{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

FIFA World Cup 2026

Iranian footballer’s US visa expired after team’s opener at 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to the media, the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran has started the process of obtaining a new visa

WASHINGTON, June 16. /TASS/. Iranian footballer Mehdi Torabi's US visa expired after the team's opening group stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Agence France-Presse reported citing Iranian news agency IRNA.

According to the agency, the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has started the process of obtaining a new visa.

The Iranian football team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, following the draw, was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Iran has already played its first out of three group stage matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand (2-2). It is scheduled to play again in Los Angeles on June 21 against Belgium and is set to play another match in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

On June 3, Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh announced that everyone on the Iranian football team had been granted entry visas to participate in this year’s FIFA World Cup. However, TASS reported later that a part of the Iranian delegation, including some on the coaching staff, were denied entry visas.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom announced on May 17 that representatives of FIFA and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) held a productive meeting in Turkey, giving FIFA confidence that the Iranian national team would indeed take part in the upcoming World Cup.

Earlier in May, the Iranian football federation lauded the decision to move the team’s training camp from the United States to Mexico.

What to know about Iran, FIFA World Cup

On April 22, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that the Iranian national football team might still participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the safety of the team was ensured, however, no final decision was made at that time.

Donyamali previously stated on March 11 that Iran would skip the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, on March 16, the Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Windsor John, announced that the Iranian side had not officially withdrawn from the upcoming World Championship.

On March 17, President of the Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj announced that the country’s football body was in talks with FIFA on relocating the team's matches at the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in turn that the world’s governing body of football will do everything in its power to accommodate the Iranian national team at the upcoming global football championship.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States between June 11 and July 19. The matches will be staged in 16 cities across the three countries. This will be the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32-team format.

ISU to provide information on Russian athletes’ int’l participation in coming weeks

Further analysis is currently underway

Vietnam’s PM arrives in Kazan for Russia-ASEAN summit

Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov met Le Minh Hung at the international airport

May becomes bloodiest month with over 1,000 people injured in Ukrainian strikes — MFA

According to Rodion Miroshnik, compared with March, which had previously been considered the most intensive month in terms of attacks on civilians, the number of people affected by criminal actions of Kiev's armed formations increased by 237

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

Conflict around Strait of Hormuz to be resolved this year — Belarusian leader

According to Alexander Lukashenko, there are objective reasons that compel the US to stop its military pressure on Iran

FACTBOX: What we know about UK's new sanctions against Russia

The United Kingdom expanded its sanctions list against Russia by 43 entries

Top Russian, Turkish diplomats to discuss Middle East, Black Sea region, South Caucasus

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Sergey Lavrov and Hakan Fidan are also expected to discuss the development of Russian-Turkish relations in various spheres

Strategic oil reserves in the US down to minimum since 1983 — CNN

According to the US federal statistics, authorities released 8.9 mln barrels of oil more from the reserve last week

Russia appreciates Turkey’s diplomatic efforts in Ukrainian conflict settlement — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that it is necessary to solve the problem of eradicating the root causes of this crisis

Trump says Syria may ‘take care of Hezbollah’

According to the US leader, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has "done an amazing job of pulling it together," is "very good with Hezbollah"

US envoys Witkoff, Kushner to visit Russia soon — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that there are no exact dates yet

Tehran to view any Israeli attack on Lebanon as violation of Iran-US memorandum — MFA

The document is planned to be signed in Geneva on June 19

Russia complies with obligations under Hague Convention on protection of cultural property

According to the statement, Russia strictly adheres to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict

UK adds 43 entities, individuals and 27 alleged Russia-linked vessels to sanctions list

Four Chinese companies, one Turkish company and three Thai companies were blacklisted

Trump says doesn’t anticipate using military force against Iran again

The US president expressed hope that Washington and Tehran are going to "get along"

Europe fears potential US-Russia talks without EU involvement — Politico

The publication added that European governments are closely monitoring US-Russia contacts amid ongoing discussions on security issues

Readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow, Witkoff-Kushner visit: Kremlin briefing

There are no official channels for communication between Moscow and Kiev, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Right moment needed to advance peace in Ukraine — Swiss president

Guy Parmelin emphasized that Switzerland is ready to facilitate the dialogue

Germany takes Goebbels route and Zelensky’s tough guy act: Lavrov’s statements

According to the Russian foreign minister, German officials’ rhetoric on historical issues and regarding events in Ukraine suggest that Moscow needs "to take a tougher stance against them"

Second stage of deal with Iran, meeting with Zelensky and Ukraine: Trump’s statements

According to the US leader, in the event of an Israeli attack on Lebanon, the deal with Iran may remain in place

IN BRIEF: What we know about Tu-22M3 aircraft training flight that went wrong in Siberia

Four crew members are receiving treatment at the hospital, Governor of the Irkutsk Region Igor Kobzev said

Press review: India's Russian submarine leak and Russia-US ties 'beyond repair'

