Shafaq News- Washington

The United States will ease sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, as Washington and Tehran move toward signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Citing US officials, the outlet stated that the US Treasury Department is expected to issue exemptions immediately after the formal signing on June 19. The outline of the emerging agreement has already been shared with US allied countries during the ongoing G7 summit in France. While some details have been circulated, technical teams continue working on implementation mechanisms, indicating that the final text could still change before official approval.

“Iran would only gain access to economic relief if it complies fully with its obligations,” the official noted, adding that these commitments include preventing the development of nuclear weapons, reducing its stockpile of enriched uranium, and safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Last week, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a US-Iran agreement had been reached, ending military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the development on Truth Social, writing that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.”

“I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he posted.

Shafaq News

Two World Cup matches fall on Thursday’s Baghdad schedule, with Ghana facing Panama at 02:00 before Uzbekistan make their tournament debut against Colombia at 05:00.

Ghana vs Panama

Ghana and Panama meet at Toronto Stadium in a Group L opener that carries immediate value, with England and Croatia also in the section and early points likely to shape the fight for qualification.

Thomas Partey will not play for Ghana after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal against a visa refusal, leaving coach Carlos Queiroz to open the campaign without one of his most experienced midfielders. Ghana are ready to play with the available squad, Queiroz said, describing Panama as organized and experienced but stressing that the Black Stars have quality, speed, skill, and the ability to win one-on-one situations.

The match will be the first meeting between Ghana and Panama at any international level. Ghana are making their fifth World Cup appearance, with their best run still the 2010 quarterfinal, while Panama are appearing for the second time after losing all three group matches in 2018.

The opener is a chance for Panama to show progress from their debut campaign. Thomas Christiansen’s side arrive with a more settled identity and a realistic target of staying alive in a group where England and Croatia are expected to carry the strongest claims.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Uzbekistan later face Colombia at Mexico City Stadium in the first World Cup match in Uzbek football history, opening Group K at 05:00 Baghdad time.

Fabio Cannavaro has urged his players to enjoy the occasion but not treat it as ceremonial. The Italian coach stated that Uzbekistan have “nothing to lose,” though they must fight and show their identity.

Manchester City center back Abdukodir Khusanov is central to Cannavaro’s plan, with Uzbekistan’s structure relying heavily on defensive organization. Captain Eldor Shomurodov also gives the debutants experience and a focal point in attack.

Meanwhile, Colombia enter with the stronger tournament profile after missing the 2022 World Cup and rebuilding under Nestor Lorenzo. Their run to the 2024 Copa America final restored confidence, while Luis Diaz provides pace and directness and James Rodriguez remains the creative reference point.

Group K also includes Portugal and DR Congo, making the opener important for both teams. Colombia need a clean start to confirm their favorite’s profile, while Uzbekistan know that any early point would immediately change the tone of their first World Cup campaign.

Shafaq News- Erbil

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Baghdad Governor Atwan Al-Atwani discussed expanding cooperation with Erbil during a meeting on Wednesday.

Discussions covered public services, municipal administration, and development projects to improve living conditions for residents. Barzani expressed support for broader partnerships and called for drawing on successful experiences to enhance governance and administrative performance.

سەرۆک نێچیرڤان بارزانی پشتگيرى له‌ په‌يوه‌ندييه‌كانى هه‌ردوو پارێزگاى هه‌ولێر و به‌غدا ده‌كاتhttps://t.co/wimNpfGSw3 pic.twitter.com/R4olbP21BZ

— Kurdistan Region Presidency (@KurdistanRegion) June 17, 2026

The meeting also highlighted the need to maintain communication to advance reconstruction efforts and shared interests.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

On Wednesday, gold prices hovered around 950,000 IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 948,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 944,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 943,000 IQD on Tuesday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 918,000 IQD, while the buying price reached 914,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 950,000 and 960,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 920,000 and 930,000 IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 997,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 951,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 815,000 IQD.

Shafaq News- Halabja

Authorities have narrowed the search for 11-year-old Ruqaya, who disappeared after falling into the Zalm waterfall several days ago, to the surrounding springs and waterways at the Ahmad Awa resort in Iraqi Kurdistan’s Halabja province, a local official announced on Wednesday.

