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Major dispute to threaten Trump's Iran deal over billions in frozen Tehran funds: expert
As U.S. and Iranian negotiators met in Switzerland on Sunday, a regional analyst warned that a dispute over billions in potentially unfrozen Iranian assets could quickly test the durability of a fledgling interim agreement.
The disagreement is emerging, they say, as Washington and Tehran begin implementing the memorandum of understanding signed June 17, with negotiators holding the first round of talks at Bürgenstock, near Lucerne, Switzerland.
According to Iran International, President Masoud Pezeshkian had signaled Tehran's expectations early Sunday, saying, "$6 billion of our funds in Qatar will be returned. Trump, who tried to deny Iran its rights, acknowledged them in his recent speech."
The dispute traces back to discussions at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, where world leaders debated the issue.
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"We have taken their money, it isn't our money, it is their money, and we froze it," President Donald Trump said. "At a certain point in time, I guess we're going to have to give it back."
He also stressed that any access to the funds remains strictly conditional, writing on Truth Social that Iran would receive "not ten cents" during the 60-day negotiation period if it failed to uphold its commitments.
"There are effectively two competing narratives about the frozen funds," Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Fox News Digital.
"Releasing frozen assets is not simply an economic question. It is one of the central political tests of trust between Tehran and Washington and will likely become one of the first major implementation disputes in the weeks ahead," Vatanka added.
Paragraph 11 of the MOU framework states that the United States "undertakes to make fully available" restricted and frozen Iranian funds.
However, the agreement ties any release of funds to a step-by-step process based on compliance, rather than granting immediate, unrestricted access.
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"First, there remains considerable uncertainty over the total amount of Iranian assets frozen abroad," Vatanka said.
"Iranian officials often speak of more than $100 billion, while Western estimates range higher. The immediate negotiations, however, appear focused on securing access to roughly $24 billion to $25 billion as an initial tranche."
Iran's frozen assets are widely estimated at between $100 billion and $120 billion and held under sanctions and financial restrictions in countries including China, India, Iraq and South Korea, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal.
Vatanka said the central dispute extends beyond the size of the payout.
"The real dispute is not simply about how much money Iran receives, but who ultimately controls how it is spent."
"Iranian officials are emphasizing sovereignty over the funds, while the United States is trying to preserve leverage by attaching conditions to their use," he added as talks got underway Sunday.
In a statement on X, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the talks are aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting agreement covering all elements of the framework.
Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said technical teams were negotiating the final deal while oversight groups would monitor implementation and track progress.
The U.S. and Qatar are exploring a mechanism to channel an initial $6 billion toward humanitarian purchases, including food and medicine, according to reports.
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However, Western intelligence officials remain concerned that unfrozen funds could be diverted to regional conflicts rather than domestic development projects.
Reuters reported that Iran has already signaled to Hezbollah that increased financial support could resume if Tehran's cash flow improves.
"This issue also has an important regional dimension," Vatanka said. "Iran has pledged to direct a portion of those reconstruction funds toward supporting its weakened proxy network in Lebanon."
"The United States has insisted that Iran cannot use any unfrozen assets to fund terrorist organizations, warning that access to the funds would be revoked if Tehran violates the terms of the agreement," he added.
Vatanka said the two sides also remain divided over the broader purpose of the agreement.
"Tehran is presenting the roughly $25 billion as money that will be released gradually and invested in rebuilding the country's infrastructure, with officials talking about roads, airports, transport corridors and projects that visibly benefit ordinary Iranians."
"Washington, however, appears to be describing something much narrower," Vatanka added.
"U.S. officials have indicated they want the funds released through controlled mechanisms, primarily for humanitarian and other approved civilian purchases, rather than giving Tehran unrestricted access."
NY Times torched for Father’s Day ‘trans dad’ article critics say shows paper is ‘corrupting our children'
The New York Times is facing backlash after publishing a Father’s Day guest essay about a transgender parent who described learning how to be a "trans dad."
The essay, titled "To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated," was published Sunday morning and presented in comic-strip form. It was written by Zach Ellams, a biological woman who identifies as a male, and focuses on Ellams’ experience raising a daughter while navigating questions about gender.
Several illustrations show the child asking direct questions in everyday settings.
"How long did you have breasts for, Dad?" the daughter asks in one panel as the two walk down the street.
