Rubio on Russia Day Says US Remains Committed to Ukraine Conflict Resolution
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a Russia National Day message that the United States remains committed to advancing a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. "On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day. The Uni»»»
Coca-Cola Fan Zone brings cultures together at World Cup opening night in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Coca-Cola Fan Zone at JAX District in Diriyah could simply be described as a place for fans to watch matches alongside a range of entertainment activities. But that would not do it justice. The Coca-Cola Fan Zone offered a glimpse of how Riyadh, a future FIFA World Cup host city, is bri»»»
Former refugees look to ignite Australia’s World Cup
CALIFORNIA: Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players will show the changing face of Australian soccer at the World Cup and look to answer the nation’s call for goals. Coach Tony Popovic is putting his faith in attackers Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, two»»»
Qatar, Switzerland discuss regional developments and mediation efforts
Zurich: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Friday with State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Department of the Swiss Confederation, HE Alexandre Fasel, on the sidelines of the 2026 MAS ETH Mediation in Peace Processes Policy Forum in »»»
Illicit gold networks fuelling conflict, organised crime across Africa and global south, GI-TOC warns
Gold is increasingly being weaponised by states, criminal networks and sanctioned regimes as a strategic financial tool, while regulatory systems are failing to keep pace with rapidly evolving illicit supply chains, according to a new report from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organize»»»
Illicit gold networks fuelling conflict, organised crime across Africa and global south, GI-TOC warns
Gold is increasingly being weaponised by states, criminal networks and sanctioned regimes as a strategic financial tool, while regulatory systems are failing to keep pace with rapidly evolving illicit supply chains, according to a new report from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organize»»»
Qatar, Switzerland discuss regional developments and mediation efforts
Zurich Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Friday with HE State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Department of the Swiss Confederation, Alexandre Fasel, on the sidelines of the 2026 MAS ETH Mediation in Peace Processes Policy Forum in Zu»»»
No final agreement on deal with US – Iran’s Foreign Ministry
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that the country’s leadership has approved a preliminary peace deal. The remarks came after Trump said on Thursday that a settlement could be signed as early as this weekend, likely in Europe, and that Ir»»»
Stipulations of Iran-US MOU
Al-Manar Website publishes the main stipulations of the memorandum of understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America. 1. The nuclear file remains unchangedThe current memorandum of understanding does not include any agreement on the nuclear file, and Iran offers»»»
AI replaces Paul the Octopus for 2026 World Cup tips
Paris, France: ChatGPT and Claude are betting on Spain. Le Chat from France's Mistral reckons Les Bleus will clinch it. And China's DeepSeek and Qwen have a fondness for Argentina. The 2026 World Cup is the first with widely available generative AI chatbots, and fans and researchers alike are turni»»»
US Republican organisation urges Trump to honour Vucic's invitation to visit Serbia
WASHINGTON - Republicans for National Renewal, a US political organisation promoting MAGA ("Make America Great Again") values, has called on US President Donald Trump to honour an invitation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to visit Serbia. "President Trump should absolutely visit Belgrade,"»»»
Tehran dismisses announcement of U.S.-Iran peace deal as 'speculation' - UPI.com
Iran said it had yet to make a final decision on an agreement with the United States to end the war, despite U.S. President Donald Trump saying it had been approived and could be signed in the next few days. File photo by Behnam Tofighi/UPI | License Photo June 12 (UPI) -- Iran said it had yet to m»»»
‘The future is peace’: An Israeli-Palestinian call for reconciliation
Aziz Abu Sarah is Palestinian. Maoz Inon is Israeli. Both their families have been bereaved by the endless conflict between their two communities. With their book "The Future is Peace" published in April, the two authors aim to rally international public opinion behind their project to put an end t»»»
EIB governors endorse strategy to expand investment in energy, technology, and defence
The Board of Governors of the European Investment Bank (EIB), comprised of European Union Finance Ministers, endorsed the Bank’s strategy to deliver on shared policy priorities, with increased financing and risk appetite, deploying its full potential to mobilise investments for energy autonomy, tec»»»
Will World Cup 2026 crown a new all-time top scorer?
