Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticized the conditions surrounding his team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the experience as “a disaster.” Taremi said logistical problems, visa issues, and geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States have disrupted preparations and affected player recovery. Following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand, the team was reportedly forced to leave the U.S. immediately and return to its base in Mexico. Coach Amir Ghalenoei called Iran the tournament’s “most oppressed” team, while both he and Taremi urged FIFA to provide greater support. 

At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, European leaders urged U.S. President Donald Trump to help revive stalled peace efforts by hosting direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump acknowledged the deep hostility between the two leaders but said he would do what he could to advance negotiations. Zelenskyy sought stronger U.S. engagement and support as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks. European nations are also considering additional sanctions on Moscow while pressing for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Iran’s national football team has claimed it was not allowed to remain overnight in the United States after its opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the squad had planned to stay for recovery but was instructed to return immediately to its base in Tijuana, Mexico. The team, already affected by visa issues and political tensions between Washington and Tehran, described itself as the “most oppressed” side in the tournament. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand and urged FIFA to provide greater support amid mounting logistical challenges. (PC: Forbes)

Delhi Police have dismantled an alleged terror and espionage network backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting seven people in coordinated operations. Investigators said the suspects were involved in recruiting operatives, collecting sensitive information and maintaining links with handlers across the border. Authorities recovered electronic devices and documents during raids and are examining whether the network had connections to other extremist groups. Officials described the operation as a major counterterrorism success aimed at preventing potential threats to national security. Further investigations are underway to identify additional associates and uncover the full extent of the alleged network.

At the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon, calling the bombardment excessive and urging greater restraint. During talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump warned that Israel’s actions could jeopardize the emerging U.S.-Iran peace agreement. Declaring “there would be no Israel without me,” Trump emphasized Washington’s support while pressing Netanyahu to act more responsibly. The remarks highlight growing tensions between the two allies as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure regional stability and prevent further escalation. (PC: HT)

Efforts to end the West Asia conflict gathered pace as the United States and Iran moved closer to a formal peace agreement aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The proposed deal, expected to be signed later this week, has brought relief to global energy markets and trade. However, tensions remain over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and unresolved regional disputes. Shipping through the Strait is gradually resuming, though experts warn that mines and security concerns could delay full normalization of oil and commercial traffic. 

Turkish ground-handling company Celebi Aviation has claimed that India’s decision to revoke the security clearance of its Indian subsidiaries following Operation Sindoor wiped out nearly $500 million in business value overnight. Chairperson Canan Celebioglu said the company lost a presence built over decades after authorities cancelled contracts, transferred employees and seized equipment. The move came after Turkey openly supported Pakistan during the India-Pakistan confrontation. Before the ban, Celebi handled ground and cargo operations at nine major Indian airports and managed around 58,000 flights annually. Indian authorities cited national security concerns for the action. (PC: India Today)

Iran have criticised their treatment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being ordered to leave the United States immediately following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The team was forced to return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, despite all its Group G matches being scheduled in the US. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said the constant travel has disrupted player recovery and preparation. Captain Mehdi Taremi called the situation a “disaster” and urged FIFA to provide more support. Iran's original training base in Arizona was moved to Mexico because of political tensions between Washington and Tehran. The team also faced tight security and protests during its short stay in Los Angeles. (PC: AFP)

More than 500 people attended a Heartfulness event in London to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga. Thousands more joined the programme online. The event focused on inner peace, wellbeing and global harmony. It was organised with support from India's Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian High Commission in the UK. In a message to participants, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said meditation and reflection are becoming more important in today's fast-moving world. He said, “People are increasingly looking for opportunities to pause, reflect and consider how they manage stress and responsibility.” Former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said lasting peace starts within individuals. “The journey to global peace does not begin in conference halls or corridors of power. It begins in the human heart,” he said. The event included chair yoga, guided meditation, a live yoga demonstration and a sitar performance. Diplomats, lawmakers, faith leaders and community members also attended.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said India’s presence at the G7 Summit reflects a changing world order. Speaking before the summit in Evian, France, he said the G7 can no longer solve global problems alone. Carney said countries like India, Brazil, Egypt and Kenya bring important views and solutions. He added that wider cooperation is needed to address global challenges. The summit will discuss economic stability, energy security, artificial intelligence and international conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the meeting as a guest. Leaders from several major economies are taking part in the summit.