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In another scene at a pool, the child asks, "How did you grow a mustache if you were a lady?"
A separate panel shows the daughter on a playground telling another child, "I want to grow a beard when I grow up."
"You can’t grow a beard. You’re a girl," the other child replies.
"My dad did, and he was a girl," Ellams’ daughter says.
The essay suggests the child accepts Ellams’ gender identity with ease, helping the author more fully "embrace" who they are.
Critics, however, blasted The Times for choosing to publish the piece on Father’s Day.
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"The New York Times published cartoons about being a trans dad for Father’s Day," Katie Miller, podcaster and former Department of Government Efficiency aide, wrote on X, "This is how they envision corrupting our children."
Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of The Federalist, accused the paper of using Father’s Day to celebrate "playing daddy dress-up" as the "true embodiment of fatherhood."
"The New York Times celebrated Father’s Day by saluting the real heroes: left-wing gender goblins who think mentally ill women mutilating themselves, mainlining hormone injections, and playing daddy dress-up are the true embodiment of fatherhood," Davis wrote.
"On Father’s Day, the New York Times is celebrating gender confused mothers. Wokeness may be limping a bit from injuries, but it isn’t dead," Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, wrote.
Tim Young, a media fellow for strategic communications at The Heritage Foundation, also criticized the piece.
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"The New York Times reminds us all that they hate actual fathers on Fathers Day," Young wrote.
The Father’s Day controversy came the same day President Donald Trump separately ripped the news outlet on Truth Social over its coverage of Iran.
"The way the Corrupt and Failing New York Times is covering stories on a very battered and beat up Iran, through FAKE & MADE UP "FACTS" is, in my opinion, 'TREASONOUS.' I will be adding all of their false and ridiculous reporting to my multi Billion Dollar lawsuit against them. They are Criminals!" Trump wrote.
The latest backlash adds to a string of recent controversies involving The Times, including criticism earlier this year over an opinion column by Nicholas Kristof that drew condemnation from critics and the Israel Foreign Ministry.
Georgia pair charged with murder after bartender's dismembered remains found in lake outside Atlanta
A Georgia pair have been charged with murder after allegedly slaughtering a bartender and dumping his dismembered remains in a lake, according to authorities.
Mario Andre Barber, 46, and Brittany Amber Baker, 42, were arrested on Monday for allegedly murdering Jamal Rashad Parker, 37, in a home outside of Atlanta, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Investigators discovered Parker’s remains in May in the Dog River Reservoir, located about 30 miles outside Atlanta.
Parker's identity was confirmed using DNA comparison technology after his father contacted authorities to report that the victim’s tattoos matched his son's ink, local station WSB-TV reported.
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Investigators believe the two suspects killed Parker inside a home in Douglasville where Baker lived.
Late last month, investigators were observed leaving the home with a reciprocating saw and cleaning supplies, according to WSB-TV.
Police have not disclosed if Parker knew his alleged killers. However, a GoFundMe created by a family member described the pair as "people he knew and trusted."
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The suspects pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday and are being held without bond. Both have lengthy criminal records, according to reports.
"I want them to be punished. And I don’t even think a life sentence is good enough," Parker’s dad, Charles Parker, told WSB-TV outside the courthouse.
"It’s the kind of stuff you see on TV, but I mean ... they had no remorse," he added.
In addition to bartending at Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta, the victim was a musician and artist with "a beautiful soul and spirit," according to the GoFundMe page created to cover burial costs.
"He loved life and the people he met along his journey in life. He was a musical artist, visual artist, and a professional bartender who enjoyed creating new drinks. This has totally devastated our family and friends and has left us heartbroken," the fundraiser reads.
James Van Der Beek's wife honors 'magnificent' late husband on first Father's Day since his death
James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly Van Der Beek shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor on the first Father's Day since his passing.
"The Dawson's Creek" star died in February at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. On Sunday, June 21, Kimberly honored James in an Instagram post, featuring a slideshow in which the actor was pictured with their six children over the years.
"Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today. And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You're a marvel. 🩵" Kimberly wrote in the caption.
Kimberly's carousel included individual photos of James with each of their children, including daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10 and Gwendolyn, 8 and sons Joshua, 14 and Jeremiah, 4. She also posted group photos of James with their children, including one in which they were seen cuddling in bed and another in which they struck playful poses on a sunny day.
