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Category: Europe-Asia

  • BREAKING: UN Secretary‑General calls for an end to Iran conflict for energy security

    BREAKING: UN Secretary‑General calls for an end to Iran conflict for energy security

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has called on the United States and Israel to end the war against Iran, while also urging Tehran to halt its attacks on neighbouring nations. He made the appeal on Thursday following his meeting with the European Council in Brussels.

    Guterres warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East — particularly involving Iran, Israel, and the United States — poses grave risks to regional stability and global energy security, citing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as a critical concern. He stressed the importance of multilateralism and closer cooperation between the European Union, the United Nations, and global partners.

    The Secretary‑General urged restraint and diplomacy, calling for collective action to prevent further escalation and to safeguard humanitarian principles. He condemned the attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia, warning of severe global economic consequences, and appealed for dialogue to restore peace, stability, and the free flow of goods and energy. His remarks echoed widespread concerns about blockades and rising oil prices.

    Guterres further called for stronger international cooperation to defend multilateralism and prevent additional humanitarian crises, insisting that only through unity and diplomacy can the region move toward lasting peace and security.

  • Modi, King Abdullah II discuss West Asia crisis, attacks on energy infrastructure

    Modi, King Abdullah II discuss West Asia crisis, attacks on energy infrastructure

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, held a phone conversation with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, during which he extended advance congratulations on the Blessed Eid al-Fitr.

    In the call, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern over developments in West Asia and reaffirmed the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security, and stability in the region. He condemned recent attacks targeting energy infrastructure, warning that such actions risk escalating an already destructive conflict.

    According to a statement released Thursday, Modi stressed that both India and Jordan support the free flow of goods and energy without obstacles, referencing the Iranian blockade and attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which have negatively impacted global oil prices. He insisted that both nations stand firmly in support of unhindered transit of goods and energy across international waters.

    The Prime Minister also thanked King Abdullah II for Jordan’s efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the region. He noted that the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran shows no concrete sign of ending, despite repeated international calls for diplomacy and dialogue among the parties.

  • UAE Defence Intercepts 22 projectiles as Iranian missiles and drones rain on Gulf

    UAE Defence Intercepts 22 projectiles as Iranian missiles and drones rain on Gulf

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry announced today that its air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles and 15 armed drones launched from Iran. 

    According to the ministry, the coordinated attack was detected early, and defence units acted swiftly to neutralise the incoming threats before they could reach populated areas or critical infrastructure. Officials described the operation as a demonstration of the UAE’s growing defence capability and readiness to respond to regional security challenges. 

    The ministry emphasised that the interceptions were carried out in close coordination with allied monitoring systems, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in countering evolving threats. While no casualties or damage were reported, authorities noted that the attempted strikes highlight ongoing tensions in the Gulf and the need for vigilance. 

    Earlier today, Qatar expelled Iranian diplomatic attaches following missile strikes on the Ras Laffan energy hub. The move came amid a wave of coordinated assaults across the Gulf, where Iranian projectiles and drones also targeted the UAE’s Habshan gas plants and Saudi Arabia’s refineries in Riyadh.

    Regional authorities confirmed that defence systems intercepted several of the incoming threats, but the attacks underscored escalating tensions and the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf. The incidents have prompted heightened security alerts and renewed calls for international cooperation to safeguard the region’s strategic assets.

  • Tinubu Urges UK to boost investment, security, and energy cooperation as King Charles III bids farewell

    Tinubu Urges UK to boost investment, security, and energy cooperation as King Charles III bids farewell

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — At Windsor Castle this morning, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla bid farewell to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking the conclusion of Tinubu’s landmark state visit to England.

    During the State Banquet held in his honour, King Charles described the friendship between England and Nigeria as a “partnership of equals” that has strengthened shared security, boosted prosperity, and inspired hope for the future. He emphasised the deep cultural and spiritual ties between both nations, praising the contributions of Nigerians in Britain and stressing the importance of moving forward together with respect, trust, and shared purpose.

    On his part, President Tinubu called for stronger economic cooperation, greater investment in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors, and deeper collaboration on security. He urged enhanced defence and intelligence partnerships to combat terrorism, stressed the need for balanced migration policies, and sought UK support in skills development and renewable energy projects to drive Nigeria’s transition to sustainable power.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework, emphasising shared humanity, cultural ties, and the importance of unity. He positioned Nigeria as a key partner for the UK in Africa, underlining that stronger bilateral ties would contribute to regional stability and prosperity. He also urged Nigerians abroad to be ambassadors of peace and progress, reminding them that their conduct reflects the nation’s values on the global stage.

