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The Lead Months into a war with the United States and after another flareup of fighting with Israel, daily conversations in Iran have been dominated by conflict and economic survival. Many residents of the capital, Tehran, went to work over the past two days with war and peace on their minds, as US President Donald Trump continued to portray an understanding as being within reach despite an exchange of fire between Iran and Israel. Life in Tehran Amid Conflict A 33-year-old man who works at an office in western Tehran said people were alert and checking their phones but did not all rush out after hearing a loud bang in the distance before noon on Monday, which was followed by at least two more in the early hours of the morning. “You get used to it at some level and eventually keep going about work and conversations like everything is normal, but the truth is that this is anything but normal,” he told Al Jazeera, asking to remain anonymous. The Economic Strain The Israeli military struck Tehran and other cities, as well as a petrochemical complex in the western city of Bandar-e Mahshahr, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missiles at Israel overnight in retaliation for an attack on the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, known as Dahiyeh. The Iranian economy has long faced chronic inflation, rooted in corruption, mismanagement and the cumulative effect of US sanctions that isolated the country from many international markets. Year-on-year inflation pushed past 83 percent by late May, with food inflation at 130 percent by the same time, according to the Statistical Center of Iran. The Impact on Daily Life In a small cafe in central Tehran, a young woman who works as a digital marketer said she does not believe that the Islamic Republic and the US could reach a long-term resolution, which means more uncertainty about the future. “The two of them don’t go with each other,” she said. “How could they reach a deal when one of them says something and the other says something completely different?” The Future Outlook A man who works as a gym instructor said the two sides might announce an interim agreement, but he believes even that would not be welcome news for many Iranians. “At best, that can postpone everything until after the end of the World Cup, or a few more months more, which will be a few more months of everything getting harder for us trying to live a normal life,” he told Al Jazeera, adding that he believed the conflict would continue after that.

The Retail Sector's Strategic Response to a National Crisis Some of the UK's largest retail giants are mobilizing to address a critical economic and social issue, signaling a rare moment of unity among major employers. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is drafting a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the government to intervene in what is being described as a 'wobbling ladder of opportunity' for young people. The initiative, expected to be published on Wednesday, has secured the backing of chief executives from Marks & Spencer, Primark, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons. Blueprint for a Joint Retail-Government Taskforce The core of the retailers' proposal is the establishment of a joint taskforce between the industry and the government. The BRC letter will argue that current support systems are too complex and call for measures to reduce the costs associated with employing young staff. The retailers emphasize that retail has historically been a gateway for young people with few qualifications to build lasting careers, a sentiment echoed by Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S;, who began his career pushing trolleys at 16. The Economic Cost of a 'Lost Generation' The urgency of this appeal is underscored by a damning government-commissioned review by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn. The report warned that Britain is at risk of a 'lost generation' and highlighted that youth unemployment is costing the economy more than £125bn a year. This figure represents a record high, with the number of young people not working or studying passing 1 million for the first time in over a decade. The retailers argue that this is not just a moral crisis but a significant economic drag. From Shop Floor to Boardroom: The Entry-Level Crisis The crisis is exacerbated by a dramatic fall in entry-level jobs, a trend highlighted by Simon Wolfson, CEO of Next. Wolfson noted that his company now receives twice as many applicants for each shop role as it did two years ago, indicating a severe oversupply of labor in a shrinking market. In response, M&S; has launched a specific training scheme creating 1,000 places for 16- to 24-year-olds over the next 18 months, aiming to provide a 'first rung of the ladder' without requiring a degree. Future Outlook: Policy Shifts and Hiring Incentives The government has already signaled a commitment to addressing the issue through a £2.5bn youth employment support package. This includes plans to create 300,000 new work experience and training placements over three years. The upcoming letter to the Prime Minister will likely push for these measures to be accelerated, specifically targeting hiring bonuses and subsidized jobs to encourage businesses to take on young staff.

