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Uganda Imposes Nationwide Internet Blackout Ahead of Presidential Vote as Museveni Seeks Seventh Term

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Uganda’s government has ordered a nationwide shutdown of internet services just days before voters head to the polls in a presidential election that is expected to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule, a move officials say is aimed at preventing misinformation but which critics describe as an effort to stifle dissent and limit political mobilization.

Internet access across the East African nation was cut Tuesday on the orders of the Uganda Communications Commission, acting on the direction of the national security committee, authorities said. The blackout comes ahead of Thursday’s vote, in which Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking a seventh term in office.

Nyombi Thembo, the executive director of the communications commission, said the decision was taken to prevent what he described as the “weaponization of the internet,” including the spread of misinformation and hate speech during the sensitive election period. Speaking in an interview, Thembo said authorities were concerned that online platforms could be used to incite unrest.

“People wanted to start using the internet to promote hate speech,” Thembo said, adding that he did not know when services would be restored.

Museveni, 81, is widely expected to secure re-election against his main challenger, opposition figure Bobi Wine, a former pop star who has galvanized urban youth with an anti-government message. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has accused the government of systematically undermining the electoral process and using state power to suppress opposition activity.

Critics of the longtime president argue the internet shutdown is less about public safety and more about preventing Ugandans from organizing protests or sharing evidence of alleged electoral irregularities should the official results be disputed. Election results are expected to be announced over the weekend.

In an interview conducted Monday at his home outside Kampala, Wine said the electoral commission could not be trusted to conduct a free and fair vote. He described his campaign as a “protest vote” against entrenched power, even as he acknowledged the risks faced by his supporters.

“I told the people of Uganda, they see me beaten, they see me cry, they’ll see me broken but they’ll never see me give up,” Wine said. He was beaten and detained multiple times during his 2021 presidential bid, when Museveni claimed victory amid widespread allegations of fraud and violence.

Internet shutdowns around elections have become an increasingly common tactic across parts of Africa, often justified by governments as a security measure. Rights groups say such blackouts restrict freedom of expression and limit transparency during critical democratic moments. In Tanzania, authorities cut internet access during a disputed election in October, followed by a crackdown on protests and a ban on sharing videos of demonstrations.

In Uganda, the impact of the blackout was felt almost immediately, particularly in the economy, where mobile connectivity underpins daily life. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram went dark, while ride-hailing services and online information platforms became inaccessible.

Most critically, mobile money services — a cornerstone of East Africa’s informal and formal economies — were disrupted. Uganda typically records around 40 million mobile money transactions each day, according to data from the Finance Ministry, making the shutdown a significant economic shock.

“It has affected me badly,” said Ariiho Godfrey, a motorbike taxi driver in Kampala who relies on a ride-hailing app to connect with customers. Without internet access, he said, his income dropped sharply overnight.

Despite the disruption, Museveni’s campaign machinery remained on full display in the final days before the vote. Tens of thousands of supporters attended his last major rally Tuesday in Kampala, many transported in buses and minivans. Large sound systems blared music as the ruling National Resistance Movement distributed free T-shirts, hats and flags in its signature yellow.

By contrast, Wine’s final rally Monday was heavily restricted by security forces. A tight perimeter of police and soldiers limited access to the event, discouraging attendance. Witnesses said at least one person was chased and beaten by soldiers for waving a national flag — a symbol closely associated with Wine’s campaign and recently banned by authorities.

Museveni rose to power in 1986 as the leader of a guerrilla rebellion and has since consolidated control over Uganda’s political and security institutions. Under his rule, the country has become a key regional military player, deploying troops to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan and serving as the largest contributor to African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia.

His campaign slogan, “Protecting the Gains,” emphasizes stability and economic progress achieved during his tenure. Yet many Ugandans say the election is less about immediate change and more about the long-term question of succession. Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of Uganda’s armed forces, is widely seen as a potential successor, fueling speculation about dynastic rule.

Wine’s rise in 2021 marked the most serious electoral challenge Museveni has faced in decades. Drawing on music and rhetoric that resonated with younger voters, Wine tapped into widespread frustration over unemployment, corruption and political repression. That election was marred by violence that left dozens dead, and authorities also imposed an internet shutdown at the time.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. More than a quarter of its estimated 50 million people are between the ages of 18 and 30, a demographic that has become increasingly vocal online and politically active — a factor analysts say helps explain the government’s sensitivity to digital organizing.

The current political climate has been further complicated by the detention of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Besigye disappeared from neighboring Kenya in 2024 before resurfacing in a military court in Uganda, where he faces charges including terrorism. His detention has drawn condemnation from rights groups and added to concerns about shrinking political space.

While authorities frame the internet shutdown as a preventive security measure, analysts say its broader implications extend beyond election day. The move underscores how digital infrastructure has become a central battleground in modern African politics, where control of information can shape narratives, limit scrutiny and blunt opposition momentum.

Economically, repeated shutdowns risk undermining investor confidence and public trust in digital services, particularly mobile money platforms that millions depend on daily. Politically, critics warn that normalizing internet blackouts erodes democratic norms and entrenches authoritarian practices under the guise of stability.

As Uganda awaits election results, the shutdown has heightened tensions and uncertainty. Whether or not Museveni’s victory is contested, the decision to pull the country offline is likely to deepen debates about governance, succession and the future of political freedoms in one of East Africa’s most influential states.

NewYorkTimes

Construction Crane Collapse Onto Passenger Train in Thailand Kills at Least 29

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A construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday, killing at least 29 people and injuring dozens more in one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters in recent years, authorities said.

The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province when it struck the fallen crane around 9:10 a.m. local time, derailing at high speed in Nakhon Ratchasima province, according to railway officials and emergency responders.

Images and video from the scene showed mangled rail cars overturned beside the tracks, sections of twisted crane scattered across the line, and plumes of smoke rising as rescue workers searched through crushed metal and debris for survivors.

At least 67 people were injured, eight of them critically, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office said. Police said additional victims were believed to be trapped inside the wreckage, raising fears the death toll could climb.

The three-carriage train was carrying about 195 passengers and traveling at roughly 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) when it was struck, according to Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan. The second and third carriages sustained the most severe damage.

A fire broke out in one of the cars following the impact, complicating rescue efforts, said Thirasak Wongsungnoen, a train staff member who was onboard. He said flames and smoke prevented access to parts of the train as injured passengers waited for help.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the families of those killed and ordered an investigation into the cause of the collapse, saying authorities would determine whether safety protocols had been violated.

The crane was being used in the construction of an elevated section of a high-speed railway project linking Bangkok to the northeastern province of Nong Khai, near the border with Laos. The project is a joint Thai-Chinese initiative connected to Beijing’s Belt and Road infrastructure strategy.

Officials said the crane fell onto the tracks as the train passed beneath the elevated structure. The public relations office for Nakhon Ratchasima province said the incident occurred within an active construction zone, raising questions about coordination between rail operations and building work.

Video broadcast by ThaiPBS showed rescue workers standing atop overturned train cars with large holes torn into their sides, while paramedics treated the wounded nearby. Construction equipment was seen dangling between concrete pillars above the wreckage.

Ubon Ratchathani lies in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, bordering Laos and Cambodia. While the route is less frequented by tourists than major north-south rail lines, it serves as a key transportation link for local residents.

