Iranian president says US does not play by rules

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of "cheating," saying Washington's conduct as host of the FIFA World Cup reflects its broader foreign policy approach.

In a post on X, he said the actions of the U.S. government — including bending the rules, bullying rivals and creating obstacles — are part of its standard playbook in the spirit of MAGA, Caliber.Az reports.

"The U.S. government's conduct as World Cup host follows its familiar foreign policy: bending rules, bullying rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating. This is their MAGA playbook. Iran rejects such games. We stand firmly for our rights," he added.

The U.S. government's conduct as World Cup host follows its familiar foreign policy: bending rules, bullying rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating. This is their MAGA playbook. Iran rejects such games. We stand firmly for our rights.

— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) July 8, 2026

Tensions have spilt over again in the Gulf, following a string of attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. It's the worst exchange of fire between the US and Iran since they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end the conflict on 17 June.

The US fired at more than 80 Iranian targets after attacks on the tankers.

Iran has not directly claimed responsibility for the attacks and, in response, has targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov