United News of Bangladesh

It was another game-changing moment at the World Cup that had more to do with television replays in a room far away than a moment of brilliance on the field. The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may have left fans scratching their heads, not least because of the confusing name of the newly implemented law that swung the match. It is called the “mistaken identity” rule. Yet, technically, Embolo was not shown a second yellow card — resulting in a red — for a case of mistaken identity. It was because the referee Joao Pinheiro did not see in real time that the forward had simulated a foul under a challenge from Argentina's Leandro Paredes. Paredes was initially shown a yellow card, which is a key factor. Under FIFA rules, because Paredes was shown a card, the video assistant referee (VAR) can intervene and recommend that the onfield official reviews the sideline monitor. After review the referee deemed Embolo to have committed a “clear simulation” and showed him a second yellow card and sent him off. The rules state that the VAR can assist when the referee penalizes the “wrong team for an offense that results in a red or yellow card being shown to the wrong player.” It was a pivotal point in the match, coming five minutes after Switzerland had made it 1-1. Argentina won 3-1 after extra time. “The referee made the wrong decision,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “I know they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed our game today, and it’s very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot.” It is not the first time at this World Cup that teams have hit out against new rules or technology. Germany infuriated by disallowed goal Newly tightened regulations contributed to Germany's shock elimination in the round of 32. Defender Jonathan Tah’s potentially game-winning goal in extra time against Paraguay was ruled out after VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Replays showed Germany’s Waldemar Anton push Gill to the ground, but the minimal contact led to criticism of the decision. FIFA’s referees chief Pierluigi Collina said officials had been told to punish incidents when players try to block opponents and make no attempt to play the ball, especially where goalkeepers are concerned. Germany went on to lose the game in a penalty shootout, with Tah firing a decisive spot kick over the bar. Elimination could have a seismic effect on German soccer, with coach Julian Nagelsmann resigning and Jurgen Klopp expected to take over. High tech ball costs Croatia The words “connected ball technology” will likely haunt Luka Modric and Croatia for years to come. The high-tech soccer ball fitted with “advanced sensors” used at this World Cup cost Croatia a dramatic late equalizer against Portugal in the round of 32. Josko Gvardiol thought he'd scored in added time to make it 2-2, but the goal was ruled offside after VAR review because the in-ball sensors picked up the slightest of touches from Croatia's Igor Mantanovic in the buildup that was undetectable to the naked eye or even video replays. FIFA said the in-ball sensors, which capture data 500 times per second, were so finely tuned to be “capable of determining any slight contact ... allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions.” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić, who has since stepped down, was not impressed. “All these decisions take the joy out of football,” he said. Egypt heartbroken against Argentina It was shaping up to be one of the great World Cup upsets. Egypt led 2-0 against defending champion Argentina in the round of 16 and might have been 3-0 up if not for VAR. With the score at 1-0 in the second half, Egypt's Mostafa Zico finished off a sweeping attack. But wild celebrations were cut short when a foul on Argentina's Lisandro Martinez earlier in the move was confirmed on video review and the goal was disallowed. Argentina staged a spectacular late comeback to win 3-2. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan launched a furious tirade. "We have suffered injustice,” he said. The Egyptian soccer federation went further. “Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly influenced the course of the game,” it said. Questions were raised about the amount time between the foul on Martinez, which happened deep in Egypt's half, and the goal at the other end of the field. FIFA referees chief Collina responded to criticism to say there was "no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.” “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials,” he added. A double blow for Norway against England The high tech sensor was called into action again as England beat Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Norway's players and staff were adamant the ball hit a cable that suspends overhead cameras in the buildup to Jude Bellingham's equalizing goal in the first half. If it had, play would have been stopped. But FIFA insisted there was no contact, saying the sensor “showed no peak in the ‘heartbeat of the ball’ when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire.” Norway also had a goal disallowed when the score was 1-1 after VAR spotted a foul by Erling Haaland on England's Elliot Anderson. The infringement came before the corner was taken and, under new rules to try to limit fouls by attacking teams during corner routines, VAR is allowed to intervene regarding incidents that happen even before the ball is kicked.

