Week in Review: Iran Crisis, Albania Protests, Belfast Riots, and World Cup

The week began with Trump claiming a ceasefire extension with Iran was imminent, but hours later Iran downed a US Apache helicopter off the Gulf of Oman, with the crew rescued. The US responded with strikes across Iran, and Iran struck US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. By Thursday, Trump threatened to capture Iran's Kharg Island but later called off the strike, claiming Iran had accepted the ceasefire extension. Iran denied any final decision.

In Albania, mass demonstrations entered a second week, originating as an environmental protest against a luxury resort planned by Trump's family (Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump). Dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution" after the flamingo species in the protected coastal area, the movement has expanded, demanding the prime minister's resignation. Protests intensified after construction began and Ivanka Trump's podcast interview. Bernie Sanders called it "Albanians versus the Global Oligarchy." The Albanian PM blamed hostile state online bots and said an environmental assessment is ongoing. The European Commission reminded Albania not to undermine its EU aspirations.

In Belfast, riots erupted after a brutal street stabbing of a man in his 40s by a Sudanese migrant with five-year leave to remain. Video of the attack went viral. Two nights of unrest turned into anti-immigration riots, with addresses linked to migrant housing shared on social media. Bricks were thrown, cars set alight, and walls graffitied with slogans. This sparked renewed debate on immigration enforcement and racism.

The largest-ever World Cup opened in Mexico at the Azteca stadium, with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 and three red cards. Controversies included dynamic ticket pricing and US visa bans. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry at Miami airport. FIFA's president commented "Just, you know, chill."

In Armenia, the pro-European party of PM Pashinyan won the election as he seeks to strengthen ties with the EU while appeasing Putin, given Armenia's heavy reliance on Russian oil and gas.