**Summary:** US President Donald Trump advised Iran's national soccer team not to participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America, citing concerns for their "life and safety" amid the ongoing Middle East war. This contradicts an earlier assurance given to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that the Iranian players would be welcome.

**Key points:**
- Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform, two days after telling FIFA President Gianni Infantino the team would be welcome.
- Iran's participation is in doubt following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which killed Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Iran's Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, stated on Wednesday that "no conditions" exist for their participation.
- Iran's first-round matches are scheduled in US cities: two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
- FIFA regulations impose a minimum fine of 550,000 euros for withdrawal less than 30 days before the tournament, and Iraq is the leading candidate to replace Iran.

**Why it matters:** The statement from a major political figure adds a layer of political tension to Iran's potential withdrawal from the jointly hosted World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in under 100 days.

nationalpost.com - Trump says Iran’s soccer team shouldn’t come to World Cup for ‘own life and safety’

manilatimes.net - Trump says Iran shouldnt come to World Cup for own life and safety

infobae.com - Trump dijo que Irán no debería ir al Mundial por su “propia seguridad”

elcomercio.pe - Trump recomienda a la selección de Irán no acudir al Mundial “por su propia seguridad”

Trump Recommends Iran Soccer Team Skip World Cup Over 'Life and Safety'

**Summary:** Caja Los Andes successfully raised over US$130 million in the local market through a social bond indexed to inflation, taking advantage of receding UF interest rates. This favorable rate environment is linked to a global search for refuge due to the war in the Middle East.

**Key points:**
- The bond, "BCAJDD1125" for UF 3 million, was placed at an interest rate of 2.89% with a 90 basis point spread.
- This spread would have resulted in a 2.97% interest rate at the end of February, before the Middle East crisis escalated.
- The new debt has a double-A credit rating and is structured as a bullet bond, with capital repayment due at maturity in late 2030.
- Global markets are showing declines due to increased risk aversion driven by oil supply disruptions following attacks on oil tankers.

**Why it matters:** The successful placement demonstrates that Chilean entities can still access significant funding by leveraging favorable conditions in inflation-indexed instruments, even while broader markets react negatively to geopolitical instability.

Caja Los Andes aprovecha caída de tasas en UF y levanta más de US$ 130 millones para entregar créditos sociales

Aumento de tensiones en Medio Oriente vuelve a golpear a los mercados y la Bolsa de Santiago se acopla a la tendencia

Caja Los Andes Raises Over US$130M Amid Falling UF Rates

**Summary:** Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statement since succeeding his assassinated father, vowed revenge and insisted the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as a "tool to pressure the enemy."

**Key points:**
- Khamenei demanded the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the Middle East, warning they "will be attacked."
- Oil prices extended gains following the comments, with Iran stating the strait will not reopen until U.S. and Israeli attacks cease.
- The new leader also stated Iran will seek compensation from enemies or destroy their assets if they refuse.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in the attack that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in late February U.S.-Israeli air strikes.
- Two tankers were ablaze in an Iraqi port following suspected Iranian explosive-laden boat attacks, escalating maritime conflict.

**Why it matters:** The statements from Iran's new hardline leader signal continued escalation in the conflict with the U.S. and Israel, directly impacting global energy supplies via the critical Strait of Hormuz.

CNBC - Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as 'tool to pressure enemy,' Iran's new supreme leader says

DIE ZEIT - Iran-Krieg: Irans neuer oberster Führer fordert Rache für Kriegsopfer

Diario Financiero - El nuevo líder de Irán, Mojtaba Jamenei, insta a mantener cerrado el estrecho de Ormuz en su primera declaración en el cargo

The Straits Times - Iran's supreme leader, in first remarks, vows to avenge martyrs, keep strait closed

Cyprus Mail - Iran’s supreme leader vows to avenge martyrs, keep strait closed in first remarks

La Tercera - Líder supremo de Irán llama a mantener cierre del estrecho de Ormuz para “presionar al enemigo”

EL COMERCIO PERÚ - Nuevo líder supremo de Irán dice en su primer mensaje que el estrecho de Ormuz debe permanecer cerrado

Iran's New Supreme Leader Vows Revenge, Demands Strait of Hormuz Closure

**Summary:** The Spanish Supreme Court unanimously confirmed that the Pazo de Meirás and its estates belong to the State, ending the dispute with Francisco Franco's heirs. The court also ruled that the dictator's heirs are entitled to financial compensation for maintenance and works carried out on the property while they occupied it, as they were not deemed to have acted in bad faith.

**Key points:**
- The ruling confirms the previous sentence from the Provincial Court of A Coruña (February 2021).
- The Supreme Court rejected appeals from both the State (which included the Xunta de Galicia, A Coruña City Council, and Sada Council) and the Franco heirs (Martínez Bordiú-Franco siblings).
- The Court concluded that the Pazo was used for the service of the Head of State since 1938, meaning the 30-year legal period for acquiring property via adverse possession (usucapión) had not elapsed.
- The property, originally built by Emilia Pardo Bazán, was Franco's summer residence between 1938 and 1975.
- Memorial groups view this as a step toward ending impunity for Franco-era expropriations, noting the Casa Cornide in A Coruña remains in the heirs' hands.

