Iran has criticized their experience at the World Cup, describing it as ‘oppressive’ and ‘disastrous,’ with claims of being expelled from the United States immediately following their opening match on Monday night.

After a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, striker Mehdi Taremi issued an appeal to FIFA, urging them to intervene and address what he called an ‘unfair’ situation at the World Cup.

Before the tournament began, an arrangement was made for Iran to travel to and from the U.S. for each of their group stage games, all of which are hosted in the country.

Since the conflict erupted in February, Iran’s World Cup participation has been shrouded in uncertainty.

Former President Donald Trump cautioned Iran against attending, citing concerns for their ‘own life and safety.’ The Iranian team subsequently relocated their base from Arizona to Mexico, and nearly a dozen team members faced visa denials.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran dressing room following the game and just minutes later, head coach Amir Ghalenoei and Taremi suggested the US authorities are forcing them to fly back to their Tijuana base – against their wishes.

‘Everything is like a disaster actually for us… still we have some problems because we are supposed to be training tomorrow morning – recovery – then leave for Tijuana,’ Taremi said. 

‘But we have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us. It’s not good for the football, because in World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game, because it is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone. But we don’t have that support and I think FIFA have to help us more than this.’ 

Iran have slammed their ‘oppressive’ and ‘disastrous’ treatment during this World Cup

‘Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,’ head coach Amir Ghalenoei said

Mohammad Mohebi equalized for Iran in the second half to ensure this game finished 2-2

Taremi claimed Iran’s players asked Infantino why they were being kicked out. When asked what the FIFA president told them in the dressing room, Taremi added: ‘He just wants to help us. 

‘It’s the beginning of the World Cup now, and he will help us… we believe everything he says.’ 

Teammate Mohammad Mohebi said their treatment was not ‘fair’ and Ghalenoei echoed his players’ feelings, claiming: ‘They said we had to leave immediately. 

‘It’s very important for us to have time for recovery and yet we were asked to return to Tijuana and we are really troubled by that… we do not know why they are returning us. I think it’s very strange.’ 

The head coach continued: ‘It seems like others are doing the planning for us, decisions made elsewhere, we were supposed [to arrive] two nights before the game and we were not permitted. 

‘We were supposed to stay tonight and return tomorrow lunchtime but I have no idea why and they haven’t told [us]… our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.’

It is understood Infantino told the squad that he would do what he could to ensure more Iranian officials, who did not receive visas, could travel to the USA for their final two group games. 

The tension comes as Trump announced this weekend that a deal to end the war with Iran is ‘all signed’.

The official signing ceremony is set to be held on June 19 in Switzerland.

In a post on Truth Social, the president said, ‘The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.’

‘I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade,’ he added.

Inside the locker room, Infantino had praised the team for their participation and hailed their actions as ‘sending a strong message to the world’. 

He told them: ‘You showed to your families, friends, to your people, to the world, that you’re in the World Cup, that you perform and you have two more games to go.

‘In these two games, you will make again everyone in the world proud of what you do. Thank you for being here,’ he said, with his words met by applause.  

After months of uncertainty, Iran’s World Cup opener ended in a draw against New Zealand 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the crowd at SoFi Stadium on Monday night

Iran’s Mehdi Ghayedi in action with New Zealand’s Michael Boxall

Ahead of kickoff at SoFi Stadium, all but one of Iran’s players sang their national anthem 

‘It is also a big, big emotion. I know what you go through, I understand, but you are stronger than everything. 

‘You send a strong message to the entire world. Like tonight you united the whole stadium here, you united the whole stadium behind you, behind Team Melli. You are sending such a strong message to the world.

‘Let me say one more thing: this is just the beginning of the World Cup. You are writing history, the whole world is watching you. Continue to play with your heart, for your people, your families, for your fans and for everyone in the world that is falling in love with Team Melli. You are stronger than everything.’

Iran jetted into Los Angeles the afternoon before Monday’s game and Taremi suggested the team faced delays at the US border.

