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The latest developments also triggered security concerns across the Gulf. Bahrain reported explosions in its capital, Manama, Kuwait said it intercepted missiles and drones, while Qatar issued a security alert after reporting Iranian attacks.
The negotiations come at a sensitive moment for Tehran, where political developments and internal debates continue to shape the diplomatic landscape.
The three-day tribute begins on Saturday, July 4, after Khamenei's body was transferred to Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where it will lie in state as millions pay their respects. The mourning ceremonies are expected to conclude with his burial on Monday, July 6
According to the UN Trade and Development agency (UNCTAD), oil shipments are expected to recover over time, but wider economic impacts could persist for considerably longer.
Following their 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle on Saturday, Iran confirmed on Sunday that they had been eliminated from the tournament despite remaining unbeaten in Group G.
The disappointment deepened moments later when midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi struck the crossbar with a late header, leaving Iran frustrated at the final whistle.
US Central Command (Centcom) said its forces targeted missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar positions on Friday, describing the operation as a direct response to the cargo ship attack.
Off the pitch, Iran’s World Cup journey has been shaped by multiple restrictions and diplomatic complications. Several key members of their technical staff were denied entry visas into the United States, while the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) also protested after ticket allocations were withdrawn shortly before the tournament began.
The postponement comes just a day after the United States lifted a naval blockade on Iran following a new agreement aimed at ending the wider conflict between the two countries.
Despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino visiting their locker room after the game, ESPN journalist Jason Le Miere reported that Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as perhaps “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.”
Iran had already moved its World Cup base to Mexico due to concerns stemming from tensions between the country and the United States. Of the 15 Iranian delegation members initially denied US visas, 10 submitted fresh applications after arriving in Mexico. It has now emerged that four of those appeals were successful.
Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, in strikes carried out by Israel and the United States. His death brought to a close more than three decades at the helm of Iran's leadership.