News

The Iranian national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the World Cup tournament kicking off next week, U.S. officials have confirmed, BBC reports.

The clearance comes a mere 10 days before Iran’s opening fixture against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on June 15.

In an official statement, authorities confirmed that the visas required for Iran to compete in the tournament, covering both the athletes and vital backroom staff, had been successfully issued. However, officials explicitly noted that the U.S. would remain vigilant, stating they would not...

Lionel Messi is making strong progress in his recovery from a recent muscle injury and could make an appearance in Argentina’s final warm-up fixtures ahead of the World Cup, Reuters reports.

The 38-year-old forward sustained a muscle strain 10 days ago whilst representing Inter Miami during a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. The setback initially sparked fears regarding his physical condition as the global tournament approaches.

Positive training updates

The reigning world champions are scheduled to face Honduras in Texas on Saturday before taking on Iceland in Alabama next Tuesday for their...

The underdog New York Knicks are suddenly on the brink of their first NBA championship since 1973. Following a tense 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, the team has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, Reuters reports.

While Jalen Brunson powered the Knicks through Game 1 with his fourth-quarter offence, it was his crucial defensive awareness that sealed Friday’s triumph on the road.

A bizarre and dramatic finish

The closing moments of the game featured a highly unusual and decisive sequence. San Antonio’s star player Victor Wembanyama accidentally threw the...

Prosecutors have brought murder charges against a 44-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing of veteran Hollywood actor James Handy, Reuters reports. The 81-year-old star, known for a vast body of film and television work spanning half a century, was the partner of the suspect’s mother.

If convicted, Michael Gledhill faces a maximum sentence of 26 years in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Gledhill was taken into custody on Wednesday after approaching police near the crime scene in the Tarzana neighbourhood to confess that he was the individual they were searching for.

Instead of heading straight to a corporate boardroom, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang opted for a bustling internet cafe in Seoul to begin his five-day visit to South Korea on Friday, The Korea Herald reports. Arriving at Gimpo International Airport at 1 p.m., the tech billionaire went directly to the Hongik University area to pay homage to the vibrant gaming community that he credits with helping build his technology empire.

A hero’s welcome at T1 Base Camp

Fans armed with smartphones gathered outside T1 Base Camp, a popular “PC bang” operated by the renowned esports organisation T1. As...

Korean-Canadian artist Mark Lee has made his highly anticipated return to the stage. The former NCT member delivered a special acoustic performance at the global commemoration of World Environment Day in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The prestigious event took place on June 5, 2026 and was organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It brought together environmental advocates, global leaders and prominent artists to address urgent climate action. The opening ceremony at the Heydar Aliyev Center was attended by notable figures including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

Closing out the official ceremony, Lee...

Police in New York have apprehended a group of individuals originating from Uzbekistan who stand accused of orchestrating a massive $4.5 mln cargo theft operation. The stolen goods ranged from lucrative shipments of cigarettes to luxury cheeses, lamb, beef and copper wire, New York Post reports.

Modern approach to organised crime

According to investigators, the sophisticated scheme was masterminded by Murodullo Khasanov, commonly known by the alias Murad. Working alongside seven accomplices, Khasanov allegedly coordinated at least six major cargo heists between October 2025 and April 2026.

Eschewing the violent tactics of traditional mob robberies, the syndicate relied...

Uzbekistan is positioning itself at the forefront of regional integration with a series of ambitious proposals announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took to the stage to outline a comprehensive vision for cross-border cooperation, highlighted by the creation of a “Eurasian belt of technological industrialisation”.

This sweeping initiative aims to establish a robust network of interconnected manufacturing and tech clusters powered by a unified digital platform. The project is designed to facilitate end-to-end production chains that encompass tech development, staff training, localised manufacturing and global market integration.

Digital and educational integration

The head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation has stated that Uzbekistan’s innovative approach to constructing its new nuclear power plant (NPP) will serve as a template for other nations. Speaking to the TASS news agency, Rosatom general director Alexey Likhachev highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the Central Asian energy project.

“The project is truly unique, as we will be building both large and small capacity units simultaneously on a single site,” Likhachev explained.

He expressed absolute confidence that this dual-reactor strategy will eventually be adopted worldwide.

Construction under way

The official online ceremony...

The family of a man convicted of murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak has reportedly been ostracised by members of the Sikh community following the high-profile case, according to reports in the UK media.

The murder of Nowak shocked local residents and sparked widespread public outrage, leading to renewed discussions about youth violence and community relations. Following the conviction, attention has shifted to the social consequences faced by relatives of the offender, who are said to have become isolated within parts of their community.

Community leaders have condemned the killing while emphasising that responsibility for the crime lies with the...

Protesters have revived the “take the knee” gesture during demonstrations sparked by outrage over comments and actions linked to public figure Henry Nowak, reigniting debate over racism, discrimination and political activism.

Crowds gathered in several locations to express solidarity with minority communities, with many participants kneeling as a symbol of opposition to racial injustice. The gesture gained international prominence during the Black Lives Matter movement and has remained a powerful form of protest against discrimination.

Organizers said the demonstrations were prompted by growing public anger surrounding the Henry Nowak controversy, which has generated widespread discussion on social media...

Liverpool has confirmed the appointment of Spanish tactician Andoni Iraola as the club’s new head coach. While the Merseyside outfit has eagerly shared the news of his arrival, the specific financial details and the exact length of his newly signed contract remain firmly under wraps.

The 43-year-old manager makes the highly anticipated move to Anfield following a remarkably successful stint on the south coast with Bournemouth. Iraola took the reins at the Cherries in 2023 and remained at the helm until June 2026.