Pattern of safety concerns

The deadly crash comes amid growing scrutiny of safety standards on large-scale infrastructure projects in Thailand. In August 2024, a tunnel under construction along the same high-speed rail corridor in Nakhon Ratchasima collapsed, killing three workers. Heavy rainfall was believed to have contributed to that incident.

The Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed rail project is being built in phases at a total cost exceeding 520 billion baht ($16.8 billion). Once completed, it is intended to connect Thailand’s rail network with Laos and southern China.

While investigations are ongoing, the disaster highlights the risks associated with operating conventional rail services alongside massive construction projects. Experts have warned that overlapping timelines, insufficient safety buffers and weak enforcement can increase the likelihood of catastrophic failures.

As Thailand races to modernize its transportation infrastructure, Wednesday’s tragedy is expected to intensify calls for stricter oversight, improved coordination between construction contractors and rail operators, and more rigorous emergency preparedness.

For families of the victims, the focus remains on accountability and recovery, as authorities work to identify those killed and determine how a single equipment failure led to such devastating loss of life.

Reuters/AP

Congo Landslide Kills 13 and Leaves 30 Missing as Conflict Zone Hampers Emergency Response

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A catastrophic landslide swept through a sleeping village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo early Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and leaving more than 30 unaccounted for in a disaster that underscores how natural catastrophes amplify suffering in regions already devastated by armed conflict.

The hillside collapsed around 1 a.m. in Burutsi village, located in North Kivu province, burying homes and severing the primary transportation artery connecting the major city of Goma to Walikale, the provincial capital. The destruction followed several hours of intense rainfall that destabilized the terrain above the community.

“Nature acted terribly, and the entire hillside collapsed into the village of Burutsi while people were asleep,” Descarte Akilimali, the sector chief of the Burutsi area, told The Associated Press.

Witnesses described a scene of sudden devastation as torrents of mud, rock and debris cascaded down the slope, engulfing structures and trapping residents who had no warning of the impending disaster. The timing of the collapse, occurring during nighttime hours when most villagers were in their homes, maximized casualties and complicated immediate rescue attempts.

Local authorities have requested government assistance, but the severed road to Goma presents formidable logistical obstacles for emergency responders attempting to reach the disaster site. The infrastructure damage transforms what would ordinarily be a challenging rescue operation into a significantly more complex undertaking, potentially delaying the arrival of equipment and personnel critical to locating survivors trapped beneath debris.

The landslide adds another layer of tragedy to a region that has endured decades of violent conflict involving government forces and numerous armed groups. Eastern Congo’s ongoing security crisis creates conditions that magnify the impact of natural disasters, as weakened governance structures, damaged infrastructure and displaced populations reduce communities’ resilience when catastrophes strike.

North Kivu province has become the epicenter of violence linked to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement, whose recent resurgence has intensified fighting and deepened an already acute humanitarian emergency. Walikale itself fell to M23 forces during an offensive last year, and the territory continues experiencing sporadic violence that disrupts daily life and undermines recovery efforts.

The convergence of natural disaster and armed conflict presents unique challenges that distinguish emergency response in eastern Congo from similar situations in more stable regions. Rescue teams must navigate not only physical obstacles created by the landslide but also security concerns related to ongoing hostilities that can restrict movement and access to affected areas.

More than 100 armed groups compete for control of mineral-rich territories in eastern Congo near the Rwandan border, creating a fragmented security landscape where violence remains endemic. This prolonged conflict has generated one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with displacement figures exceeding 7 million people, humanitarian officials report.

The staggering displacement numbers reflect how sustained violence forces communities to abandon homes repeatedly as fighting shifts across territories. Internally displaced persons often settle in temporary camps lacking adequate shelter, sanitation or medical services, creating populations exceptionally vulnerable to additional shocks like natural disasters.

Earlier this year, M23 forces seized Goma and Bukavu, two strategically critical cities in eastern Congo, marking a major escalation in the conflict. The capture of these urban centers demonstrated the rebel movement’s growing capabilities and raised international alarm about the trajectory of violence in the region.

The fall of Goma proved particularly significant given the city’s role as a humanitarian hub and provincial capital. Its occupation by rebel forces disrupted aid operations, displaced hundreds of thousands of additional residents and severed supply chains that communities throughout the region depend upon for essential goods and services.

This context transforms the Burutsi landslide from an isolated natural disaster into a symptom of broader systemic failures affecting eastern Congo. Deforestation driven by conflict-related population displacement and resource extraction destabilizes hillsides, increasing landslide vulnerability during heavy rainfall. Weakened local governance reduces capacity for early warning systems, land use planning and emergency preparedness measures that might mitigate disaster impacts.

The region’s topography makes it inherently susceptible to landslides, with steep terrain and intense rainfall patterns creating conditions where soil saturation can trigger slope failures. Climate patterns potentially influenced by broader environmental changes may be intensifying rainfall events, though establishing direct causation requires more comprehensive meteorological data than conflict zones typically generate.

Communities in eastern Congo face impossible choices about where to settle, balancing landslide risks against security threats, agricultural viability and access to services. Conflict often forces populations onto marginal lands where natural hazard exposure increases, creating a vicious cycle where violence and environmental vulnerability reinforce each other.

The road closure between Goma and Walikale illustrates how infrastructure damage from natural disasters intersects with conflict dynamics. In stable regions, emergency road repairs would commence immediately. In eastern Congo, security considerations, resource constraints and competing priorities may delay restoration, prolonging isolation for affected communities.

Search and rescue operations in the coming days will determine whether additional survivors can be extracted from the debris field. The 30-plus missing persons represent families waiting for information about loved ones’ fates, a familiar agony for communities that have experienced repeated displacement and loss through years of violence.

Local authorities’ appeal for government assistance highlights the resource limitations that constrain response capabilities in provincial areas. National government attention often focuses on urban centers and politically strategic locations, leaving rural communities to manage crises with inadequate support.

International humanitarian organizations operating in eastern Congo will likely redirect resources toward landslide response, though ongoing conflict demands mean assistance for disaster victims competes with needs of displaced populations, malnourished children and communities affected by recent fighting.

The Burutsi landslide serves as a grim reminder that populations enduring armed conflict face compounded vulnerabilities extending beyond direct violence. Natural disasters, disease outbreaks, food insecurity and other challenges become more lethal in contexts where governance collapses, infrastructure deteriorates and social safety nets disintegrate.

For the 13 confirmed dead and their bereaved families, the landslide represents a tragedy compounded by the region’s broader crisis. For the missing, each passing hour reduces survival prospects as rescue efforts contend with obstacles ranging from unstable debris piles to the damaged road network that isolates Burutsi from outside assistance.

Eastern Congo’s overlapping emergencies demand integrated responses addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and underlying drivers of vulnerability. Yet the political complexities surrounding the conflict, competing international interests in the region’s mineral wealth and limited resources available for crisis response suggest that meaningful progress toward stability and resilience remains distant for communities like Burutsi.

