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Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to steer the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table, even as it faces "obstacles" that were not disclosed by Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a weekly briefing in Islamabad.The statement came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if Tehran rejected Washington’s peace terms, underscoring the volatile backdrop to Pakistan’s diplomatic push.Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan will continue to "promote facilitation and dialogue" and is working to create conditions for meaningful negotiations among relevant stakeholders. He noted that both Washington and Tehran view Pakistan as a neutral intermediary.In a tangible sign of confidence, Iran has permitted 20 Pakistani‑flagged vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Andrabi described this as "a harbinger of peace" and a positive step for regional stability, though he did not confirm whether any ships have already sailed.The Hormuz corridor has been largely blocked since Iran curtailed oil and gas shipments after the outbreak of the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict on February 28, driving up energy prices and straining economies across the region.High‑level contact between Islamabad and Tehran continues. Andrabi cited a March 28 call between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which both leaders stressed the need to "build trust" and praised Pakistan’s "supportive role for peace".Regional diplomacy intensified after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar returned from Beijing, where he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two sides produced a joint five‑point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, urgent diplomatic engagement, and the restoration of normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.Andrabi said the China‑Pakistan proposal has been shared with the United States, Iran and other stakeholders, receiving appreciation "across the region and beyond". The plan aligns with outcomes from a four‑nation ministerial meeting in Islamabad that included Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt.Despite a hairline fracture sustained during the Islamabad talks, Dar travelled to Beijing, underscoring Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China. He later announced that Pakistan is ready to host direct US‑Iran negotiations in the coming days, a proposal reiterated by Andrabi at the briefing.While Pakistan positions itself as a facilitator, Andrabi acknowledged that Iran has so far limited mediation to indirect messages and has not committed to direct talks, stating, "Iran, as a sovereign country, determines its own policies."In a separate diplomatic track, Pakistan sent senior officials to Urumqi, China, for discussions with Afghanistan – the first substantive contact since Islamabad launched cross‑border strikes in late February. Andrabi stressed that Afghanistan must demonstrate "visible and verifiable actions" against terrorist groups operating from its territory.Pakistan continues its Operation Ghazab lil‑Haq, launched on February 26 to target terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan after alleged cross‑border fire from Taliban forces. Following a five‑day Eid‑ul‑Fitr pause, the operation remains ongoing.Islamabad accuses the Taliban‑run Kabul government of allowing the Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to use Afghan soil for attacks inside Pakistan, a claim the Afghan side denies. China has also facilitated Pakistan‑Afghanistan engagement, hosting meetings in Beijing and Kabul earlier in the year.

Gabriele Gravina, the head of Italy's football federation (FIGC), has resigned following the men's national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time. This decision comes after a meeting at the FIGC's headquarters in Rome on Thursday.Gravina's resignation was announced a day after Sport Minister Andrea Abodi called for his departure. Italy's national team lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during the playoffs on Tuesday, securing their absence from this year's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The FIGC has scheduled a vote for a new president on June 22. Giovanni Malago, the former head of the Italian National Olympic Committee, is reportedly among the candidates. Additionally, head coach Gennaro Gattuso and general manager Gianluigi Buffon are expected to step down.Italy's football crisis prompted Abodi to state that the sport needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, starting with changes at the top of the FIGC. Gravina had previously acknowledged that Italian football is in a profound crisis.During his tenure, which began in 2018, Gravina oversaw Italy's Euro 2020 triumph under Roberto Mancini. However, two World Cup qualification failures and a disappointing European title defense led to his resignation.Italy's football woes extend beyond the national team, with Serie A clubs not winning the Champions League since 2010. The country's hosting rights for Euro 2032, which it will cohost with Turkey, are also under scrutiny due to concerns over stadium infrastructure.