Provincial Civil Defense Director Brig. Gen. Abidin Abdulrahman told a press conference that the decision followed extensive sweeps of the resort and nearby terrain. Additional teams from neighboring provinces and autonomous administrations in the Kurdistan Region, he added, could join the mission if needed.

Abdulrahman also urged residents and volunteers to refrain from conducting individual searches, warning that uncoordinated attempts could put more lives at risk and hinder ongoing efforts.

A day earlier, Al-Sulaymaniyah provincial authorities diverted part of the water flow through large pipes to improve access to the area where Ruqaya is believed to have fallen into the water.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi reinstated Ali Jakhifa Lafta al-Shammari as commander of Samarra Operations only hours after his removal, a source within Saraya al-Salam, the armed faction of the Patriotic Shiite Movement (PSM) led by Muqtada al-Sadr, told Shafaq News on Wednesday.

Al-Shammari was replaced by Youssef Mizan Naseef Ragheef of Asaib Ahl al-Haq. The order originated from Faleh al-Fayyadh, head of the Popular Mobilization Forces —a predominantly Shiite umbrella formation integrated into Iraq’s state security structure in 2016— under which both factions operated.

The move triggered tensions in Samarra, with Saraya al-Salam deploying members across several streets and key points in the city. The group maintained that its presence would continue until security responsibility transfers fully to Iraq’s official security forces. Muqtada al-Sadr later instructed the faction to comply with the PMF decision.

Longstanding friction between Saraya al-Salam and Asaib Ahl al-Haq persisted. The latter’s leader, Qais al-Khazali, broke away from al-Sadr’s movement and the Mahdi Army before establishing the group. Competition between both sides has periodically escalated into political disputes and armed confrontations across several southern provinces, including Basra and Maysan.

Last month, al-Sadr and al-Khazali outlined a path for the disengagement of their armed wings, directing members toward integration into official state institutions as part of broader efforts to consolidate weapons under exclusive state authority, a central pillar of al-Zaidi’s government program.

Read more: Iraq to place armed factions' weapons under state control: What we know so far

Shafaq News- New York

Violent clashes between Argentina and Algeria fans in New York City on Tuesday marked the first major crowd disturbance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, just hours before the two teams met in their opening Group J match.

Footage from Times Square, one of the United States’ most visited public spaces, captured supporters wearing Argentina jerseys confronting fans carrying Algerian colors, while tourists, pedestrians, and children remained nearby. Both sides exchanged chants and taunts before the confrontation escalated into physical fights, prompting police intervention to separate the groups and restore calm in the area.

The incident unfolded hundreds of miles from the match venue in Kansas City, where the Argentina national football team opened its World Cup title defense. The defending champions delivered a comfortable performance, securing a 3-0 victory over the North Africans. Lionel Messi scored all three goals, matching German striker Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

The US dollar opened Wednesday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 156,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 156,000 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the previous session’s 154,900 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 156,500 dinars and bought it at 155,500 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 155,750 dinars and buying prices at 155,700 dinars.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran resumed crude oil exports for the first time in two months after several tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz, TankerTrackers, a maritime tracking service, reported on Wednesday, days before Tehran and Washington are due to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Switzerland.

Two crude carriers operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) passed through a blockade previously enforced by the US Navy. The vessels —Diona and Hero 2— were carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, while a third NITC-operated Suezmax-class tanker transported about 1 million barrels.

BREAKING: CRUDE OIL DEPARTS IRAN FOLLOWING A TWO MONTH LONG NAVY BLOCKADEAccording to AIS data which we corroborated yesterday (2026-06-15) by satellite imagery, at least two National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) VLCC supertankers named DIONA (9569695) and HERO2 (9362073) have… pic.twitter.com/tSesQTcC6K

— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) June 16, 2026

The crossings mark the first reported movement of Iranian oil exports since a US blockade began on April 13, targeting vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, including those in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Last week, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signaled that a US-Iran agreement had been reached, ending military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the development on Truth Social, writing that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.”

“I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he added.

The formal signing of the US-Iran MoU is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.

Shafaq News- Washington

US Vice President JD Vance declared on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran constitutes a broader regional peace agreement covering Israel, Lebanon, and the Arab Gulf states.

