World Cup Visa Drama: The US has approved visas for Iran’s World Cup players, but some Iranian staff and federation/media officials were initially denied, leaving travel logistics uncertain even as the squad prepares to leave Antalya for Tijuana and matches near Los Angeles. Middle East Flare-Up: Despite the visa progress, new US-Iran tensions spilled into the Gulf, with Bahrain and Kuwait reporting missile attacks and the US striking radar sites in Iran, threatening a fragile ceasefire. France Probe Over Gaza Flotilla: France opened a preliminary investigation into alleged “war crimes” and “torture” involving Israel’s treatment of Gaza-bound flotilla activists, including claims of abuse during detention; some French activists are still recovering in Turkey. Ireland Sanctions Israel Hardliners: Ireland imposed an entry ban on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over their role in Gaza unrest and aid flotilla detentions. Turkey-Black Sea Incident: A Turkish-flagged fishing boat was attacked off Crimea in the Black Sea, sinking with one sailor dead and four wounded. Armenia Vote Watch: Armenia heads to parliamentary elections amid fallout from Nagorno-Karabakh and a push to normalize ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan while recalibrating away from Russia.