Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday, climbing more than 9 percent to reach their highest level in a month. The surge followed renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ announcement to reinstate a naval blockade against Iran starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. Washington time. The blockade had previously been lifted in mid-June.

Analysts from Gelbar & Associates said President Trump’s new restrictions on Iranian maritime movements, retaliatory attacks, and reduced shipping through the Hormuz Strait have heightened short-term concerns over energy supply. Brent crude closed up by $7.29, or 9.59 percent, at $83.30 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $6.73, or 9.42 percent, to $78.14 per barrel.

Brent recorded its largest single-day dollar gain since April 2 and its highest closing price since June 12. WTI also saw its biggest daily increase since April 29 and reached its highest closing level since June 15, reflecting market anxiety over potential supply disruptions.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated on Monday that imposing any tolls or charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would contravene international law. The statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian ships and a 20 percent charge on goods carried by other vessels passing through the strait.

The 40-member IMO Council, which includes the United States, emphasized that the right to free and uninterrupted passage through international straits must not be threatened, obstructed, denied, or suspended. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and the protection of seafarers.

Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the IMO condemned attacks on civilian commercial ships in and around the area and called for de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. It further noted that any coastal state measures to regulate navigation in key waterways must comply with IMO regulations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

England coach Thomas Tuchel has outlined his strategy ahead of the World Cup semifinal against defending champions Argentina. Speaking after England’s 2–1 victory over Norway, Tuchel said he believes Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will be the team’s key weapons to overcome Argentina. He praised their ability to perform in crucial moments and expressed full confidence in their partnership, describing it as the core of England’s attacking plan.

Tuchel acknowledged that relying solely on the two stars would not be enough. He emphasized the need for more players to contribute effectively in attack to create pressure from multiple directions. So far in the tournament, Kane and Bellingham have been directly involved in nearly all of England’s goals, with only Marcus Rashford scoring outside their influence.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, reached the semifinal after defeating Switzerland 3–1 in extra time. Tuchel recognized Argentina as one of the most experienced and challenging opponents, noting that England must be strong both defensively and offensively to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

Global crude oil prices rose by more than 3 percent as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, raising concerns over energy supply disruptions. Brent crude climbed by 2.67 dollars, or 3.51 percent, to reach 78.68 dollars per barrel, according to market data released on July 13, 2026.

Analysts attributed the price increase primarily to fears of transport disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy shipments. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that before the conflict began, nearly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum supply passed through this strait.

Market observers warned that if the conflict escalates further, oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz could be severely affected, potentially triggering greater instability in the global energy market.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the ongoing exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran in the Gulf region. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed deep concern over US strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on targets in neighboring countries. Guterres warned that if the confrontation continues, it could bring devastating consequences not only for the Middle East but for the entire world.

According to the report, Guterres emphasized that all attacks must stop and urged both nations to resolve their disputes through diplomatic means. He cautioned that a full-scale war would be disastrous for the region and beyond. The statement comes amid reports of repeated Iranian strikes on US bases in Oman and escalating tensions across the Gulf.

The UN chief’s appeal highlights growing international alarm over the potential for the conflict to spiral into a wider global crisis if immediate restraint is not exercised by both sides.

Pope Leo has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the renewed conflict between Iran and the United States. His appeal came after reports of fresh attacks and counterattacks between the two nations. In a message posted on social media platform X, he warned that the 'winds of war' across the Middle East, Ukraine, and other regions are sowing seeds of violence, fear, and death.

Pope Leo emphasized that only through dialogue, mutual engagement, and diplomacy can a just and lasting peace be achieved. He stated that such a path would allow people to live in reconciliation, mutual security, and respect for human dignity. His message comes at a time of heightened regional instability and growing concern over escalating hostilities.

The Pope’s statement underscores the Vatican’s continued advocacy for peaceful resolution of international conflicts through negotiation rather than confrontation.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its final stage, four football powerhouses—Argentina, France, Spain, and England—have secured their places in the semifinals. France will face Spain in the first semifinal, while defending champion Argentina will meet England in the second. Data analytics firm Opta has released a mathematical forecast using its supercomputer to predict the outcomes of the semifinals and the eventual champion.

According to Opta’s analysis, England holds a slight edge over Argentina with a 50.96% chance of reaching the final, compared to Argentina’s 49.04%. France is favored to beat Spain with a 57.70% probability. In the overall title race, France leads with a 34.05% chance of winning the championship, followed by Spain at 23.45%, England at 21.94%, and Argentina at 20.55%. Despite being the defending champion, Argentina ranks fourth in the title predictions.

The report notes that football remains unpredictable, and on-field results may defy statistical expectations as the tournament approaches its conclusion.

England captain Harry Kane said his team has yet to play its best football despite a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals held in Miami. Kane expressed pride and relief after the comeback win, crediting the team’s fighting spirit as its greatest strength. England fell behind early but turned the match around with two goals from Jude Bellingham, securing a place in the semifinals.

Kane emphasized that knockout matches are about results rather than style, noting that sometimes teams must rely on character and belief to prevail. He praised Bellingham for stepping up in crucial moments and described the win as a collective achievement. The striker also highlighted the team’s mental resilience, saying the squad never gives up until the final whistle.

Looking ahead, Kane warned that the semifinal against reigning champions Argentina will be a tougher challenge. He said England must improve ball control and decision-making, aiming to show a more mature performance in the next round.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal match held in Kansas City on July 12, 2026. The defending champions took an early lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, but Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute via Dan Ndoye. Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off shortly after, leaving his team with ten men. Despite Switzerland’s resistance, Argentina broke through in extra time with goals from Julián Álvarez in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martínez in stoppage time.

The victory secured Argentina’s place in the semifinals, where Lionel Scaloni’s side will face England on July 15. The other semifinal will feature France against Spain on July 14. The match showcased Argentina’s attacking persistence and Switzerland’s defensive resilience, with the outcome decided only in the final minutes of extra time.

With this win, Argentina remains on track to defend its title, while Switzerland exits after a valiant effort that fell short in the closing stages.

England reached the World Cup semifinals after defeating Norway 2–1 in Miami on July 12, 2026. The match, played in intense heat, saw both teams struggle with pace and sharpness. Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the decisive goal in extra time, to secure England’s victory. Norway had taken the lead through Andreas Schjelderup in the 36th minute, but Bellingham equalized just before halftime. His second goal came after Norway’s goalkeeper failed to hold a long-range shot from Morgan Rogers.

The win marked England’s second consecutive World Cup semifinal appearance, following their 2022 run in Qatar. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, the team showed resilience despite Norway’s organized play and multiple missed chances. Erling Haaland remained largely ineffective against England’s defense, while VAR overturned a potential penalty for England in extra time.

England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals, with Bellingham now having scored six goals in the tournament and emerging as the central figure in Tuchel’s side.

France advanced to the semifinals of the World Cup after defeating Morocco in the first quarterfinal, a match that carried deep emotional significance beyond the scoreline. The game featured Paris Saint-Germain teammates Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi facing each other as rivals, setting aside their friendship for 90 minutes as Mbappé led France to victory while Hakimi’s defensive efforts fell short for Morocco.

A striking aspect of the match was that six Moroccan players—Redouane Halhal, Guesim Yassine, Samir El Mourabet, Neil El Aynaoui, Issa Diop, and Ayoub Bouaddi—were all born in France. Among them, 18-year-old midfielder Bouaddi drew particular attention for switching allegiance from France’s under-21 team to Morocco just before the tournament. Morocco’s strategy of recruiting dual-nationality players has long been part of its football identity, with several French-born stars representing the country in past tournaments.

The encounter symbolized more than a tactical contest; it was a poignant display of identity and belonging, where friends turned opponents and players faced their birth nation in defense of ancestral roots.

Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal has expressed his admiration for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who at 39 is enjoying a remarkable run in the ongoing World Cup. With eight goals so far, Messi remains a leading contender for the Golden Boot, continuing to impress fans and players alike with his form and consistency. Yamal, speaking to Spanish media, described Messi’s performance as “unbelievable” and said he is amazed by how well the Argentine star is playing at this stage of his career.

In the same interview, Yamal revealed his dream of meeting Messi’s Argentina in the World Cup final. While he wishes Argentina success throughout the tournament, he said he would want Spain to win if the two teams meet in the final. Yamal also spoke about his admiration for Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that he grew up watching them and has now had the chance to play against Ronaldo and see Neymar in action.

The World Cup has become a stage where legends like Messi and Ronaldo continue to shine while young talents such as Yamal signal the arrival of a new football generation.

European countries are considering a proposal to introduce a voluntary navigation service fee for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. The plan would only proceed with the backing of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy warned that a mandatory toll could be disastrous, while some UK ministers suggested adopting a model similar to the Malacca Strait and English Channel.

The United States urged Iran to publicly affirm that the strait remains open and safe for commercial shipping, citing internal Iranian divisions as a barrier to agreement. Iran denied such divisions, asserting unity in its leadership. Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his successor Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge his father’s killing. Oman proposed a cooperative management model for the strait and expressed willingness to send legal experts to Tehran for discussions.

Diplomatic sources said the main disputes concern control and long-term administration of the strait once it fully reopens. The IMO council meeting in London reaffirmed that mandatory transit fees are not permitted under international law, though voluntary safety and environmental services may be discussed.

FIFA has announced an unusual initiative to sell pieces of real grass from the 2026 World Cup final field, scheduled for July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The football governing body will offer 2,026 limited-edition grass souvenirs preserved in transparent resin, each engraved with the tournament logo, venue, date, and final score. A UK-based company, Keep Stub, will produce the items, each accompanied by a USB drive certifying authenticity. Prices range from 450 to 3,000 US dollars depending on edition and size.

If all units sell out, FIFA’s revenue from the grass alone could exceed 11.2 million US dollars, or about 13.5 billion Bangladeshi taka. The items will only be shipped to buyers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe after the final match concludes and the grass is processed. The premium “Hero Edition” includes additional collectibles such as a gold-engraved metal ticket, a mini replica of the match ball, and a crystal World Cup trophy.

The stadium’s turf has faced criticism from players of teams like Brazil and France, who described it as dry and difficult for smooth play.

UNESCO has reported that in 2025, 113 developing countries spent more on foreign debt repayments than on education. The agency’s latest report highlights that sub-Saharan African nations, on average, allocated 3.6 times more funds to debt servicing than to education, undermining education systems and threatening long-term economic growth. The report warns that the situation could worsen as low and lower-middle-income countries have already lost 21 percent of international education aid compared to 2023, with projections of a further 30 percent decline by 2027.

Debt Justice, a UK-based campaign group, attributed the growing debt burden to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy prices, higher interest rates, and climate-related disasters. In 2024, poor countries’ debt repayments reached a 35-year high, with 56 nations spending about one-fifth of their total government income on debt servicing. UNESCO noted that the funding shortfall has disrupted school operations, delayed teacher salaries, and hindered educational activities.

UNESCO called for reforms in global debt restructuring mechanisms and urged the creation of long-term debt-assistance frameworks to help developing countries maintain investment in education and essential public services while managing debt obligations.