The Italian football landscape has been plunged into crisis with the resignation of Gabriele Gravina as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This development comes on the heels of Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time, losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff match.Gravina's departure follows intense scrutiny and pressure from the country's minister for sport, Andrea Abodi, who called for a renewal of the FIGC leadership. Gianluigi Buffon, the national team delegation head, also announced his resignation, further exacerbating the turmoil within the Italian football hierarchy.The FIGC's future leadership will have to navigate significant challenges, particularly regarding Italy's co-hosting of Euro 2032 alongside Turkey. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the tournament's hosting rights are contingent upon Italy's ability to meet the necessary infrastructure requirements. Ceferin expressed concerns about the state of Italy's stadiums, highlighting that they are among the worst in Europe.Italy is required to submit its list of five stadiums for the tournament by October, with only Juventus's Allianz Stadium currently meeting the requirements. While plans are underway for the redevelopment of San Siro in Milan, Napoli's Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, and the construction of a new stadium in Rome, the deadline for commencing work on new or upgraded venues is March 2027.Ceferin also pointed to deeper issues within Italian football, citing the need for modernization of football facilities and a complex relationship between football politics and general politics. He expressed concern that the crisis extends beyond individual leadership, warning that the greatest loss would be to the FIGC and the potential difficulty in finding a suitable replacement who loves football and Italy as much as Gravina does.

The Lead Apple has rolled out critical security updates for older iPhone and iPad models to counter a sophisticated web-based attack known as DarkSword. The release of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 is a direct response to a leaked set of hacking tools that can compromise devices running versions 18.4 through 18.7. Understanding the DarkSword Vulnerability DarkSword is a sophisticated exploit kit that operates through a 'drive-by download' mechanism. Attackers do not need to trick users into clicking suspicious links; instead, simply visiting a legitimate website that has been breached can trigger the malicious code. This allows the toolkit to break into Apple devices and install spyware without the user's immediate knowledge. The Data Impact of the Exploit The capabilities of the DarkSword toolkit pose a significant threat to user privacy. Once a device is compromised, attackers gain access to a wide range of sensitive information, including: Private messages Browser history Location data Cryptocurrency wallet credentials Security researchers have observed these tools being used in targeted attacks across China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine. User Friction and Update Resistance Despite the severity of the threat, Apple notes that millions of users remain vulnerable because they have chosen not to update their devices. The primary driver for this resistance is the user experience; many users have opted out of the latest software updates to avoid the new 'liquid glass' interface, prioritizing familiarity over security patches. The Role of Lockdown Mode For users who remain at high risk, Apple’s optional Lockdown Mode offers a robust defense. The company has confirmed that this feature effectively blocks attacks that would bypass standard protections, including those from government-sponsored spyware campaigns. Future Outlook on Web-Based Threats The publication of the DarkSword toolkit on the open web signals a worrying trend. As these tools become more accessible, we can expect an increase in low-cost, high-impact cyberattacks targeting older device versions that lack the latest security protocols.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that he has exchanged messages with Steve Witkoff, the senior envoy appointed by President Donald Trump, but stressed that these contacts do not constitute formal negotiations. "I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations," Araghchi said, adding that all communications are routed through the Foreign Ministry and security agencies. The minister highlighted Iran’s historic mistrust of US diplomatic overtures, recalling Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and two recent attacks on Iranian territory during ongoing talks. Araghchi noted that Pakistan has been facilitating the recent exchanges and has also hosted regional discussions involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey to build momentum for direct Iran‑US dialogue. Additionally, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Beijing to seek Chinese backing for these efforts. Regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi asserted that the waterway falls under the joint jurisdiction of Iran and Oman. He said that once hostilities cease, the two nations will decide its future, emphasizing that the strait should remain a "peaceful waterway." While acknowledging that Gulf states such as Qatar want a seat at the table, Araghchi maintained that the strait is open to commercial vessels from all nations except those actively at war with Iran, which is a standard wartime measure. He also mentioned that ships from India, Pakistan, Turkey and China have already negotiated transit through the strait, underscoring its continued commercial relevance. On the prospect of a US ground invasion, Araghchi warned that Iran is fully prepared to confront any such move. "We are waiting for them," he said, adding that Iranian forces possess the strength to repel a land assault and that the United States would be making a grave mistake by attempting one. These statements come as the Trump administration reportedly increases troop deployments in the Gulf and explores contingency plans for a possible invasion of Iran.

