Iran has issued a sharp warning to FIFA over unresolved US visa approvals for its national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. Iranian officials said blocking players from participating due to political tensions with the United States would violate the principles of international sport. Iran’s football federation confirmed no visas had yet been issued despite the tournament beginning next month. Federation president Mehdi Taj said FIFA must provide guarantees during an upcoming meeting. US President Donald Trump recently signalled support for Iran’s participation, though earlier he had suggested the country skip the tournament over security concerns. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump suggested that efforts to locate and secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium may be driven “more for public relations than anything else,” even as the issue remains central to fragile ceasefire negotiations following the 10-week US-Israel conflict with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News from China, Trump said he would still prefer the uranium to be under American control but questioned its immediate strategic significance. The remarks came after Benjamin Netanyahu declared the conflict was “not over” and insisted Iran’s sensitive nuclear material “has to be taken out” of the country as part of any lasting settlement agreement.

S. Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to safeguard maritime stability amid escalating West Asia tensions, stressing that uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remains critical for the global economy. Addressing BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi, including representatives from Iran and the United Arab Emirates, Jaishankar called for “practical ways” to navigate geopolitical uncertainty and unilateral sanctions. He emphasised that peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity must guide international relations and said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to conflict resolution. India also urged newer BRICS members to fully support the bloc’s consensus-driven framework. (PC: AFP)

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has urged Narendra Modi to remove the 11% import duty on cotton, warning that rising cotton and yarn prices are pushing Tamil Nadu’s textile industry into crisis. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Vijay said the state, India’s largest textile and apparel exporter, faces severe raw material shortages due to reduced cotton production and increased trading activity. Cotton prices have reportedly jumped 25% in two months, from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy, while yarn prices rose from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg. Vijay warned the situation threatens lakhs of jobs, particularly among rural and semi-urban women workers. (PC: X)

India raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre nationwide on Friday as surging global crude oil prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict intensified pressure on state-run oil companies. In New Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 97.77 per litre and diesel Rs 90.67, while CNG prices increased by Rs 2 per kg to Rs 87. Fuel rates also climbed sharply across Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. State-owned fuel retailers had maintained stable prices for nearly 11 weeks despite mounting losses, but crude prices nearing $114 per barrel forced a partial pass-through. Long queues formed at petrol pumps nationwide amid fears of steeper hikes. (PC: India Today)

US authorities are reportedly preparing to resolve major fraud and bribery-related cases against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and the Adani Group, according to Bloomberg and Reuters reports. The US Department of Justice may drop criminal charges linked to an alleged bribery scheme involving solar energy contracts, while the US Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly negotiating a civil settlement that could include financial penalties. The investigations began in 2024 over accusations that Adani executives concealed alleged payments to Indian officials while raising funds from US investors. Adani representatives have denied wrongdoing, and no final official announcement has yet been made. (PC: ANI)

Fresh tensions erupted near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was reportedly seized near the UAE coast while an Indian-flagged cargo ship sank near Oman following a suspected attack. The incidents come amid stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran, raising fears of wider regional instability and disruption to global oil supplies. Iran has tightened control over shipping routes, while the US and allies continue military monitoring in the Gulf. Maritime security agencies warned of growing risks for commercial vessels as diplomatic efforts struggle to prevent further escalation in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to protect and strengthen US-China relations during a major summit in Beijing, warning against actions that could damage ties between the world’s two largest economies. Xi stressed cooperation over rivalry, while both leaders discussed sensitive issues including Taiwan, trade disputes, the Iran conflict, and global economic stability. Trump praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about future relations. The summit featured grand diplomatic ceremonies, with both sides aiming to stabilise ties despite continuing geopolitical tensions and disagreements over technology, security, and regional influence. (PC: NDTV)

Long queues and panic buying were reported at petrol pumps across several Indian cities after rumours of a sharp petrol and diesel price hike spread amid rising global crude oil prices linked to the West Asia crisis. Many fuel stations witnessed heavy rushes, with some temporarily running out of stock due to sudden demand. Reports suggested state-run oil companies are facing major losses while keeping fuel prices unchanged, increasing speculation about an imminent hike. However, government officials urged citizens not to panic, assuring that fuel supplies remain adequate and distribution systems are functioning normally despite temporary delays caused by hoarding and increased demand. (PC: India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a stern warning to Pakistan over terrorism, declaring that India would retaliate decisively against any future provocation. Addressing a gathering in Nagaur after unveiling a statue of Rajput ruler Rao Duda, Singh said Operation Sindoor had delivered a strong message to Pakistan. Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, he accused Pakistan-backed terrorists of targeting victims based on religion and said India had responded forcefully. Singh reiterated India’s “zero tolerance” policy on terrorism, citing the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrikes as examples of the country’s evolving security doctrine and military response strategy. (PC: X)