The Associated Press

U.S. Moves Toward Revoking Citizenship of Naturalized Americans Convicted of Fraud

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Wooden gavel justice law with Official department U.S deportation USCIS Department of Citizenship Immigration Security United States on American flag in New York, NY, United States

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration says it is exploring steps to revoke the U.S. citizenship of naturalized Americans convicted of fraud, a move that would mark a significant expansion of its immigration crackdown and has raised alarms among legal experts and civil rights advocates.

Wooden gavel justice law with Official department U.S deportation USCIS Department of Citizenship Immigration Security United States on American flag in New York, NY, United States

President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that citizenship obtained through dishonesty should be subject to revocation, telling The New York Times this week that he would strip naturalized Americans of their status “in a heartbeat” if they were dishonest during the process.

“I think that many of the people that came in from Somalia, they hate our country,” Trump said in the interview, comments that critics say single out an entire community based on the actions of a small number of individuals.

The remarks come as federal authorities investigate large-scale fraud schemes in Minnesota involving misuse of government-funded programs. While only specific individuals have been charged or convicted, Trump has repeatedly referenced Minnesota’s Somali community while discussing denaturalization, drawing accusations that his administration is conflating criminal accountability with collective blame.

Trump did not identify which foreign-born citizens could be targeted or clarify what standards would be applied. “If they deserve to be stripped, I would, yes,” he said, without specifying whether he was referring to existing legal criteria or a broader reinterpretation of citizenship law.

Immigration lawyers say U.S. law sets a high bar for revoking citizenship.

“The government would have to prove fraud or intentional misrepresentation during the naturalization process itself,” said Eryn Hanlon, an immigration attorney and partner at Greenwood Hanlon Kendrick. She said this could include concealing serious crimes, falsifying identities or entering sham marriages — not crimes committed after citizenship is granted.

Trump administration officials have raised denaturalization repeatedly in recent months. In December, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was “looking at” revoking citizenship from individuals of Somali descent convicted in the Minnesota fraud cases, echoing earlier comments by Trump suggesting they should be sent “back to where they came from.”

Trump has also floated revoking citizenship from political opponents born in the United States, though legal experts note there is no constitutional mechanism for doing so. He has publicly threatened to strip the citizenship of New York-born comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who dismissed the remarks after relocating to Ireland following Trump’s 2024 election victory.

His primary focus, however, has remained on foreign-born Americans. Trump has questioned the citizenship of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda and naturalized in 2018, and has repeatedly targeted Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. At a campaign event in Pennsylvania last year, Trump told supporters that Omar should be expelled from the country, prompting chants of “send her back.”

If implemented, the policy would represent a sharp escalation of Trump’s immigration agenda, which already includes efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis and expand travel restrictions affecting dozens of countries.

Internal guidance obtained by The New York Times shows that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices were instructed to refer 100 to 200 denaturalization cases per month to the Justice Department beginning in 2026. By comparison, just 305 denaturalization cases were filed between 1990 and 2017, according to the National Immigration Forum. During Trump’s first term, that average rose to 42 cases annually.

Smita Dazzo, deputy legal lead at HIAS, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, said such targets would be extremely difficult to meet without stretching the law.

“It would be very unlikely that a program of this scale would not face immediate legal challenges,” Dazzo said, noting that all denaturalization cases must be decided in federal court.

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts condemned the reported push, calling it “xenophobia disguised as policy.”

“All American citizens — regardless of where they were born — deserve the full protection of the Constitution,” Markey said.

Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidelines, citizenship can be revoked only if it was obtained through deliberate deception or illegal means, such as willfully concealing material facts during the application process. There is no statute of limitations for such cases.

Denaturalization is not a punishment for criminal convictions, legal experts emphasize.

“Citizenship cannot be revoked simply because someone commits a crime,” Dazzo said. “It has to relate directly to how they obtained their citizenship.”

Hanlon agreed, saying that fraud must have occurred during the naturalization process itself.

Advocates worry the administration could reinterpret minor errors as intentional deception.

“They may take something insignificant — a typo, a wrong date — and argue it was a material misrepresentation,” Dazzo said.

The stakes are high. Once citizenship is revoked, individuals revert to lawful permanent resident status, making them vulnerable to deportation.

“U.S. citizens cannot be deported,” Dazzo said. “But once denaturalized, that protection disappears.”

The renewed focus on denaturalization reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to redefine the boundaries of American citizenship, shifting it from a permanent legal status to a conditional one for foreign-born Americans.

While existing law already allows citizenship to be revoked in rare cases of proven fraud, critics argue the administration’s rhetoric and internal targets risk politicizing a process historically used sparingly.

Legal scholars warn that aggressive use of denaturalization could undermine trust in the immigration system and raise constitutional questions about equal protection and due process.

As the administration continues to explore its options, the courts are likely to become the ultimate battleground, determining whether the push represents lawful enforcement or an unprecedented attempt to weaponize citizenship itself.

Time.com

Iran Official Acknowledges About 2,000 Dead in Unrest as First Calls Emerge From Inside Country

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An Iranian official said about 2,000 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed during nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest, marking the first time authorities have publicly acknowledged a death toll far higher than previously reported.

The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said those killed included both protesters and security personnel, blaming what he described as “terrorists” for the violence. He did not provide a detailed breakdown of casualties.

The acknowledgment came as Iranians were able to make phone calls abroad for the first time in days, offering rare accounts of heavy security deployments, damaged buildings and lingering fear following an intense government crackdown.

The protests, initially triggered by a sharp economic downturn and the collapse of Iran’s currency, have evolved into one of the most serious domestic challenges faced by the clerical leadership in years.

They have also unfolded against a backdrop of mounting international pressure after Israeli and U.S. military strikes last year and renewed threats from Washington.

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods from any country that does business with Iran, a move aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran as the unrest continues. Trump has also said military options remain under consideration, warning earlier this month that the United States was “locked and loaded.”

Iran has not formally responded to the tariff announcement, though China — Iran’s largest oil customer — swiftly criticized the measure. Iran remains under heavy U.S. sanctions and exports much of its oil to China, with the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iraq and India among its other major trading partners.

Despite the scale of the protests, Iranian authorities have sought to project control, adopting what officials describe as a dual-track approach that distinguishes between legitimate economic grievances and what they call violent or foreign-backed unrest.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Tuesday that the state views both protesters and security forces as “children of the nation,” while maintaining that law enforcement must respond firmly when demonstrations turn violent.

Analysts say the unrest comes at a particularly vulnerable moment for Iran, as years of sanctions, inflation and unemployment have eroded public confidence in the government.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday that he believes the Iranian government is nearing collapse, describing the unrest as potentially decisive. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the remarks, accusing Berlin of hypocrisy and double standards.

Despite the turmoil, there has been no visible split within Iran’s powerful security establishment, a factor analysts say has allowed the Islamic Republic to survive previous protest waves.

Rights groups have long disputed official casualty figures. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said more than 10,700 people have been detained since the protests began Dec. 28. Reuters said it could not independently verify those figures.

Other opposition groups outside Iran have suggested the death toll may exceed the 2,000 cited by the Iranian official.

The unrest has been compounded by a sweeping communications blackout. The United Nations rights office said Tuesday that phone services had been restored, but internet access remained limited and unreliable.

Videos verified by Reuters showed nighttime clashes in recent days, with gunfire, burning vehicles and damaged buildings in several cities.