Turkey's national football team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, ending a lengthy drought. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Turkish football, sparking widespread celebration among fans and players alike.The team's qualification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff. Turkey's return to the World Cup stage is expected to boost the country's football reputation and provide a platform for its talented players to shine on the global stage.

Turkey's football team has qualified for the World Cup under the leadership of coach Vincenzo Montella, achieving a milestone that had eluded them for two decades. Montella's team secured a win against Kosovo in a playoff match, with Kerem Akturkoglu scoring the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.The Turkish team's journey to the World Cup has been marked by progress and determination, with Montella's guidance playing a crucial role in their success. The team's performance has been characterized by a disciplined midfield and a solid central defense, marshaled by Abdulkerim Bardakci.Montella expressed his excitement and pride in the team's achievement, stating that they will continue on a beautiful path together. The team's star player, Kenan Yildiz, shone in the match against Kosovo, showcasing his burgeoning talent.The World Cup group stage draw has pitted Turkey against USA, Australia, and Paraguay. While the team's chances are uncertain, Montella's macho approach and the team's steadiness and toughness could make them a formidable opponent.Kosovo, despite their valiant effort, were unable to secure a spot in the World Cup. However, their rising football development and young talent make them a promising team to watch in the future.

Turkey broke a 24‑year absence from the FIFA World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1‑0 in the playoff final held in Pristina. The decisive goal came from forward Kerem Akturkoglu in the 53rd minute, delivering the Turkish side, ranked 25th globally, a long‑awaited return to football’s premier tournament.The match unfolded before a sold‑out crowd eager to witness Kosovo, ranked 79th, potentially make its first major‑tournament appearance less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA. Despite the home advantage, the hosts fell short, ending a remarkable qualifying run.Turkey’s success arrived under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella, who blended emerging talents with seasoned internationals to overcome the pressure of two decades of missed qualifications.In the parallel European playoff, Sweden edged Poland 3‑2 to claim their own World Cup ticket. Viktor Gyokeres secured the victory with a late winner two minutes from full‑time, after a seesaw battle that saw Anthony Elanga open the scoring, Nicola Zalewski equalise, and Gustaf Lagerbielke restore Sweden’s lead in the 44th minute.Poland briefly levelled the contest after the break through Karol Swiderski, but Gyokeres capitalised on a chaotic scramble in the box to clinch the win.Sweden’s triumph places them in Group F for the 2026 World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia, marking the nation’s first tournament appearance since 2018.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared on Tuesday that Iran will fulfill its World Cup 2026 fixtures in the United States as originally planned, reinforcing the governing body’s commitment to a schedule that includes all qualified teams. The Iranian Football Federation had earlier announced that it was negotiating with FIFA to shift its group‑stage matches from U.S. venues to Mexico, citing safety concerns stemming from the war involving the United States and Israel that began on February 28. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum offered her country’s readiness to host Iran’s first‑round games if a relocation became necessary, highlighting regional solidarity. According to the tournament draw, Iran’s Group G campaign will open in Los Angeles on June 15 against New Zealand, followed by a clash with Belgium in the same city on June 21, and a final group match versus Egypt in Seattle on June 27. The war’s outbreak had cast doubt on Iran’s participation, prompting Infantino to address concerns during halftime of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey. He told AFP, “Iran will be at the World Cup… That’s why we’re here,” and praised the team’s quality. Infantino also referenced assurances allegedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump that the Iranian squad would be welcome, though Trump later warned that the team should not travel “for their own life and safety.” Iran responded firmly, stating that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.” In a March 19 online FIFA Council meeting, Infantino reaffirmed the organization’s stance: “FIFA is committed to ensuring the World Cup proceeds as scheduled with all teams participating,” adding that football can serve as a bridge for peace even when geopolitical conflicts lie beyond its control. Iran’s recent friendly against Nigeria in Belek, Turkey, featured players wearing black armbands and carrying school rucksacks to honor victims of a tragic air strike on a primary school in Minab on February 28, which killed at least 170 people. The New York Times reported that a U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile mistakenly hit the school, according to preliminary military findings. These gestures underscore the intersection of sport and geopolitics, as the global football community strives to maintain the tournament’s integrity while acknowledging the human cost of ongoing conflicts.