‘We [should] come here two days before the game,’ Mohebi insisted. ‘Yesterday we came, we started the trip in the morning and we arrive in the afternoon. 

‘Then we go to the training and we get tired. I think we’re supposed to come here two days before the game. This kind of thing is not a little bit fair. We need to get fair competition.’

Taremi was later asked if he had a message for President Trump. ‘I’m here to play football, my friend,’ he said. ‘We are tired to talk about [the problems]. 

‘And if they help us, we are much appreciated about that… if no one helps us, it doesn’t matter. We just stay back to back, behind each other and we try our best to win both the next games.’

Iran are due to return to the USA to face Belgium in LA on Sunday before they take on Egypt in Seattle. 

Protestors took to the outside of the stadium during Iran’s first match, calling for change in Tehran and waving the pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flag.

Earlier this year, the Iranian women’s football team faced controversy after their participation in the Asian Cup, where they refused to sing their country’s national anthem during a game with South Korea.

The situation escalated into a major diplomatic incident involving street protests and threats from the Islamic Regime, leading Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant several players asylum.

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A bachelorette celebration in St. Barts turned tragic for Jade Jones, the fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, when one of her friends passed away shortly after her 26th birthday.

Jade Jones was on the Caribbean island enjoying pre-wedding festivities with close friends, celebrating her engagement to the two-time NBA All-Star. During the trip, on June 8, her friend Makenzi Kern unexpectedly suffered health complications and died, as reported by sources to TMZ.

According to the outlet, Kern’s family does not suspect any involvement of foul play, drugs, or alcohol in her passing.

The exact details surrounding Kern’s death have not been disclosed.

TMZ noted that Kern and Jones developed a close friendship while they were both cheerleaders at Iowa State University.

Jones posted several photos to Instagram on June 6, showing the group soaking up the sun on the beaches of St. Barts and enjoying a boat ride, with the caption “hopped on a flight to cloud 9.”

Kern had just turned 26 on the day the photos were posted — two days before her death.

Neither Haliburton nor Jones has publicly commented on the tragedy.

Kern’s family said that she died while “surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island,” according to an online obituary.

“She loved boating with her dad, water skiing, and got to try out a seabob for the first time in St Barths. According to her friends, they had to drag her off because she loved it so much, evidence that she was having an amazing time,” her family wrote.

The 26-year-old Iowa native is remembered by her loved ones as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and “could brighten everyone’s spirits when she was around.”

Kern earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University in 2022 and was working as a Membership Director for a YMCA in Omaha at the time of her death.

“Kenz was dedicated to her job, her friends and her beloved pets; especially her cat Dusty. She never wanting to let anyone down or upset them,” her obituary said.

“So much so even as a child she would let all of the kids on the playground go down the slide first saying ‘you go first, I’ll get a turn later.’”

Kern is survived by her parents, stepparents, sister, stepsiblings, grandparents and her boyfriend.

Jones and Haliburton have been together for more than seven years, a relationship that began during his time as a guard for the Iowa State Cyclones.

Haliburton was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020 before being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022.

The couple is expected to tie the knot on Aug. 1, according to an online wedding registry.

California Governor Gavin Newsom released a video on X, revealing that the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation involving him and his wife. Newsom suggested that former President Donald Trump is targeting him due to his potential presidential aspirations.

In the nearly five-minute clip, Newsom did not elaborate on the specifics of the alleged inquiry but mentioned that his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, is a focal point.

“Recently, federal agents have approached my family, friends, and former staff,” Newsom stated. “Their aim isn’t to address a discovered crime, but to unearth one.”

Newsom further alleged, “They’re demanding records, misusing the grand jury process, and scouring through countless documents.” He asserted that Trump’s motivation goes beyond mere social media spats, and is tied to his potential presidential run and his repeated public criticisms of Trump.

He emphasized that both he and his wife have nothing to conceal, while accusing Trump of engaging in corrupt practices.

