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Protests broke out in Los Angeles after a court upheld FIFA’s ban on displaying Iran’s pre-revolutionary «Lion and Sun» flag at 2026 World Cup matches, a symbol widely used by opponents of the Islamic Republic.

The ruling came ahead of Iran’s opening Group G match against New Zealand, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the stadium and some fans attempted to bring the banned flag into the venue. The flag has become a prominent symbol of anti-government sentiment among many Iranians living abroad.

The controversy added to an already tense atmosphere surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Some...

Boxing star Tyson Fury and his wife Paris Fury have come under fire on social media after publicly showing support for US President Donald Trump during a UFC event held at the White House.

The couple attended UFC Freedom 250, a high-profile mixed martial arts event hosted on the White House lawn to mark Trump’s 80th birthday and the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. During the event, Fury was seen wearing a cap reading «Donald Trump for Prime Minister» and later shared photos with Trump, UFC president Dana White and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The former heavyweight...

A millionaire banker has been arrested in connection with the infamous “Putney Pusher” case, nearly nine years after a woman was shoved into the path of a moving bus on a London bridge.

The Metropolitan Police said a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm over the May 2017 incident on Putney Bridge in southwest London. The suspect was taken into custody as detectives reopened the long-running investigation.

The case gained international attention after CCTV footage showed a jogger pushing a 33-year-old woman into traffic during rush hour. The victim narrowly escaped serious injury...

Albania is emerging as a potential new transit corridor for Uzbek goods heading to Europe. This strategic prospect was a primary focus of recent negotiations between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his Albanian counterpart Bajram Begaj during their meeting at the Kuksaroy residence.

The two heads of state engaged in detailed discussions regarding the feasibility of utilising the Albanian port of Durres to deliver Uzbek merchandise directly to Mediterranean and Southern European markets. Officials from both sides noted that enhancing transport and logistics cooperation would significantly broaden bilateral trade networks and unlock fresh avenues for commercial...

Uzbekistan is accelerating efforts to develop Islamic finance as part of a broader strategy to attract investment from Gulf countries and strengthen its position in emerging capital markets.

The topic was discussed during a panel session titled «Islamic Finance and Sukuk Markets: Channeling Gulf Capital into Emerging Economies» at the Tashkent International Investment Forum. Participants explored how sukuk bonds, takaful insurance and other Sharia-compliant financial instruments can help direct sovereign and institutional capital into infrastructure and business projects across the region.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Sanjar Nosirov said the country is implementing...

U.S. President Donald Trump has come under fire after hosting a high-profile UFC event at the White House on his 80th birthday, with critics accusing him of turning a public institution into a platform for personal promotion.

The event, known as UFC Freedom 250, took place on the South Lawn of the White House and was organised in partnership with UFC president Dana White. Thousands of spectators attended the fights, which coincided with celebrations marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

However, protesters and watchdog groups argued that the spectacle blurred the line between public office and...

The Turkish entertainment industry has been left in shock following the sudden death of actress Ece Irtem. Best known for her role as Isil in the hit television series Cranberry Sorbet, the star passed away on June 15 at the age of 35.

According to Turkish media reports the actress began feeling unwell at her flat on Saturday morning. Her mother was present with her at the time and immediately called for emergency services. Paramedics arrived at the scene and quickly commenced resuscitation efforts but were sadly unable to save her life.

The death was officially confirmed by her...

Tunisia have officially parted ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi following a severe 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their opening 2026 World Cup fixture. The result of Sunday’s Group F clash at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico prompted swift action from the Tunisian Football Association.

While earlier rumours indicated an immediate sacking, the 54-year-old still conducted training on Monday. However the national association later released a formal statement confirming that the Frenchman’s contract had been terminated by mutual agreement.

An unwanted tournament record

This swift dismissal means Lamouchi is now the first manager in the history of the...

