World's Most Dangerous Rogue States

The United States and Israel are the world's most dangerous, rogue actors, functioning as the preeminent engine of global instability, and acting as the primary existential threat to world peace through calculated, widespread aggression. 

It is a well-known fact that the US has been at war 222 out of 239 years since 1776. And, since Israel's founding in 1948, the country has been in a state of near-perpetual conflict. 

Today, Donald Trump (far left) and Benjamin Netanyahu (left), both war criminals, represent the new axis of evil.

The war against Iran is their latest handiwork. It began on February 28 and the two didn't just target the Islamic Republic; they murdered the prospect of peace by launching joint, pre-emptive strikes against the country while diplomatic talks were still taking place. A calculated, unlawful act by the US and Israel.

Presently, the grueling war has petered into the current stalemate that brings a temporary lull to the battlefield, yet the rhetorical warfare remains fiercely active. 

On Tuesday, during Trump's address at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, he openly mused whether he should completely "annihilate" Iran and drive the nation into hell with "no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations". 

By using the UN podium to openly contemplate wiping out a fellow member state, Trump brought an indecent irony to his delivery at the United Nations – an organisation founded to save future generations from war. 😡😡😡

Iran Will Not Fold

Donald Trump announced that the United States could potentially stay in Iran and "keep the oil" suggests that he is fundamentally miscalculating the war in Iran by treating its sovereign natural resources as low-hanging fruit. His brazen declaration – just as it did after removing Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela – exposes a dangerous strategic delusion. 

[While reports surfaced globally on September 14, 2026, Trump originally made these specific remarks to reporters a day earlier, while attending the Irish Open golf championship in Doonbeg, Ireland. He later confirmed in a phone interview with NBC News on Monday that seizing Iranian oil has actively been discussed within his administration].

This overt ambition to seize sovereign oil reserves is a blatant violation of international law. Under the Geneva Conventions and international legal frameworks, the unilateral confiscation of another nation's natural resources for domestic profit constitutes the war crime of pillage.

Trump’s blueprint relies on a completely flawed comparison that ignores both legal and geopolitical realities: 

• The Flawed Analogy: In August 2026, the US successfully leveraged a rapid regime collapse in Caracas to force a deal ceding control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil. Trump explicitly views this asset seizure as a repeatable model to pay for US military interventions. 
• The Institutional Reality: Venezuela’s command structure imploded because it was tied to a single strongman. Conversely, Iran is a deeply institutionalized, ideologically driven theocracy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have completely rejected US overtures, vowing a war of attrition rather than capitulation. 
• The Strategic Lever: While Venezuela's oil infrastructure was easily isolated, Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has already weaponized this chokepoint to choke global supplies, spiking US fuel prices and using global markets as a counter-offensive shield. 

Trump’s hubris in thinking he can simply dictate an exit strategy, secure the oil fields, and walk away with Iran’s wealth is an outright fantasy. Tehran will not fold to a "Venezuela-style" playbook, and any attempt to permanently occupy its oil reserves will violate international laws against resource theft, pulling the US into an un-winnable regional quagmire. 

Ultimately, Washington's strategic calculus fails to recognize that Iran is a different proposition entirely. History and regional resilience suggest that Iran will not be defeated; in fact, if pushed into a prolonged war of attrition, Iran will, for sure, prevail over the US.

The World According to Trump

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait” despite ongoing clashes with Iran – then hours later implied he wasn’t serious. 

He has made a series of geographical name changes to international bodies of water in his second term, at least partly with the aim of trolling other countries. 

The latest suggestion came as Trump insisted the US had full control of the crucial waterway, even as fresh clashes raged there with Iran. 

“Now that we have it under USA control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT??? Like America itself, it would be ‘hotter’ than ever before!” Trump said on his Truth Social network. 

The White House later posted a map of the Gulf on social media with his suggested name, adding: “It’s got a nice ring to it”. 

Trump has in recent weeks repeatedly threatened to claim sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, even posting a map showing the waterway as a “new US territory”. Trump, however, later played down the idea of rebranding the Strait of Hormuz. 

This psychological warfare via cartography mirrors Executive Order 14422 Trump signed to officially rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" on August 27, 2026. 

Even major tech platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps have already updated their platforms to display "Lake America" exclusively for US-based users. 

The aggressive rebrand has sparked severe backlash from America's northern neighbor. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both condemned the action, asserting the 400-year-old body of water will remain "Lake Ontario, now and forever". 