The Associated Press reported that residents in Tehran were able to briefly contact journalists abroad Tuesday, describing a capital under heavy security surveillance.

Witnesses said anti-riot police armed with batons, shields, shotguns and tear gas were stationed at major intersections, alongside members of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force and plainclothes security personnel.

Several government offices and banks were burned during the unrest, they said, and many financial transactions remained disrupted due to the internet shutdown.

Shops were open but foot traffic was sparse, witnesses said, adding that merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar were ordered to reopen by security forces. Iranian state media did not acknowledge such directives.

Residents also reported searches for satellite internet equipment, including Starlink terminals, as authorities sought to limit outside communication.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised large pro-government rallies held Monday, calling them a warning to foreign powers. State television broadcast crowds chanting slogans against the United States and Israel.

Iran’s attorney general has warned that participation in protests could be treated as a capital offense under charges of being an “enemy of God.”

Meanwhile, Iranian officials say communication channels with Washington remain open despite public threats.

Foreign Minister Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera that contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has continued before and after the protests, though he described U.S. proposals as incompatible with Washington’s rhetoric.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is receiving private messages from Tehran that differ sharply from Iran’s public statements.

She said diplomacy remains Trump’s preferred option, even as the president has made clear he is willing to use force if he deems it necessary.

Trump said Sunday that Iran wants to negotiate but cautioned that action could come before talks if the crackdown continues.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that U.S. military bases and Israeli targets would be considered legitimate if Washington intervenes militarily.

The acknowledgment of a 2,000-person death toll marks a turning point in the crisis, suggesting either a shift in Iran’s messaging strategy or an effort to preempt mounting international scrutiny.

By framing the violence as the work of “terrorists,” authorities appear intent on justifying the scale of the crackdown while maintaining a narrative of internal legitimacy.

Trump’s tariff announcement signals a renewed reliance on economic pressure as a tool of coercion, though its effectiveness may be limited given Iran’s long-standing isolation from Western markets and its deepening ties with non-Western partners.

The partial restoration of communications has offered fleeting glimpses into conditions inside Iran, but the continued internet restrictions underscore the government’s determination to control information flows.

With no clear fractures inside Iran’s security apparatus and protests continuing despite arrests and casualties, the standoff appears set to persist, raising questions about how far both Tehran and Washington are willing to escalate in the days ahead.

AP/Reuters

Trump Travel Ban Prevents Senegal and Ivory Coast Fans From Attending 2026 World Cup in United States

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Thousands of soccer supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast face the bitter reality that they will be unable to watch their national teams compete in next year’s World Cup despite the tournament being held partially on American soil, a consequence of travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration that have transformed qualification joy into visa-related disappointment, according to The Associated Press.

The two West African nations were added to the United States’ partial entry restriction list in December, joining a roster of countries whose citizens face significant barriers to obtaining American visas. The timing proves particularly cruel for fans whose teams earned World Cup berths through competitive qualification processes, only to discover that geographic proximity to host venues in the United States offers them no advantage in witnessing their countries’ participation.

The restrictions effectively prohibit citizens of the affected nations who do not already possess valid U.S. visas from obtaining new ones, creating an insurmountable obstacle for supporters hoping to travel to the June 11-July 19 tournament. The United States will share hosting duties with Canada and Mexico, offering multiple North American venues but providing no relief for fans blocked by immigration policy.

Supporters gathering in Morocco for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have expressed frustration and bewilderment at finding themselves excluded from an event that represents the pinnacle of international soccer competition. For many, the World Cup offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support their national teams on the global stage, an experience now placed beyond reach by diplomatic decisions unrelated to sport.

“I don’t know why the American president would want teams from certain countries not to take part. If that’s the case, they shouldn’t agree to host the World Cup,” Djibril Gueye, a Senegal supporter, told The Associated Press in Tangier. “It’s up to the United States to provide the conditions, the means, and the resources to allow the qualified countries so everyone can go and support their team.”

Gueye’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among affected supporters that hosting rights carry implicit obligations to facilitate access for participants and their supporters, regardless of ongoing political or security considerations that might otherwise influence visa policy.

President Donald Trump cited “screening and vetting deficiencies” as justification for implementing the travel suspensions, framing the restrictions as necessary measures to protect American security rather than punitive actions targeting specific nations. The administration has maintained that countries unable to meet U.S. standards for identity verification and information sharing pose unacceptable risks that override other considerations, including major sporting events.

The World Cup restrictions extend beyond African nations. Fans from Iran and Haiti, both of which qualified for the tournament, face identical barriers to U.S. entry. These countries appeared on the initial travel ban announced during Trump’s first presidential term, making their inclusion in current restrictions a continuation of longstanding policy rather than a new development.

The situation creates an unprecedented scenario in modern World Cup history, where qualified nations will compete while their domestic supporter bases remain largely unable to attend matches. While some citizens from the affected countries who obtained visas before the restrictions took effect retain the ability to travel, the vast majority of potential supporters find themselves excluded from an event their teams earned the right to contest.

This development raises complex questions about the responsibilities nations assume when accepting roles as major tournament hosts. FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, typically requires host countries to facilitate entry for teams, officials and supporters as a condition of awarding hosting rights. The intersection of these sporting commitments with national security policies creates tensions that have no clear resolution.

The economic implications prove significant for both excluded fans and the tournament itself. World Cup attendance generates substantial revenue through ticket sales, hospitality packages and ancillary spending at host city businesses. 

Supporters from qualifying nations typically purchase tickets in large numbers, travel in organized groups and contribute meaningfully to the tournament’s financial success and cultural atmosphere.

African nations have historically brought passionate, visible supporter contingents to World Cups held on various continents, creating memorable scenes that enhance the tournament’s global character. Senegal’s dramatic run to the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, supported by thousands of traveling fans, remains one of African soccer’s defining moments. Ivory Coast’s “Golden Generation” of the 2000s attracted substantial supporter followings to World Cups in Germany, South Africa and Brazil.

The 2026 tournament represents a particularly significant opportunity for African soccer, with FIFA expanding the field from 32 to 48 teams and guaranteeing additional qualification spots for African nations. 

This expansion was designed partly to increase representation from underrepresented confederations and provide more opportunities for fans from diverse nations to participate in soccer’s marquee event.

The travel restrictions undermine these inclusion objectives, creating a situation where African nations gain additional tournament places while their supporters lose access to venues. 

The irony of this outcome has not escaped notice among soccer administrators and supporters who view the World Cup as a celebration of global unity through sport.

Canada and Mexico, the tournament’s co-hosts, do not face the same visa restrictions for citizens of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti, creating a disparity where matches played in those countries remain accessible to all qualified teams’ supporters while U.S.-hosted fixtures do not.

This geographic lottery adds an additional layer of complexity to fans’ planning, as they must track which venues will host their teams’ matches and whether those locations fall within accessible territory.

The scheduling of matches by FIFA, typically completed months before tournaments begin, will determine whether affected teams play any group stage fixtures in Canada or Mexico. Random draw procedures mean some teams might contest all three group matches in the United States, while others could play one or more games in accessible venues across the northern or southern borders.

Supporters from the restricted countries face difficult decisions about whether to travel to Canada or Mexico in hopes of attending matches held there, knowing they cannot cross into the United States for any fixtures scheduled at American venues. The logistical complications and financial risks associated with such partial tournament attendance make planning exceptionally challenging.