“If they can’t intimidate me, they’ll go after the mother of our children. Donald Trump picked the wrong target. We have nothing to hide. His political operatives can take every record and read every page, but they’ll be looking in the wrong place. Because if they really want to find corruption, look no further than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” Newsom said.

Newsom later added, “To Donald Trump, who I know is watching because he watches everything, I have a message for you. You can subpoena my records, you can investigate me, you could harass me, put my name on every and any enemies list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta.”

Trump has previously called for Newsom’s arrest, namely during the deployment of federal soldiers into Los Angeles last year. At the time, Border Czar Tom Homan refused to rule out arresting state and local officials if they obstruct immigration operations, prompting Newsom to tell Homan to come and arrest him.

“Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing,” Trump said in June, reacting to the comments. Trump later said that the crime Newsom committed was “running for governor because he’s done such a bad job.”

The White House deferred to the Department of Justice for comment. ABC News has reached out to the Department of Justice.

Sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News that the investigation is examining Jennifer Seibel Newsom’s taxes.

In a press call with reporters on Monday, the governor’s office said it believes subpoenas have been issued to financial institutions to get records of the state’s First Lady.

Jennifer Seibel Newsom told KGO-TV in the Bay Area, “There are clearly no boundaries to what Donald Trump will do to get his way or to challenge those who get in his way. This is not presidential behavior, and the Governor and I will continue to speak truth to power because the American people deserve so much more.”

ABC News reached out to the Justice Department, but its spokesperson declined to comment. Acting Attorney General and President Trump’s former personal attorney, Todd Blanche, was also asked about the potential investigation on Monday, but he said he was not commenting.

Many Democrats commented on the investigation. California Senator Adam Schiff posted on X, “The President’s abuse of the Justice Department continues, with new targets every day. The Governor won’t be silenced. Nor will my Senate colleagues. Nor will I. In the face of vindictive and baseless investigations, we are defiant and unbowed.”

Long Beach Congressman Robert Garcia posted, “Donald Trump is the most corrupt person to ever serve as President. His former personal lawyer now runs the DOJ.”

ABC News’ Oren Oppenheim, Alexander Mallin, and Nicholas Kerr contributed to this report.

Katy Perry’s relationship with Justin Trudeau has brought a sense of stability to her life, as she has openly acknowledged.

This newfound calmness was on full display when the couple was spotted sharing affectionate moments during a picnic in Santa Barbara, California, on Saturday.

The 41-year-old pop sensation, known for her hit “Dark Horse,” was seen warmly embracing the former Canadian Prime Minister as they exchanged smiles and gentle kisses.

Earlier, the pair picked up some lunch in Perry’s classic Moke vehicle before making their way to a scenic park. There, they kicked back on a red-checkered blanket, savoring the peaceful surroundings.

Following their red carpet debut last week at the New York City premiere of Perry’s concert film, the pair continued to display their affection openly, with remnants of their picnic spread nearby.

They were also joined by the singer’s mother, Mary, and Perry’s daughter, Daisy Dove, five, whom she shares with ex-fiance Orlando Bloom, plus another child who appeared to be the former politician’s younger son, Hadrien, 12, with estranged wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.

Katy Perry and beau Justin Trudeau were seen kissing and laying on the grass during a picnic date in Santa Barbara on Saturday

The Dark Horse hitmaker, 41, had the former Prime Minister of Canada in her clutches as they nuzzled noses and shared a tender smooch

Even so, the lovebirds managed to steal some alone time, looking very much in their own world.

At one point, Trudeau lay on his back grinning while Perry leaned in for another kiss.

Perry was dressed casually in a white top with striped linen trousers along with flip flops that she later kicked off. She arrived wearing a hat, but later removed that, too, showing her dark hair that she’d tied back in a knot.

Trudeau wore an olive-green T-shirt and navy cargo shorts and, like Perry, went barefoot in the grass.

It wasn’t all about them, as Perry and Trudeau spent time with their families at the playground.