Ford's administration went as far as erecting a massive physical "Lake Ontario" signage on the shoreline as a direct jab back at Washington. 

The Great Lake rebranding marks the second official success of Trump's broader geographical campaign, following his executive order in early 2025 that legally designated the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” on official US federal maps. 

I won't be surprised if the Pentagon’s next strategic deployment includes a highly armed team of graphic designers to update the world’s maps before the international borders decide to sue for trademark infringement! 😝

Donald Trump Threatens to Bomb the Sh*t out of Oman

US President Donald Trump has threatened to “bomb the sh*t out of” Oman if it strikes a separate deal with Iran on control of the Strait of Hormuz, despite Oman’s key role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. 

In addition to brokering talks between the US and Iran, Omani negotiators have been conducting parallel negotiations with Tehran aimed at establishing a safe route for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reportedly wants to charge fees for safe passage of the strait after an interim period, and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters on Monday that Iran had reached an “understanding” with Oman on the matter. 

Asked about these Omani-Iranian talks, Trump told Fox News that “if Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the sh*t out of them”! 

The US rejects any agreement that would involve Iran collecting tolls, and Washington has signaled that it will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports unless Tehran relinquishes this demand. 

Speaking in New York on Friday, Trump claimed that the Islamic Republic was “very badly defeated”, and that he would soon “be declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the US”. 

A memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran in June set a 60-day window to bring the conflict to an end and reopen the strait. The memorandum effectively collapsed after fighting restarted last month and the agreement officially lapsed on Monday. 

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran is prepared “to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region” if diplomacy fails, and to launch “timely and precise strikes” to break the US naval blockade if necessary. 

Trump did not reply directly to this threat in his comments to Fox News, but demanded that Iran “raise the white flag of surrender”.

😂😂😂

Target: Trump

"A third-rate comedy" act as described by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, when he dismissed US claims of an assassination plot against Donald Trump, quipping that Tehran has no need to eliminate a leader who is "already destroying the United States" on his own! 😂😂😂

[This specific quote was said to have gone viral as a social media meme around August 12–13, 2026. Whether this were the exact words from Araghchi, I cannot ascertain at this point in time].

According to investigative reporting by The Wall Street Journal, Israeli intelligence had provided the White House with tactical data detailing a fresh Iranian plot to assassinate the US President. Driven by a desire to avenge the 2020 killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, the threat specifically warned of advanced operational designs – such as a potential localized surface-to-air missile strike. 

And as later detailed by the same WSJ, this threat prompted a high-stakes security maneuver at the Ankara NATO Summit (July 7-8, 2026) in Türkiye, where the Secret Service used a catering truck as a ruse to secretly switch the President from Air Force One to a heavily defended military transport jet. 

While the protective measures were executed immediately, US intelligence analysts have maintained a level of skepticism regarding the low credibility or unverified nature of certain elements within the specific Israeli warning.

Data in the Deep

China has taken AI computing beneath the sea, where cold ocean water cools servers while saving energy and millions of litres of freshwater every year. 

Off Hainan’s coast, China operates commercial underwater data centres around 35 metres below the surface. These sealed submarine-grade steel modules use natural seawater to dissipate heat through internal conduction and external radiators, bypassing the energy-hungry mechanical chillers and large amounts of freshwater required by conventional land-based facilities. 

At full capacity, its first phase is expected to save about 26,000 tonnes of water and 3.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually compared with a similar land-based facility.

Don't equate Iran with Venezuela.

A truism. 

This statement was made during an interview with ⁠Mehr News, published on July 20, 2026. 

[That "one person" in question is former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. 

The comment was made in direct reference to a US military operation on January 03, 2026, during which American forces quickly captured and forcibly removed Maduro from power. 

Following his kidnapping, Venezuela’s interim government – led by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez – swiftly endeared themselves to Donald Trump and entered into US-supervised talks, granting new oil and energy concessions to Washington. To put it bluntly, Venezuela capitulated].

On July 28, their Foreign Ministry officially summoned Iranian Ambassador Ali Chegini to deliver a formal note of protest, demanding a strict "cessation of all allusion or comparison that undermines the dignity, sovereignty, institutional framework, or good name" of Venezuela. 

😂😂😂

Ukraine Warns About The New Threat Triad

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, on Monday, issued a stark warning about what he described as three growing threats facing Ukraine as the war with Russia continues, namely, North Korea, Iran, and China. 

