Iran to attend World Cup draw after reversing its planned boycott

The Trump administration has directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to prioritize visa applications for foreign fans traveling to the World Cup and other significant events. This initiative aims to facilitate attendance and enhance the experience for international visitors.

US authorities have arrested Brian Cole, a suspect in the case of pipe bombs planted outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties in Washington DC on January 5, 2021, the night before the Capitol attack. The Department of Justice announced the charges on December 4, 2025, highlighting the ongoing investigations into the events surrounding January 6.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed openness to allowing the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), known as USMCA in the U.S., to expire, a significant shift from his previous praise of the trade deal after its signing in 2020. This statement raises questions about the future of trade relations between the U.S. and its North American partners.

The FBI has arrested a suspect believed to have planted pipe bombs in Washington DC on the night before the January 6 riots, which saw protesters storm the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming that new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on press access and reporting violate press freedoms and chill independent journalism. The lawsuit highlights concerns over limited access to vital national security information for journalists covering the military.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on strengthening energy and defense ties between Russia and India. This visit marks the first meeting between the two leaders since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, amid rising geopolitical tensions and U.S. tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil.

Filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been sentenced to one year in prison in absentia by Iranian authorities, coinciding with the recognition of his latest film, It Was Just an Accident, which won three Gotham Awards. This sentence also includes a two-year travel ban and restrictions on his participation in political or social groups, as cited by his legal representatives.

President Donald Trump announced the repeal of federal fuel economy standards established during the Biden administration, which significantly weakens fuel efficiency requirements for new gasoline-powered vehicles. This move is part of Trump's broader agenda to dismantle pollution regulations and promote traditional fuel sources.