**Why it matters:** This final judicial decision settles a long-standing legal battle over a property historically linked to the Franco dictatorship, returning it to public ownership.

El País - El Supremo confirma que el Pazo de Meirás es propiedad del Estado

Huffington Post - El Tribunal Supremo ordena a los Franco devolver a manos de todos los españoles el Pazo de Meirás

Infobae - El Tribunal Supremo ordena a los Franco devolver de forma definitiva el Pazo de Meirás al Estado

Supremo confirms Pazo de Meirás belongs to the State, orders Franco heirs' compensation

**Summary:** The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 (2026) with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, strongly condemning Iran’s “egregious attacks” against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. The resolution demands an immediate cessation of these strikes and threats to maritime trade.

**Key points:**
- Resolution 2817 (2026) passed with 13 votes in favor; China and Russia abstained.
- India co-sponsored the resolution, which was led by Bahrain and had 135 co-sponsors.
- The text specifically condemned attacks on residential areas and civilian objects.
- The resolution denounced threats by Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's representative called the resolution a "manifest injustice" and unlawful.
- The US representative noted nearly 140 UN member states co-sponsored the text.

**Why it matters:** The resolution signals a broad international consensus within the UNSC against Iran's military actions in the Middle East, despite opposition from two permanent members.

India cosponsors UN resolution condemning Iran's attacks on Gulf countries - Rediff.com

India Cosponsors UNSC Resolution Condemning ‘Egregious’ Attacks By Iran Against GCC Nations , Jordan - Daily Excelsior

India Backs UNSC Resolution Condemning Iran's Attacks on Neighbours - Deccan Chronicle

UNSC Adopts Resolution Condemning Iran's Attacks on Regional Neighbours

**Summary:** José Antonio Kast, a right-wing lawyer, was sworn in as the new President of Chile on March 11, 2026, succeeding the leftist Gabriel Boric. Kast's inauguration marks a radical shift in political direction, with promises of a hard line against crime and irregular immigration under a "government of emergency."

**Key points:**
- Kast took the oath ("Sí, juro") at the National Congress in Valparaíso, receiving the Piocha de O'Higgins from Gabriel Boric.
- His cabinet includes two ministers who were lawyers for Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990).
- Kast resigned from the Republican Party, which he founded in 2017, as a symbolic gesture of independence.
- International attendees included presidents Javier Milei (Argentina), Rodrigo Paz (Bolivia), and Daniel Noboa (Ecuador), and US Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
- The transition was marked by tension after Kast accused Boric of withholding information regarding a fiber optic submarine cable project with China.

**Why it matters:** Kast's assumption of power represents the most radical right-wing leadership in Chile since the Pinochet dictatorship, signaling a significant political realignment in the region.

Sí, juro": José Antonio Kast asumió la presidencia de Chile

Así fue el momento en que José Antonio Kast recibió la banda y se transformó en Presidente

José Antonio Kast asume como Presidente de Chile y pone en marcha el “gobierno de emergencia”

Gabriel Boric deja La Moneda y llega a investidura de Kast en Chile: “Ha sido un orgullo servirles”

José Antonio Kast Assumes Presidency of Chile

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Axios that "practically nothing is left to attack" in Iran and that the conflict would end "soon." This followed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's declaration that the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, ongoing since February 28, would continue "without a time limit."

**Key points:**
- Trump added, "As soon as I want this to stop, it will stop."
- The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the operation would continue until all objectives are achieved.
- Trump has given contradictory messages regarding the war's timeline and objectives.
- The US President faces negative domestic polls due to fears over global economic disruption from the operation.
- Trump is facing decisive midterm legislative elections in November for control of Congress.

**Why it matters:** The conflicting statements from the US President and the Israeli Defense Minister highlight uncertainty regarding the duration and scope of the ongoing military operation against Iran.

EL COMERCIO PERÚ - Trump dice que “prácticamente no queda nada” por atacar en Irán

hespress.com - ترامب: لم يتبق شيء لضربه في إيران

Trump Claims Little Left to Attack in Iran; Israel Vows War Continues Indefinitely

**Summary:** Iran has threatened to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, citing rising tensions with the US. Iran's Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that participation is impossible after recent US and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

**Key points:**
- The decision follows escalating conflict after US and Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Iran has already qualified for the expanded 48-team competition.
- Iran is scheduled to play all its Group G matches in the United States.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19.

**Why it matters:** This threat introduces significant uncertainty regarding Iran's participation in the world's biggest football tournament, directly linking geopolitical conflict to international sports.

Сборная Ирана отказалась от участия в чемпионате мира по футболу 2026 года

Football : l’Iran décide de boycotter la Coupe du monde 2026

Iran moves to withdraw from 2026 World Cup

Iran threatens to boycott 2026 World Cup amid US tensions