He explained that North Korea has supplied munitions and thousands of troops, Iran has provided drones and ballistic missiles, and China is assisting Russia with satellite and targeting technology. 

Even if it is true, what's the big deal? The West has been standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine providing money, weapons and even combatants (labelled as independent volunteers) to Ukraine all this while. 

Zelensky fears that this four-power axis gravely threatens Ukraine.

To be sure, Russia is more than capable of handling Ukraine by themselves. My only misgiving is that Russia is taking their sweet time to vanquish, destroy, and annihilate Ukraine once and for all!

Top seeds Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan got their Taipei Open campaign off to a solid start after easing past Japan's Mao Hitasue-Kanano Muroya 21-15, 21-17 to advance to the next round on Wednesday. The Malaysians cleared the opening hurdle in only 38 minutes.

Russia Has No Right to Exist

Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief, Major General Mikhail Drapaty, declares that Russia has no right to exist.

On Wednesday, the YouTube documentary channel Ukrainer W released an interview with Drapaty originally recorded in 2023. 

Speaking to journalist Karina Pilyugina, the general (right) said that he had long anticipated a war with Russia. 

“We see that you cannot call them neighbors. It is a nation, together with its leadership, that has no right to exist. Over thousands of years, nothing has changed there in civilizational terms – neither its mentality nor its imperial ambitions”, he said.

Vladimir Putin's Special Military Operation in Ukraine is already 4 years, 5 months, and 3 days. It is taking forever. Regrettably, his military strategy in Ukraine is one of calculated moderation. 

Putin should stop pulling his punches!

This is the exact opening statement made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to reporters on the sidelines of the ⁠ASEAN meeting of foreign ministers in Manila, Philippines. 

"The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people that are in charge there either break it or want to change it. It looks like they're not ready to make a deal. So they're going to continue to pay a price. Every night the price gets higher and higher, and that's what's happening now", he added emphatically, when addressing escalating US-Iran tensions and open military conflict.

Oh, really? 😆😆😆

Americans are natural liars, fibbers and prevaricators!!!

Iran Threatens Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump made the threat to send Iran back to the Stone Age on April 01, 2026. He delivered this statement during a prime-time address from the White House. 

Six days later, he issued a second apocalyptic threat against Iran. Ahead of an 08:00 PM Eastern Time deadline regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he declared on social media that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again". 

Now, Iran has unveiled giant billboards in Tehran sending a direct counter-threat to Trump. 

A giant hoarding showing him lying inside an open black coffin was erected July 15, 2026 in Tehran’s Enghelab Square (Revolution Square), with graffiti-style text reading “We Will Kill Trump” written across the image in both Persian and English. 

The display also featured an inscription reading "In memory of Minab's children", referencing the massacre at an elementary school that was struck by US missiles in the southern Iranian city of Minab. 

Another one, at Palestine Square in Tehran, displaying headshots of Trump and members of his family, including Melania, Ivanka and Don Jr, on top of coffins draped with US flags, was unveiled around mid-July 2026 (specifically reported by international news outlets on July 16–17). 

Iran’s state media, Fars News Agency, even published an English-language video across multiple social media platforms, including the agency's official Telegram channel on July 17 titled “Where Do We Kill Trump?” purporting to show the motorcade route to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, USA. 

It was later removed from X. 

Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned Saturday of “unforgettable lessons” if the US continued its attacks on Iran.

For sure, at some point, the Americans will get what they deserve!

I'm only interested to know: the Iranians can talk the talk, but when are they going to walk the walk?

Donald Trump's Truth Social War Stats

US President Donald Trump published the post immediately below on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, July 21, 2026: 

He captioned the visual data by writing, “These are the real facts. REPORT THEM!” to push back against congressional critics regarding the costs and objectives of the current Middle East operations.

He has been roundly denounced for the post because he belittled the deaths of service members in the listed conflicts. 

Former supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene said Trump was “bragging about killing 18 US soldiers”. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the president a “disgusting Little Man”, while commentator Brian Krassenstein said Trump was minimizing “18 soldiers [who] have died from his stupid Iran war”. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the post “beneath contempt”, and Senator Chris Van Hollen said Trump was “downplaying” the loss of American lives. 

On Wednesday, Trump courted controversy once again when he appeared to dismiss the conflict, referring to it as a "skirmish".