A new technology park named “Metals of the Future” is scheduled to open in the city of Chirchiq. The facility will specialise in the advanced processing of tungsten and molybdenum.

Details of the planned industrial hub were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a recent briefing regarding the strategic development of the national mineral industry.

An integrated development centre will also be established at the site. This dedicated facility aims to support emerging industry startups, produce exceptionally high-purity metals and manufacture high-tech goods.

Regional critical minerals centre

During the presidential presentation officials also discussed the creation of...

The government of Uzbekistan has introduced a series of updated financial regulations designed to ease restrictions on foreign investments and streamline currency operations for local enterprises.

Under the new framework private enterprises without state participation will be permitted to allocate up to $200,000 annually towards establishing international businesses, acquiring foreign company shares and opening overseas trading houses. For commercial entities with state involvement this annual investment ceiling has been set at $100,000.

Authorities have also raised the allowance for replenishing the working capital of international branches and representative offices. The updated financial limits are structured as follows:

Joshua, a prominent member of the South Korean music group Seventeen, is scheduled to deliver a formal speech at an upcoming UNESCO youth event. His management agency Pledis Entertainment confirmed on Tuesday that the singer will address audiences at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris on June 25.

The artist will speak on behalf of the entire thirteen-member band to champion their joint global youth support programme, officially titled “Going Together — For Youth Creativity & Well-being”.

Seventeen has built a strong working relationship with the international body in recent years. The group was appointed as official youth goodwill ambassadors...

BigHit Music announced on Tuesday that Yeonjun, a prominent member of the South Korean boy band Tomorrow X Together (TXT), will launch his second individual extended play next month. The new project is titled No Labels: Part 02 and is scheduled for a global release at 1 p.m. on July 10.

The upcoming EP arrives approximately eight months after his debut solo effort, No Labels: Part 01. Industry observers and fans alike expect the new album to further highlight his personal storytelling and distinct musical identity.

During his previous solo campaign Yeonjun actively participated in the songwriting, composition and choreography...

South African jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, whose evocative music captured the spirit of the nation’s townships and became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, has died at the age of 91. The office of President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his passing on Monday without detailing a specific cause of death.

Ibrahim forged a unique musical identity by fusing American jazz and spirituals with the distinct rhythms of southern Africa. This innovative sound ultimately served as a potent cultural challenge to the brutal white supremacist government of his homeland.

Early life and jazz epistles

Born Adolph Johannes Brand in...

Up to 20% of shares in the national carrier Uzbekistan Airways are scheduled to be floated on the international stock market by the end of 2026. The preparation for this initial public offering (IPO) was the central focus of a recent strategic presentation reviewed by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

To facilitate the upcoming listing the airline is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation programme developed in partnership with the global investment firm Franklin Templeton. The strategic initiative involves 115 specific measures designed to enhance management efficiency, improve financial performance and align corporate operations with international standards.

Financial...

The Iranian national football team recorded a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their first match of the 2026 World Cup. The Iranian side fell behind twice during the game before recovering to secure a point.

New Zealand opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the match. Forward Chris Wood gained possession near the penalty area and passed the ball to Elijah Just who struck it into the net.

Following the goal Iran increased their offensive pressure. Mehdi Taremi hit the goalpost before the team equalised in the 32nd minute. Ramin Rezaeian gained control of the ball following a...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has extended formal congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of his birthday.

In his diplomatic address the Uzbek leader praised Xi’s exceptional leadership qualities and highlighted his instrumental role in driving China’s ongoing national development. According to Mirziyoyev the Chinese nation is moving forward with immense confidence due to Xi’s carefully calculated policies and strategic vision. He commended Beijing for securing continuous milestones in both its socioeconomic evolution and broader state modernisation efforts.

Strengthening bilateral ties

The congratulatory letter placed a strong emphasis on the dynamic expansion of diplomatic...

Uzbekistan’s economy is projected to expand by 7.9% this year according to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).