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In one photo, the entire Van Der Beek family beamed while sitting together on a boat. Kimberly also shared two photos of herself with her late husband.
James and Kimberly, (née Brook), first met while they were both vacationing in Israel in 2009. The couple tied the knot on Aug. 1, 2010, during a small ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel, at the Kabbalah Centre near Dizengoff Square.
In February, Kimberly revealed that she and James held a "simple and beautiful and moving" vow renewal ceremony attended by close family and friends, with some joining via Zoom shortly before the actor's death.
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"We decided two days beforehand and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles and we renewed our vows from bed," she told People magazine at the time.
James revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024, more than a year before his death. He had first received his diagnosis in August 2023 but initially did not share it with the public.
On Feb. 11, Kimberly announced his death in a statement shared on James' official Instagram account. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," a statement read. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
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To honor what would have been James' 49th birthday on March 8, Kimberly shared a video recorded by their daughter Emilia in a post on social media.
"As you all know probably now, my dad has passed away, but I'm just going to tell you little tips, or anything that helps you getting through anybody you love who's passing," Emilia began.
"So today is my dad's birthday, and the No. 1 thing for somebody's passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out. If you miss them, you can cry, you can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day and I start with a sentence and I say, ‘Hi dad, I miss you and I love you so much, and I’ll never stop loving you.'"
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"And I just tell him about my day, how I'm feeling, and I tell my family how I'm feeling, and I know he can hear me, but I can't hear him. My mom can," she continued. "You just, you have to feel them in your heart, because they're in your heart. They're watching over you. They are a part of your body, and in a good place. I know that my dad's in a good place. He's not in pain anymore. He's in heaven."
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Emilia noted that her dad is "above the clouds with God," and told her mother's followers that it was OK to cry.
"Be sad because you miss them. You can be angry but don't blame yourself. Blaming yourself — it's not a good strategy for someone's passing," she said. "And if somebody also lost their dog, or like, somebody they love, and you did too, and they try to tell you, ‘I know how you feel. I felt worse.' They don’t know how you feel."
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"Everybody has different emotions in their body and they express it in different ways, many, many different ways."
"Something my dad told me was, if this didn't work out the way he wanted it to and the way we wanted it to, for him living, I still have to believe in miracles," Emilia added. "Miracles can still happen just later on in life, and they'll keep coming. But maybe when you want them to come, they might not. But if they do pass, if they do go — just remember, they have some work to do on the other side."
Emilia said she prays to her dad, and knows that "he was a good man." She kept one of his hats because it smelled like the "Varsity Blues" actor.
"A lot of people loved him, and people prayed for him, and he was loved by many, many hearts and many, many people," she said.
Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Southwest jet struck by ground equipment vehicle at Memphis airport
A ground equipment vehicle struck a Southwest Airlines plane as passengers were boarding on Sunday.
The incident happened at Memphis International Airport in Tennessee, an airline spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Southwest said Flight 4013 was taken out of service following the contact. However, no injuries were reported.
"Southwest Flight 4013 was contacted by a ground equipment vehicle during boarding today at Memphis International Airport," the airline said.
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The airport confirmed the incident in a statement to Fox News Digital, describing it as an isolated matter.
"Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority can confirm that an isolated incident occurred today at Memphis International Airport," the airport said.
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Passengers were directed to board an alternate aircraft to reach their destination, Southwest said.
While a spokesperson said the "alternate plane will operate the route to Dallas," the company’s website listed Flight 4013 as resuming service to Harry Reid International Airport in the Las Vegas area.
Passengers reportedly departed nearly four hours behind schedule, and the flight was scheduled to arrive around 5:30 p.m. instead of 1:50 p.m.
Southwest said an investigation of the incident is underway.
"The event will be investigated through our comprehensive Safety Management System," the airline said.
"Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees."
Tim Howard calls it 'impossible' for the USMNT to win the 2026 World Cup despite strong start
Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard understands the early success this group has in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he doesn’t think they will be hoisting any trophy by the end of the tournament.
In fact, Howard believes it’s "impossible" for them to win the World Cup.
"The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup," he said on his "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast alongside former USMNT teammate Landon Donovan. "The U.S. will have to play the greatest game they’ve ever played…four games in a row. Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals.
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"It’s literally impossible for the U.S. to win the World Cup. That’s just the reality."