It shouldn't come as a surprise. He's a deviant. A degenerate. A sicko. 👿👿👿

$6B Budget for Next World Cup

🚨 FIFA are preparing a budget of around $6 BILLION for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. 💰 

The tournament will mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, with FIFA planning a landmark edition to celebrate a century since the inaugural tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930. 🏆🌍

And six countries have already secured their 2030 places after the global governing body for football officially confirmed the tournament’s unique hosting arrangement spanning three continents. Morocco, Portugal and Spain will serve as the main hosts of the expanded tournament, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage special centenary celebration matches. 

A US official told The Intercept that recent attacks had wounded “far more” personnel than are reflected in the Pentagon’s current casualty count. They did not provide numbers but said “dozens” had received medical attention. 

According to ⁠Al Jazeera citing CENTCOM, the ongoing conflict with Iran has resulted in 17 confirmed US military deaths, one service member missing, and over 420 wounded. 

And reporting by The Intercept previously found that the Pentagon’s official tally of dead and wounded personnel is a gross undercount, stemming from what one US government official called a “casualty cover-up”. 

There's nothing new about this because it has always been the US practice!

On the Iranian side, at least 3,000 have been killed according to Iranian reports and Al Jazeera's live trackers, though independent monitors like the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimate around 3,684 fatalities, with more than 26,500 to 27,000 individuals injured. 

We should anticipate that devastating human losses across Iran will escalate under the weight of continuous US bombardments. CENTCOM already announced they finished their latest round of strikes on Monday, marking the completion of the tenth consecutive night of American air attacks on Iran. 

And US President Donald Trump warned Tuesday on Truth Social that the United States was "not finished" attacking Iran. 

I say it again! Iran should stop pussyfooting with the evil regime that is the US. It's time to declare war and go on the offensive. 💣💣💣

Truce to Ashes

Eight straight nights of relentless US bombing have surely left the proposed ceasefire completely in tatters by Saturday. 

It looks like Donald Trump has been convinced that – oh my God – Iran is on the ropes and if he just keeps bombing them, they'll surrender. 

The ink had barely dried on the MoU before this continuous bombing campaign completely disintegrated the truce. [Read my post "Iran Wins, USA Loses" published June 21, 2026].

Whether Iran likes it or not, they should accept that diplomacy is dead. Iran's only correct move is an outright declaration of war against the United States.

Iran should just do it!

Air Cambodia have inked an agreement to buy twenty C909 aircraft from Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), making the Cambodian carrier the first foreign flag carrier to place a bulk order for the Chinese-made jet, according to a Saturday report by Chinese civil aviation industry portal CARNOC.com and cited by Global Times. 

The initial C909 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to Air Cambodia in batches and enter service in the second half of 2026, CARNOC.com said.

The Real Cost of FIFA’s World Cup Record Revenue

Despite initial fears, football fans have unequivocally proven that they are willing to pay steep ticket prices to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

In fact, FIFA effectively won the battle for fans' wallets, turning the tournament into a historic commercial success. 

However, the data shows that this nearly 99.7% occupancy rate and the staggering 6,527,410 total attendees through the first 100 matches tell a more complex story than just universal fan approval. 

Truth be told, a vast percentage of the tickets were purchased by corporate sponsors, hospitality packages, and affluent travelers – a group that possess the immense purchasing power required to absorb the record-high costs. 

And while the overall cumulative data is record-breaking, early matches featuring less prominent football nations did suffer from noticeable, televised swathes of empty seats (e.g., June 11th's South Korea vs. Czech Republic fixture in Guadalajara, Mexico). 

Furthermore, to combat severe backlash regarding accessibility, FIFA introduced a last-minute Supporter Entry Tier right before the tournament began. This program, which allocated heavily discounted $60 tickets to loyal national federation fans, helped fill gaps in lower-demand games. 

Sure, Gianni Infantino might subscribe to the view that FIFA's pricing model has succeeded financially and that global demand for the World Cup is incredibly resilient, but it has left a lasting debate regarding the tournament's overall inclusivity. 

And if I may repeat, the hostile US treatment towards Iran is a blardy disgrace!

Iranian Mourners Demand Vengeance

Iranians demanded vengeance during the funeral procession for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday. 

As demonstrators set fire to US and UK flags, women in black chadors held aloft red placards with the English words "KILL TRUMP" in black letters. 

Others raised placards with the faces of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, War Secretary Pete Hegseth or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, each depicted in the crosshairs of a gunsight, with the words "There will be blood". 

The 88-member Assembly of Experts issued a 10-point statement in which they said killing “the wicked prime minister of the Zionist regime” and “the criminal American president” was a religious duty that must be carried out “under any circumstances”.