Speaking in a TV interview, Vance acknowledged that ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon could complicate the settlement. "This is a regional peace agreement. It will include the Gulf, Israel, and Lebanon. The key point is that it is a genuine regional peace agreement."

Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations (G7) welcomed the US-Iran agreement the same day and voiced support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability.

Iran's state-affiliated Mehr News Agency and Bloomberg both published draft texts of the MoU, each containing a US commitment to ceasefire provisions across all fronts, including Lebanon.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told his Lebanese counterpart, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, by phone that Washington must compel Israel to end its military campaign in Lebanon, halt home demolitions, and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to occupy southern Lebanon regardless of the Washington-Tehran framework.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, said it had received assurances from Tehran that Iran would press for Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon in the next phase of negotiations with Washington.

The Iran-aligned Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters reported 84 Israeli violations of the Lebanon ceasefire in the two days following the deal's announcement, warning that Israeli forces would face a strong response if the attacks on southern Lebanon continued.

Israeli artillery struck the Ali al-Taher heights and the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning, while Israeli aircraft carried out a separate airstrike near the town of Kfar Tebnit in the Nabatieh district. Ten rockets were subsequently fired toward Israeli troop concentrations near Kfar Tebnit, according to local media.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the cumulative death toll in Lebanon since March 2 has surpassed 3,826, with more than 11,851 wounded —figures that do not include four additional fatalities recorded in Tuesday's strikes.

The formal signing of the US-Iran MoU is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.

Read more: US-Iran ceasefire deal leaves Lebanon without guarantees

Shafaq News

Austria opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Wednesday, overcoming a second-half equalizer before scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to take three points in Group J.

The result moved Austria level with Argentina at the top of the group after Lionel Messi's hat-trick led the defending champions past Algeria 3-0 earlier in the day.

At San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, in front of more than 65,000 spectators, 22nd-ranked Austria faced 64th-ranked Jordan, which was making its World Cup debut.

Austria controlled much of the early possession, but Jordan remained dangerous on the counterattack through Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan.

The Austrians broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Romano Schmid collected possession outside the penalty area and struck a low effort past Yazeed Abu Laila to give Austria a 1-0 lead after sustained pressure. Austria continued to dictate play and finished the first half with the better chances, although Jordan remained threatening on the break.

Jordan found its reward five minutes into the second half when a quick counterattack ended with Noor Al-Rawabdeh releasing Olwan, who drove into the area and finished beyond Alexander Schlager to score Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal.

The equalizer shifted momentum, and Jordan enjoyed its strongest spell of the match, forcing Austria to defend deeper than it had during the opening half.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick responded with a series of substitutions, including the introduction of veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, and the changes helped restore control.

The decisive moment came in the 76th minute. A dangerous Austrian cross into the penalty area was turned into the net by Jordan defender Yazan Al-Arab under pressure, giving Austria a 2-1 lead. Jordan pushed forward in search of another equalizer, but Austria added a third goal deep into stoppage time.

After a VAR review awarded a penalty for handball, Arnautovic converted from the spot in the 102nd minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

The scoreline was harsher than Jordan's performance suggested. The tournament newcomers remained competitive for long stretches and created several dangerous moments through Olwan and Al-Tamari, particularly during the early stages of the second half. Austria, however, made better use of its experience and squad depth, recovering after Jordan's equalizer and finishing strongly to secure the win.

The victory gives Austria an early advantage before a key Group J meeting with Argentina, while Jordan heads into its second match against Algeria needing a result to strengthen its hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Under the expanded 48-team format, third-placed teams can still qualify for the round of 32, leaving Group J wide open after the opening round of matches.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

A power gap of nearly 40,000 megawatts is forcing Iraq to lean more heavily on private generators this summer, with demand exceeding 60,000 MW and protests spreading over worsening cuts in several provinces.

The government has moved to support the private generator network, now a daily lifeline for millions of Iraqis, after Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi received a delegation representing generator owners in the presence of the electricity minister and directed authorities to ease procedures for securing fuel. The Oil Ministry has also approved supplying generators with subsidized fuel for three months at around $0.15 per liter instead of $0.31, in a bid to stabilize ampere prices and reduce pressure on households already paying for power outside the national grid.