The sighting comes just days after Perry hailed Trudeau as the ‘love of my life’.

Perry – who was previously married to Russell Brand and ended her long-term relationship with Bloom in June of last year – made her red carpet debut with Trudeau at the New York City premiere of the Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour concert film on June 8.

And she couldn’t help but gush over their romance and the stability Trudeau has brought to her life.

Earlier in the day, they picked up lunch in Perry’s vintage Moke before heading to a picturesque park location to relax and unwind on a red-checkered blanket

Perry sorted out the meal while Trudeau looked on and waited

The couple were completely engrossed in one another

They looked radiantly in love as they soaked up the California sunshine

Perry and Trudeau were barefoot in the park

‘I am very in love. Actually, that show was after I met the love of my life, and so I felt very anchored by that,’ Perry told People.

‘Because I’m a little bit like a rainbow kite. I fly super high and like, you know, touch the veil, cosmos, and sometimes I need to be anchored. So, to have that anchor finally makes me feel really whole now.’

The star couldn’t be happier with the way her life is now.

‘Every day is a fantastic journey, and every day is a chance to evolve, and to be a better person and do the right thing and to be a model for your community, for your family, for your world.

‘I feel like a more grounded person in so many aspects of my life,’ she added.

Perry reflected on how 2025 – the year her engagement to Bloom ended – was ‘one of the hardest’ periods of her life.

‘I went through a f*** ton, and there were days that were really, really, really, really hard,’ she recalled.

‘And I just kept going ’cause I made a promise to my fans. I made a promise to my daughter. I made a promise to myself. And I got through it.

They were joined by Perry’s mother Mary and Perry’s daughter Daisy Dove, five – whom she shares with ex-fiance Orlando Bloom – along with Trudeau’s younger son Hadrien, 12

Perry did the honors by driving everyone to the picturesque location

Perry’s mom minded the kids so the lovebirds could get some alone time

Perry was dressed casually in a white top with striped linen trousers along with flip flops that she later kicked off

The singer covered up in a floppy straw hat during part of the afternoon sojourn

The former politician, who stepped down as Canada’s prime minister in 2025, looked totally relaxed

Trudeau graciously carried the picnic bag and blanket

‘I walked through the fire because everybody has to walk through their own fire, and if you’re walking through hell, you keep going because on the other side of hell is definitely heaven.’

Perry, who has served as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador since 2013, noted she has embraced life in her 40s.

‘I’m different now. Your 20s are for emotions. Your 30s are for sorting them, and your 40s are for f****** not caring about those emotions and turning them into gasoline – finally transmuting all those emotions into a creative something.

‘We’re all human here and it doesn’t matter. It’s like sadness doesn’t discriminate, grief does not discriminate, pain does not discriminate – everybody is subjected to it in their own ways.’

Meanwhile, Perry revealed she wants her daughter, Daisy Dove, to grow up to be ‘a better version’ of herself.

She was happy to take her little girl on the road with her for her recent Lifetimes tour because she is proud to be an example of a ‘strong’ woman.

‘It’s always incredible when I get to bring my daughter to work,’ she told the outlet.

‘I think when mothers can be their most supported, authentic selves, that is always a good template for children to model. And I’m just glad to model a strong, steady, intelligent, funny, weird woman for my beautiful daughter.’

Perry and Trudeau spent quality time with their families so it wasn’t all about them

Perry watched as the kids played

The singer flashed her tummy while hiking up her trousers

The couple have been practically inseparable since they started dating in July 2025

The Roar singer recently called Trudeau the ‘love of my life’

‘I think, as mothers and fathers, we’re just modelling something for our children, and all we can hope for is that they will grow up into better versions of ourselves – and themselves.

‘I think if I’m out there living my most authentic, free, supported, empowered, smart, sexy life, and she’s going to have a pattern to follow, a model to follow.’

The star admitted she is proud Daisy is already confident enough to share her opinions.

‘She’s a force. She tells me exactly what she thinks,’ Perry said.