DEATH TO AMERICA!

Lebanon, Syria, Gaza: The Forever Occupation

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated on Wednesday his country will keep its troops in occupied areas of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely. 

“Our policy for defending the borders of the State of Israel... is clear”, Katz said, as quoted by the Jerusalem Post. “The IDF will not withdraw and will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza for an unlimited period of time”. 

Katz also renewed an earlier warning to Iran, saying it would be struck with “full force” if it retaliated over Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon. 

The warning echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent pledge that Israel’s pursuit of “total victory” over Iran and its allied groups “never ends”. 

Tehran has made an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon one of its key conditions in the ongoing peace talks with the US. 

If you must know, in recent months, the IDF have pushed deeper into southern Lebanon, establishing what Israeli officials describe as a security buffer zone. According to media reports, by June, Israeli forces controlled roughly 2,000 square kilometers of Lebanese territory – nearly one-fifth of the country.

Let me repeat here that Iran's decision to sign the MOU and pursue (indirect) "negotiations" is WRONG! 😡😡😡

US Security Chief Gloats Over Iran’s World Cup Exit

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin (right), whose agency were responsible for enforcing controversial security measures targeting the Iranian football team at the World Cup, brazenly bragged that the job put him on cloud nine and that he was overjoyed Iran was eliminated. 

Iran exited the global football tournament, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, after three draws against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt during the group stage. 

Iranian officials complained that, unlike other teams, Iranian players were not allowed to stay in the US and instead had to travel for training and games in Los Angeles and Seattle from Tijuana, Mexico. 

“I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back”, Mullin told an interagency meeting on Monday, as first reported by Sports Business Journal. 

He added that “there wasn’t a single team that we dealt with more than them”. 

“I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave US soil, and I might have sung a song or two, or maybe danced a happy dance”, the senior official crowed. 

Clearly, this is an American who is deplorable, detestable and despicable!

No Choice: Iran's IRGC Pushes for Nuclear Deterrent

An Iranian media outlet linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have argued that Tehran has "no choice" but to develop a nuclear bomb. 

The comments were published on Sunday in an article by Iranian state-affiliated news agency Fars, titled "No choice but to build the atomic bomb", amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over an interim peace agreement. 

The article argued that Iran must acquire nuclear deterrence to negotiate with its adversaries from a position of strength. It further claimed that nuclear capability was necessary to secure peace and strengthen Iran's negotiating position. 

The commentary pointed to China's nuclear programme as an example, arguing that Beijing was able to negotiate with the United States only after becoming a nuclear power. 

The article further added that nuclear weapons would provide Iran with strategic balance against its regional adversaries. 

The publication's comments stand in contrast to commitments made under the interim Memorandum of Understanding signed by Washington and Tehran earlier this month. [Read my post "Iran Wins, USA Loses" published June 21, 2026]. 

And according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, on Wednesday, he affirmed that the MOU agreement explicitly requires international oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities. 

Iran quickly challenged Grossi’s assertion, underscoring ongoing tensions surrounding implementation of the agreement. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said any discussion of inspections at enrichment facilities would only occur as part of a final, comprehensive accord. 

Still, Tehran had confirmed in the MOU that it would not develop a nuclear weapon. 

Although the article reflects the views of an IRGC-linked media outlet rather than an official government policy announcement, their publication is likely to fuel fresh concerns about Iran's long-term nuclear intentions.

I support the IRGC to want Iran to have nuclear weapons!

Mehdi Taremi Talks of Shit Treatment @ World Cup USA

Mehdi Taremi (left) lashed out at FIFA in an explosive post-match interview on Friday, following Iran's 1-1 draw against Egypt. Iran's national team captain spoke candidly and didn't mince words. 💩💩💩

He called this World Cup exactly what it is: A disaster. A sham. A calculated campaign to break the Iranian team before they ever step on the pitch. 

Taremi described the Iranian nightmare: "We can't stay in the country ...treated like criminals in the "land of the free". Immigration checks EVERY TIME they want to play ...psychological warfare disguised as bureaucracy. Forced to flee Seattle, return to Tijuana ...ping-ponging across borders while other teams sleep in luxury. They've done everything they can to eliminate us". 

And FIFA? WORTHLESS! Gianni Infantino ...that political prostitute who licks the boots of power ...strolled into Iran's locker room after the New Zealand match, promised to fix everything, then vanished. Did nothing. Said nothing. Let the abuse continue. 

