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World News / International

Cape Verde hold Spain to shock 0-0 draw in World Cup upset

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Cape Verde

ATLANTA: European champions Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw by World Cup newcomers Cape Verde in a Group H match on Tuesday, marking one of the tournament’s early upsets.

Spain, widely regarded as strong favourites, dominated possession with 74 percent of the ball and created several attacking opportunities. However, they were repeatedly denied by a disciplined and well-organised Cape Verde defence.

Despite sustained pressure, Spain failed to break the deadlock in Atlanta, leaving them frustrated after a match they were expected to win comfortably.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal in the second half in search of a breakthrough, but the substitution did not change the outcome.

Cape Verde players and fans celebrated the result as a historic achievement, treating the draw as a victory against one of football’s elite teams.

The result gained further attention due to Cape Verde’s debut appearance at the expanded FIFA World Cup, made possible after the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The island nation, with a population of around 525,000, is competing at the finals for the first time.

Iran hold New Zealand 2-2 in dramatic World Cup opener

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Iran

DOHA: Iran marked a resilient start to their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a closely contested opening match, played under unusual geopolitical and logistical pressures ahead of the tournament, according to reports.

The tournament reportedly began under unprecedented circumstances, with Iran facing concerns over participation following regional tensions and military developments earlier in the year.

Iran’s preparations were also affected by visa-related issues, forcing the team to shift their training base from the United States to Mexico. Officials said 11 members of the support staff were denied entry into the United States, complicating pre-tournament arrangements.

Despite the challenges, Iran delivered a strong performance in their opening fixture, earning a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in front of a vocal fan presence.

New Zealand took an early lead in the seventh minute through a combined effort involving Chris Wood and Elijah Just. Iran responded in the 32nd minute with a goal from Reza Rezaeian to level the score.

In the second half, just restored New Zealand’s advantage, but Mohammad Mohebi’s headed equaliser brought Iran back into the contest.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal, but the match ended in a draw after a competitive and evenly balanced second half.

US authorities bust alleged drone attack plot ahead of major White House event

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US authorities

WASHINGTON: US security agencies have thwarted an alleged plot to carry out a drone attack on a White House event marking the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, according to American media reports.

The reported conspiracy was disrupted through a joint operation by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Authorities have taken five suspects into custody in connection with the alleged plot.

US media reported that investigators are also examining the possible involvement of 23 additional individuals.

According to reports, the alleged plot was uncovered on June 10, prompting authorities to begin arresting those suspected of involvement.

Citing sources, a US television network reported that the plan involved the use of drones loaded with explosive materials. The drones were allegedly intended to target buildings in the area surrounding the event.

Global oil prices hit three-month low after Iran-US agreement

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Global oil prices

Global crude oil prices fell to their lowest level in three months, extending losses in international markets following the Iran-U.S. agreement.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped by $3.20 per barrel to $79 per barrel.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also declined, falling $2.86 to $77 per barrel. Meanwhile, UAE Murban crude was trading at $72 per barrel.

The decline continues a downward trend seen in recent trading sessions, with oil prices also posting losses a day earlier amid expectations of improved supply flows and reduced geopolitical tensions.

US, Iran sign memorandum of understanding, says Vice President Vance

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US

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward easing tensions between the longtime adversaries.

According to Vance, he and President Donald Trump signed the document on behalf of the United States, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed on behalf of Iran.

The announcement came after reports by The Wall Street Journal that Washington had agreed to a deal with Tehran and that President Trump would soon make a formal statement.

Trump later declared that the agreement with Iran had been completed, adding that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports had been lifted and calling on global shipping operators to resume commercial activities and oil transportation.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump also warned that the United States would take military action again if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the U.S. naval blockade would end overnight and that the text of the memorandum would be released after the signing. He said Iran would begin implementing the agreement on Friday.

Gharibabadi stressed that the memorandum does not mean Iran trusts its adversaries, adding that negotiations on a final agreement are expected to continue over the next 60 days. He warned that Tehran would respond if the terms of the agreement were not honored.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the agreement does not mean that Iran will forgive or forget what it describes as crimes committed during the conflict.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development and announced that Pakistan would host a ceremony related to the Iran-U.S. agreement in Geneva on Friday.

Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif described the development as a historic milestone for peace, saying the world had moved beyond the darkness of war toward a new era of diplomacy.

UK to ban social media access for under-16s, Prime Minister announces

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UK to ban

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the government will impose a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, calling it a necessary step to protect young people.

Starmer said the move would apply to all under-16s and described a full restriction on social media use for minors as the “right decision” for their wellbeing and development.

The government had launched consultations last month aimed at limiting children’s exposure to social media platforms and related digital devices, with a focus on reducing screen time.