Ahmad Mousa Al-Abadi, an electricity and energy specialist and former spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity, told Shafaq News that the decision is an attempt to ease pressure on the grid and prevent generator subscription prices from rising, but its success depends on steady fuel supplies and field monitoring.

The ministry had warned early that the current summer would be among the hardest for the power system because of shortages in fuel and gas feeding power stations, he added. Shortages in local and imported gas have directly reduced production, while alternatives such as liquefied gas platforms and electricity interconnection lines have slowed because of regional conditions and financial pressure.

The deficit extends to transmission and distribution, where losses still reach about 60%, alongside “aging grid sections and rising loads” caused by urban expansion and new residential areas.

In Al-Anbar, the local government announced that the province receives only 600 to 650 MW, although its actual need ranges between 2,700 and 3,000 MW, leaving residents with no more than six to eight hours of public supply a day.

Basra, Iraq’s main oil province, has entered scheduled cuts for the first time in years, with four hours of supply followed by two hours of outage after production fell to about 3,150 MW against demand exceeding 5,500 MW this summer. According to operating data from the Southern Control Center, gas supplies feeding Basra’s power stations have dropped from about 28 million cubic meters per day in summer 2025 to nearly 9 million now, alongside the suspension of some import lines.

Protesters in Al-Diwaniyah’s Ghammas district also blocked the Al-Diwaniyah-Najaf road to demand a higher electricity share, arguing that cuts had exceeded five hours for every one hour of supply.

The Ministry of Electricity says power is distributed according to ratios approved by the Higher Committee for Coordination among Provinces, with Baghdad receiving 27.07% of the energy allocated to provinces, followed by Dhi Qar at 9.02% and Nineveh at 8.47%. However, residents, who spoke to Shafaq News, countered that the capital’s larger electricity share has not been reflected in residential neighborhoods, where transformers remain overloaded, outages last for hours, and generator subscriptions rise month after month.

The core problem lies in the lack of balance between Iraq’s electricity sectors, explained lawmaker Uday Al-Zamili, a member of parliament’s Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources Committee. Distribution networks have improved in recent years, but transmission still needs major expansion because high-voltage lines and substations were designed for older demand levels and no longer match current consumption.

The expansion of gas-fired power stations without parallel investment in associated gas capture, he said, is one of Iraq’s “main strategic mistakes,” as it kept the country dependent on imported gas to run a significant part of its power plants.

Read more: Iraq power 2026: war on Iran collapses the grid's last defenses ahead of peak summer

Shafaq News

Oil prices inched lower on Wednesday, extending the previous session's declines as investors assessed the U.S.-Iran peace deal, though uncertainty over the full resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz limited further falls.

Brent crude futures dipped 16 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.80 a barrel by 0340 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $75.80 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell about 5% for a second straight session on Tuesday to stand at three-month lows, on hopes that a U.S.-Iran deal would allow oil flows through the Strait.

"Markets are broadly stripping out the embedded geopolitical risk premium in oil prices," said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at ⁠Phillip Nova.

"That said, the path toward normalisation remains far from straightforward. While political agreements may be progressing, physical tanker traffic through the Strait has yet to fully recover."

The deal would provide for the United States to lift its blockade of Iran's ports, while Tehran would allow oil tanker traffic through the Strait, effectively blocked since U.S. and Israel strikes on February 28.

"Oil markets retreated on expectations the Strait of Hormuz would reopen following the peace agreement, but traders held off further selling pending details," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist of Nissan Securities Investment.

Before the closure, about a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies flowed through the Strait.

Details of the interim peace deal began ⁠to emerge on Tuesday, with President Donald Trump saying it would rule out a nuclear weapon for Tehran and a U.S. official saying it would allow Iran to sell oil upon signing.

The memorandum of understanding, not yet public, extends by another 60 days a tenuous ceasefire agreed in April, so as to allow room for talks toward a permanent truce.

Still, industry officials say a full return to pre-war production and refining levels ⁠is likely to take weeks, months or even years.

Israel has distanced itself from both the April ceasefire and the latest U.S.-Iran pact, fuelling uncertainty about whether it will hold.