Doha, Qatar: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already guaranteed to be unlike any previous edition of football’s biggest tournament. With a record 48 participating teams, 104 matches, three host nations and an expanded knockout stage, the tournament will rewrite several chapters of World Cup history. Yet»»»
Yamal steps into World Cup spotlight
Doha, Qatar: Lamine Yamal’s rise has been one of football’s most remarkable stories. At just 18 years old, the Barcelona winger has already established himself as one of the game’s brightest talents, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents another opportunity to showcase his extraordinary potential on»»»
United States and Romania Reinforce Joint Efforts to Combat Child Trafficking Under the Child Protection Compact
June 11, 2026 Today, government officials and civil society leaders from the United States of America and Romania met for their Annual Dialogue to review the progress, address challenges, and outline future priorities for the U.S.-Romania Child Protection Compact (CPC). ? Launched in 2024, the Chil»»»
Indonesian Messi superfan welcomes World Cup
Polewali Mandar, Indonesia: On the balcony of his house in Indonesia, Muhammad Yusuf swayed to blaring music and waved a replica of the World Cup trophy as hundreds paraded past, many decked out in Argentina's colours. The 54-year-old fisherman from a small village in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi»»»
Taking Kharg Island would pose risks for US troops
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wants to take over Kharg Island, Iran’s oil infrastructure hub. Analysts say the US military could seize the island quickly, but the move could leave US troops in great peril and prolong rather than shorten the war. WHERE IS KHARG ISLAND AND WH»»»
The World Cup may be played in North America, but Gulf businesses could still win
Dubai: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to give the Arab world its biggest stage yet, with a record eight teams from the region qualifying for the tournament across the US, Canada and Mexico. World Cup 2026 wall chart: Download it free with fixtures and full scheduleSaudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Moroc»»»
Seeking strong start, Qatar brace for tough Swiss test in World Cup opener
Doha, Qatar: Four years ago, Qatar’s World Cup debut never truly got going. A nervy opening defeat to Ecuador set the tone for a difficult campaign that ended without a point and with hopes fading before the knockout rounds even came into view. As Al Annabi prepare to begin their FIFA World Cup 202»»»
From white knuckles to open barbs, Trump and Macron bring a rocky history to the G7 summit
WASHINGTON: The relationship between US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron started simply enough, with a handshake, nearly a decade ago. But even then, there were signs of strain in their relationship — tensions that could be on full display during next week’s G7 summit in »»»
Trump says Iran peace deal is near after threatening new strikes
US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had halted plans for new military strikes on Iran, claiming negotiators were close to extending a fragile ceasefire, just hours after threatening to intensify the conflict by targeting Iran’s oil industry. US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had cal»»»
Global heat: El Nino is officially here — how it may affect you
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Thursday the return of El Nino: the warm phase of a natural climate cycle linked to higher global temperatures and wild weather. The seesawing shift in ocean temperatures and winds forms across the tropical Pacific Ocean but ca»»»
Al Ansari reviews ties, regional peace with Norwegian, European Commission officials
QNA Oslo Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari met with State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Peace Forum in the Norwegian c»»»
Qatar reaffirms readiness to advance lasting M-E peace with UN, partners
QNA New York The State of Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the UN Security Council and all international partners to strengthen dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, while continuing to expand its bilateral and international humanitar»»»
What We Are Reading Today: ‘American Patriarch’ by H.W. Brands
H.W. Brands’ “American Patriarch” is an inspiring portrait of George Washington as the icon of American virtue who wrested America free from British control, gave credibility to the Constitution, and crafted the norms that would steady America as a nation for generations to follow. Arriving in time»»»
Bruised Brazil face Morocco in heavyweight World Cup opener
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey: Brazil begin their latest hunt for a long-awaited sixth World Cup crown on Sunday with little room for a gentle landing, facing up-and-coming Morocco in a Group C opener that will test the side’s ability to cope with a lengthy injury list. The record five-time winners a»»»
Amir holds phone call with US President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a phone call today with the President of the United States of America HE Donald Trump. During the call, the two leaders discussed the close strategic relations between the two countries and ways to support and further strengthen them. Th»»»
Trump cancels new Iran strikes, announces 'approved' peace deal - UPI.com
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he had cancelled planned airstrikes on Iran after the regime, along with other regional stakeholders, had reached a peace deal -- an agreement that Iran later denied it has reached. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo June 11 (UPI) -- Presiden»»»
Report: Trump said Iran deal imminent after 'gaps narrowed' between US, Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he canceled planned strikes against Iran on Thursday and claimed Iran's leadership "approved" a draft agreement that would extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch 60 days of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Trump has claimed an »»»
Shakira, local flair dominate World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico
Mexico City Pop star Shakira led a line-up of Latin singers who helped open the biggest ever world cup before the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. The storied Azteca Stadium – officially known at the Mexico City Stadium during the world cup – hosted the party and »»»
Trump says canceling Iran strikes, flags possible deal
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was calling off strikes on Iran that he had planned for Thursday, and flagged the signing of a possible deal with Tehran after top-level talks. Trump's latest sudden reversal on the war came after what he said were the agreements of "final points" by numerous cou»»»
Trump Cancels Strikes on Iran Scheduled for This Evening
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he canceled strikes against Iran that were scheduled for this evening. "I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening," Trump wrote on Truth Social. »»»
General Qaani: The Zionist entity must know that the occupation and ongoing crimes will not break the will of the Lebanese people and the resisting Hezbollah fighters - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe General Qaani: The Zionist entity must know that the occupation and ongoing crimes will not break the will of the Lebanese people and the r»»»
Trump cancels strikes against Iran planned for Thursday evening
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said he hascanceled planned strikes against Iran on Thursday, hours after threatening more bombings and a desire to “take” oil export hub Kharg Island. “Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highes»»»
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson meets with official from European Commission
Oslo: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari met with HE Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Peace Forum held in »»»
Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Foreign Ministry Spokesperson meets Norwegian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Oslo: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari met with HE Andreas Kravik, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Peace Forum held in the Norwegian capital.»»»