Officials said the policy is intended to shift children’s attention away from mobile phones and laptops and encourage a greater focus on education, physical health, and overall wellbeing.

On the other hand, Social media platform Snapchat has introduced new restrictions for its younger users, barring children aged 13 to 15 from publicly sharing videos on its Spotlight feature.

The platform’s parent company, Snap Inc., said the move is aimed at strengthening online privacy and safety protections for minors.

Under the new policy, videos uploaded by users in this age group will no longer appear on the public Spotlight feed, which functions similarly to TikTok and Instagram Reels.

However, affected users will still be able to share content privately with friends, the company clarified.

Snap Inc. said the decision is intended to reduce risks of online harassment and misuse of personal content while ensuring a safer digital environment for younger users.

Details of 14-point Iran–US draft agreement emerge

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Details of 14-point

Iran: Details of a 14-point draft framework between Iran and the United States have surfaced, outlining major political, economic and security-related provisions, according to Iranian media reports.

Under the draft, a US naval blockade would be lifted within 30 days, while restrictions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports would be suspended.

The proposed framework also includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon and other regional theatres.

According to the draft, the United States and its allies would be required to provide at least $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction. The document reportedly excludes Iran’s missile programme and support for allied groups from the final agreement.

It further states that $24 billion of frozen Iranian assets would be released during negotiations, while $12 billion would be unblocked prior to formal talks.

The draft also suggests that the final Iran–US agreement would be endorsed through a United Nations Security Council resolution.

Iran says US deal to include frozen assets return and war damages compensation

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Iran says

Ismail Baghaei: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said that a proposed agreement with the United States will include the return of frozen Iranian assets as well as compensation for damages from military actions involving the United States and Israel.

In a press briefing, Baghaei said a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States is expected to be signed on Friday in Geneva. He added that Iranian delegations will visit several regional and neighbouring countries ahead of the signing.

He said Iran’s public and armed forces showed “unprecedented resilience” during a 110-day conflict, and vowed that the country would not forget the sacrifices of its leaders, military commanders and civilians.

Baghaei also accused Israel of continuing attacks in Lebanon and Palestine, saying international institutions had failed to stop what he described as Israeli aggression or condemn actions against Iran.

He stressed that Iran prefers dialogue and diplomacy but said reaching an agreement does not mean abandoning claims related to wartime losses or alleged violations.

According to him, the deal framework includes provisions related to Lebanon, with emphasis on respecting its sovereignty and security, while implementation will be closely monitored amid continued tensions.

Baghaei further said steps are being discussed with Oman to ensure safe maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran does not support imposing any toll on ships passing through the waterway.

He said final details of the memorandum are expected to be settled within a day before an official announcement is made.

Two charged in US over theft of England team gear during World Cup logistics

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Two charged

United States: Two individuals have been charged in connection with the theft of equipment belonging to the England national football team during FIFA World Cup 2026 operations, according to international news reports.

Authorities said Mustafa Salik and Irfan Kamal each face one count of possessing stolen property after the missing items were recovered.

The stolen goods, valued at approximately $18,000, reportedly included England team kits and other training equipment.

Officials stated that the equipment went missing while being transported from the team’s training camp in Florida to its World Cup base in Kansas City.

Under state law, the offense carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison.

Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing turns festive after Japan’s World Cup draw with Netherlands

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Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo: The iconic Shibuya Crossing turned into a sea of celebration after Japan held Netherlands to a thrilling 2–2 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Hundreds of local and international football fans gathered at the famous intersection, waving national flags, chanting slogans and celebrating Japan’s spirited performance in the Group F match.

Despite light rain, enthusiasm remained high as the area transformed into a festive scene shortly after the final whistle.

A widely shared video on social media showed fans briefly stepping onto the road during celebration, but quickly clearing the crossing when the traffic signal turned green, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.

The disciplined behavior of the crowd drew widespread praise online, with users highlighting it as an example of civic responsibility and Japanese cultural discipline.

Earlier, Japan produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter.

The match, played in an intense atmosphere, saw the Netherlands start slightly stronger in the first half, with Daniel Malen creating several chances that forced key saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The Dutch took the lead in the 51st minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a precise cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded quickly, leveling the score six minutes later through a powerful strike from Keito Nakamura that left the Dutch goalkeeper helpless.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished a brilliant solo effort inside the box.

However, Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded just two minutes before full time when Daichi Kamada scored a header to make it 2–2, sparking celebrations among Japanese fans in the stadium.

Both teams earned a point each from the opening Group F fixture, with the match being widely regarded as one of the most exciting early games of the tournament.