Supreme Leader Rally: Mass Support & New Era Begins

The FIFA World Cup will proceed as planned this summer despite ongoing conflicts, according to FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi. Concerns had been raised about potential disruptions due to the war between Iran, the US and Israel, and the possibility of Iran being unable to participate as the tournament is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

World Cup to Go Ahead as Planned

Schirgi stated that the World Cup is “too big” to be postponed, and expressed hope that all qualified teams will be able to participate. This comes amid worries about Iran’s participation, as the nation is drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Iranian Footballers Granted Asylum in Australia

Five players from the Iranian women’s national football team have been granted humanitarian visas allowing them to stay in Australia, following fears of potential sanctions upon their return to Iran.

Regional Tensions Rise

Syria has accused Hezbollah of launching shells into its territory, with Syrian army officials stating that the Iran-backed Lebanese group targeted their positions and reinforced its presence at the border. The Syrian army warned that it will not tolerate any aggression.

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran, stating that it would be hit “twenty times harder” if it stops the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of attacks that would render Iran “virtually impossible” to rebuild.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) threatened to halt oil exports from the Gulf region if attacks by Israel and the US continue. This followed rallies in support of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

The UAE consulate general in Iraqi Kurdistan was targeted in a drone attack, according to the country’s foreign ministry. No casualties were reported.

Hezbollah launched rocket and drone attacks towards northern Israel overnight, prompting alarms for residents. The attacks are in solidarity with Iran amid the ongoing conflict.