US Embassy Doha celebrates FIFA World Cup Opening Day at 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum
Doha, Qatar: The US Embassy Doha hosted a FIFA World Cup Opening Day Reception at the 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum on June 11, bringing together Qatari government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, civil society leaders, and exchange alumni to mark the opening of the 2026 F»»»
Argentina plans to allow sale of 10,000 U.S. vehicles duty-free - UPI.com
Some companies already have begun to anticipate the Argentine government's tariff cut, with discounts being offered on the Ford Mustang, among other vehicles. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/EPA BUENOS AIRES, June 11 (UPI) -- Argentina is preparing to partially open its automotive market to vehicle»»»
Patriot Missile Shortage Exposes US Impotence as Security Guarantor – Expert
The US’ inability to deliver the Patriot missiles it promised to allies does not bode well for its reputation, former US Department of Defense analyst Karen Kwiatkowski tells Sputnik. The US showed that paying for US arms and even being a US ally does not make one a priority. “The priority is whate»»»
Trump threatens to ‘take’ Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil hub - UPI.com
President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States may take control of Iran’s oil and gas industries like it did in Venezuela earlier this year. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo June 11 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States may take control of Iran's»»»
Hormuz Shock Hits Gulf Economies, Saudi Arabia Takes Center Stage in 2026
The global economy is entering an extremely sensitive phase in 2026 amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have cast a heavy shadow over the fragile global recovery and reshaped the global credit and financial landscape. At the heart of these turbulent developments, Gulf Co»»»
Vance Boelter to plead guilty to Minnesota lawmaker murders - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Vance Luther Boelter, the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers, is planning to plead guilty Thursday. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Facebook June 11 (UPI) -- Vance Boelter, the man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, will plea»»»
Wholesale inflation surged 1.1% in May, more than expected - UPI.com
Super unleaded gasoline is sold at a price of $5.49 dollars per gallon at Global Gas Station on May 27, in New York City. More than half of May's increase in final demand product prices stems from a more than 23% increase in the gasoline index. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 11 (U»»»
Hong Kong arrests 6 over America-bound World Cup fakes
Hong Kong: Hong Kong officials said Thursday they had arrested six people in a World Cup fake merchandise sting involving almost $20 million of counterfeit goods. Eighty percent of the items seized were intended for export to the Americas, where the tournament kicks off Thursday, authorities said. »»»
Qatar reaffirms readiness to advance lasting Middle East peace with UN, partners
New York The State of Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the UN Security Council and all international partners to strengthen dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, while continuing to expand its bilateral and international humanitarian »»»
Health sleuths are watching for disease threats during the World Cup
WASHINGTON: While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs. A heat wave may be the most obvious health threat. But infectious diseases can spread in a crowd, and experts are set to scrutinize wastewater, h»»»
Trump Claims US Could Take Over Iran Entirely, But Does Not Want Boots on Ground
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that the United States could take over Iran entirely, but added that he does not want to deploy ground troops. "We can walk in there tomorrow. We could take soldiers. I don't want to have boots on the ground, but if I wanted to, w»»»
Etihad and Condor add Abu Dhabi to Bangkok flights in wider travel deal
Dubai: Travellers will get more flight options between Abu Dhabi, Germany and Asia after Etihad Airways and Condor expanded their strategic partnership with a new Bangkok service and a frequent flyer agreement. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Condor will launch flights»»»