Top stories in the Russian press on Thursday

Two US nuclear submarines ‘closer to Russia,’ Trump says

"We always want to be ready", US president added

European lawmaker calls EU ‘party to Ukrainian conflict’

The EU cannot act as a mediator for a settlement, Michael von der Schulenburg says

IN BRIEF: US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashes at Edwards Air Force Base

According to preliminary reports, eight crew members on board were killed

Likely no survivors in B-52 bomber crash — air base

Eight people were on board the aircraft

Vietnam’s PM departs for his first official trip to Russia to attend Russia-ASEAN summit

According Vietnam News Agency, Russia is a traditional friend and a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

California bans flights within 13-kilometer radius of airbase following B-52 jet crash

All types of aircraft are prohibited from flying at altitudes up to 100 meters within the radius, a source in the US air traffic control center says

Trump slams ‘fake news’ reports of planned US payments to Iran

The US president accused Democrats of spreading this information

Don State Technical University develops new unmanned surface vessel model

The new platform will be tested jointly with the Azov Region and Azov Sea Research and Engineering Institute

Now that deal with Iran is done, US to focus on Ukraine — Trump

The US president confirmed plans to discuss the Ukrainian peace process at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit

Resolving Ukraine conflict is what EU needs, German MEP says

Michael von der Schulenburg noted that Europeans need peace more than Russia does

US-Iran deal goes to second stage, Trump says

The US president believes that this stage will be easier

FACTBOX: Moscow refinery damaged, 172 UAVs target Russia in Ukraine's new attack

More than 30 drones were destroyed in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky and four districts of the Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar said

Fire breaks out at oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar Region due to fallen drone debris

There were no fatalities or injuries

Iran, New Zealand play to a draw in FIFA World Cup match

The national teams tied at 2-2

No alternative to dialogue between EU, Russia — European lawmaker

Michael von der Schulenburg says the mutual spiral of deteriorating relations will not yield results

Russian troops liberate Novy Donbass community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,330 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Putin sets September 20 as date of Russian parliamentary elections

For the first time ever, residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will participate in parliamentary elections

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

The strikes also targeted military airfields and territorial recruitment centers

Kiev cannot escape responsibility for crime in Starobelsk — Russian Foreign Ministry

This crime has no statute of limitations, the ministry said

Ceasefire on all fronts key topic of memorandum with United States — Iran’s top diplomat

The agreement includes a ceasefire in Lebanon

Belgium, Egypt play to a draw in FIFA World Cup match

The match ended with a 1-1 score

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

US may cancel sanction carveouts for Russian oil soon — Trump

The US leader said that the oil is now flowing

EU introduces new anti-Russian sanctions

The European Union blacklisted more than eighty individuals and organizations, including from nations friendly to Russia

Upper house speaker slams US-Israeli operation against Iran as geopolitical mistake

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that this intervention has destabilized the Middle East, triggering an energy crisis, yet it ultimately changes nothing

All critical damage at Zaporozhye NPP caused by Ukrainian shelling repaired — director

According to Yury Chernichuk, all damaged infrastructure at the plant is being repaired immediately

Pentagon invests over $11 million in establishment of biolabs in Ukraine

Funding was provided through technical assistance programs with the Ukrainian Health Ministry being the recipient

Passage through Strait of Hormuz to be free for 60 days during US-Iran talks — JD Vance

According to the vice president, the US expects that passage through the waterway will remain free after the final version of the agreement is concluded

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

British defense secretary resigns over lack of investment

John Healey said that he was stepping down "with great regret and reluctance"

Press review: EU seeks to derail Ukraine talks as oil prices fall on Mid-East peace hopes

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 16th

Russian troops liberate Artyoma community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,265 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Turkey to raise transit fees through Bosphorus and Dardanelles by 15% from July

Turkish authorities have been increasing transit tariffs for vessels passing through the straits once a year since 2022

June 16 drone attack on Moscow among largest in 2026 — TASS estimates

According to the Moscow mayor, 60 drones have been shot down by air defenses since midnight

West paints Russia as villain amid Patriot strike: situation around Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has said that it is ready to help assess the damage done to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra after the missile attack

Turkey ready to do everything it can to promote Ukrainian settlement — top diplomat

Turkey is ready to act as a mediator and provide a venue for talks, Hakan Fidan said

Europe draws wrong conclusions that Russia allegedly loses — Russia’s top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that it was confirmed during the visit of three ambassadors from Britain, France, and Germany to the Russian Foreign Ministry

Israel will not let Iran get nuclear weapons regardless of deal with US — Netanyahu

The prime minister added that Israel was saved from the threat of nuclear destruction

West working out scenarios for pre-emptive strikes against Russian naval bases — aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that it is no secret that merchant ships regularly arrive at Russian ports with magnetic mines attached to their hulls, saying there are reasons to believe that the mines are planted at European ports

Trump calls Obama administration’s transfer of $350 billion of arms to Ukraine 'crazy'