Donovan, though, was a bit more optimistic than the Hall of Fame goalie.
"Can we? Yes. Has this group proven they can beat a top team? No," Donovan added. "If they play the way they’re playing, they can absolutely compete with any team in this World Cup. For sure."
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Thus far, the USMNT has had strong victories against Paraguay, a 4-1 victory that marked the most goals scored by Team USA in a World Cup match. Then, they followed it up with a commanding 2-0 win over Australia this past Friday to notch a spot in the knockout rounds.
Donovan believes Mauricio Pochettino’s group is building momentum, which could ultimately help them make that Cinderella run.
"I’ve said this over and over. Can you do it four times in a row? Can you do it in the round of 16, the quarter, the semi, the final. That is where it gets really hard," Donovan explained. "But momentum gets going, you never know."
The USMNT still has one more Group D match to go, as they face Türkiye on Thursday, which will only impact who they will face in the new round of 32.
It’s a new format for the World Cup, as they expanded group from 32 to 48 teams has now led to a round of 32 instead of the usual round of 16. The top two teams of each group, as well as the top eight third-place teams, will be heading for the knockout rounds.
While this game technically doesn’t matter for the U.S., Pochettino will surely be stressing its importance to continue building on the momentum they’ve created throughout their first two matches.
Also, the status of Christian Pulisic, the team’s superstar midfielder who sat out against Australia due to a left calf injury, will be under a microscope once again heading into the final group stage match. Considering the spot in the knockout stage is secured, it will be interesting to see if Pochettino decides to be cautious and sit Pulisic once more to ensure he’s ready for the elimination game.
Can they make a run in those games and shock Howard with a run to the final? The sky is the limit for this group that has made a statement thus far.
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Elon Musk 'needs to answer' for 4.5 million kids 'sentenced to death' over DOGE cuts, Ro Khanna argues
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will need to be investigated for the "4.5 million children" whom he "possibly sentenced to death" through his spending cuts, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., argued Saturday.
Khanna suggested that the Democratic Party take initiative to hold Musk accountable if they were to regain control over the House of Representatives or the Senate.
"I do believe once we take power, there needs to be accountability," Khanna said on the "I've Had It" podcast. "There needs to be accountability for Elon Musk. You know, they’re celebrating that he created 4,400 millionaires, but they don’t talk about the 4.5 million children around the world who he possibly sentenced to death by dismantling USAID."
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Khanna continued, "He needs to answer for that. He needs to be subpoenaed. He needs to face investigation. He needs to answer for what he did with DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency]. It's not just 'let's move on.'"
Host Jennifer Welch agreed with the idea of investigating Musk, claiming that he was responsible for "killing" millions through DOGE's government spending cuts.
"I love that we need to keep pushing the talking point that you just had that we don't need to celebrate Elon Musk making other people millionaires. If you are the party of pro-life like you say you are, MAGA, he’s killing millions of the poorest people on the planet," Welch said. "So I think that hypocrisy there is really stunning."
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Fox News Digital reached out to Khanna's office, Tesla and SpaceX for comment.
Democratic politicians and mainstream media renewed their criticism against Musk after he became the world's first trillionaire through SpaceX's record-breaking IPO earlier this month, cementing Musk's status as the world's richest man.
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Khanna has also encouraged a massive new tax proposal called the "Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act," targeting wealthy men like Musk with a direct 5% annual wealth tax on assets, not just income, exceeding $1 billion.
"We have a deep economic divide in this country. On one side, places like Silicon Valley are generating extreme wealth. On the other side, families are struggling to cover the cost of health care, housing, and basic needs. We can tax billionaires a modest amount to make sure everyone has a fair chance while keeping our innovative engine," Khanna said in a press release in March.
Katy Perry snubs famous exes before sweet nod to Justin Trudeau in cheeky onstage moment
Katy Perry made her feelings about her past relationships clear during a recent concert as she took not-so-subtle swipes at some of her famous exes, including Orlando Bloom and John Mayer.
While headlining the O Son do Camiño festival in Santiago de Compostela, Spain on Thursday, the 40-year-old pop star made playful jabs at several former flames as part of an onstage stunt while highlighting her current romance with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
During a performance of her hit 2019 song "Never Really Over," Perry sang and danced in front of a giant smartphone prop that displayed incoming calls from some of her exes, per videos shared on social media.
When the screen showed a call coming in from Diplo, the "Firework" hitmaker nervously hit the "Decline" button several times before covering her eyes and strutting away from the phone.
Perry briefly dated the DJ in 2014 after the pair were linked at Coachella during a break in the singer's relationship with Mayer.
In a 2017 appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," Perry placed Diplo behind Bloom and Mayer when asked to rank her exes' performances in the bedroom.
Diplo later laughed off Perry's ranking, joking on social media that he had won the "bronze medal in the sex Olympics."
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The phone prop next displayed an incoming call from a contact labeled "JM," seemingly referring to Mayer, whom Perry dated on and off for nearly three years between 2012 and 2015. Perry turned around and walked back to the phone before holding her hand up and backing away.
Perry then ignored a call from a contact named "OB," wagging her finger and striking a pose. "OB" was an apparent reference to her ex-fiance Orlando Bloom. The former couple were together for nearly a decade after first meeting in 2016.
Following a 2017 split, the two reconciled the following year and announced their engagement in 2019. Perry and the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star, who share daughter Daisy Dove, 5, ended their relationship in June 2025.
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Perry concluded her performance of "Never Really Over" with a sweet nod to Trudeau. After the exes' calls were rejected, another caller named "JPJT" appeared on the screen. The contact appeared to refer to Trudeau's full name Justin Pierre James Trudeau and it was accompanied by emojis of a Canadian flag and a red heart.
The singer emphatically held the "Accept" button as the song ended and fans cheered.
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Perry and Trudeau first sparked romance rumors when they were spotted dining together in July 2025 at Le Violon in Montréal. Days after their dinner date, Trudeau attended the "Teenage Dream" crooner's sold-out concert in Canada.
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The duo went public with their relationship in December 2025. Earlier this month, Perry and Trudeau made their red carpet debut together during the Tribeca Festival as they cozied up for photographers at the premiere of "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour - Live from Paris" in New York City,
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In an interview with People magazine at the event, Perry gushed over her boyfriend while discussing her new concert film.
"I feel like a more grounded person in so many aspects of my life," Perry said. "I am very in love. And actually, that show was after I met the love of my life, and so I felt very anchored by that, because I'm a little bit like a rainbow kite."
"I fly super high and touch the veil ... cosmos ... and sometimes I need to be anchored. So, to have that anchor finally makes me feel really whole now," she added.
Last week, the couple were spotted sharing kisses while on a picnic in Santa Barbara, California ahead of their one-year anniversary.
Wyndham Clark survives hostile crowd and Sam Burns charge to win second US Open at Shinnecock Hills
Wyndham Clark entered Sunday with a six-shot lead at the 2026 U.S. Open and victory seemed all but inevitable until his wayward drive on the par-5 16th hole sailed into the thick fescue at Shinnecock Hills.
NBC on-course broadcaster Jim "Bones" Mackay described Clark's lie in the tall grass as "horrendous." Others in the booth noted that Clark would be lucky to escape with par on the hole. But the 32-year-old American somehow managed to advance the ball nearly 180 yards and back into the fairway before hitting his third on the green and then sinking the birdie putt that set the stage for his second U.S. Open victory.
Clark entered the final round with a six-shot lead over four players, and he was an overwhelming favorite to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament. For the majority of the weekend, fate appeared to be on his side. It seemed like every time Clark hit a bad shot, the next thing that followed was a commentator saying something like, "he caught a break with this one." Clark led the tournament after each round, becoming the first wire-to-wire U.S. Open winner since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
But he battled through a major shift in luck on Sunday afternoon. Not only did his luck flip, but so did the crowd on Long Island. It was clear from the first hole that the gallery was rooting hard for Scottie Scheffler, Clark's playing partner and one of the four players who started the day six shots back of the leader.
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But that spilled into active cheering against Clark, to the point that the NBC broadcast reported that at least two fans were ejected from the venue for crossing the line with their taunts toward Clark. According to reporter Kevin Van Valkenburg, one was tossed for saying "Don't choke, Wyndham" prior to Clark's tee shot on No. 4.
Ejectable offenses aside, the crowd roared for every good Scheffler shot, but there was a noticeable moan when Clark would execute a good shot.
Unfortunately for Scheffler, and the crowd following the group, the world No. 1 didn't have quite as much magic in his clubs on Sunday as Sam Burns did. Attempting to become a career Grand Slam winner on his 30th birthday, Scheffler never really put much pressure on Clark. He bogeyed the first hole and shot a one-over 36 on the front nine before trudging his way to a one-over 71.
While most golf fans probably assumed that Scheffler would be the guy to chase down Clark, it was Burns who emerged as Clark’s biggest threat after beginning the day at even par and seven shots behind Clark.
Not only did Burns come out firing, but Clark struggled early. He made bogey on the par-3 second hole, made a mess of the easiest hole on the course, the par-5 fifth, for another bogey and then added a third dropped shot with a bogey on No. 7.
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With momentum clearly gone and Burns charging, it would have been easy for Clark to wilt under the immense pressure. But he managed to steady the ship and make par at No. 8 and No. 9 before ripping driver on No. 10 straight down the middle. The broadcast questioned the choice of club off the tee, but Clark's plan worked to perfection, eventually making his first birdie of the day.
Clark made another bogey on No. 13 and Burns got within one shot of the lead.
But two key moments took place down the stretch. Burns, who was several groups ahead of Clark, nearly holed his birdie putt on 18. As the putt just missed on the right side of the cup, Burns dropped to his knees. It was as if he knew he might have been just that close to winning the U.S. Open. And he was.
Clark's 24-and-a-half-foot birdie putt on 16 pushed his lead over Burns back to two shots with two holes to play. At that moment, Clark could feel the trophy in his hands, and that's a familiar feeling given he won the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.
But his nerves showed on No. 17. Clark hit a conservative tee shot on the par-3, leaving himself a nearly 70-foot putt. His birdie effort came up six feet short, and he followed that by pulling his par putt left to drop his lead back to one.
All Clark needed to do on the 72nd hole of the tournament was to make par and he would become a two-time U.S. Open champion. And that's exactly what he did, although it didn't start great. Clark leaked his tee shot to the right and it skirted into the rough. He got the ball to the green in two, but stood over 50 feet away. Clark calmly stepped up and perfectly lagged his putt to within one foot of the hole, tapped in for par and became a two-time major champion.
And, on Father's Day, Clark's dad surprised him by taking a red-eye flight to New York so that he could greet his son following the victory.
Perhaps most importantly, though, Clark became the first American to win a major in 2026 after Europeans Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai won the Masters and PGA Championship respectively.
That also means the U.S. Open trophy is staying where it belongs.
Iranian fans flood SoFi Stadium with banned Lion-and-Sun flags despite FIFA's crackdown at World Cup
FIFA tried to ban the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag. Iranian fans at SoFi Stadium made sure everyone saw it anyway.
For the second straight World Cup match in LA, Iranian supporters openly flooded the stands with the Lion-and-Sun flag during Sunday's 0-0 draw against Belgium, completely ignoring FIFA's efforts to keep the symbol out of the tournament.
According to videos and photos shared by the X account Throwback Iran, FIFA and stadium security cranked up screening measures ahead of kickoff, subjecting fans to additional security screenings to keep the banned flag out of the venue. But the effort did little to stop it.
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By the time the match started, Lion-and-Sun flags were everywhere, popping up on banners, shirts and signs all across the crowd.
The massive backlash against Iran's ruling regime was impossible to miss before the game even kicked off.
When the anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran played over the loudspeakers, a deafening wave of boos erupted across SoFi Stadium.
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One supporter held a sign reading, "Where is Rashid Mazaheri?", referencing the former Iran national team goalkeeper whose detention became a rallying cry after he publicly blasted the regime's leadership earlier this year.
Tensions boiled over during the match when a fan wearing an Iran shirt was arrested and escorted out by law enforcement.
Despite the heavy security presence, large Lion-and-Sun flags remained visible throughout the stands for most of the match.
The political drama largely overshadowed the action on the pitch. Iran ground out a hard-fought point in a scoreless draw against a Belgium squad that dropped to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy picked up a second-half red card.
Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves to preserve the clean sheet, while Mehdi Taremi had a first-half goal overturned by an offside review.
Sunday's defiance perfectly mirrored Iran's opener against New Zealand, where fans similarly ignored FIFA's restrictions and loudly booed the official anthem.
But the fans appear unmoved. With Iran set to face Egypt in its final Group G match on June 26, tournament officials may soon find themselves dealing with the same scenes all over again.
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