Israeli drone strikes targeted three vehicles in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least four and wounding others, Lebanon's National News ⁠Agency said, prompting a rare public rebuke from Trump.

China's crude oil throughput fell 9.1% in May on the year to its lowest in almost four years, data showed, also signalling that refiners were starting to draw on stockpiles amid the Iran war.

The American Petroleum ⁠Institute report showed U.S. crude stocks fell 8.3 million barrels in the week ended June 12, the sources said.

It exceeded expectations for a draw of 4.6 million barrels, with official numbers due from the Energy Information Administration at 10:30 a.m. ET (1430 GMT) on Wednesday.

(Reuters)

Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News Agency.

Shafaq News- Basrah

Iraq's two Basrah crude grades fell more than 3% on Wednesday, widening the discount against Arab producer benchmarks and pushing Basrah Heavy toward the $50 threshold.

Basrah Heavy dropped $2.05, or 3.83%, to $51.45 per barrel, while Basrah Medium declined $2.05, or 3.69%, to $53.55 per barrel.

Saudi Arab Light traded at $85.28 per barrel, Kuwait Export Crude at $94.84, the UAE's Murban at $71.81, and Qatar Land at $75.81, leaving both Basrah grades at least $18 below the cheapest Arab benchmark in Wednesday's session.

Brent crude fell to $78.71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined to $75.71 per barrel.

Shafaq News

Argentina opened their World Cup title defense with a 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday, as Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Kansas City to equal Germany’s Miroslav Klose record of 16 World Cup goals.

The defending champions took control of Group J with three points, while Messi became the first player to score a hat-trick at the 2026 tournament.

Argentina entered the match as FIFA's top-ranked team and one of the favorites to retain the title, while Algeria sought its first World Cup win since 2014.

The North Africans nearly took an early lead. Fares Chaibi beat goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the opening minutes, but a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, denying Algeria what would have been a surprise breakthrough.

Argentina responded by increasing the pressure and found the opener in the 17th minute.

Rodrigo De Paul split the Algerian defense with a through ball that found Messi in space. The captain turned and fired home from outside the area to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.

Algeria remained organized for much of the first half and limited clear chances, but struggled to threaten Martinez as Argentina controlled possession and territory.

The second goal arrived shortly after halftime. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane failed to hold a shot inside the area, and Messi reacted first to the loose ball, scoring in the 53rd minute to double Argentina's advantage.

The goal moved the 38-year-old within one strike of Klose's World Cup scoring record.

Algeria attempted to push forward in search of a response, but Argentina's defense remained comfortable, with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi dealing effectively with the limited threat.

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute.

Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, he shifted onto his left foot and placed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards, sealing the victory and matching Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.

The hat-trick was the first of the tournament and added to a competition that has already produced several braces, including those scored by New Zealand's Elijah Just, Norway's Erling Haaland, United States forward Folarin Balogun, Sweden's Yasin Ayari, Germany's Kai Havertz, and France captain Kylian Mbappe.

The result gives Argentina an early advantage before matches against Austria and Jordan. Algeria, meanwhile, remain without points but still have opportunities to challenge for qualification under the expanded 48-team format, where third-placed teams can advance to the round of 32.

Shafaq News- Foxborough

Iraq national football team head coach Graham Arnold attributed Wednesday's 4-1 Group I defeat to Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to individual mistakes by his players, stressing that the squad remains in contention to advance from the group stage despite the result.

Speaking at a post-match press conference in Foxborough alongside forward Aymen Hussein, Arnold identified a weak back pass to goalkeeper Jalal Hassan as the decisive turning point, pointing out that the error affected the players mentally at a critical stage of the match.

“The priority now is to draw lessons from the defeat and prepare for the remaining fixtures.”

Arnold said three points from either of Iraq's two remaining group games should be sufficient to secure a third-place finish and a place in the knockout round. Nine points remain available in Group I.

The coach also acknowledged the performance of Hussein, who completed 90 minutes despite an injury-disrupted season and scored Iraq's only goal of the night.

Hussein dedicated the goal to the late football legend Ahmed Radhi and to the Iraqi people. He said fine margins and Norway's experience proved the difference.

Iraq face France on June 23 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 AM local time.

