Pezeshkian accuses US of ‘bending rules’ and ‘bullying rivals’ during World Cup, says it reflects Washington’s foreign policy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States of “bending rules, bullying rivals, creating obstacles and cheating” in its conduct as host of the World Cup, calling it consistent with what he described as Washington’s broader foreign policy approach, Al Jazeera writes.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said the US government’s behaviour reflected what he called “their MAGA playbook”, and said Iran “rejects such games” and “stands firmly” for its rights.

The comments come amid a sharp escalation between Tehran and Washington, with US forces having struck more than 80 targets inside Iran this week and reimposed oil sanctions.

Pezeshkian’s remarks come amid a sharp escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington. Despite the ceasefire and the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, the United States announced overnight that it had struck more than 80 Iranian military targets. Iran later said it had retaliated by targeting 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.