The diplomatic ramifications extend beyond immediate sporting contexts. Host nations typically leverage major tournaments to project soft power and demonstrate hospitality on the global stage. 

Travel restrictions that prevent qualified teams’ supporters from attending undermine these objectives, potentially generating resentment in excluded nations and complicating bilateral relationships in ways that persist long after the final whistle.

African nations have invested heavily in developing soccer infrastructure and youth programs, viewing success in international competition as a source of national pride and global recognition. 

Qualifying for the World Cup represents the culmination of these efforts, celebrated across societies as evidence of progress and achievement. The inability of domestic supporters to witness these triumphs in person diminishes the experience in ways that transcend sport.

The restrictions also affect diaspora communities. Many citizens of the affected nations reside in the United States on valid visas or as permanent residents, giving them the ability to attend World Cup matches. 

However, their families and friends in home countries cannot visit to share the experience, fracturing celebrations that might otherwise unite far-flung communities around shared national identity.

Commercial interests face disruption as well. Travel agencies, hospitality providers and merchandise vendors in affected countries had anticipated robust demand for World Cup packages, generating revenue while facilitating supporter travel. 

The restrictions eliminate these business opportunities, creating economic losses that ripple through tourism sectors already strained by various challenges.

The Trump administration has shown no indication of modifying its travel policies to accommodate the World Cup, suggesting that security considerations trump sporting or diplomatic concerns in its policy hierarchy. 

This position reflects a broader approach to immigration and border security that prioritizes perceived threats over other interests, including international goodwill and cultural exchange.

For supporters like Gueye, watching from Tangier as his team competes at the Africa Cup of Nations, the World Cup restrictions represent a profound disappointment. 

The dream of traveling to North America, experiencing the tournament atmosphere firsthand and supporting Senegal on the biggest stage in soccer now exists only as a hypothetical, replaced by the reality of watching from home while their team plays thousands of miles away.

The situation underscores fundamental tensions between globalization’s promise of increased mobility and connection versus national security policies that restrict movement based on citizenship. Major sporting events like the World Cup exist as celebrations of international unity, yet they unfold within political contexts that often contradict those ideals.

As the tournament approaches, affected supporters will make their peace with attending vicariously through television broadcasts and social media, their presence reduced to digital traces rather than the physical support that traveling fans provide. 

Their teams will compete, possibly advance deep into the tournament, and these achievements will be celebrated at home, but the supporters who made those successes possible through years of passionate backing will experience them from enforced distance, watching history unfold from behind barriers constructed not around stadiums but around borders.

The Associated Press original

Australian Teen Charged Over Hoax Mass Shooting Calls Targeting U.S. Institutions

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Australian authorities have charged a teenager with orchestrating a series of hoax emergency calls that falsely reported mass shootings at prominent U.S. educational institutions and major retailers, a coordinated harassment campaign that triggered large-scale police responses and caused widespread disruption across multiple American communities.

The suspect, whose identity remains protected under Australian law restricting the public identification of minors, was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday facing 13 criminal counts stemming from what investigators described as participation in an anonymous online crime network specializing in swatting operations.

Graeme Marshall, acting assistant commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said the teenager’s alleged actions “caused widespread alarm and turmoil to thousands of people, businesses and services in the United States, resulting in significant financial implications.” Marshall’s comments came in a joint statement released Monday with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, underscoring the international cooperation required to investigate and prosecute such crimes.

Swatting represents a particularly dangerous form of criminal harassment in which perpetrators make false emergency reports designed to provoke immediate and substantial responses from law enforcement, SWAT teams and other emergency services. The practice derives its name from the tactical units often deployed in response to reports of active shooters or similar threats.

These incidents create genuine danger beyond the disruption they cause. Armed police responding to perceived active threats operate under heightened alertness, increasing the risk of tragic outcomes if circumstances are misinterpreted. Communities targeted by such hoaxes experience real trauma, with students, employees and customers forced to shelter in place or evacuate while authorities verify whether actual emergencies exist.

The financial costs prove substantial as well. Each false report diverts resources from legitimate emergencies, requires coordination among multiple agencies and generates expenses that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per incident. When multiplied across the dozen alleged offenses in this case, the economic impact on affected communities becomes considerable.

The Australian Federal Police launched a specialized task force in October specifically targeting anonymous online crime networks, indicating growing concern about organized criminal activity operating through encrypted communications platforms. That investigation received critical intelligence from the FBI, which has made combating swatting a priority given the proliferation of such incidents across the United States in recent years.

Acting on information provided by American counterparts, Australian Federal Police executed a search warrant last month at a residence in New South Wales. Authorities recovered numerous electronic devices during that operation, along with a prohibited firearm, adding weapons charges to the telecommunications offenses central to the case.

The suspect now faces 12 counts of using a telecommunications network with intent to commit a serious offense, each carrying a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. The additional charge of unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm carries significantly harsher penalties, with a maximum sentence of 14 years.

The disparity in potential sentences reflects Australian law’s treatment of firearms offenses, which are prosecuted aggressively in a nation with strict gun control measures. The presence of an illegal weapon in the suspect’s possession may indicate involvement in criminal networks beyond the swatting operations or could suggest a concerning escalation in the individual’s criminal trajectory.

Marshall offered insight into the demographics and motivations driving swatting and related cybercrimes, noting that perpetrators typically consist of boys and young men between ages 11 and 25 who seek “to achieve status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups.” This observation aligns with broader research into youth cybercrime, which has identified the pursuit of social capital within underground online communities as a primary motivating factor.

The age range Marshall cited proves particularly troubling, extending down to children barely entering adolescence. The phenomenon reflects how young people with technical skills but underdeveloped judgment can cause catastrophic real-world harm while seeking validation from anonymous peers they may never meet in person.

Jason A. Kaplan, assistant director of the FBI’s International Operations Division, emphasized his agency’s view that swatting constitutes far more than a prank or nuisance crime. “This case demonstrates that anonymity online is an illusion, and we are committed to working with the AFP, our international partners, and private sector partners to identify and hold accountable those who exploit technology to cause harm to communities,” Kaplan said in the joint statement.

Kaplan’s characterization of online anonymity as an illusion serves as both a warning to potential offenders and a message about law enforcement’s evolving capabilities in tracking criminal activity across international borders and through encrypted platforms. The successful identification and prosecution of this suspect demonstrates that geographic distance and technical sophistication cannot shield perpetrators from consequences.

The FBI has devoted substantial resources to investigating swatting incidents, which have targeted schools, universities, houses of worship, government buildings and commercial establishments across the country. High-profile cases have involved celebrities and public figures, but the majority of victims are ordinary people whose lives are disrupted by false emergency reports.

Erika Olson, chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, praised the collaboration between American and Australian law enforcement agencies. “The FBI and AFP have worked side-by-side for decades to keep both our countries safe, and we appreciate our continued cooperation,” Olson said.

The diplomatic emphasis on partnership reflects recognition that cybercrime investigations increasingly require international coordination. Perpetrators operating from one country can victimize individuals and institutions in another with relative ease, making bilateral cooperation essential to effective enforcement.

