![Iran qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but U.S. visa bans may pose challenges for fans and players. Uzbekistan nears first-ever spot. [Image via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3687-1600x960.webp "3687")
Iran Secures 2026 World Cup Spot, Faces US Visa Uncertainty
Bulletin
March 26, 2025
Iran qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but U.S. visa bans may pose challenges for fans and players. Uzbekistan nears first-ever spot.
Iran qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but U.S. visa bans may pose challenges for fans and players. Uzbekistan nears first-ever spot.
![FBI removes $10M bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani amid US-Afghan talks, signaling possible diplomatic engagement. [Image via Tolo News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/g2.webp "g2")
FBI removes $10M bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani amid US-Afghan talks, signaling possible diplomatic engagement.
![Sri Lanka’s exports grew 4.62% YoY in Feb 2025, reaching $1.38 billion, driven by ICT, coconut, and spices, despite tea declines. [Image via Adaderana Biz English]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sri-Lankas-exports-soar-beyond-1.3-billion-in-January-2025.webp "Sri-Lankas-exports-soar-beyond-1.3-billion-in-January-2025")
Sri Lanka’s exports grew 4.62% YoY in Feb 2025, reaching $1.38 billion, driven by ICT, coconut, and spices, despite tea declines.
![Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces a no-confidence vote, testing her coalition's unity amid opposition allegations. [Image via Kathmandu Post]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/thumb7.webp "thumb7")
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces a no-confidence vote, testing her coalition’s unity amid opposition allegations.
![China's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh hits $2.67 billion, boosting textiles, telecom & trade. Growth potential rises amid global shifts. [Image via VCG]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/69987014-4444-4806-b8c5-88010fdcde17-1600x960.webp "69987014-4444-4806-b8c5-88010fdcde17")
China’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh hits $2.67 billion, boosting textiles, telecom & trade. Growth potential rises amid global shifts.
![Foreign Office denies reports of Pakistani journalists visiting Israel, reaffirming its stance on Palestine and travel restrictions. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/foreign-office1742924486-0.webp "foreign-office1742924486-0")
Foreign Office denies reports of Pakistani journalists visiting Israel, reaffirming its stance on Palestine and travel restrictions.
![U.S. lawmakers introduce the Pakistan Democracy Act, pushing sanctions on Pakistan’s army chief, sparking diplomatic fallout. [Image via SAT Creatives]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SAT-Web-Banners-41-1600x917.webp "SAT Web Banners (4)[1]")
U.S. lawmakers introduce the Pakistan Democracy Act, pushing sanctions on Pakistan’s army chief, sparking diplomatic fallout.
Torkham border reopens after a month, easing travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid talks on security and trade.
![Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistani Embassy as the Guest of Honor. [Image Credits: Ambassador Sadiq’s Office].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WhatsApp-Image-2025-03-24-at-16.37.37_23aee5b0.webp "WhatsApp Image 2025-03-24 at 16.37.37_23aee5b0")
Pakistan Day marked in Kabul as envoy urges stronger ties with Afghanistan, Torkham reopens, and trade resumes.
![Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq spoke at Pakistan Embaasy’s flag hoisting ceremony as Guest of Honor. [Image Credits: Ambassador Sadiq’a Office].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WhatsApp-Image-2025-03-24-at-15.44.25.webp "WhatsApp Image 2025-03-24 at 15.44.25")
On Pakistan Day in Kabul, Ambassador Sadiq Khan emphasized the importance of Pak-Afg cooperation for regional stability and economic growth.