Similar Stories 🔰

The tournament is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 -- with Iran playing all three of its group stage matches in America.

With a second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in limbo, Pakistan's credibility as a mediator has come under scrutiny. The failure of Pakistan, especially its army chief, Asim Munir, to secure guarantees from an erratic Trump has led to a growing mistrust with Iran.

Iranian diplomatic accounts reacted with online satire after reports that a US delegation's Pakistan visit was paused amid stalled ceasefire talks. One video shared by Iran's consulate in Russia showed a pole vaulter failing a jump, captioned "JD Vance's trip to Pakistan," which was interpreted as a dig at the delayed or suspended visit.

John Kerry said Barack Obama, George W Bush, and Joe Biden rejected Benjamin Netanyahu's Iran war plan, but Donald Trump later approved a version of it despite internal objections.

Leadership turmoil at Pentagon as Phelan's departure raises questions

Phelan's exit is the latest in a series of high-level military departures under Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has removed several senior officials in recent months.

US has stepped up pressure on Iran after extending the ceasefire, demanding a "unified response and proposal". President Donald Trump has asked Tehran to "get its act together" amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty.

US evaluates NATO allies' contributions as tensions with Iran rise

Navy Secretary John Phelan has been removed from his post after months of clashes with senior Pentagon leaders over shipbuilding plans and management issues.

A day earlier, Trump had called on Iran to spare the eight women, raising the issue publicly and urging intervention.