The US leader emphasized that Washington was selling weapons at present

Lukashenko says conflict with Iran is US’ ‘fatal mistake’

When asked whether the US acted on its own or was pushed into this by an ally, the Belarusian president said the Americans could not have made such a decision if they hadn’t wanted that

Zelensky says not considering Moscow visit for talks with Putin

The head of Kiev regime stated that he could meet the Russian president in Turkey, Switzerland or the Middle East

Main fire at Krasnodar Region oil depot, caused by drone attack, extinguished

Firefighters are continuing to work at the site until the danger is completely eliminated, district head Alexander Kharitonov says

Qatar aims to restore 80% of LNG exports within two months — Bloomberg

Fully restoring the remaining capacity, equivalent to two production trains, will take years

Ottawa spreading false information about Kiev-Pechersk Lavra — Russian embassy

The embassy emphasized that the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is well aware that the buildings at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra were struck by a US Patriot missile

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Switzerland maintains contact with all parties to Ukraine conflict — president

Guy Parmelin emphasized that Switzerland is ready to provide a venue for talks on a peaceful settlement

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Russia, Laos ink agreement on cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy

The signing ceremony took place in the House of the Government of the Russian Federation

Lukashenko doesn’t rule out his meeting with Trump this fall

According to the Belarusian leader, his potential meeting with the US counterpart should cover a range of issues rather than be focused on the release of prisoners only

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Israeli troop withdrawal from Southern Lebanon not mentioned in US-Iran agreement — TV

A high-ranking US source said that Israel has the right to self-defense and retaliatory strikes, if Hezbollah attacks

Armenia, US to conduct Eagle Partner military drills in Armenia on June 17-25

The exercises will be held as part of preparations for participation in international peacekeeping missions

Trump hails 'good' talk with Putin, says Russian leader open to peace in Ukraine

The Russian president earlier called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his 80th birthday

Lukashenko, Putin agree that Belarus must not be dragged into Ukrainian conflict

According to Alexander Lukashenko, this issue was raised "because the mass media constantly talks about it "

Macron promises to have 'respectful but firm' talk with Trump at G7 summit

Commenting on Donald Trump's threat to impose 100% duties on French wines because of the tax on tech companies in force in the republic, Emmanuel Macron said that "it doesn't work that way"

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

West's illusions about Russia, Witkoff-Kushner upcoming visit: Lavrov's comment

The Russian foreign minister said he hopes that US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner will clarify Washington's plans to implement the agreements on Ukraine during their visit to Russia

Moscow refinery damaged in Ukraine drone attack — mayor

According to Sergey Sobyanin, no one has been reported injured

Nearly half of central banks plan to increase gold reserves in 2026

According to the survey, 89% of respondents expect total global foreign exchange and gold reserves to increase over the next year

IN BRIEF: Patrushev’s comments on preserving war memory, destruction of Slavs by Europe

According to the presidential aide and Maritime Board chairman, Russia's position at sea needs to be strengthened so that the country remains great and is a true center of power

US-Iran memorandum general in nature — JD Vance

The US vice president says that the details of the agreement will be worked out during technical negotiations

No military solution for Middle East, Ukraine — Lukashenko

There are a lot of problems that need to be resolved, Belarusian President said

UK to supply $280 million worth of enriched uranium for Ukraine’s NPPs — PM’s office

London will power Ukraine’s nuclear plants for the next two years, the statement says

Belarusian president says countries of the world should get rid of their nuke arsenals

During the interview Alexander Lukashenko was asked whether the US-Israeli attack on Iran under the pretext of trying to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons could spur other countries to secretly pursue nuclear weapons programs to defend themselves against such attacks

Zelensky can always come to Moscow to engage in serious conversation — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the Russian president had not received any official invitation to attend the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, for a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky

US-Iran memorandum includes clause on commitment to peace in Middle East — JD Vance

According to the US vice president, the memorandum implies that Iran will cease supporting the movements Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis from Ansar Allah

B-52 strategic bomber crashes after takeoff in California

Information about possible causes of the crash is not available at this point

Russia’s top diplomat comments on Germany’s military buildup, Zelensky’s public posturing

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia values Turkey’s diplomatic efforts on Ukraine but highlights "that any sustainable, long-term, and reliable settlement requires addressing the root causes of the crisis"

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

West no longer safe fighting far from its borders — NATO commander

According to John Stringer, modern long-range missiles, drones, and sabotage threats make it possible to hit facilities that once were considered out of reach

Russian PM to travel to Uzbekistan for a two-day working visit

Among the priority topics in the negotiations, Moscow highlights joint projects in the energy sector, including nuclear energy, as well as industry, transport, and agriculture

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

The US Senate unanimously voted to appoint Nelson to the post of NASA chief in late April

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

IAEA, US to assist Iran in destroying enriched uranium — JD Vance

The US vice president added that this is "spelled out very clearly" in the memorandum of understanding

US, Iran signed deals, Strait of Hormuz to reopen on June 19 — Trump

The US leader made this announcement at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet