BBC World
'A World Cup for them not us': Fans' anger at US travel bans and visa restrictions
Supporters from dozens of countries are finding themselves locked out of the 2026 World Cup before a single ball is kicked, as US travel bans and strict visa policies create insurmountable barriers for many international fans. The restrictions have sparked widespread frustration, with critics arguing that hosting the world's most-watched sporting event demands a level of openness the US is currently unwilling to provide. For a tournament built on global participation, the message being received loud and clear is that not all fans are welcome.
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Trump says he will press Israel to hold back after Iran retaliates for Beirut attack
Iran launched its missile barrage at Israel, and now Trump is positioning himself as the dealmaker urging restraint on both sides. The US president publicly called on Iran to stand down and return to negotiations, signaling Washington's preference for diplomacy over escalation. The statement puts pressure on Israel to hold its response while Trump attempts to leverage the moment toward a broader regional agreement.
Read article →BBC World
Iran and Israel say they have halted strikes after first exchange of fire since truce
Iran and Israel exchanged direct fire for the first time, with Tehran launching roughly 30 missiles at Israel in response to a strike in Lebanon, prompting two waves of Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory. Both sides have since declared a halt to hostilities, marking a rare de-escalation after one of the most significant direct confrontations between the two nations. The fragile pause will be closely watched as a test of whether the ceasefire can hold amid deep and ongoing tensions.
Read article →BBC World
At least 32 dead after major earthquake strikes southern Philippines
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines, killing at least 32 people and sending tsunami waves across parts of Southeast Asia and Japan. The tremor ranks among the region's most significant seismic events in recent years, triggering widespread evacuations and coastal warnings. Rescue operations are underway as authorities assess the full scale of damage.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Iran and Israel bomb each other: Is the ceasefire over?
Iran and Israel have exchanged strikes in what analysts describe as a dangerous test of the ceasefire's durability. Both sides appear to be using limited military action as a bargaining chip, probing for leverage without fully abandoning the truce. The pattern raises serious questions about whether the agreement can hold as tensions continue to escalate.
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