Shafaq News- Boston

Norway beat Iraq 4-1 early Wednesday in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium, as Erling Haaland scored twice and Kristian Thorstvedt added a last-second header to turn Iraq’s World Cup return into a heavy defeat.

Iraq, playing their first World Cup match since 1986, responded well after Haaland opened the scoring. Aymen Hussein headed in a fine Ali Jassim assist to bring the Lions of Mesopotamia level and score Iraq’s first World Cup goal in 40 years.

The match stayed open after the equalizer, with Iraq pressuring Norway’s defense and coming close to scoring more than once during an exciting first half.

Norway, however, retook the lead before the break when Haaland pounced on a misplaced back pass and beat the goalkeeper from close range, punishing Iraq’s attempt to play out from the back.

That moment shifted the match. Iraq had shown enough to trouble Norway, but the second goal gave Stale Solbakken’s side control before halftime.

Leo Ostigard extended Norway’s lead after the break with a header, giving the European side a two-goal cushion and forcing Iraq to chase the game.

Thorstvedt then completed the scoring with another header in the final seconds, sealing a 4-1 win that looked wider than the balance of the first half.

Norway entered with the favorite’s profile after a perfect qualifying campaign, led by Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Haaland’s World Cup debut quickly confirmed that threat, while Norway’s aerial strength also hurt Iraq after the interval.

The result leaves Iraq under pressure in a difficult group that also includes France and Senegal. France had already opened Group I with a 3-1 win over Senegal earlier Tuesday.

The performance carried flashes of promise for Iraq, especially in transition and in the pressure applied before halftime, but Norway’s decisive finishing after the break decided the opener.

Shafaq News- Ankara

Iraq remained the largest buyer of Turkish lemons in the first four months of 2026, purchasing $64.5 million worth of the product after importing $161.5 million in 2025, the head of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association said on Tuesday.

According to Cengiz Balik, Russia ranked second among Turkiye's export destinations, with shipments rising 62% year-on-year to $50 million from $30.6 million, while Romania placed third with $14.5 million. Lemon exports generated $195 million in revenue between January and April 2026, making lemons Turkiye's fourth most exported fresh fruit and vegetable product after mandarins, tomatoes, and peppers.

Turkiye's fresh fruit and vegetable exports to Iraq made it the sector's second-largest destination in 2025.

Shafaq News- Damascus

Several areas in the Syrian capital Damascus witnessed security tensions and unauthorized protest gatherings in recent hours, local sources told Shafaq News on Tuesday.

Shafaq News correspondent reported that dozens of people gathered at the entrance of Al-Mazza 86 district, chanting slogans against residents described by protesters as affiliated with the former government or benefiting from disputed land allocations in the area. The gatherings were accompanied by allegations of threats directed at residents.

The situation escalated as some protesters began vandalizing commercial shops on the outskirts of the district in an attempt to move deeper into the area. According to the correspondent, participants carried leaflets and posters calling on residents to leave the neighborhood and accusing them of seizing land in previous years.

The materials also contained sectarian rhetoric against Alawites. The origin of the leaflets could not be independently verified, though their circulation coincided with the unrest.

Read more:7 Alawites missing in Damascus amid rising tensions

Security forces intervened and deployed reinforcements to contain the situation, restore order, and pursue those involved in the disturbances, following reports of damage to private property and commercial establishments.

In Homs province, the historic city of Palmyra witnessed the displacement of dozens of families amid ongoing security tensions, following reported attacks against residents accused of ties to the former Syrian government.

Shafaq News- Basra

Two oil tankers, a Greek and an Emirati tanker, are currently being loaded with a combined four million barrels of Iraqi crude at southern ports in Basra as part of the resumption of crude oil exports, an Iraqi ports source told Shafaq News on Tuesday.

This development follows the preliminary understanding between Iran and the United States announced on Sunday, which led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic after intermittent disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Hormuz, the strategic maritime corridor, has been largely shut since February 28 following the US–Israel war on Iran, disrupting energy flows and prompting Gulf producers, including Iraq, which routes roughly 95% of its oil exports through the waterway, to scale back shipments.

Shafaq News- Maysan

On Tuesday, Iraq’s Directorate of Narcotics Control in Maysan province dismantled an international drug trafficking network operated by two foreign nationals in southern Iraq.