It's a World Cup semifinal lineup for the ages. Four previous champions and the four top-ranking teams in the world. Five of the six top scorers, one GOAT and one of the bitterest rivalries in soccer. Argentina, Spain, France and England went into the tournament as the top four in FIFA’s rankings and are two wins away from being crowned champion of the world again. It's just too close to call either semifinal matchup: France will play Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday and England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. Not since 1990 has the final four of a World Cup been made up entirely of previous winners. England and Argentina were involved then, although they didn't play each other. Then, like now, Argentina was the defending champion — after beating West Germany in the 1986 final in Mexico — and went on to lose to West Germany in the 1990 final. And this year could also see a repeat final from 2022 if France and Argentina both advance. England vs. Argentina: A bitter rivalry Argentina must overcome England in a match that resumes a fierce rivalry that goes beyond the soccer field, with tensions also relating to the 1982 conflict over the Falklands Islands. On the field there have been numerous flashpoints between the teams on the World Cup stage. Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose death was announced on Saturday, was sent off in a bad-tempered quarterfinal match against winner England in 1966. England manager Alf Ramsey tried to stop his players from swapping shirts with their opponents after a 1-0 victory. Roll the clock forward 20 years and in 1986 Diego Maradona's infamous “Hand of God” goal helped Argentina to a 2-1 win against England in the quarterfinals on the way to lifting the trophy. David Beckham was sent off in 1998 for kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone, who was predictably criticized by the English media for his reaction to what appeared to be light contact. Argentina won the round of 16 match on penalties. Beckham got his revenge four years later by scoring a penalty in a 1-0 win that contributed to Argentina being eliminated at the group stage. France vs. Spain: A quick chance for French revenge France and Spain meet again in the semifinals of a major tournament, just two years since going head-to-head at the European Championship. Spain won 2-1 with a then-16-year-old Lamine Yamal on the score sheet and went on to lift the Euros by beating England in the final. Kylian Mbappé's powers were diminished in that tournament after sustaining a broken nose, while emerging stars like Michael Olise and Désiré Doué were yet to break through. Two years on and France is widely regarded to have been the most impressive team of this World Cup with a dizzying array of attacking talent and the joint leading scorer in Mbappé ahead of the semifinal on France's Bastille Day. In contrast Spain had to contend with injuries to Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams coming into the tournament and has relied on late goals from substitute Mikel Merino to edge past Portugal and Belgium in the last two rounds. The nations have met on a number of occasions at the World Cup or Euros. France beat Spain in the final of Euro 84. The race for the Golden Boot It has become a thrilling competition within the tournament as many of the world's most lethal finishers have all turned up in peak form. Erling Haaland may be out of the race, but five of the six top scorers are still standing and others could yet force their way into the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappé and Lionel Messi lead the way with eight goals each. Haaland has seven, but he cannot add to that number after Norway was eliminated by England in the quarterfinals. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have six each, while Ousmane Dembélé is on five. Mikel Oyarzabal has four goals, so could yet challenge if Spain overcomes France in the semifinals. There's also the contest for the all-time top scorer at World Cups overall with Messi on 21 goals and Mbappé on 20. That man Messi He is already considered by many to be the greatest of all time — the GOAT — and his performances at what is likely his last World Cup, aged 39, have only strengthened that argument. This will be Messi's first ever game against England. If Messi can lead Argentina to the title, he would surpass the great Maradona by winning two World Cups for his country. Argentina would also become the first back-to-back champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Soccer great Pelé was part of those Brazil teams and also went on to win a third World Cup in 1970.

