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World Desk

Future Soch World Desk covers international politics, conflicts, markets, diplomacy and global developments with context for Pakistani readers.

France reports more than 2,000 heat-related deaths in one week

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France reports

PARIS: More than 2,000 people have died in France during the past week as an intense heatwave swept across much of Europe, France’s health minister said.

According to the minister, the death toll in France has reached 2,025, with officials warning that the number could rise as authorities continue to assess the impact of the extreme temperatures.

The minister said people older than 12 years accounted for the highest number of deaths.

The heatwave has affected several European countries. According to reports, at least 3,700 people died across France, Belgium and the Netherlands over the past week.

Belgium reported about 1,200 heat-related deaths, while the Netherlands recorded 480 deaths linked to record-breaking temperatures and prolonged extreme heat.

Health authorities across Europe have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak daytime temperatures and check on elderly and vulnerable people as unusually high temperatures persist.

Earlier, Shoppers in France scrambled to buy fans and portable air conditioners during an intense heatwave, with scuffles breaking out at several supermarkets as demand for cooling equipment surged.

A major French supermarket chain announced that it would offer 200,000 fans and portable air conditioners for sale nationwide, prompting long lines outside stores before opening.

At a store in Nanterre, west of Paris, more than 100 customers rushed inside when the doors opened. Witnesses reported arguments and pushing as shoppers competed for the limited supply, with only about 10 people able to purchase a fan or portable air conditioner.

At another store, shelves were emptied within minutes, and disputes reportedly broke out over the last remaining units.

The rush comes as much of Europe continues to endure a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several countries.

In Spain, authorities reported 1,029 heat-related deaths during June, the highest number recorded for the month since 2015.

The extreme heat has prompted health officials across Europe to urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and take extra precautions to protect vulnerable populations.

Iran prepares for funeral ceremonies without naming prayer leader

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Iran prepares

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have not officially announced who will lead funeral prayers for the country’s late Supreme Leader, despite the start of a series of public mourning ceremonies scheduled across Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry sources told local media that senior Shiite cleric Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani is expected to lead the main funeral prayer in Tehran, although no official confirmation has been issued.

Authorities have also not said whether the same cleric will preside over funeral prayers in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, or whether different religious figures will lead the ceremonies.

Historically, Iran’s supreme leader has not necessarily led funeral prayers for a predecessor. When Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989, his funeral prayers were led by Mohammad Reza Golpaygani, then head of the Qom seminary, before Ali Khamenei was later chosen as supreme leader.

According to the report, funeral ceremonies are scheduled in Tehran from July 4 to July 6, followed by services in Qom on July 7. The body is then expected to be taken to Najaf and Karbala for additional funeral prayers before returning to Iran.

The final funeral prayer is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, where burial is expected to take place.

The report also said security surrounding the ceremonies is expected to be extensive, with authorities anticipating attendance by more than 10 million mourners. Officials are expected to prioritize the security of Iran’s current supreme leader during the public events.

Report says Israel considered targeting Iranian officials during Pakistan visit

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Report says

WASHINGTON: Israel considered targeting senior Iranian officials during their visit to Pakistan for diplomatic talks earlier this year, but the plan was never carried out, according to a report published by The New York Times.

The newspaper reported that Israel had contemplated targeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during their April visit to Islamabad.

According to the report, U.S. officials, concerned about the possibility of military action, alerted Iran through intermediaries in several regional countries about a potential Israeli operation.

The report said Iranian officials sought assurances through Pakistani and Qatari mediators that their delegation would not be targeted while traveling to and from Pakistan for the talks.

It also said Pakistan Air Force aircraft escorted the Iranian delegation’s plane during its flights between Iran and Pakistan.

According to the report, Iranian officials later received intelligence indicating that Israeli aircraft had entered Iranian airspace from Iraq as the delegation was returning home. The information was relayed to the aircraft, prompting it to divert and land at Mashhad International Airport.

The report said the incident was later confirmed by Mohammad Marandi, a senior adviser to Ghalibaf.

The claims have not been independently verified by The Associated Press, and there has been no immediate public comment from Israeli, Iranian or Pakistani authorities regarding the report.

Ronaldo scores as Portugal advances, ‘Bismillah’ gesture draws attention

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Ronaldo scores

TORONTO: Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot as Portugal national football team defeated Croatia national football team 2-1 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Playing in Toronto, Portugal secured the victory with goals from Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, while Croatia’s lone goal came from Ivan Perišić.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show Ronaldo saying “Bismillah” twice before taking his successful penalty kick. The gesture drew widespread attention online, although Ronaldo has not publicly commented on the clip.

Elsewhere, Switzerland national football team defeated Algeria national football team 2-0 to reach the Round of 16.

In another knockout match, Spain national football team beat Austria national football team 3-0, recording its first World Cup knockout-stage victory since winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

Deadly heatwave sweeps Europe, killing hundreds

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Deadly heatwave

MADRID: A relentless heat wave sweeping across Europe has claimed hundreds of lives and strained healthcare systems as temperatures soar to record levels in several countries.

Spanish authorities reported that at least 212 people have died over the past four days as a result of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country.

In France, the death toll linked to the heat wave has risen to 50. Temperatures climbed above 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit), marking one of the hottest periods in decades and the first time in 80 years that some areas have recorded such extreme heat.

Italy also reported five heat-related deaths within a 24-hour period as scorching temperatures continued to affect large parts of the country.

Meanwhile, weather officials extended a red heat warning for London and southeast England through Friday, cautioning residents about potentially dangerous conditions.