In a statement, the directorate said the intelligence-led operation resulted in the breakup of a criminal network specializing in the smuggling and transportation of crystal methamphetamine into Iraq.

The two suspects, both foreign nationals, were arrested in the act and found in possession of one kilogram of crystal meth. The directorate did not disclose the nationalities of the suspects or provide further details regarding the origin or intended destination of the seized drugs.

Read more: Iraq fights back against synthetic drug flood engulfing the Middle East

Shafaq News- Boston (Updated at 03:05)

Iraq returned to the World Cup on Wednesday against Norway at Boston Stadium, after their only previous appearance in 1986, with Aymen Hussein leading the attack in Graham Arnold’s starting lineup.

Arnold named Jalal Hassan in goal, with Akam Hashim, Zaid Tahseen, Merchas Doski, Ali Hussein, Zaid Ismail, Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jassim, Ali Al-Hamadi, and Hussein also starting.

Norway started with Orjan Nyland, Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sorloth, and Erling Haaland.

The Group I match kicked off at 01:00 Baghdad time, opening Iraq’s campaign in a difficult section that also includes France and Senegal.

France had already set the pace in the group, beating Senegal 3-1 earlier on Tuesday, making the Iraq-Norway opener an immediate chance to keep pace in the race for early points.

Norway entered with the favorite’s profile after a perfect qualifying campaign, led by Haaland and Odegaard.

Update: The match ended with Iraq losing 1-4 to Norway.

Shafaq News- London

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, called on the international community on Tuesday to support anti-government protesters rather than pursue an agreement with Tehran, warning of the consequences of any deal that leaves Iran’s current authorities in power.

In a statement after meetings with British lawmakers during a visit to London, Pahlavi said, “Dealing with this regime would be a failure, and we will all face the consequences.”

Pahlavi, 65, argued that Iran’s leadership has been engaged in a struggle against the Iranian people for nearly five decades.

“The regime’s war against the Iranian people has continued for 47 years. Just as it has never reconciled with its own people, it will never reconcile with the world.”

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said the agreement between the United States and Iran is moving into a second phase, describing it as fair. He told reporters at the G7 summit that his decision to sign the memorandum of understanding was driven by the need to ensure Tehran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. “All hell will rain down on Iran if it tries to get a nuclear weapon," he warned. 

Shafaq News- New York

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday, taking early control of Group I after surviving a difficult first half.

The match at New York/New Jersey Stadium carried clear historical weight, with Senegal having beaten defending champions France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup. This time, Senegal again troubled France early, but failed to turn pressure into a lead.

Pape Thiaw’s team started with more aggression, pressing high and attacking quickly through Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr. Jackson hit the post in the first half, while Sarr missed a major chance before halftime.

Didier Deschamps started with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise in attack, while William Saliba returned from recent back pain to start in central defense alongside Dayot Upamecano.

The match shifted after halftime as France pushed higher and Olise found more space between Senegal’s midfield and defensive lines. In the 66th minute, he slipped the ball through for Mbappe, who finished sharply to put France ahead.

Bradley Barcola then gave France control in the 82nd minute, scoring after coming off the bench and punishing Senegal for the chances they had wasted earlier.

Senegal briefly reopened the match in stoppage time when Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back, but Mbappe responded almost immediately, scoring again in the 90+6th minute to seal the result.

The result gives France early control of Group I before facing Iraq, while Senegal now move toward Norway under pressure despite a performance that showed they can still trouble the group’s strongest sides.

Shafaq News

Five matches shape Wednesday’s World Cup schedule in Baghdad time, starting with Iraq’s opener against Norway at 01:00 and ending with England’s heavyweight Group L match against Croatia at 23:00.

Iraq vs Norway

Iraq open Group I against Norway in Boston at 01:00, in a match that immediately tests Graham Arnold’s defensive structure against one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks.

The match will be played at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since their 1986 debut. Arnold’s squad arrived after a long qualifying route that ended with victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs.

Norway arrive with the favorite’s profile after winning all eight qualifiers, scoring 37 goals and conceding five. Haaland alone scored 16 times in that campaign, while Martin Odegaard gives Norway the control and final-third supply that make the attack harder to isolate. Still, Norway coach Stale Solbakken has warned against treating the match as routine, pointing to Iraq’s organization, physical forwards, and crossing threat.