This case illustrates broader challenges confronting law enforcement worldwide as criminal activity migrates to digital platforms that transcend traditional jurisdictional boundaries. Anonymous online networks enable coordination among geographically dispersed individuals who share technical knowledge and criminal intent, creating communities where antisocial behavior is normalized and even celebrated.

The investigation that led to these charges demonstrates how authorities are adapting to these challenges through information sharing, joint task forces and coordinated operations that leverage the distinct capabilities of multiple agencies. The FBI’s ability to develop intelligence about criminal networks operating internationally, combined with the Australian Federal Police’s domestic enforcement authority, proved crucial to identifying and apprehending the suspect.

Questions remain about whether this teenager acted independently in selecting targets and executing attacks or whether he operated under direction from more sophisticated actors within the anonymous crime network. The nature of these organizations often involves hierarchical structures where experienced members recruit and guide younger participants who face legal consequences while ringleaders remain insulated from prosecution.

The recovery of electronic devices during the search likely provided investigators with valuable intelligence about the network’s structure, communications methods and potentially other participants. Forensic analysis of seized equipment typically reveals connections to other criminal actors, raising the possibility of additional charges or investigations stemming from this case.

The inclusion of major U.S. retailers among the targets suggests the network’s activities extended beyond school-focused attacks to encompass commercial disruption. Swatting incidents at retail locations force evacuations during business hours, creating safety risks for customers and employees while generating substantial revenue losses and reputational damage.

Educational institutions have proven particularly frequent targets of swatting attacks, with perpetrators apparently drawn to the chaos and fear such incidents create in school environments. Parents receiving emergency notifications about potential active shooters at their children’s schools experience acute trauma, even after learning the reports were false. Students and faculty who shelter in place or evacuate under emergency protocols suffer genuine psychological impacts that persist long after immediate danger passes.

The case raises important questions about how young people become involved in serious cybercrime and what interventions might prevent such trajectories. The suspect’s age suggests entry into criminal networks during mid-adolescence, a developmental period when peer influence exerts powerful effects on decision-making and behavior.

Online environments that celebrate criminal exploits and provide technical instruction create pathways for youth with computer skills to engage in harmful activities they might never contemplate in offline contexts. The psychological distance created by screens and the perceived anonymity of encrypted communications may reduce normal inhibitions against causing harm to others.

Marshall’s observation about status-seeking within online groups points toward the social dynamics that sustain these criminal communities. Young participants gain recognition and prestige for successful attacks, creating incentives for escalation and continued offending. Breaking these cycles requires not only prosecution of individual offenders but also disruption of the networks that recruit, train and reward them.

The Australian Federal Police’s decision to establish a dedicated task force targeting anonymous online crime networks signals recognition that addressing these threats requires sustained focus and specialized expertise. Traditional reactive investigations of individual incidents may prove insufficient when confronting organized criminal enterprises operating across borders through sophisticated technical means.

For the teenage suspect, the immediate future involves navigating Australia’s juvenile justice system, which balances accountability with recognition of young offenders’ capacity for rehabilitation. The serious nature of the charges and the international dimensions of the case complicate that calculus, as does the presence of firearms charges alongside the telecommunications offenses.

If convicted, the teenager could face years of incarceration during the crucial period when young people typically complete education and establish foundations for adult independence. The criminal record resulting from such convictions creates lasting barriers to employment and other opportunities, effectively marking participants in these online crime networks with consequences extending far beyond any prison sentence.

The case serves as a stark reminder that actions taken in digital spaces produce real-world consequences for both victims and perpetrators. The teenager allegedly responsible for these swatting attacks faces serious criminal charges despite operating thousands of miles from the communities he terrorized, while those communities experienced genuine disruption, fear and financial costs despite the perpetrator’s physical distance.

As law enforcement agencies worldwide continue adapting to the challenges posed by transnational cybercrime, cases like this one demonstrate both the difficulties inherent in investigating such offenses and the potential for successful prosecution when international cooperation functions effectively. Whether these enforcement efforts will prove sufficient to deter future offenders remains uncertain, but the message to potential perpetrators is clear: online anonymity provides far less protection than many assume.

Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on U.S. Trade With Countries Doing Business With Iran

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President Donald Trump said Monday that any country continuing to do business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States, sharply escalating economic pressure on Tehran as the Islamic Republic confronts its largest wave of anti-government protests in years.

The announcement, delivered via Trump’s Truth Social platform, signals a sweeping expansion of U.S. pressure beyond Iran itself to include its global trading partners.

“Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump wrote.

“This Order is final and conclusive,” he added, without offering further details.

The statement came as Washington weighs how to respond to unrest in Iran that has evolved from protests over economic hardship into direct challenges to clerical rule.

There was no immediate confirmation from the White House regarding how the tariff would be implemented, what legal authority would be used, or whether it would apply universally to all of Iran’s trading partners.

The policy had not appeared on the White House website by Monday afternoon, and officials did not respond to requests for clarification.

According to Reuters, tariffs imposed by the United States are typically paid by American importers purchasing goods from affected countries, meaning the costs would likely be passed on to U.S. businesses and consumers.

Iran has long been subject to extensive U.S. sanctions, but Trump’s proposal would mark a significant expansion by penalizing third-party nations that maintain commercial ties with Tehran.

China, the United Arab Emirates and India are among Iran’s top export destinations.

Iran, a member of the OPEC oil-producing group, exported goods to 147 trading partners in 2022, according to the World Bank’s most recent data.

The tariff threat comes against the backdrop of growing instability inside Iran.

The country is facing its most serious internal unrest in years following demonstrations that began in late December over soaring prices, currency collapse and economic stagnation.

The protests have since escalated into calls for the downfall of the Islamic Republic, which has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, known as HRANA, said it has verified the deaths of at least 599 people since the protests began on Dec. 28.

Those figures include 510 demonstrators and 89 members of Iran’s security forces.

Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures and have dismissed many reports as exaggerated or politically motivated.

Trump has increasingly linked Washington’s response to Iran’s internal crisis with broader economic and military pressure.

In recent days, he has said the United States could meet with Iranian officials while simultaneously warning that military options remain on the table.

He has also said his administration is in contact with Iran’s opposition.

Tehran acknowledged Monday that communication channels with Washington remain open, even as tensions rise.

Iranian officials said they are maintaining indirect lines of contact with U.S. representatives as Trump considers how to respond to what Iranian leaders have described as “riots.”

The unrest represents one of the gravest challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership since the early years of the Islamic Republic.

The country’s economy has been battered by years of sanctions, high inflation and a collapsing currency, with the Iranian rial trading at historic lows against the U.S. dollar.

The pressure on Iran has intensified since last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, a conflict backed diplomatically by Washington.

In June, U.S. forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, further inflaming tensions between the longtime adversaries.

Despite Trump’s tariff threat, the White House emphasized that military action is not the administration’s preferred course.

“Diplomacy is always the first option for the president,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday.

She said a range of responses remains under consideration as the administration monitors developments inside Iran.

During his second term, Trump has repeatedly used tariffs as a central tool of foreign policy, targeting countries over trade imbalances, national security concerns and ties to U.S. adversaries.

He has imposed or threatened tariffs on allies and rivals alike, arguing that economic pressure is an effective means of advancing American interests without resorting to armed conflict.