The UK Met Office said temperatures in London are expected to remain between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Hospitals across several European countries are reporting an increase in heat-related illnesses. The Royal College of Physicians warned that the extreme temperatures are not only increasing patient admissions but are also affecting the performance of medical equipment and hospital infrastructure.

Authorities have urged residents, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to take precautions as Europe endures one of its most severe heat waves in recent years.

Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, death toll rises to 167

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Powerful earthquakes

CARACAS, Venezuela: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction across the country and prompting fears that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue efforts continue.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an initial magnitude 7.1 earthquake was followed minutes later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The tremors struck around 6 p.m. local time, shaking buildings and triggering panic in several cities.

Authorities reported extensive damage in the capital, Caracas, and other urban centers, where dozens of buildings collapsed. Emergency officials warned that many people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy, saying numerous structures had been destroyed and that Caracas’ main Maiquetía International Airport had suffered significant damage.

Rodríguez said at least 167 people had been confirmed dead and more than 970 injured. Rescue teams have been deployed across affected areas following the government’s declaration of a state of emergency.

The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the earthquakes could result in a far higher casualty toll, estimating that fatalities could ultimately range from 10,000 to 100,000 if the worst-case scenario materializes.

Meanwhile, a separate magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck northern California, prompting authorities to issue alerts to nearly one million residents. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump said early reports from Venezuela were alarming and indicated significant loss of life. He said U.S. agencies had been directed to provide immediate assistance.

Separately, Iran offered support for relief operations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei expressed condolences and said Tehran was prepared to provide any assistance needed to help Venezuelan authorities and affected communities.

Spain also announced plans to deploy a military emergency response unit to assist with rescue efforts. Spain’s Defense Ministry said a 54-member team equipped with specially trained search dogs, rescue cameras and geophones was preparing to travel to Venezuela.

Egypt players recite Quran and offer prayer before World Cup match

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Egypt players

WASHINGTON: Members of the Egypt national football team recited verses from the Quran and offered a collective prayer before their FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand national football team, a moment that quickly gained attention on social media.

A widely shared video showed Egyptian players reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas before gathering in prayer as they prepared to take the field.

The footage, recorded ahead of the World Cup match, drew praise from many social media users, who described the gesture as a reflection of faith, unity and reliance on God before competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features teams from several Muslim-majority countries, while many players representing other nations also practice Islam.

The video sparked positive reactions online, with supporters saying the players’ actions conveyed an inspiring message of humility and spiritual devotion on one of football’s biggest stages.

The moment comes days after Lamine Yamal attracted attention on social media for performing a prostration of gratitude after scoring during a World Cup match involving Spain.

Trump says US will control Iran’s frozen funds under proposed aid arrangement

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Trump says

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States would retain control of Iran’s frozen assets under a proposed arrangement that would use the funds to purchase American agricultural products for shipment to Iran.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said Iran had not yet received any funds and that no frozen assets had been released.

He also dismissed reports that Iran was collecting fees from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that negotiations could be terminated immediately if false information was provided during the process.

Trump said the United States would oversee the management of Iran’s frozen funds and use the money to buy agricultural commodities from American farmers, including corn, wheat and soybeans, which would then be exported to Iran.

According to Trump, the proposal is aimed at addressing food shortages in Iran while supporting U.S. farmers.

He added that all goods purchased under the arrangement would be sourced from the United States.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran, although details of any final agreement regarding frozen Iranian assets have not yet been announced.

SpaceX loses $400 billion in market value in historic one-day decline

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SpaceX loses

NEW YORK: SpaceX suffered a historic market setback, losing an estimated $400 billion in value in a single day as a broad sell-off swept through technology stocks amid concerns over rising interest rates and heavy investment in artificial intelligence.

According to market reports, the decline was driven by rising U.S. Treasury yields, expectations of further interest rate increases and growing investor concerns about valuations in the technology sector.

Shares of SpaceX Official Website fell sharply during trading, ending the session down 16.4% at $154.60. The stock had earlier recorded a 3% decline before selling accelerated later in the day.

The company’s shares have now fallen 31.5% from record highs reached following its $86 billion initial public offering on June 11.

The sell-off reduced SpaceX’s market capitalization from a peak of nearly $3 trillion to approximately $2.03 trillion, marking one of the largest single-day losses in corporate market value on record.

Analysts said the decline ranks among the biggest one-day market capitalization losses ever recorded by a publicly traded company.

Despite the sharp drop, shares recovered modestly in later trading, gaining about 2.4% as some investors moved to buy the stock at lower levels.

Market experts said the volatility reflects growing concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer or implement further increases if inflation remains elevated. Rising bond yields typically weigh on high-growth technology companies by increasing borrowing costs and reducing the attractiveness of future earnings.

Investors are also closely monitoring the substantial spending commitments being made across the artificial intelligence sector, which have fueled questions about profitability and long-term returns.

Global oil prices hit four-month low

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Global oil prices

ISLAMABAD: International crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest levels since late February, raising expectations of further cuts in petroleum prices in Pakistan.

Oil prices came under pressure following developments involving the United States and Iran, leading to a sharp decline in global benchmarks.

Brent crude dropped to $74 a barrel, its lowest level since Feb. 27. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell to $70 a barrel, while Murban crude declined to $67 a barrel.

The decline in international prices is already being felt in Pakistan, where the government recently announced significant reductions in gasoline and high-speed diesel prices.

Energy analysts said the continued slide in crude prices in recent days has shifted attention to the next fuel price review, with expectations growing that authorities could consider additional cuts if the downward trend persists.

Market observers said sustained weakness in global oil prices could provide further relief to consumers and ease inflationary pressures in the country.