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World News / International

US issues license allowing Iranian crude oil and petrochemical shipments

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US issues

WASHINGTON: The United States has issued a general license authorizing Iran to produce, transport and sell crude oil and petrochemical products, temporarily easing longstanding sanctions following recent talks in Switzerland.

U.S. Treasury Secretary said in a social media post that Washington was providing temporary sanctions relief on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports after negotiations held in Switzerland.

According to the Treasury Department, the license allows Iran to continue producing, shipping and selling crude oil and petrochemical products through Aug. 21, 2026.

The department said the authorization also permits the import of Iranian crude oil, petroleum and petrochemical products into the United States under the terms of the license.

The United States had previously imposed restrictions on Iran’s oil exports as part of broader economic sanctions.

Earlier, Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official, reported that a proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran could include temporary easing of oil sanctions, allowing Iran to resume oil sales and access related revenues. The report also said the United States would refrain from imposing new economic sanctions on Iran while negotiations toward a final agreement continue.

Explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex kills 13

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Explosion

DOHA: An explosion at Ras Laffan LNG Complex has killed 13 people and injured dozens more, Qatar’s Energy Ministry said, with victims including Pakistani and Indian nationals.

Officials said the blast occurred while facilities that had been shut down after a March Iranian attack were being brought back into operation.

In a statement, Qatar’s Energy Ministry confirmed 13 deaths and 66 injuries, adding that the incident did not affect export capacity and posed no environmental risk.

Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al Kaabi said the tragedy involved foreign workers and confirmed that the deceased included citizens of Pakistan and India.

“I am announcing something I had hoped would never happen,” Al Kaabi told reporters, expressing condolences for the victims.

State-owned QatarEnergy said the exact location and cause of the blast remain under investigation, adding that emergency teams have begun a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Authorities said the explosion was powerful enough to be felt in central Doha, with residents up to 70 kilometres away reporting shaking windows.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast.

Fire in building in India’s Lucknow kills at least 15

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Fire in building

LUCKNOW: At least 15 people were killed after a fire broke out in a three-story commercial building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow, local media reported.

The blaze reportedly started on the middle floor of the building before rapidly spreading to other levels.

Authorities said the ground floor housed a pet store and a veterinary clinic, while the upper floors contained a coaching center where students received training in software development related to gaming and animation.

Officials said the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

Emergency crews battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control, according to local media reports. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of injured or identify the victims.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

Strait of Hormuz remains open as 55 commercial ships pass safely

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Strait of Hormuz

The situation remains unclear as conflicting claims have emerged regarding maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s announcement of a full closure in response to alleged violations of a ceasefire and ongoing regional tensions involving Lebanon and Israel.

Iranian officials, including representatives from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have stated that the waterway has been closed to all shipping and warned commercial and oil tankers to avoid the area for safety reasons.

The move was described as a response to alleged U.S. non-compliance with agreements and continued Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon.

However, the United States military has not confirmed these claims, and no independent verification has been provided to support a complete shutdown of the strategically vital passage.

The contradictory statements from both sides have created uncertainty in international shipping markets, particularly given the Strait of Hormuz’s critical role in global oil transportation.

At this stage, the status of maritime traffic through the strait remains disputed, and observers are closely monitoring developments amid heightened regional tensions.

Algeria files official complaint over refereeing after 0–3 loss to Argentina

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Algeria files

ALGIERS:  Algeria has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA’s referees committee following its 0–3 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026, raising concerns over officiating decisions during the match.

The complaint reportedly highlights several incidents from the first half, including an alleged challenge involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi, during which Algeria claims Messi made contact with captain Aïssa Mandi’s leg. The referee did not issue any disciplinary action.

Algerian players and supporters had called for a review of the incident at the time, but officials allowed play to continue.

Messi later went on to score a hat-trick, playing a decisive role in Argentina’s dominant win.

Analysts also questioned the refereeing decisions after the match, particularly the absence of a red card for what they described as a potentially serious foul.

The complaint further references another incident involving Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who is accused of striking Ibrahim Maza in the face with an elbow. No action was taken by match officials on that play either.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some users questioning whether Messi’s global stature influenced refereeing decisions.

Brazil Coach confirms Neymar set for World Cup return against Scotland

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Brazil Coach

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has delivered encouraging news for fans, confirming that star forward Neymar is expected to return for the FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against Scotland.

The 34-year-old forward, Neymar, has been sidelined since mid-May after suffering a calf injury, ruling him out of Brazil’s opening Group C matches against Morocco and Haiti.

