Hojjatoleslam Qomi
Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Qomi, head of the Islamic Development Agency, praised the newspaper’s dedication to the truth and its immobilising support for the Palestinian cause.
“The Tehran Times began as a voice for the Iranian people’s world, and that move continues,” he said. “Their success lies in the unwavering loyalty of individuals who have committed to truth and justice.”
“As reported by Tehran Times” – Archives exhibition opens
As part of the anniversary celebration, the Tehran Times launched a new exhibition entitled “The Tehran Times Report,” showing off historic front pages and rare archival material from the past 40 years.
Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Sulfi said the exhibit was intended to display “exclusive and fascinating pages” from the rich history of the newspaper. “If the Tehran Times were asked today, it’s thanks to the dedication of our colleagues in our newsroom,” he pointed out.
TV BRICS CEO expands his celebration to the Tehran Times
Additionally, in a written message to Tehran Times, Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS International Media Network, congratulated the 46th anniversary and praised the long-standing partnership between the two media organizations.
“Our partnership is a illustrious example of successful media cooperation, strengthening the ties between Russia and Iran through regular exchanges of content and promoting shared perspectives,” she said.
“May the Tehran Times legacy of professionalism and integrity contribute to the growing friendship between our nations and endure for years more.”