According to US President Donald Trump, the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the most successful in football history. He noted that during the tournament, revenue exceeded the figures of all previous championships by five times.
Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that he would like to hold a similar competition again. However, he added that they might not be able to host the next World Cup.
It should be recalled that the 2026 World Cup was jointly organized by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament matches were held in 11 cities across the US, including New York (East Rutherford), Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kansas City, and Seattle.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the new tariff policy introduced by Donald Trump's administration, which provides for a 25% duty on most goods imported from Brazil into the United States of America starting July 22.
This new tariff regime is the first measure within the policy developed by Donald Trump's administration and could potentially cover dozens of other countries. According to information from the U.S. Trade Representative, this additional duty is being imposed based on the law on investigating unfair trade practices. Washington noted that Brazil has not achieved expected results in negotiations on digital trade, illegal deforestation, and other issues.
It was also stated that similar policies could be applied to countries such as China, European Union member states, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico.
The head of Brazil announced that the country would file a complaint with the World Trade Organization and activate its 'Law on Mutual Retaliatory Measures'. State Secretary Marco Rubio sharply stated that Lula should not engage in friendly negotiations with Washington, noting that 'tariffs are payment for the policy of the President of Brazil.'
The new duties apply to goods such as sugar, agricultural machinery, textiles, electrical appliances, paper, and steel products. However, a number of goods are exempt from restrictions, including coffee, beef, aviation and aircraft spare parts, energy products, rare earth metals, honey, and organic honey.
Furthermore, an upcoming inspection regarding Brazil was mentioned, which could result in the imposition of an additional 12.5% tax, potentially increasing the total tariff burden on some goods to 37.5 percent.
US President Donald Trump warned of strikes against Iran's energy and transport infrastructure if an agreement is not reached.
According to Trump, US strikes will continue in the near future. He emphasized that energy facilities have become the final stage of military actions. The President stated the possibility of disabling all power plants and bridges in Iran.
Trump called on Iran to reach an agreement with Washington. It was reported that US representatives contacted the Iranian side about an hour before the interview to invite Tehran to negotiations. Trump also stated that strikes would continue until a ceasefire decision was made.
The US President assured that the military is trying not to harm the civilian population during the strikes. Trump's statement came amid the resumption of the naval blockade of Iranian ports and the start of new strikes on Iranian territory. In turn, Iran stated that military pressure and economic blockade would not force it back to negotiations.
Trump noted that reaching an agreement with Iran is still possible, but warned that if Tehran does not return to negotiations, strikes could be carried out on energy facilities and bridges next week.
Earlier, the US and Iran signed a memorandum on June 18 aimed at ending military clashes. This document provided for the cancellation of the US naval blockade and the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. Nevertheless, on the night of July 14 to 15, US forces launched another series of strikes on dozens of military targets in the Strait of Hormuz and near the Iranian coast. In response, Iran reported a missile strike on a US military base in Jordan.
The United States of America is carrying out continuous military actions on Iranian territory. Despite the escalation of the situation, President Donald Trump stated that hope for a diplomatic resolution has not been lost, noting that 'an agreement is still possible.'
According to information from US Central Command, during a five-hour operation, military facilities in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Mussa, and Bandar Abbas were attacked. The White House chief emphasized that these actions are aimed at gradually limiting the opponent's strike potential, as well as strengthening control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran also reacted to the situation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported using missiles and drones against facilities in Bahrain, as well as striking two tankers associated with the United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE Ministry of Defense informed that one sailor was killed and eight people were injured as a result of this incident.
The Strait of Hormuz, which has become a central point of conflict, is critically important as about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it. Washington is also promoting the idea of imposing a fee on ships using this sea route, which is expected to cause new disputes in the international energy market.
Earlier, Tehran acknowledged that the memorandum reached in June, which served as the basis for negotiations, 'led to a crisis situation.' Nevertheless, Trump expressed confidence in the possibility of restoring dialogue between the parties. According to him, the parties were very close to concluding an agreement just a few days ago, but negotiations were interrupted without reaching a result.