Lead: A Philosopher‑Referee Steps Into the World Cup VAR BoothJoe Dickerson—honored as US Soccer’s male referee of the year in 2025—is set to operate the VAR monitor for the World Cup 2026. While his early career was marked by a dislike for the replay screen, he now embraces it as a tool for precision and leadership.From Local Fields to VAR Booth: Dickerson’s Unconventional PathStarting with modest assignments in the San Jose area, Dickerson’s meticulous approach propelled him to national recognition. He now balances his officiating duties with a master’s program at the University of Chicago, where his thesis links Machiavelli’s political philosophy to the art of refereeing.Numbers Behind the Decisions: The Scale of VAR ScrutinyFIFA’s VAR seminars involve a 10‑day intensive review of 90‑something percent of potential calls, aiming for near‑black‑and‑white consistency.By the end of the European club season, the Premier League voted against expanding VAR to cover corner kicks, a change that will be re‑introduced for the World Cup at FIFA’s request.Impact: How a Philosophical Lens Shapes Modern RefereeingDickerson argues that the “subjectivity” and “public bias” surrounding VAR are intrinsic to the sport’s passion. His academic perspective suggests that empathy and strategic thinking—drawn from Machiavelli, Nietzsche, and Confucius—can improve communication between the VAR team and on‑field officials.Looking Ahead: What Dickerson’s Approach Means for Future VAR UseAs VAR remains a subplot of the tournament, Dickerson’s blend of analytical rigor and philosophical insight may influence referee training worldwide. Expect more structured seminars, greater emphasis on decision‑making psychology, and perhaps a broader acceptance of VAR’s role in high‑stakes matches.

The Geopolitics of World Cup 2026 With only two days to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, the geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly complex. The tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is being marred by visa issues and travel restrictions affecting several teams and staff. Visa Issues and Travel Restrictions Iranian players must enter and leave the US on the same day during their group games in Los Angeles and Seattle, while their support staff have been denied entry altogether. Iranian fans have also had their ticket allocations pulled, causing chaos for the team. Iranian players face strict visa conditions Support staff denied entry to the US Iranian fans' ticket allocations pulled The Impact on Teams and Staff The issues are not limited to Iran. Iraq's Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, while the team's photographer was barred from entering. Members of the Senegal national team were forced to undergo detailed bag inspections on the airport tarmac. Iraq's Aymen Hussein questioned at Chicago airport Senegal team faces detailed bag inspections The Referee Conundrum Somalian referee Omar Artan, set to be the first Somalian referee at the World Cup, has been denied access to the US due to a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration. It is unclear why FIFA did not reallocate Artan to matches in Canada or Mexico. The Bigger Picture The visa issues and travel restrictions have raised questions about the impact of geopolitics on the World Cup. With the US being a host nation, the issues have sparked concerns about the country's ability to host a successful tournament. The Future Outlook As the World Cup approaches, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved. With the tournament set to kick off in two days, teams and staff are facing significant challenges. The hope is that the football will take center stage, but for now, geopolitics is dominating the headlines.

The Plan Colombia's national football team, Selección Colombia, still has a core of players remembered fondly from the Brazil and Russia World Cup finals tournaments in 2014 and 2018 respectively. A few of them are taking part in their third tournament, led by James Rodríguez, still a key figure in a side whose 4-2-3-1 formation is built around his No 10 position. The Coach In the fifth World Cup of his career, Néstor Lorenzo will lead a team as head coach for the first time. He played for Argentina in 1990 and was assistant to José Pekerman with Argentina in 2006, and again with Colombia in 2014 and 2018. Star Player Luis Díaz arrived on the scene after the 2018 World Cup and had to wait to become Colombia’s most important player. He became a household name at the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, firing Colombia to the semi-finals with a tournament-best goal haul of four. One to Watch Andrés Gómez has played only a handful of games for Colombia but he has hit the ground running. On his first cap in December 2023 he scored the winning goal against Mexico and subsequently struck a late equaliser away at Uruguay in a game that Colombia ended up losing. Unsung Hero The man who brings balance to Colombia is Jefferson Lerma, who did not come through the system at any of the big domestic clubs. He earned his move to Europe from the modest Atlético Huila and was a surprise pick in José Pekerman’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Probable Starting XI What to expect from fans at games? Colombia’s supporters are among the most loyal in the world. They filled stadiums in Brazil and even Russia. The fact that there are lots of Colombian immigrants in Mexico and the US, although less so in Canada, guarantees a sizable presence of “yellow fever” at this World Cup.

Jo Yapp's Preparation for the British and Irish Lions Tour Jo Yapp, the women's British and Irish Lions head coach, has begun her preparations for the inaugural tour by seeking advice from experienced coaches. She recently spoke with Andy Farrell, who led the men's team to victory in Australia in 2025. Seeking Expert Advice Yapp emphasized the importance of drawing on the experiences of those who have gone before her. She said, "I think it is really important to draw on the experiences before. I have already spoken to Andy Farrell who was really helpful so my plan is to make sure we pick the brains of those who have gone before because it would be naive not to use that experience." Building the Coaching Staff Yapp has not yet selected the rest of her coaching staff, but she stressed the importance of "getting the best people in the room" to create a strong and supportive environment for the players. She highlighted that it is crucial to work with people you trust. Player Selection There have been concerns that the Lions team might be mainly composed of England players, given the dominance of the Red Roses in women's rugby. However, Yapp stated that her goal is to pick the best players, regardless of their nationality. She expressed her enthusiasm for seeing players from other unions step up during the upcoming games. The Future of the British and Irish Lions The CEO of the Lions, Ben Calveley, defended the decision to tour New Zealand in 2027, stating that they "stand by" their choice. He also mentioned that future tours could explore different locations, including potentially France.

