Iran prepares for slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral
Motorists drive vehicles past a mural displayed on the facade of a building depicting late figures aligned with the Iranian government, such as late President Ebrahim Raisi, slain Islamic revolutionary guards commander Qasem Soleimani, slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and others (AFP/Getty)
Motorbikes drive past banners showing portraits of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei in downtown Tehran, Iran (AP)
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 07:46
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz warning casts doubt on UK-France defensive mission
Mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz will only be carried out by Iran, the regime has said, casting doubt on a planned UK and French-led mission to make the vital oil supply route safe for shipping.
The country’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said this was in line with the interim ceasefire deal signed with the US as Tehran moved to maintain its grip on the strategic waterway.
His remarks came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said his country would work with Oman “in co-ordination with our partners” to demine the Gulf channel and ensure free passage for vessels.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 07:30
Iran thank Mexico for ‘love and respect’ as team exits World Cup
Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, in a post on Instagram, expressed his gratitude to the people in Mexico for their “respect, love and hospitality” as Iran exited the World Cup last week.
Iran were forced to move their training camp base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. They have also faced logistical challenges travelling to and from the US for their matches.
“The warmth of your heart made us feel that we were not far from home in these difficult days and I will never forget this love,” Ezatolahi wrote.
He added: “In the end, only one thing remains; Iran is our home and the homeland is above all differences and tastes. I hope that the day will come when our people’s share of life will be more than tears, sorrow and regret, but smiles, peace and hope.”
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 07:15
Germany says priority to find solution for safe and free passage through Hormuz
The German foreign ministry in a post on X said the priority was to reach a “sustainable solution that ensures safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz” and address “Iran’s nuclear programme, which must never again pose a threat”.
The statement comes after German foreign minister Johann Wadephul met US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
“The agreement between the US and Iran to halt mutual attacks and continue negotiations is an important step. It creates an opportunity for diplomacy in what remains a highly fragile situation,” the ministry said.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 07:00
South Korea says almost all its ships have crossed Hormuz
South Korean president Lee Jae-myung has announced that all but two vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have now exited the waterway.
A total of 26 South Korean-linked ships were in the Strait when Iran closed the chokepoint on 28 February after the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 06:40
Two Revolutionary Guard men killed in Iran in ‘terrorist attack’
Two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard were killed and two others wounded in what the Guard described as a “terrorist” shooting in the western province of Kermanshah last evening.
The attackers opened fire outside the Guard members’ home and authorities were investigating to identify those responsible, state media reported.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 06:30
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Amirhossein Miresmaeili hears from unimpressed protestors within Iran who feel betrayed by Donald Trump’s promises of regime change.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 06:20
Israel says Lebanon deal ‘bad news’ for Hezbollah and Iran
Israel’s ambassador to the UN has said that the agreement between Israel and Lebanon is “bad news for Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic, and good news for peace.”
Danny Danon added: “But agreements alone are not enough. What matters is their implementation.”
He said Israel has “no interest” in remaining in Lebanon and that its objective is to protect Israeli citizens.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 06:00
Watch: Trump says envoys traveling to Doha for Iran meetingTrump says envoys traveling to Doha for Iran meeting
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 05:45
Oil falls below $73 a barrel as investors focus on potential Doha talks
Oil prices dropped this morning, with investors eyeing the outcome of potential US-Iran talks in Doha amid weekend missile fire from both sides that tested an interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Brent August crude futures, which expire today, were down 1.03 per cent, or 75 cents, at $72.40 a barrel.
US West Texas Intermediate fell 0.66 per cent, or 47 cents, to $70.32 a barrel.
“Investors are pricing in hopes of a positive outcome from the Doha talks, even though real normalisation of flows through the Strait of Hormuz is not yet visible,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
“The market is cautiously hopeful but still hedging its bets until we see more tangible signs of de-escalation,” Waterer added.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar30 June 2026 05:30