Trade relations between Costa Rica and Panama have reached a critical point after negotiations failed to settle a long-standing dispute over agricultural products, raising fears of disruptions to regional supply chains.

Laura Fernandez was sworn in as Costa Rica’s new president, pledging to combat rising crime and maintain strong ties with the United States.

In a rare political development in Costa Rica, outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves will continue to serve in the government even after leaving office on Friday.

The United States has canceled tourist visas for five of the seven board members of La Nación, Costa Rica’s leading newspaper, a move local groups called unprecedented and a threat to press freedom.

Tehran has strongly condemned Costa Rica’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), saying the “illegal move” amounts to complicity in what Iranian officials describe as ongoing crimes by the United States and Israel against Iran and other countries.

Iran’s national football team will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 but plans to “boycott” matches scheduled in the United States, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed.

The right-wing law-and-order candidate Laura Fernandez has taken a decisive lead in Costa Rica’s presidential election, according to early official results.

Costa Rica’s intelligence chief has revealed an alleged plot to assassinate outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves ahead of the country’s February 1 elections. The information was reported to the attorney-general’s office by Jorge Torres, head of the Intelligence and National Security Directorate (DIS), citing a “confidential source.”