North America

Today’s headlines: Seven Rohingya school girls and their teacher die in Bangladesh landslide. New US strikes against Iranian targets, prompt Iranian retaliation on American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar; Pakistani aircraft that went missing yesterday off the coast of Karachi located; South Korea’s delivery riders loose long legal battle against a leading delivery firm.

With Japan’s elimination in the round of 16 – the only team to have progressed beyond the group stage – the continent now has no teams left in the competition. The stark contrast with Africa and the wave of resignations, from South Korea to Saudi Arabia. The case of Iran, which remained unbeaten but was eliminated on goal difference (and due to hostile politics). The players’ message: “May peace and friendship prevail”.

Washington's framework agreement is Beirut's only hope of regaining territorial integrity and sovereignty, while neutralising Hezbollah, and securing the return of displaced populations. However, the country is split over the agreement and could strengthen Shia militias. For the first time, areas have been designated where the Lebanese and Israeli armies will have a direct line of communication.

The 29-year-old striker for the German national team is the son of migrants originally from the Viranşehir district. He is the first Kurd to score at a World Cup, celebrating the goal with a traditional dance. He was also the target of a campaign peppered with racially charged insults during a Europa League match in Istanbul. Nine players from this ethnic-religious minority are taking part in the tournament.

This is the second night of relative quiet along the southern border since the war broke out on 2 March. The 14 June massacre of civilians has slowed down the return of the population. Some residents told AsiaNews that they hope for a return to "normal life”, amid uncertainty and fears about the future. A new round of talks between Lebanon and Israel is set for tomorrow in Washington.

Yesterday, the Turkish leader received the ecumenical patriarch at the presidential complex. One of the issued discussed was finding ways the historic school, closed in 1971, could reopen after the inauguration next September of the newly renovated building complex. Trump, expected at the NATO summit in July, has pushed for Ankara to give the green light. Renewed tensions with Greece over maritime borders lurk in the background.

Attieh Fard, a politician and lawyer who has been in the United Kingdom for years, spoke to AsiaNews about the signing of an agreement that leaves international tensions and critical issues in the country unresolved. Iran’s hardliners could block signing, while the regime could use the moment to strengthen stability and its grip on power. The call for a "free" Iran may still lead to fresh street protests.

In the last few hours, a few displaced people have started to go home, but the situation in the south remains critical. The Jewish state has no intention to relinquish the territories it has occupied. Furthermore, the plan leaves the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament open and unresolved. Uncertainty and unresolved issues surround the future of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Three Indian nationals died in a US attack on a tanker carrying Iranian oil. Despite the public outrage, New Delhi is keeping a low profile to avoid angering Washington: in the background, a possible meeting between Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the G7. Meanwhile, the White House announced a deal with Tehran. Saudi Arabia reboots trade with Lebanon.

From the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump to short-term visas for Iranian players, the 2026 edition will be the biggest with 48 teams and 104 matches, but also very controversial. Nine Asian teams will take part, with two newcomers: Jordan and Uzbekistan. The hopes of a continent rest with South Korea and Japan. Despite billions invested in football, China failed to qualify.

The Israeli activist, a participant in the Gaza peace talks, slams the leadership of a “desperate” prime minister who, beyond the never-ending war, has “no successes to present on any front." The country, which will go to the polls in October, is at a “turning point”. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is still "terrible," while talks continue for a diplomatic solution.

While the parties work towards a ceasefire, the pro-Iranian party remains opposed to "direct negotiations" with the Jewish state. Lebanon’s capital is experiencing hours of relative calm, but tensions remain in the south. The Druze House hosts a summit of religious leaders. Among the population, a growing consensus calls for peace with the Israelis and normalisation of relations.