Julian Alvarez scored a stunning long-range goal in the 112th minute as defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book a place in the World Cup semifinals on Saturday. Lautaro Martinez added another goal in the closing seconds of extra time, giving Argentina a more comfortable-looking victory than the closely contested match suggested. Argentina will now face England in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 earlier in the day. Argentina, Switzerland level 1-1 after 90 minutes in World Cup quarterfinal Messi's run of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches came to an end, although his bid for a second World Cup title remains alive. The match turned on a controversial decision after Switzerland's equaliser. Argentina's Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Breel Embolo, but video review found Embolo had been falling before contact. Since Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier, the booking was transferred to him under the World Cup's "mistaken identity" protocol, resulting in a red card and leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Argentina and Switzerland remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes in their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, sending the match into extra time as the Swiss were reduced to 10 men following the late dismissal of Breel Embolo. Defending champions Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland drew level in the second half through Dan Ndoye, keeping alive their hopes of reaching a World Cup semifinal for the first time. The winners of the match will face England in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta. England secured their place with a 2-1 victory over Norway earlier on Saturday. Shortly after Switzerland equalised, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Embolo. However, video replays indicated that Embolo had already been falling before any contact was made. After a review, officials determined that Embolo, who had already been booked earlier in the match, should instead receive the caution, resulting in his second yellow card and a red card. Switzerland were therefore forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 players. It marked the second time at this World Cup that a yellow card decision was corrected under the tournament's "mistaken identity" protocol, which allows the video assistant referee (VAR) to intervene when the wrong player is shown a yellow or red card.

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday. “I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion," the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. "We were the ones who knocked them out before.” Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in Nations League play last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition. The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final. “We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. "It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.” Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches. France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament, but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players' confidence. “Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. ... We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well." Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain's attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain's first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz's rebound goal off Dani Olmo's shot. Yamal said his modest statistics don't bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago. Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of the World Cup's dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain's acumen in ball possession — a stat they've repeatedly dominated during this World Cup — as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play. “I think we were much better, (than Belgium)," Yamal said. "It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Erling Haaland has been one of the biggest stars of the FIFA World Cup — not only for his goal-scoring ability but also for the online personality that has turned him into a social media sensation. The Norwegian striker, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, has scored seven goals in four World Cup matches heading into Norway's quarterfinal against England on Saturday. While his performances on the pitch have earned praise, his playful social media presence has attracted a new generation of fans, including many who had little interest in football before. Known for his powerful style of play, Haaland has also gained attention online for his light-hearted posts, humorous selfies and interactions with fans. His flowing blond hair, colourful hair ties and quirky sense of humour have inspired countless memes across social media platforms. Fans often describe him as both a fearsome striker and an unexpectedly soft-hearted personality. Many affectionately refer to him as a "babygirl" — an internet term used for male celebrities who appear kind, funny or emotionally expressive despite their tough public image. The contrast between Haaland's commanding presence on the field and his relaxed personality off it has helped make him one of football's most talked-about figures. Sarah Wilson, a baseball content creator from New York who only recently began following football, said Haaland quickly became her favourite player. In a viral video, the 31-year-old joked that she "cannot fathom being such a pretty Norwegian princess and also being one of the best strikers in all of football." Wilson believes Haaland's popularity comes from combining world-class talent with a personality that feels relatable to younger audiences. "He is incredibly talented, but then you see him using Snapchat filters and joking online like many people his age," she told The Associated Press. "You end up thinking, 'He's hilarious. Now he's my favourite player.'" Haaland has embraced his growing online fame by sharing humorous Instagram selfies, posting YouTube videos and interacting with fans through Snapchat. After scoring twice to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup, he posted a smiling locker-room selfie with the caption, "Well well well." He has also jokingly responded to memes comparing his hairstyle to a green onion and encouraged fans to search his name on Google after a special Viking-themed animation appeared in search results. Speaking at Norway's team news conference on Thursday, Haaland said he has enjoyed the warm support from fans in the United States. "I like the Americans. I think they are funny," he said. "The World Cup here has been amazing." Experts say Haaland's popularity reflects how modern athletes are increasingly becoming global entertainment figures through social media. Jeffrey Kassing, a professor at Arizona State University who studies athletes' use of social media, said players now have much greater control over how they present themselves to the public than in previous generations. In the past, fans mainly saw athletes through interviews or press conferences. Today, players can communicate directly with millions of followers, allowing supporters to feel a closer personal connection. That one-sided emotional connection, known as a parasocial relationship, is common among sports fans, according to Gayle Stever, a professor at Empire State University who has studied celebrity-fan relationships for decades. She said most of these relationships are healthy, although a small number of fans can become overly attached. Australian sports management student Skyla Clarke said social media has also exposed footballers to harsh criticism and online abuse after poor performances. Haaland has previously described AI-generated images and videos of players as "a bit scary." Still, he said the attention surrounding Norway and its traditions is a positive sign. "Usually if it's like that, it means that you're doing something right," Haaland said. Haaland is not the only footballer to inspire devoted online communities. Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has also attracted widespread affection from fans, particularly after Croatia's exit from what was expected to be his final international tournament. Ahead of Norway's quarterfinal against England, many fans have also focused on Haaland's close friendship with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, his former club teammate. Social media users have created videos and edits celebrating their friendship, further adding to Haaland's growing online popularity. Among Haaland's newest supporters is Nulara Ratwatté, a 19-year-old art student at the University of Melbourne, whose videos about the striker have gone viral. Although she admits she knew little about football before the World Cup, she now follows Norway closely. Describing Haaland as "a big, friendly giant," Ratwatté said: "Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I love him."