When he was asked the question: "Do you feel the organizers would prefer Iran to be eliminated?" 

His answer? "YES. I think that's what they want. They want us out".

Plainly put, this is SPORTING TERRORISM. Not fair play. Not competition. Systemic sabotage. While European teams enjoy five-star treatment, Iran's players are trapped in a travel nightmare, exhausted before kickoff, harassed by immigration, denied basic dignity. 

Infantino promised solutions. Delivered LIES. The US organizers ...the same regime that bomb Iranian civilians ...now wage war on Iranian athletes. FIFA enable it. 

The "beautiful game" is reduced to ugly politics. 

There is an angry anguish in Taremi's defiance: "We have to fight against absolutely everything". 

And fight they must. Against FIFA corruption. Against US hostility. Against a system rigged to break them. The world is watching. And the world sees the conspiracy.

At the ongoing World Cup, the group fixtures all concluded yesterday, finalizing the 32-team bracket for the knockout rounds.

And Iran and Scotland are ranked the ninth and eleventh best third-place teams overall. Meaning, both teams finished outside the qualification spots and fail to advance to the ⁠2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland’s head coach, with the decision announced within an hour of confirmation the country had been eliminated from the World Cup. 

As for me, I'm done following this World Cup! 

Iran Draws With Egypt @ World Cup

Yesterday's final Group G matches concluded with Iran drawing 1-1 against Egypt, and Belgium thumping New Zealand 5-1. These results left Team Melli in third place with 3 points, causing them to narrowly miss out on automatic knockout qualification. 

There are now two possible scenarios for Iran: either they go through to the next round with three points and three draws, or they leave the tournament unbeaten. 

According to ⁠Opta's supercomputer's calculations, Iran has a 92% chance of progressing. [Note: Under the expanded 48-team format, the 12 groups will narrow down to a Round of 32. This structure allows the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, to advance via a wildcard tiebreaker system]. 

As it currently stands, Iran sits in sixth place in the third-placed teams rankings.  

Concurrently, Scotland dropped to tenth place in the third-place rankings. Over the last 48 hours, their chances of reaching the World Cup knockouts for the first time plummeted from 42% to a microscopic 0.07%, making elimination practically certain.

The remaining matches in Groups J, K, and L will conclusively determine the tournament fates of both Iran and Scotland.  

We should know by Saturday (local time)/Sunday (Malaysian time).

I Support Team Melli Too

Besides Scotland, I am unabashedly rooting for Iran in the grandest stage in global football. 

Not because of goals. Not because of stars. But because I watched what Team Melli went through – and admired how they still showed up. Respect is earned in moments like these. 🧡🧡🧡

Iran is the ultimate underdog. Despite consistently holding a Top-20 spot in the ⁠FIFA Men's World Rankings, they've historically struggled to advance past the group stage. 

But more importantly, I'm backing them because they continue to fight and compete at an elite level, even while navigating unprecedented off-pitch hurdles and restrictive external conditions. [Read my post "The Most Oppressed Team at the World Cup" published Monday]. 

There is a modicum of good news though. Iran's football team have been given extra time in the United States to prepare for their last group fixture. The US Department of Homeland Security have come out to say that Iran has been allowed to travel to Seattle in Washington State two days before their match against Egypt on Friday – giving them an extra day beyond the 24-hour window they'd been granted for their first two games. 

But their players are still required to return to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, after the match. 

According to BBC on Tuesday, this change came after the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (commonly abbreviated as FFIRI) said, on June 19, they planned to lodge an official complaint with FIFA over what they described as unfair treatment in the United States.

The above aside, Iran's football federation reported the following day that their team’s flight to Seattle was delayed by 25 minutes as star forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were held up for an undisclosed reason. 

As if the crises currently strangling the Iranian team were not catastrophic enough, today's fixture between Iran and the Pharaohs has drawn global attention and significant international tension as it overlaps with Seattle's annual Pride Weekend. 

Because homosexuality is criminalized in both competing nations, the matchup was branded by the city's local organizing committee as a "Pride Match" to promote inclusivity, sparking protests and raised concerns from the Iranian and Egyptian governments. 

In fact, FIFA have given the green light for fans to bring rainbow flags into the stadium, classifying the symbol as one of human rights rather than a political slogan.

The abject failure of the global governing body for football to protect Iran from relentless political distractions and unfair travel restrictions severely compromises the fundamental spirit of the game.

Shame on you, FIFA! 😡😡😡