Daily Thursday, 2 July 2026

[108875] Iran prepares for Khamenei's funeral amid Gulf tensions, as the World Cup reaches the knockout stages

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Developments in Iran: National mourning, power struggles and arrests

Preparations for Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral: Logistical preparations for the Supreme Leader's memorial service are being completed in Iran, including the unveiling of a special vehicle for transporting the casket and the setting up of memorial displays in Tehran. Authorities are preparing to accommodate about 2,500 pilgrims from Afghanistan who will arrive via the Dogharun border crossing. As part of the preparations, about 50 million loaves of bread were prepared and some religious matriculation exams were postponed.

Attacks and mutual accusations at the top of the government: Member of Parliament Hamid Rasai publicly attacked the Speaker of the Majlis, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and accused him of demagoguery. At the same time, estimates are growing regarding the imminent dismissal of the head of the IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), Peyman Jebelli, following a confrontation with Ghalibaf's office. Member of the National Security Committee, Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, called for the immediate dispersal of the nightly protests in the country, arguing that they are no longer useful.

Persecution of environmental activists and international threats: Environmental activists Houman Jokar and Sepideh Kashani were arrested again by security forces, along with Kashani's sister. In nightly gatherings in Varamin, an unprecedented prize of 100 kg of gold was announced for anyone who assassinates Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Social phenomena and weather: In Tehran, a report highlights an expensive trend of treating depression by hugging trees. In Isfahan Province, a travel warning was issued due to severe dust storms, and the Chalus Road leading to the north of the country was blocked and became one-way due to abnormal traffic congestion.

Limited nuclear oversight: Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf rejected reports that IAEA inspectors would be allowed to visit sites damaged in strikes (such as Fordo, Natanz, or Isfahan), and clarified that oversight would be limited to the Bushehr power plant and the Tehran reactor.

Financial arrangements and military threats: Understandings are reported that allow Iran access to $3 billion of its frozen funds for the purchase of agricultural products, subject to maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister clarified that the strait is under Iranian control only and not under CENTCOM. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the US administration against relying on Tehran's promises. At the same time, the US finished deploying B-52 bombers in the UK, and an American military helicopter crashed in the Arabian Sea (the incident does not stem from hostile activity).

Gaza Strip and criticism in Israel: Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem warned against Israeli plans for transfer and forced migration of Gaza residents. On the humanitarian side, it is reported that about 80% of families in Gaza have lost their homes, and Palestinian football goalkeeper Salim al-Ashkar was killed by IDF fire. In Israel, Major General (res.) Nitzan Alon criticized the length of the war and claimed that it could have ended a year ago, while journalists warn against a protracted war of attrition in Lebanon.

Syria, Lebanon and Iraq: The IDF carried out artillery strikes in Quneitra, Syria. In the heart of Damascus, at least five people were killed in a bomb attack at a café. In Lebanon, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri called for international guarantees and warned against Israeli attempts to incite internal Lebanese conflict. In Iraq, special forces raided the Green Zone in Baghdad and arrested dozens of officials identified with extremist movements, and sounds of explosions were heard in Erbil in the north of the country.

Clashes on the Iranian border: 11 fighters of the 'Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran' (KDPI) were killed in an ambush by the Revolutionary Guards in the Piranshahr area.

The conflict in Ukraine: Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, claimed that the West is in a state of active war against Russia due to the presence of mercenaries and Western weapon operators in Ukraine. At the same time, a wave of Russian strikes hit Kyiv and wounded 11 people.

World Cup 2026: The three host nations (USA, Mexico, and Canada) officially qualified for the round of 16. The US team leads 0-1 against Bosnia in the round of 32 from a goal by Folarin Balogun. The game between Iran and Egypt in the group stage broke an all-time record with over 107 million viewers. Cristiano Ronaldo landed in Toronto ahead of Portugal's game against Croatia. Iraq and Tunisia were identified as having the weakest defenses in the tournament after conceding 12 goals each.

Football transfers: Elliot Anderson moved from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City in a record-breaking deal estimated at about 130–150 million euros. In Iran, Foolad Khuzestan signed Omir Hamidi-Far and extended the contract of goalkeeper Hamed Lak. In the Women's Champions League, Khatoon Bam was drawn against Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr.