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A senior US envoy proposed to FIFA replacing Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup despite Italy not qualifying, aiming to improve diplomatic ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister. Iran confirmed readiness to participate. The proposal adds a political aspect to the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
The president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe indicated that Israel’s observer status could be suspended due to the new death penalty law targeting Palestinians, while several European countries expressed serious concerns over this legislation.
The EU agreed to expand sanctions on Iran but failed to suspend its association agreement with Israel due to opposition from Germany and Italy, despite pressures from several member states demanding urgent action.
More than 1,100 musicians and cultural workers have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of Eurovision 2026 due to Israel’s inclusion. The letter condemns the European Broadcasting Union for double standards and urges withdrawal unless Israel is excluded, rejecting normalization of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged the EU to sanction Israel, condemning its attack on Lebanon. France and Sweden co-signed a call to ban imports from illegal settlements, while Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia stressed the EU must respond to Israel’s ongoing violations.
France and Sweden called on the EU to ban imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank and consider tariffs and import restrictions. Other EU states urged action against Israel’s violations, including proposals to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement.
