Location · 914 published stories · 205 outlets · All places
Iranian officials say the national football team is fully prepared to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, but participation remains conditional on safety guarantees and visas for players with Revolutionary Guard ties. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed Iran's participation, while US President Donald Trump has voiced no objection.
US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz completely blocked until Iran agrees to a deal, while Tehran refuses to recognize a unilaterally extended ceasefire unless Washington lifts its naval blockade. The standoff has escalated with Iran seizing container ships, the US ordering naval forces to 'shoot and kill' mine-laying vessels, and conflicting reports emerging over the blockade's economic impact on Iran.
Italian sports and government figures have dismissed a suggestion by a U.S. special envoy that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Paolo Zampolli said he floated the idea to President Donald Trump and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino; Italian ministers called it inappropriate and shameful, while FIFA has insisted Iran remains set to participate.
Iran's nationwide internet blackout has entered its 56th day, making it the longest disruption ever recorded, according to NetBlocks. The outage began after US and Israeli military operations launched on February 28, and has continued through diplomatic efforts and a ceasefire announcement. Iranian authorities report 3,375 deaths from the attacks, while talks in Islamabad have failed to reach a long-term agreement.
The US naval blockade of Iranian ports and Iran's restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz have tightened, disrupting global oil markets and prompting warnings from Russia. With a fragile ceasefire in place and talks stalled, analysts are divided on whether the blockade will achieve its aims.
US Central Command reports 31 vessels turned away since the naval blockade of Iran began on April 13. The figure, which varies across statements, comes amid ongoing tensions and failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Iran insists talks could resume if the blockade is lifted.
As Warner Bros Discovery shareholders prepare to vote on a merger with Paramount Skydance, journalists and regulators are raising concerns about the deal's implications for editorial independence and media diversity, including at CNN and CBS News.
The European Commission has announced a package of measures, 'AccelerateEU', to ease the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, including cutting electricity taxes and loosening state aid rules. The plan stops short of a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, despite calls from five EU finance ministers.
As a ceasefire between the US and Iran nears its end, both sides continue to pressure each other in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan is preparing to host another round of talks, though uncertainty remains over whether delegates will attend.
Amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, China has emerged as a key diplomatic player, calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and supporting political solutions. President Xi Jinping has engaged with regional leaders, while Beijing balances its economic interests with a non-interference policy, positioning itself as a responsible global power.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing maritime violations, with one vessel reportedly en route to India. The move comes amid an uncertain US-Iran ceasefire, after Washington unilaterally announced an extension. Tracking data suggests the Epaminondas was heading from a UAE port to India’s Mundra port.
New reports reveal that Colombian mercenaries, supported by the UAE and facilitated by a Libyan battalion, have played a critical role in Sudan's civil war, helping the RSF capture El-Fasher. The UN and security analysts have documented the involvement, despite UAE denials of supporting the RSF.
President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States is considering a currency swap with the United Arab Emirates to help the Gulf ally secure US dollars, as its economy faces pressure from the ongoing Iran conflict. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says several allies have requested similar swap lines, while the UAE's ambassador maintains the country's economy remains resilient.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson says Tehran has yet to decide on participating in US talks in Islamabad, as Pakistan awaits a formal response. The announcement comes as US forces detained a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean and the two-week ceasefire nears its expiration.
Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned the UAE's arrest of 27 people accused of plotting terrorist acts, calling the charges 'baseless pretexts.' The UAE says the cell was linked to Iran's Velayat-e Faqih doctrine and aimed to recruit Emirati youth.
Russian newspaper reviews highlight Pakistan's mediation efforts toward a US-Iran ceasefire, ongoing violations of the truce, and Russia's involvement in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. The US extends the ceasefire despite Tehran's objections, while Switzerland offers to host Ukraine talks, and Kiev is accused of using the Druzhba pipeline to pressure Hungary. Russia's oil exports rebound amid Middle East tensions, and Japan lifts arms export restrictions.
Japan's government has approved a major revision of its defense equipment transfer principles, effectively lifting decades-old restrictions on arms exports. The move aims to strengthen Japan's defense industrial base and counter China's influence, with officials emphasizing the need for mutual support among partner nations.
With the Strait of Hormuz closed for nearly two months, the FAO and World Food Programme warn of a potential global food catastrophe. Fertilizer prices have jumped 20-30%, tanker traffic collapsed by over 90%, and countries from India to East Africa face acute shortages if the disruption persists.
As a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran nears its expiration, diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked over the blockade of Iranian ports and the scope of any lasting deal. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue despite a separate truce, complicating regional stability. Fresh negotiations are planned in Pakistan, but Tehran insists on guarantees and an end to aggression before talks can progress.
Pakistan has increased its Eurobond issuance from $500 million to $750 million, citing strong investor demand and growing foreign exchange needs. The government has also invited bids from international consortiums for future capital market transactions, signaling a structured approach to external funding.