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World News / International

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.

US–Iran implementation talks to begin in Switzerland’s Bürgenstock resort

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US–Iran

BERN: Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that initial talks on implementing the United States–Iran agreement will be held on Friday at the Bürgenstock resort, a well-known Alpine destination.

According to Reuters, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said representatives from the United States and Iran will attend the meeting, while Pakistan and Qatar will participate as mediators alongside other relevant countries.

The talks are aimed at discussing early steps for implementing the recently agreed memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Swiss officials did not disclose details regarding the agenda, level of participation, or full schedule of the meeting.

The development comes after Iran indicated that no formal in-person signing ceremony would be held in Switzerland, as the agreement had already been signed electronically by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Diplomatic observers say the Bürgenstock meeting could mark an important step toward confidence-building and practical implementation following recent tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan and Qatar’s mediation roles are being highlighted as significant, with both countries credited for helping facilitate dialogue and maintain communication between the parties.

Analysts suggest that if the talks succeed, they could have far-reaching impacts on regional stability, global oil markets, and the broader international economy.

US media reports details of 14-point Iran–US MoU

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US media

American media outlets have reported the full text of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

According to CNN, a senior US official read out the 14-point document, which outlines provisions related to regional ceasefire arrangements, easing of sanctions on Iran, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and future negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Key Points of the Reported MoU

The document reportedly includes a commitment by both sides and their allies to an immediate and permanent ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon, and a pledge to avoid future military confrontation or use of force.

It also emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

Under the proposed framework, the two sides would begin negotiations for a final agreement within 60 days, with a possible extension by mutual consent.

The MoU reportedly states that the U.S. would begin lifting maritime restrictions on Iran immediately after signing, with full removal within 30 days, and would redeploy forces away from Iran after a final agreement.

Iran, in return, would ensure safe and fee-free commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days and work with Oman on future regional arrangements for the waterway.

The document also outlines economic and reconstruction measures, including a proposed $300 billion development initiative involving regional partners to support Iran’s rebuilding and economic growth.

It further calls for the lifting of all sanctions, including UN Security Council, IAEA-related, and unilateral U.S. restrictions under a coordinated timetable.

On the nuclear issue, Iran reportedly reaffirms that it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons, while both sides agree on a mechanism to manage enriched uranium under IAEA supervision.

The MoU states that Iran will maintain its current nuclear program levels until a final agreement is reached, while the U.S. will avoid imposing new sanctions or deploying additional forces.

It also includes provisions for releasing frozen Iranian assets, to be managed under agreed mechanisms, and establishes a joint monitoring system for implementation.

Finally, the agreement states that a binding UN Security Council resolution would be required to ratify the final deal.

Summary

The reported document outlines a broad framework combining ceasefire commitments, sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions, and long-term economic cooperation, pending a final negotiated agreement within 60 days.

Is Ronaldo one of the oldest players in World Cup history?

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Is Ronaldo

Football fans across the globe have been asking whether Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the oldest players ever to feature in a FIFA World Cup match.

In Portugal’s Group K opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ronaldo captained his side at the age of 41 years and 132 days.

According to records, Ronaldo is now the fourth-oldest player in FIFA World Cup history.

The all-time record for the oldest World Cup player is held by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who played against Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2018, at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

Second on the list is Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón, who featured against Japan on June 24, 2014, at 43 years and 3 days old.

Third is Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who played against Russia on June 28, 1994, at the age of 42 years and 39 days.

Ronaldo’s appearance at 41 places him just behind these legends, making him one of the most experienced players ever to feature in the tournament’s history.

England beat Croatia 4–2 in World Cup 2026 group opener

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England beat

England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4–2 victory over Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, powered by a brace from captain Harry Kane.

England made an aggressive start to Group L, with Kane scoring twice to give his side early control. However, Croatia responded each time to keep the contest level.

Croatia’s Martin Baturina and Petar Musa struck to level the match 2–2 at halftime after Kane’s double had given England the lead twice in the first half.

In the second half, Jude Bellingham restored England’s advantage in the 47th minute, before substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the win with a late goal in the 85th minute following a well-worked team move.

England controlled much of the tempo in the second half, while Croatia struggled to match their intensity after the break.

England will next face Ghana in Boston, while Croatia are set to play Panama and Ghana in their remaining group fixtures

World Cup 2026 sets new single-day attendance record

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World Cup 2026

A new FIFA World Cup attendance record was set on June 16, with a total of 281,223 fans attending four matches in a single day at the 2026 tournament, FIFA said.

According to the governing body, the figure surpassed the previous one-day record of 277,070 spectators set during the 1994 World Cup.

FIFA said matches involving France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan attracted record crowds, contributing to the milestone.

The organization added that 1,309,652 fans attended matches during the tournament’s first six days, with average attendance standing at 65,483 spectators per game.

Based on the current pace, the 2026 World Cup is on course to challenge the all-time overall attendance record. A total of 3.5 million spectators attended the 1994 World Cup, and FIFA said a new cumulative mark could be reached by the end of the group stage if the trend continues.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described June 16, 2026, as a memorable day in World Cup history, saying supporters had created a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere and underscored football’s global popularity.

Veteran cricket journalist Qamar Ahmed dies at 88 in Karachi

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Veteran cricket journalist

KARACHI: Veteran sports journalist and cricket writer Qamar Ahmed has died in Karachi at the age of 88, his family said. He had been suffering from a heart condition.

Qamar Ahmed was regarded as one of Pakistan’s pioneering cricket journalists. During a career spanning several decades, he covered more than 400 Test matches and over 600 One-Day Internationals, in addition to numerous International Cricket Council events around the world.

Born on Oct. 23, 1937, in India’s Uttar Pradesh, Qamar Ahmed spent many years living in England and earned international recognition as a cricket writer and analyst.

He also played 17 first-class matches and captained Hyderabad in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

His funeral prayers will be offered after Maghrib prayers on Thursday at Bait-us-Salam Mosque in DHA Phase IV, Karachi.