Mikel Merino delivered another late match-winning goal as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals, where they will face France. Just days after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Portugal, Merino once again made an immediate impact from the bench. Introduced in the 86th minute, he scored two minutes later after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí's shot, allowing Merino to tap in the decisive goal. The Arsenal midfielder said he was delighted to help Spain once again, crediting both preparation and persistence for being in the right place at the right time. Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted a rebound, but Belgium equalized before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, ending Spain's remarkable run of not conceding a goal throughout the tournament. Merino's late strike sent Spain into its first World Cup semifinal since lifting the trophy in 2010. The victory also set up a highly anticipated clash with France in Arlington, Texas, with both unbeaten teams seeking a place in the final. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence ahead of the semifinal, describing it as a meeting between two football giants while insisting his side has what it takes to overcome the tournament favorites. Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury. Lammens replaced him in his first World Cup appearance but was unable to prevent Merino's late winner after spilling a powerful effort inside the penalty area. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia praised his players' performance, saying they matched Spain for much of the contest but lacked the fortune needed to defeat a team of Spain's quality. Defender Brandon Mechele also said the squad could take pride in its tournament despite the heartbreaking exit. Spain extended its unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while Belgium's 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end. The match also ended Spain's impressive defensive record after goalkeeper Unai Simón had gone 650 World Cup minutes without conceding. That streak was broken when De Ketelaere headed in Timothy Castagne's cross before halftime. Belgium was further weakened before kickoff after captain Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up, joining defender Amadou Onana on the sidelines.  

Portugal has appointed veteran coach Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of its national football team following the country's disappointing Round of 16 exit at the FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese Football Federation announced the appointment on Friday, confirming that the 71-year-old will succeed Roberto Martinez, whose tenure ended after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last 16. Jesus brings decades of coaching experience, having managed several top Portuguese clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Most recently, he was in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Announcing the appointment on social media platform X, the Portuguese national team said: "A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus." Portugal's early World Cup elimination prompted a change in leadership as the federation looks to rebuild ahead of future international competitions.

Thousands of football fans gathered at El-Alamein Airport on Friday to welcome home Egypt's national team after its memorable World Cup campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the knockout stage. Supporters waved pictures of captain Mohamed Salah, carried banners praising the team and cheered as the players returned from the tournament. Egypt reached the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in the country's history after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout, with Salah playing a key role in the victory. The squad is scheduled to meet President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Saturday. Earlier this week, the president thanked the team in a Facebook post for what he described as its "honourable performance" and for achieving a historic milestone in Egyptian football. The team's World Cup run had united fans across the country, with people gathering in homes, cafés and public squares to watch Tuesday's match against Argentina. Egyptian flags were displayed from balconies, shops and streets as supporters rallied behind the team. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has raised concerns over the officiating in the match, saying it was dissatisfied with several refereeing decisions, including those involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and several players also criticised the referees after Argentina scored three unanswered goals in 13 minutes to complete one of the biggest comeback victories in World Cup history. In a statement, the EFA said protecting the rights and interests of the national team "cannot be ignored or treated as a secondary issue." Responding to the criticism, FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, said debate over refereeing decisions is a normal part of football but rejected what he called "unfounded allegations" against match officials. He stressed that no one should question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees, warning that such accusations can lead to threats against officials and their families.

