International News 04 June 2026
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2026 FIFA World Cup Fever Could Cost Global Businesses US$17 Billion in Lost Productivity
The excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to capture the attention of billions of football fans worldwide. However, the tournament may also come with a significant economic cost for businesses, as employee productivity is projected to decline during the competition. According to a recent survey conducted by workforce management technology company UKG, the month-long event could result in as much as US$17 billion in lost productivity globally between June 11 and July 19, 2026. The survey found that 37% of employees plan to adjust their work schedules in order to follow World Cup matches. Meanwhile, 27% of respondents indicated they may reduce their working hours by arriving late, leaving early, or even taking unplanned absences to watch games involving their favorite teams. The findings highlight the potential challenges employers may face in balancing workforce productivity with heightened employee engagement during one of the world's most-watched sporting events.
Trump Says Iran Agrees to Forego Nuclear Weapons
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, expressing confidence that ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran are making progress. Speaking in an interview with Pod Force One aired on Wednesday (June 3), Trump said he believes Iran has committed to abandoning any ambitions to develop nuclear arms. Trump also suggested that he could meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if the current diplomatic efforts continue to advance positively. When asked about Khamenei’s involvement in the talks aimed at easing tensions and ending long-standing hostilities between the two countries, Trump emphasized that the Iranian leader plays a crucial role in the negotiation process.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/trump-klaim-iran-sudah-sepakat-tak-kembangkan-senjata-nuklir
Ukraine Launches Drone Strikes on St. Petersburg Ahead of Major Economic Forum
Ukraine carried out drone attacks targeting an oil terminal and a naval base in St. Petersburg, Russia, just hours before the start of a major international economic forum regarded as one of President Vladimir Putin’s flagship events. The strikes were widely seen as an attempt by Kyiv to embarrass the Kremlin and highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s major cities amid a war that has now stretched beyond four years. The attack on St. Petersburg, Putin's hometown and the host city of Russia’s annual economic forum, often referred to as the country's version of Davos comes as both sides continue to intensify cross-border strikes with no clear end to the conflict in sight. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov stated that infrastructure facilities across three districts of Russia’s second-largest city were targeted, while Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 59 Ukrainian drones overnight.