Trump’s aggressive trade strategy, however, is facing mounting legal scrutiny.

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether to strike down a broad range of tariffs imposed under Trump’s authority, raising questions about the durability of his trade agenda.

Any ruling limiting presidential tariff powers could complicate efforts to enforce the proposed penalties on countries trading with Iran.

Still, Trump has shown little hesitation in announcing sweeping measures even as legal challenges loom.

The proposed Iran-linked tariff would represent one of the most far-reaching uses of trade penalties tied to geopolitical behavior, potentially affecting dozens of countries and billions of dollars in commerce.

For U.S. allies with economic ties to Iran, the move could force difficult choices between maintaining access to American markets and preserving trade relationships with Tehran.

For Iran, the threat underscores Washington’s strategy of isolating the country economically while unrest at home threatens the stability of its ruling system.

As protests continue and the international response intensifies, Trump’s tariff warning adds a new layer of pressure to an already volatile standoff — one that blends domestic upheaval in Iran with high-stakes economic and diplomatic confrontation on the global stage.

Real Madrid Sacks Xabi Alonso After Turbulent Seven-Month Tenure, Elevates Arbeloa

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 Real Madrid terminated Xabi Alonso’s contract as first-team manager on Monday, ending a brief and chaotic tenure that lasted fewer than eight months and culminated in a dramatic loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

The club immediately elevated Álvaro Arbeloa, who had been managing Madrid’s B team since June, to lead the senior squad. Arbeloa and Alonso were teammates at Real Madrid, Liverpool and for Spain’s national team, winning the 2010 World Cup together in what now seems a distant era of shared triumph.

While Madrid characterized the separation as a mutual agreement, the timing leaves little doubt about the club’s dissatisfaction. The decision came just hours after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a loss that exposed fractures within the squad and raised fundamental questions about Alonso’s ability to command one of football’s most demanding environments.

“Real Madrid wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” the club said in a statement. “Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

The statement’s warm language could not obscure the reality of Alonso’s struggles. The 44-year-old manager arrived last May amid considerable fanfare as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, bringing with him the reputation earned through an extraordinary season at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German club to an unprecedented Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double after inheriting a team mired in the relegation zone.

That success generated enormous expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu, expectations that Alonso proved unable to meet. From the outset, his tactical approach encountered resistance, and reports of discord between the manager and key players became a persistent theme throughout his brief tenure.

According to The Associated Press, pressure mounted as the team failed to perform at the level Madrid’s supporters demand. Alonso clashed repeatedly with star forward Vinícius Júnior, with widespread reports suggesting the manager had lost control of the dressing room, a fatal development for any coach at a club where player power has historically shaped managerial fortunes.

Vinícius and other squad members complained publicly about being substituted during matches, an unusual breach of protocol that signaled deeper problems with Alonso’s authority. Although some players offered public support late last year, the situation showed no signs of improvement.

The Spanish Super Cup final crystallized Alonso’s predicament. After the defeat, cameras captured what appeared to be an awkward moment when Alonso seemed to want his players to perform a traditional guard of honor for Barcelona during the awards ceremony. Kylian Mbappé and other players instead called him back and walked away from the presentation, a striking display of independence that underscored the fractured relationship between manager and squad.

The moment reflected a broader crisis of confidence that had undermined Alonso’s position for months. Despite his legendary status as a player who won six titles with Madrid between 2009 and 2014, including the 2014 Champions League, his coaching methods never gained traction with the current squad.

Former Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta offered insight into why Alonso’s approach faltered at Madrid. Speaking to CasinoStugan, Mendieta suggested that the high-pressing, compact defensive system that succeeded at Leverkusen was fundamentally incompatible with Madrid’s footballing culture and identity.

“Obviously, we know how Xabi used to play with Bayer Leverkusen and what he wanted to do at Madrid,” Mendieta said. “Personally, I don’t think we saw the style that Xabi Alonso wanted. We didn’t see that at Real Madrid with any managers. What I mean is, again, judging from what we saw at Leverkusen, he wants a compact team that goes and presses high and defends together. I have never seen that at Real Madrid, ever. The team will always break at some point during the games.”

Mendieta’s analysis highlights a critical disconnect between Alonso’s tactical philosophy and the institutional expectations at a club where individual brilliance has traditionally trumped collective pressing schemes. Madrid’s identity has been built on attacking flair and counter-attacking prowess rather than the suffocating defensive organization that characterized Alonso’s Leverkusen side.

This philosophical mismatch may explain why Madrid has struggled to find consistent form under Alonso despite possessing exceptional talent. The team won the season’s first clasico in October by 2-1 but currently trails Barcelona by four points at the halfway stage of La Liga, an unacceptable position for a club that considers anything less than championship contention a failure.

Alonso’s record across 34 matches in all competitions showed 24 victories, six defeats and four draws, respectable numbers that nevertheless failed to capture the underlying dysfunction. The statistics suggested competence, but the eye test and persistent reports of dressing room discord told a different story.

Mbappé, who joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and worked with Alonso for the entirety of the manager’s tenure, became the first player to publicly acknowledge the coaching change on Monday. The France international posted a gracious message on Instagram Stories alongside a photograph of himself and Alonso exchanging salutes.

“It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you & learn from you,” Mbappé wrote. “Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1. I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”

The message reflected Mbappé’s diplomatic nature and his respect for Alonso’s football intelligence, even as the broader squad dynamics suggested a less harmonious relationship between coach and players.

Turkish midfielder Arda Güler also praised Alonso in a heartfelt Instagram post, crediting the manager with believing in him from the beginning. “Xabi Alonso, Thank you for believing and trusting in me from the first day,” Güler wrote. “Every conversation, every detail, every demand helped shape my game and push me to a higher level. I’m truly grateful for everything you added to my journey. Your faith in me made me a better player. Wishing you and your staff nothing but success in what comes next. Your impact will always stay with me.”

Notably absent from the public farewells was Vinícius, whose relationship with Alonso had reportedly deteriorated significantly during the manager’s tenure. The Brazilian winger’s silence spoke volumes about the divisions that ultimately made Alonso’s position untenable.

Alonso had not issued any public statement by Monday evening, maintaining silence as his coaching staff joined him in departing the club. Madrid thanked Alonso’s entire technical team in its official statement, acknowledging their collective effort even as it moved decisively to change direction.

The club also announced Arbeloa’s appointment in a second statement, emphasizing his deep roots within Madrid’s academy system and his success with youth teams. The 42-year-old Arbeloa has spent his entire coaching career at Madrid since 2020, progressing through the club’s youth ranks before taking charge of Castilla, the B team, last June.

Arbeloa coached the Infantil A team during the 2020-21 season, winning the league championship. He then managed Cadete A in 2021-22 before taking over Juvenil A from 2022 to 2025, guiding that team to a treble in 2022-23 that included victories in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions Cup. His Juvenil A side also won La Liga in the 2024-25 season.

As a player, Arbeloa enjoyed considerable success at Madrid from 2009 to 2016, winning eight titles including two European Cups and one Spanish league championship. He also represented Spain during its golden era, contributing to victories at the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

This background gives Arbeloa institutional knowledge and credibility within the club, though whether he can succeed where Alonso failed remains uncertain. He inherits a squad filled with world-class talent but marked by apparent divisions and underperformance relative to expectations.