The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and Tehran responded by targeting U.S.-allied Mideast countries in an exchange of fire that threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the Middle East. Back-and-forth attacks, including a day earlier, have repeatedly threatened the ceasefire. But Thursday’s appeared bigger all around, with sirens sounding at least three times in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters, and missiles targeting Kuwait and Qatar. Sirens sounded Thursday afternoon in Jordan as well, where the U.S. has stationed troops and aircraft. An Iranian official accused the U.S. of launching an airstrike later Thursday targeting the area around Iran’s sole nuclear power plant, and other explosions were reported elsewhere in the country during the afternoon. Early Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad after days of public mourning. Khamenei was killed in the opening salvos of the Iran war. The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of a fragile ceasefire and threatened to escalate the conflict if they didn't stop. That raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war that would engulf several countries and could halt energy shipments through the strait that are crucial for the global economy. In Iran, the two days of American airstrikes have killed at least 14 people and wounded another 78, Iran’s Health Ministry said Thursday. Most were reportedly members of the armed forces. In Kuwait, the military said falling debris wounded one person as the nation shot down three ballistic missiles, a cruise missile and 10 drones. Bahrain said it shot down incoming fire, without elaborating, and Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said all incoming fire from Iran had been intercepted. Iranian state TV said the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan. There was no immediate word of damage in Qatar. US strikes hit more targets The U.S. military’s Central Command said it hit 90 targets across Iran, releasing black-and-white footage of what appeared to be strikes on an airport runway and missile launchers. The U.S. said the strikes were intended to “further degrade” Iran’s ability “to threaten freedom of navigation” in the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passed before the war began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. Traffic has picked up somewhat since a tentative deal last month included opening the waterway. Maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence said Thursday that preliminary data showed at least 576 ships passed through the strait in June, compared to 233 in May. More than 3,100 transited the strait in June 2025. Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex, and southern port cities. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Ehsan Jahanian, a local official in Bushehr, as accusing the U.S. of striking near the plant around noon, hours after Central Command said it had ended its latest round of strikes. Asked for comment on Bushehr, Central Command referred to a press release that detailed targets but made no mention of the nuclear power plant. Streets are jammed for Khamenei’s final funeral procession For the first time since April, U.S. strikes also appeared to target Iranian bridges. State media reported a strike on a railway bridge in Iran’s northeastern Golestan province, and the Revolutionary Guard said two bridges were attacked on the route to Mashhad, where tens of thousands of mourners thronged wide boulevards during the final funeral procession for Khamenei on Thursday. People pressed forward to touch a vehicle carrying Khamenei's body. Many carried Iranian flags and images of the late leader or banners evoking Shiite Islam’s long history of martyrs. Some signs called for the death of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khamenei ruled Iran for nearly 37 years before being killed in the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that started the war. The funeral processions began last Saturday, with authorities shutting down streets, airspace and daily life in Tehran and other cities as throngs commemorated the man who led Iran for decades with an iron fist while confronting the West. Trump issues another warning to Iran if attacks on shipping happen again After leaving a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump posted several videos on his social media site of what he said were explosions in Iran and issued another warning to the Islamic Republic. “This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!” Trump wrote Wednesday, a day after three tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also renewed his past threats to hit Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including electric and desalination plants, and to seize Kharg Island, through which some 90% of Iranian oil exports pass. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a key negotiator in talks seeking a permanent end to the war, was defiant in a post on X on Thursday morning: “America still hasn’t learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: If you strike, you’ll get hit.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on Telegram that he spoke by phone with his Saudi, Turkish and Omani counterparts and with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has been one of the main mediators in the war. The outreach suggested efforts may be underway to reduce tensions. Talks on reaching a final deal were to begin after Khamenei's funeral Trump said Wednesday that the interim ceasefire agreement was “over.” He said he would allow negotiations to continue but thought negotiators were “wasting their time.” Negotiations to reach a final deal were due to start after the funeral for Khamenei. The talks are meant to focus on the toughest matters, including fully reopening the strait and rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.