Aigul Berdigulova, a senior analyst at the EDB Country Analysis Centre, announced the figure during the presentation of the macroeconomic forecast for Eurasia covering the 2026 to 2028 period. She noted that this represents the highest growth rate of the past decade, surpassed only by the post-pandemic recovery recorded in 2021.

The projected economic growth is supported by several key factors. Berdigulova stated that robust investor activity, elevated gold prices and strong household income dynamics are the primary contributors. Additional drivers for...

Hoshi, a member of the South Korean music group Seventeen, released a new solo single titled Snapback on Monday to coincide with his birthday. The release was formally announced by his management agency Pledis Entertainment.

The artist took an active role in the production of the new track by contributing to both the lyrics and the melody. According to the agency, Snapback incorporates old-school guitar sounds and rhythmic beats to convey a theme of strong attraction.

The release comes while the singer is currently fulfilling his mandatory national service requirements. He is serving as a full-time active-duty soldier in the...

The largest-ever outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is accelerating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with health officials warning that the true scale of the epidemic may be far greater than reported. More than 780 confirmed cases and 180 deaths have been recorded, while infections have also spread into neighboring Uganda.

Aid organizations say a lack of clean water and sanitation is undermining efforts to contain the virus. In Ituri province, one of the outbreak’s epicenters, only a fraction of health facilities have reliable access to safe water. Oxfam warned that «the first...

A Mexican man who was filmed making a gesture considered racist to East Asians during a World Cup match has issued a public apology. The incident took place on Thursday evening during the fixture between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, which South Korea won 2-1.

On Friday, South Korean content creator Yoon Su-jin posted a video of herself attending the match. In the background of the footage, Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes can be seen pulling the corners of his eyes and laughing.

Yoon, who operates under the online alias Ino Cat, holds an audience of 6.6 mln...

Uzbekistan is set to remain one of the strongest economic performers in Central Asia between 2026 and 2028. The projection was outlined in the latest macroeconomic review published by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).

According to the bank’s analysts, the gross domestic product of the republic is expected to expand by 7.9% this year. This growth rate is forecast to adjust to 6.7% across 2027 and 2028.

The report also indicates a downward trend for inflation in the country. Experts predict that the inflation rate will stand at 6.8% for the current year before decreasing to 5.5% in the...

American mixed martial artist Justin Gaethje has achieved his dream of becoming an undisputed world champion. In the main event of the unprecedented UFC Freedom 250 card held on the grounds of the White House in Washington D.C., the 37-year-old secured a stunning technical knockout victory over Spain’s Ilia Topuria to claim the lightweight title.

The highly anticipated bout concluded dramatically following the fourth round when the referee and cageside medical staff deemed Topuria unable to continue. The victory marks a monumental career milestone for Gaethje who successfully utilised his trademark striking power, relentless pressure and devastating leg kicks...

The Carolina Hurricanes secured their first Stanley Cup championship in 20 years on Sunday evening following a 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6. The result marked Carolina’s third consecutive win in the series and was built on a stringent defensive performance.

Goaltender Brandon Bussi recorded his first career playoff shutout by stopping 22 shots. Taylor Hall opened the scoring three minutes and 47 seconds into the fixture to establish an early lead. Jackson Blake contributed a goal and an assist while Nikolaj Ehlers secured the final result with an empty-net strike.

Vegas offensive struggles

A mid-air collision involving two helicopters over the western zone of Rio de Janeiro resulted in six fatalities on Sunday morning. Reportedly, one of the passengers was American celebrity Oliver Tree. Military fire and rescue services in the Brazilian city confirmed that there were no survivors from either aircraft.

One of the helicopters plummeted into a commercial car dealership and struck multiple parked electric vehicles. The impact triggered a fire at the site which local fire crews subsequently brought under control and extinguished.

High-profile passengers

Police have yet to formally identify the deceased but initial flight manifests indicate...