Iraq will look to Aymen Hussein to lead the attack, with Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Jassim, and Youssef Amyn also giving Arnold options in transition. Even a draw would carry weight for Iraq, particularly in a group that also includes France and Senegal.

Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina begin their World Cup defense against Algeria at 04:00 at Kansas City Stadium, with Lionel Messi expected to start in his sixth tournament.

The world champions enter with the deeper squad and the familiar pressure of a team expected to control the group, but Lionel Scaloni has already pointed to Argentina’s 2022 opening defeat against Saudi Arabia as a warning against complacency. Messi has recovered from a recent muscle strain, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is available after a finger fracture. Defender Nicolas Tagliafico remains doubtful because of a calf problem.

Algeria return to the World Cup with pace, technical quality, and belief that another early surprise is possible. Coach Vladimir Petkovic has framed the match around collective discipline rather than one player, even with Messi still central to Argentina’s rhythm and authority.

The opener is also a chance for Algeria to show that their return is not built only around resistance. Scaloni has compared their speed and skill to Morocco, a warning that Argentina expect a team capable of hurting them in transition.

Austria vs Jordan

Austria face Jordan at 07:00 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in a Group J match built around two different returns: Austria are back at the World Cup after 28 years, while Jordan are appearing for the first time.

Ralf Rangnick’s side enter with momentum from their recent European rise, but the Austria coach has warned against underestimating Jordan after several Asian teams already troubled European opponents in the opening round.

Austria will be without key midfielder Christoph Baumgartner because of injury, though Rangnick said the rest of his squad is fit. The match is expected to draw around 65,000 fans, with the Austria coach also noting that hydration breaks could help communicate tactical instructions in a noisy stadium.

The Jordanian squad feel pride rather than pressure before their debut, captain Ehsan Haddad said, with coach Jamal Sellami expected to rely on defensive organization, counterattacks, and the individual threat of Mousa Al-Tamari.

Jordan scored 32 goals during qualification and arrive with the ambition of becoming the first World Cup debutants since Slovakia in 2010 to reach the knockout stage. Their squad is mostly based in domestic or Middle Eastern leagues, but Al-Tamari gives them a European-based outlet capable of changing the rhythm of the match.

The match is Jordan’s best chance to take early points before facing Algeria and Argentina, while anything short of victory for Austria would complicate a group that only gets harder.

Portugal vs DR Congo

Portugal begin Group K against DR Congo in Houston at 20:00, with Cristiano Ronaldo opening another attempt to add the World Cup to a career already filled with major titles.

They have the experience, depth, and expectation to start strongly, especially in a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan. Their recent World Cup history, however, still carries the weight of the 2022 quarterfinal defeat to Morocco.

Ronaldo –like Messi– is set for a record sixth World Cup.

After 52 years, DR Congo return to the World Cup with a new name, having last appeared as Zaire in 1974. Coach Sebastien Desabre’s team reached the tournament through the playoff route and will try to make the opener physically uncomfortable for Portugal.

DR Congo held their first public training session in Houston in front of excited supporters from the local Congolese community, adding a clear diaspora layer to their return. The team’s buildup was also shaped by a longer camp in Belgium and Spain and by concern over an Ebola outbreak at home.

England vs Croatia

England close the Baghdad schedule against Croatia at 23:00 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, in the standout Group L opener.

The match carries immediate group value because England and Croatia are the strongest names in a section that also includes Ghana and Panama. A win would give either side early control, while defeat would create pressure before the second round of matches.

England enter with familiar expectations around Harry Kane and a squad still searching for the right balance between individual quality and collective rhythm.

Thomas Tuchel has already had to adjust his squad, with Tino Livramento ruled out of the tournament by a training injury and Trevoh Chalobah called up as his replacement. Reece James’ fitness has also remained part of England’s right-back discussion.

Croatia bring a different kind of weight: tournament experience, midfield control, and Luka Modric’s leadership in what could be his final World Cup campaign.

The fixture also revives a recent World Cup memory after Croatia beat England in the 2018 semifinal. This time, the reward is not a final place, but the early authority that can shape the rest of Group L.