The Rescue of Burleigh Pottery Christopher Bailey, the fashion designer who transformed Burberry into a global brand, has acquired Burleigh Pottery, a Stoke-on-Trent ceramics company founded in 1851, along with a small group of private investors. The deal ensures that production of Burleigh's intricate floral designs will continue without interruption at the Middleport Pottery site. Burleigh's History and Craftsmanship Burleigh is Britain's last continuously working Victorian pottery, where every item is still made by hand at its Stoke-on-Trent factory, as it has been since 1889. The company is known for its distinctive 'tissue transfer' printing technique, which involves engraving designs onto copper rollers and transferring them onto delicate tissue paper and then clay. The Impact of the Acquisition The acquisition by Bailey and his investors will preserve the company's 62-strong workforce and traditional craftsmanship. Bailey stated that he is 'deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that make Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house.' The Challenges Faced by the Ceramics Industry The ceramics industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including soaring energy costs and pressure from cheaper international competitors. The collapse of Denby, Burleigh's parent company, had raised concerns about the future of the business. However, Bailey's investment has secured the company's future and ensured that its heritage and craftsmanship will be preserved. The Future Outlook With Bailey at the helm, Burleigh Pottery is poised for a new chapter in its history. Bailey's experience in transforming Burberry into a global brand could bring a similar level of success to Burleigh. The company's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and British heritage is likely to continue, with Bailey's investment ensuring the company's continued success.

The Lead Six Western countries have imposed coordinated sanctions targeting networks involved in financing, enabling, and carrying out settler violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The UK, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Norway announced the sanctions on Tuesday, in response to record illegal settlement expansion and rising violence by settlers in the West Bank. Sanctions and Reactions French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the sanctions aim to address those responsible for intensifying colonization and violence in the West Bank. France has also banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, three leaders of settler groups, and 21 settlers from entering the country. The Israeli foreign ministry denounced the sanctions, stating that they reject the measures adopted by foreign governments against Israeli citizens, entities, and a government minister. The Data Analysis The UK government has strengthened its business risk guidance, urging British businesses and citizens to refrain from conducting financial activities in Israeli settlements in the West Bank deemed illegal under international law. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that violent settler groups should not profit from the land seized from Palestinians. The Impact Analysis The sanctions reflect growing international concern over the Israeli government's actions in the West Bank. Amnesty International's Kristyan Benedict stated that while the sanctions are a step in the right direction, they are not enough, and the UK must sanction top Israeli officials and ban all trade with settlements. The Prediction The coordinated sanctions may lead to increased pressure on the Israeli government to address settler violence and illegal settlement expansion. The UK, France, and other countries have already taken steps to hold Israel accountable, including pausing free trade talks and suspending arms export licenses.

The Life and Legacy of Kanya King Kanya King, who has died aged 57 of colon cancer, was co-founder of the Mobo awards, which were set up in the UK in 1996 to celebrate music of Black origin. As CEO of the Mobo Organisation, which runs the awards and its various offshoots, King became one of the highest profile champions of Black music in the UK, while the awards themselves were credited by many Black artists with raising their profiles and boosting their careers – some even gave Mobo name-checks in their songs. The Birth of the Mobo Awards Modest in size to begin with, the first Mobos, which gave a best album award to Goldie, best jazz act to Courtney Pine and best international act to the Fugees, made an immediate impact. They were televised from the outset, with Lionel Richie performing and the soon-to-be prime minister Tony Blair in attendance at the first ceremony. The Growth and Impact of the Mobos Within a couple of years the event had a regular spot at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and with moves between Channel 4, the BBC and ITV over the years, global viewing figures touched 250 million, making the venture a financial success as well as delivering on its cultural aims. Kanya King's Approach and Legacy King would add or subtract categories year by year to reflect directions of travel, always keen to encourage and recognise new talent and developments. She was known for her warm, humble approach; something that put her in demand as a mentor and for public speaking at community, educational and corporate events. Tributes and Recognition She was made MBE in 1999, advanced to CBE in 2018. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, but was able to attend the 30th anniversary Mobo awards in March this year.