From Hitler and Mussolini to South American dictators, world leaders have long seen in football's biggest tournament an opportunity to further an agenda

From its hosting of US naval forces to its accession to the Abraham Accords, there are many reasons why Iran sees Manama as a justifiable target, but the shared animosity dates back decades

While it could be tied to military calculations related to the current US-Iran war, it also reflects a deeper struggle between two opposing regional visions

Tehran prioritises foreign power and influence, whereas the Gulf states prioritise economic development and stability. The presence of foreign bases in the Gulf is just an excuse.

Tehran has emerged from the US-Iran war more willing to take risks, less constrained by fears of escalation, and more convinced military pressure can yield results

China understands that North Korea is no longer the besieged ally with no gateway other than Beijing, and that leaving the field entirely open to Russia carries a mounting strategic cost

He has defied America twice in recent days

Netanyahu continues to defy calls from Washington to pump the brakes on Israel's offensive in Lebanon, something Iran has linked to a future peace deal

The US-Israeli military campaign against Iran ended in a fragile ceasefire in early April, but it did not resolve any of the underlying disputes

For Addis Ababa, using Djibouti's port for trade is not enough; it wants its own sovereign access to international waters. However, this first needs the consent of suspicious neighbours.