Speaking to the media following Brazil’s 3–0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia, Ancelotti said Neymar’s recovery is progressing well and that the player is close to full fitness.

He added that Neymar will begin individual training sessions before rejoining full team practice from Monday, making him available for the final group match against Scotland.

Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 and has been working on a full recovery in recent weeks.

Brazil began their World Cup campaign with a 1–1 draw against Morocco but bounced back strongly with a convincing victory over Haiti to strengthen their position in Group C.

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations

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Iran announces

TEHRAN: Iran has announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic, citing alleged U.S. violations of a memorandum of understanding and continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the strategic waterway was being shut “with immediate effect” for all shipping.

The statement accused the United States of failing to meet its obligations under a reconciliation agreement, while also blaming Israel for ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps separately confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz had been fully closed since Saturday morning, according to Iranian media reports.

The IRGC warned that all commercial, oil, and cargo vessels should avoid the area, saying their safety could be at risk if they approach the strait.

Iranian officials said the closure was a response to what they described as U.S. breaches of ceasefire commitments and continued regional escalation. They warned that further measures could follow if hostilities continue.

The announcement came as an Iranian delegation headed to Switzerland for talks with U.S. officials, while senior American envoys, including Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff, were already reported to be in the region.

No timeframe was given for how long the closure would remain in effect.

Donald Trump criticizes Italian PM Meloni in fresh social media post

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Donald Trump

WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump has once again drawn attention after issuing sharp and sarcastic remarks targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in comments that some global leaders have described as inappropriate.

In a social media post, Trump claimed that during the G7 summit in France, Meloni repeatedly sought to take photos with him. He suggested that declining popularity in Italy was pushing her to seek closer ties with the United States.

He also alleged that Meloni did not support the U.S. position on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and further claimed that Italy refused to allow U.S. forces access to its airbases and runways, creating logistical challenges for military operations.

Trump additionally criticized NATO, arguing that the alliance did not fully support the United States despite Washington’s substantial financial contributions to European defense.

He further asserted that the United States had already “defeated Iran militarily” and suggested that Meloni was now seeking renewed engagement with Washington for domestic political gain.

Concluding his post, Trump wrote a blunt message: “It’s too late now. Thank you, no.”

Nora Fatehi’s prediction for key match becomes center of attention

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Nora Fatehi

BOSTON: Morocco secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Scotland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match on Saturday, extending their strong run in the tournament, while an on-field prediction by actor and dancer Nora Fatehi drew widespread attention on social media.

Morocco struck almost immediately, taking the lead just 71 seconds into the match. After the early breakthrough, the African side maintained a disciplined defensive shape and successfully preserved their advantage for the remainder of the game.

The match was played in Boston, where Morocco’s quick start proved decisive against a Scotland side unable to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities.

Fatehi was present in the stadium supporting Morocco and was seen wearing the national jersey. Ahead of kickoff, she posted a video on Instagram predicting a 1–0 scoreline, a forecast that later proved accurate.

She also shared additional posts highlighting the teams’ previous World Cup encounters, noting that Morocco and Scotland had met again after nearly 28 years, including an earlier 3–0 victory for Morocco in past competition.

Her correct prediction quickly went viral online, with fans praising it as a “lucky forecast” and amplifying clips and images from the stadium.

The win strengthens Morocco’s position in Group C as the tournament progresses.

Iran to expand trade with Pakistan after ceasefire

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Iran to expand

TEHRAN: Following the reported ceasefire agreement with the United States, Iran has decided to significantly expand trade with Pakistan, marking a new phase in bilateral economic relations.

According to reports, Iran’s second major trade delegation in two months visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), where agreements were signed for investment in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Pakistan.

FPCCI leader Muhammad Ali Haider said the agreements were signed during a meeting at the chamber, adding that the Iranian delegation included mining investors, rice importers, and other business representatives.

He said both sides have set an ambitious target of increasing Pakistan-Iran trade to $10 billion following the stabilization of the regional situation.

Focus on Energy, Trade Expansion and Connectivity

In a separate development, discussions were held in Islamabad between the Iranian ambassador and Pakistan’s Board of Investment minister.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assured cooperation with relevant ministries to resolve outstanding issues.

According to an official statement, Iran has also offered Pakistan access to Central Asian markets through its territory, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade to the agreed $10 billion target.

Both sides also agreed on measures to enhance border trade, including proposals to increase the daily number of cross-border trucks to 2,000.

The statement added that the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir was appreciated during the meetings, highlighting improved political and economic coordination between the two countries.