During his transformative tenure, Bournemouth emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting and progressive...

Model and actress Cara Delevingne has opened up about a health crisis that culminated in a seizure at the Burning Man festival, revealing that withdrawal from the drug GHB played a major role in the incident.

Speaking candidly about her past struggles with substance abuse, Delevingne said she experienced severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping the use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a depressant drug that can be highly addictive when used regularly. She described the period as one of the most difficult moments in her recovery journey.

The British star’s condition drew widespread attention in 2022 after photographs showed her...

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly refused to allow the United States to use their airspace for potential military strikes against Iran, highlighting growing Gulf efforts to preserve a fragile pause in hostilities between Washington and Tehran.

According to reports, both Gulf states opposed renewed military action amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating further. The move comes despite recent tensions in the region, including Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states and shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.

The decision reflects a broader shift among Gulf countries, which have increasingly prioritized regional stability...

South Korean entertainment agency ADOR has officially reduced the financial compensation it is seeking from its former chief executive Min Hee-jin and former NewJeans vocalist Danielle, Yonhap reports.

Legal sources confirmed on Friday that the damages claim has been lowered from an initial 43.1 bn won to 33.1 bn won (approximately $21.5 mln).

The lawsuit was originally filed last December against Min, Danielle and a member of the singer’s family. ADOR is seeking financial redress for the significant delays to the popular girl group’s promotional schedules caused by a highly publicised and protracted contract dispute.

Change in legal...

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka admitted she was in a difficult emotional state following her defeat at the French Open, after comments she made about wanting to “quit tennis” sparked concern among fans and commentators.

The Belarusian star suffered a disappointing loss at Roland Garros despite entering the tournament as one of the favorites for the title. Speaking afterward, Sabalenka described feeling exhausted and frustrated, leading to remarks that some interpreted as questioning her future in the sport.

The three-time Grand Slam champion later clarified that her comments were made in the heat of the moment and reflected...

The United States has approved a new $8 bn assistance package for Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the war.

The aid package, one of the largest approved this year, includes military equipment, ammunition, air defense systems and financial support aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russian forces.

Announcing the proposal, Zelensky said he was prepared to meet Putin face-to-face and even hold negotiations in a public format if it could help advance peace efforts. The Ukrainian leader argued...

YouTube star KSI has spoken out against online abuse targeting content creator Mo Syed following the announcement of his departure from the Sidemen, urging fans to stop directing hate toward individuals connected to the situation.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, addressed the backlash on social media after some fans blamed Syed for developments surrounding the popular YouTube group’s recent changes. The internet personality stressed that no one should be subjected to harassment or personal attacks.

The Sidemen co-founder said disagreements and business decisions should not lead to abusive behavior online, adding that supporters should remain respectful regardless of...

Hong Kong has taken a monumental step in expanding its global economic footprint by signing 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, SCMP reports. The lucrative deals carry an estimated total value of $1.65 bn and mark a significant deepening of commercial ties between the Asian financial hub and the rapidly developing Central Asian region.

Strategic push into Central Asia

The comprehensive suite of agreements underscores a deliberate strategy by Hong Kong to diversify its trading partnerships and capitalise on emerging markets. By strengthening relations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the city is actively reinforcing its position as a critical...

The United States is deepening its energy cooperation with Azerbaijan following the ratification of a strategic partnership agreement with Armenia, signaling Washington’s growing engagement in the South Caucasus.

According to reports, U.S. officials have reaffirmed support for Azerbaijan’s role as a key energy supplier to Europe and highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in energy security, infrastructure and regional connectivity projects.

The move comes as Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as a major exporter of natural gas through the Southern Gas Corridor, a network that supplies energy to European markets seeking to diversify sources away from Russia.

Analysts...

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, insisting that Washington will not allow Tehran to retain material that could be used to advance a nuclear weapons program.

Speaking during ongoing negotiations aimed at easing tensions between the two countries, Trump said the United States is closely monitoring Iran’s nuclear assets and remains determined to prevent the country from gaining access to uranium that could be further enriched for military purposes.

The warning comes amid continued uncertainty over the whereabouts of parts of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. A...

Iran has claimed that around 300 foreign vessels have registered for its new Strait of Hormuz transit system, despite strong opposition from the United States, escalating tensions over one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

According to Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), most of the applications have come from non-Iranian commercial vessels, including oil tankers heading to Asian markets. Tehran says the scheme is designed to regulate traffic and provide safe passage through the strategic waterway.

The United States has rejected the initiative, accusing Iran of attempting to impose illegal transit fees on international...

Uzbekistan significantly increased rail freight shipments to China in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the country’s growing role as a regional logistics hub and its efforts to strengthen trade connectivity across Eurasia.

According to official data, Uzbekistan dispatched 76 block trains to China via Kazakhstan’s Altynkol border crossing during the first three months of the year, reflecting expanding trade flows and rising demand for container transportation.

The growth comes as Tashkent continues to invest in transport infrastructure and promote new international trade corridors linking Central Asia with China, Europe and the Middle East. Uzbek officials have repeatedly...

The brutal slaughter of a widely adored social media pet has sent shockwaves through mainland China, triggering fierce public debate regarding the urgent need for robust animal protection laws, SCMP reports.

Guo, a well-known travel vlogger hailing from Henan province, is currently fighting a complex legal battle to penalise the men who stole his eight-year-old Border Collie, Chutou. The dog was a bonafide internet celebrity with a fanbase of 1.5 mln followers, cherished for his loyal companionship during Guo’s extensive treks across snow-capped mountains, vast deserts and open plains.

Timeline of events

The distressing saga began while Guo...