Madrid faces Albacete on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey round of 16, Arbeloa’s first match in charge. The fixture represents an opportunity to begin establishing his authority and implementing whatever tactical adjustments he deems necessary.

The broader question confronting Madrid involves whether the problem resided primarily with Alonso’s methods or whether deeper issues within the squad will persist regardless of who occupies the manager’s office. The club’s willingness to promote from within rather than pursue an established external candidate suggests confidence that Arbeloa’s familiarity with Madrid’s culture will prove decisive.

Alonso’s contract had run through June 2028, a four-year commitment that reflected Madrid’s initial conviction that he represented the club’s long-term future. That conviction evaporated in fewer than eight months, a timeline that underscores both the pressure inherent in managing Madrid and the club’s ruthless approach to underperformance.

For Alonso, the dismissal represents a significant setback in what had been a promising coaching career. His achievements at Leverkusen demonstrated tactical acumen and man-management skills, but translating that success to Madrid proved beyond his capabilities, at least for now.

The question moving forward involves whether Alonso will receive another opportunity at an elite club or whether Monday’s dismissal will define his coaching reputation. His intelligence and tactical knowledge remain evident, but his inability to navigate Madrid’s political complexities and establish authority over star players will give pause to other major clubs considering him for leadership positions.

For Madrid, the priority now shifts to salvaging a season that has failed to meet expectations. Arbeloa inherits a team trailing Barcelona in La Liga but still competing in multiple competitions with sufficient talent to challenge for titles if he can restore cohesion and confidence.

Whether the problems that undermined Alonso will dissipate under new management or whether they reflect more fundamental issues within the squad will become clear in the weeks ahead. Madrid’s institutional impatience guarantees that Arbeloa will face the same unforgiving scrutiny that ended his predecessor’s tenure, making his appointment both an opportunity and a considerable risk.

Goal.com/AP

Iran Says It Is Ready for War After Trump Threatens Military Action Over Deadly Protest Crackdown

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 Iran said Monday it is fully prepared for war after President Donald Trump warned that the United States could take military action if Tehran continues a violent crackdown on nationwide protests that rights groups say has killed hundreds.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country does not seek conflict but is ready to respond if attacked.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war,” Araghchi said at a conference of foreign ambassadors in Tehran, remarks broadcast on state television and reported by Euronews.

He added that Iran remains open to negotiations but only under strict conditions.

“We are also ready for negotiations,” Araghchi said. “But these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect.”

Trump said Sunday that Iran’s leadership had reached out to him seeking talks, even as he repeated warnings of possible military intervention if Iranian authorities continue to kill protesters.

“They want to negotiate,” Trump said. “But we may have to act before a meeting.”

The standoff comes amid more than two weeks of unrest that began with protests over economic hardship and rapidly escalated into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s theocratic leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Rights groups say the death toll continues to rise sharply.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, known as HRANA, said more than 10,600 people have been detained since protests erupted.

HRANA reported that at least 544 people have been killed, including 496 demonstrators and 48 members of the security forces.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights said it has confirmed at least 192 protester deaths but warned that the true toll could be far higher.

“Unverified reports indicate that at least several hundreds, and according to some sources more than 2,000 people, may have been killed,” the group said.

The opposition group People’s Mujahedin of Iran, which is banned inside the country, claimed more than 3,000 people have died, citing sources within Iran.

Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures.

The government has also imposed an internet blackout lasting more than 84 hours, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.

The shutdown has severely limited Iranians’ ability to upload images and videos from demonstrations that have spread across major cities since Thursday.

Video verified by AFP showed dozens of bodies laid outside a morgue south of Tehran, wrapped in black bags, as grieving relatives searched for loved ones.

AFP geolocated the footage to Kahrizak, an area long associated with detention facilities.

Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that indirect communication channels remain open with Washington despite the absence of diplomatic relations.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said messages are exchanged between Araghchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff when necessary.

He noted that U.S. interests in Iran are represented by Switzerland.

Oman’s foreign minister, whose country has previously mediated between Tehran and Washington, met with Araghchi in Tehran on Saturday.

Trump, who backed Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran in June, said he believes Iran’s leadership is under growing pressure.

“They’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said.

He warned, however, that retaliation by Iran would provoke an overwhelming response.

“If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” Trump said. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options.”

Iranian officials responded with their own warnings.

Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hardline speaker of Iran’s parliament, said during a session that any attack on Iran would trigger retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets.

“In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” he said.

Lawmakers responded by chanting “Death to America.”

Iran’s leadership has also sought to project unity at home.

The government declared three days of national mourning for what it described as victims of “riots.”

State television aired images of pro-government rallies forming in several cities, with a large march expected in Tehran later Monday.

The unrest began on Dec. 28 following the collapse of the Iranian rial, which now trades at more than 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar amid crippling sanctions tied in part to Iran’s nuclear program.

Economic grievances quickly evolved into calls directly challenging the authority of the Islamic Republic.

Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of Iran’s ousted shah, urged members of the security forces to side with protesters.

“Employees of state institutions, as well as members of the armed and security forces, have a choice,” Pahlavi wrote on social media. “Stand with the people and become allies of the nation, or choose complicity with the murderers of the people.”

In London, protesters replaced the Iranian flag at the embassy with a banner bearing a Persian lion symbol used under the former monarchy.

Iran’s foreign ministry said it summoned the British ambassador over the incident.

The Independent reported that Trump and his national security team are weighing a range of potential responses, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by U.S. or Israeli forces.

Two people familiar with internal White House discussions told the outlet that military options remain under active consideration.

Trump confirmed that possibility.

“We’re looking at very strong options,” he said.

Iran has previously demonstrated its willingness to strike U.S. targets.

In June 2025, Iranian forces targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the Iran-Israel conflict.

Iran’s air defenses suffered significant damage during the 12-day conflict with Israel in June, raising questions about Tehran’s military readiness for a broader war.

Any decision to formally enter a conflict would rest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled Iran since 1989 and retains ultimate authority over military and security matters.

The sharp exchange between Tehran and Washington reflects a dangerous convergence of domestic unrest and geopolitical brinkmanship.

While Iran has often used confrontational rhetoric during periods of internal crisis, the scale of the protests and the mounting death toll appear to be pushing the leadership toward more extreme posturing.

Trump’s repeated threats of military action mark one of the most explicit warnings issued by a U.S. president tied directly to Iran’s internal repression.

Such language risks incentivizing hardliners on both sides.

For Iran’s leadership, framing protests as foreign-backed destabilization efforts strengthens the case for a security-first response.

For Washington, the temptation to use force as leverage carries significant risks in a region already destabilized by conflict in Gaza, Ukraine-linked energy disruptions, and fragile Gulf security.

Any U.S. military action could unify Iran’s fractured political establishment, undercut protest momentum, and trigger retaliation against American forces and allies across the Middle East.

At the same time, continued mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and rising fatalities increase international pressure on Tehran and narrow its diplomatic options.

The standoff illustrates how quickly domestic unrest in Iran can spiral into a global crisis — one in which miscalculation on either side could carry consequences far beyond Iran’s borders.

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