The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil was outside the Iran v New Zealand opening round match as protesters called for an end to Tehran’s clerical regime.
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Calls to remove Iran’s clerical regime sounded outside Iran’s opening match at the World Cup. Iranian-Americans gathered in Los Angeles to protest the presence of Iran’s team, which they believe is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran striker Mehdi Taremi told reporters this week that US-Iran political tension “undermines the joy” of the World Cup. You can read the match report on the game here. 9 minutes agoLos AngelesWatch: What does the US-Iran deal to end war mean for Lebanon and Israel?It's not clear if the deal means the Israelis will pause their offensive in Lebanon, BBC international editor Jeremy Bowen reports. Middle EastTrump tells BBC Netanyahu did not defy himIn a call with the US president, the BBC’s Sarah Smith asked Trump about the war in Iran and his relationship with the Israeli leader. Middle EastBowen: 'Middle East is in turmoil' as Iran and Israel attack each otherThe BBC's international editor, Jeremy Bowen, said the public are "right to be worried" as the consequences of the war will be felt for generations. Middle EastWatch: Lebanon-Israel ceasefire deal made in 'hope rather than expectation'BBC correspondent John Sudworth reports from the Beirut stronghold of Hezbollah support, Dahieh.
Middle EastWatch: New footage shows moment Iranian drone struck Kuwait airportOne person was killed and more than 60 injured in the Iranian drone strike on Wednesday. Middle EastAre the US and Iran close to reaching a peace deal… again?BBC’s Sarah Smith looks at why both countries are in a tense cycle of negotiations, despite the progress President Trump consistently claims. Middle EastIsrael intensifies strikes on Lebanon during ceasefire, videos showVerified videos show strikes on densely populated neighbourhoods in southern Lebanon. Middle EastBBC on the ground during march through Jerusalem's Old CityTens of thousands of Israeli celebrants have marched through the area captured by Israel in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Middle EastBBC speaks to civilians inside Iran struggling with impact of warIranian authorities have imposed an internet ban but using trusted sources, special correspondent Fergal Keane hears from those traumatised by conflict and government repression. Middle EastReturn of Palestine Marathon attracts thousands of runnersThousands of people have taken part in the Palestine Marathon, which returns to Bethlehem after a two-year pause over the Gaza War. Middle EastTrump pauses 'Project Freedom' after two daysPresident Trump has suspended anoperation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz - BBC Verify explains the timeline. Middle EastWatch: The Lebanese neighbourhoods shattered by Israel's ten minute bombing raidThe BBC’s Nawal Al-Maghafi has been piecing together what happened on 8 April 2026, after one of the deadliest chapters in the country’s recent history. Middle EastCaptain of stranded ship in Strait of Hormuz tells BBC of 'pressure'Capt Raman Kapoor's ship is one of several to be stranded in the strait in the midst of the power struggle between the US and Iran. Middle EastWatch: There's a ceasefire in Lebanon - but the fighting hasn't stoppedIsrael and Hezbollah are still fighting in Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began 12 days ago. Middle EastWhy has the UAE left Opec - and why does this matter?The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quitting oil cartel Opec after nearly 60 years of membership. Middle EastDid Trump save eight Iranian women from execution?The US president says he saved eight Iranian women from execution, but Iran says otherwise. Middle EastHope in Gaza as 300 couples get married at one timeThe 300 couples were selected in a draw of nearly 2,000 people to be a part of the joint celebration. Middle East'A dangerous standoff' as Strait of Hormuz blockade continuesThe US and Iran's rival blockades of the Strait of Hormuz have become a "test of wills", says Lyse Doucet. Middle EastMasked Iranian forces appear to seize ships in staged videoAnalysis indicates that parts of the video appear to have been filmed hours after the ships were reportedly seized. Middle EastBBC reports from Lebanese border town as residents try to return homeBBC Arabic's correspondent Carine Torbey reports from the border town of Khiam, as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon goes into its second day. Middle East