  • BREAKING: Sweden confirms Execution of citizen in Iran amid war tensions

    BREAKING: Sweden confirms Execution of citizen in Iran amid war tensions

    Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, announced on Wednesday that Iran has executed a Swedish citizen. The announcement follows confirmation from Iranian officials that this marks the first execution of a man convicted of spying since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war.

    Stenergard described the development as deeply troubling, noting that it underscores the heightened risks faced by foreign nationals in Iran during the ongoing conflict. The execution is expected to further strain diplomatic relations between Tehran and Stockholm, while adding to international concerns over Iran’s use of capital punishment in politically sensitive cases.

  • Belgian aristocrat ordered to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba assassination

    Belgian aristocrat ordered to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba assassination

    BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Étienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat and aristocrat, has been ordered by a Brussels court to face trial over the assassination of Congo’s first prime minister and anti-colonial icon, Patrice Lumumba, in 1961.

    Lumumba, who became prime minister upon Congo’s independence from Belgium on June 24, 1960, was ousted in September of the same year amid political turmoil. Just months later, on January 16, 1961, he was brutally killed by a Belgian-backed secessionist rebel group in Katanga, an event that has long symbolised the violent legacy of colonial interference in Africa.

    Davignon is the only surviving member of a group of 10 Belgian officials accused of complicity in Lumumba’s murder by the late leader’s family. His trial is expected to reignite debate over Belgium’s colonial past and its responsibility in the destabilisation of Congo during its early years of independence.

  • BREAKING: Iran holds funeral for top security chiefs killed in Israeli strikes

    BREAKING: Iran holds funeral for top security chiefs killed in Israeli strikes

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — A funeral procession is underway at Revolution Square in Tehran for Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani, both killed in recent Israeli airstrikes.

    On Tuesday, Israel’s Chief of Defence Staff confirmed that the two senior officials were deliberately targeted in an overnight strike on the Iranian capital.

    The ongoing funerals followed another reported strike on the residence of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Ismail Khatib. Khatib, who has led the Ministry of Intelligence since 2021, is considered a central figure in Iran’s leadership, with a career spanning the nation’s security and judicial institutions, including service under the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. His fate remains unclear.

    Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Al Jazeera, insisted that Israel’s campaign of targeted eliminations “will not weaken the regime,” vowing resilience despite mounting losses and sheer uncertainties among senior officials.

    The back-to-back strikes have rattled Tehran’s leadership, raising fears of further escalations and leaving many officials questioning who might be next on Israel’s list.

  • Shockwaves in Tehran as latest Israeli strike targets Ismail Khatib, Iran’s spy chief

    Shockwaves in Tehran as latest Israeli strike targets Ismail Khatib, Iran’s spy chief

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Tehran was rocked overnight as another Israeli airstrike reportedly zeroed in on Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Ismail Khatib, at his residence. Khatib, who has led the powerful Ministry of Intelligence since 2021, is regarded as a key figure in Iran’s inner circle, with a career spanning the nation’s security and judicial apparatus, including service under the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

    Under his watch, the ministry has been accused of crushing domestic dissent, spearheading counterintelligence operations, and orchestrating activities against Israeli and Western interests. The United States previously placed a $10 million bounty on Khatib, fueling speculation that the strike may have been a calculated attempt to “cash in” on his head. His fate remains uncertain — whether he was killed or survived the attack.

    The strike comes just 24 hours after the killing of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. That assassination sent shockwaves through Iran’s leadership, with officials reportedly trembling and frantically calling colleagues to ask who might be next.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to the U.S. Ambassador yesterday, chillingly declared he still has “names of the bad guys” to cross out.

    Iranian authorities have yet to issue any statement on Khatib’s condition.

  • Zelenskyy congratulates Portugal’s António José Seguro on election victory, counts on additional contributions

    Zelenskyy congratulates Portugal’s António José Seguro on election victory, counts on additional contributions

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Portuguese leader António José Seguro on his victory in the 2026 presidential election, held in two rounds: the first on January 18 and the decisive second round on February 8, where Seguro of the Socialist Party won with nearly 67% of the vote.

    In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy said: “I personally congratulated President of Portugal António José Seguro on his election victory and wished him success.” He noted that Portugal has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and welcomed assurances that defence, financial, humanitarian, and political assistance will continue under Seguro’s leadership.

    Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for Portugal’s participation in the PURL initiative (a defense cooperation mechanism through which Portugal contributes funds to help Ukraine purchase U.S.-made weapons. Portugal pledged €50 million to the program in late 2025, making it a key part of its military support for Ukraine) and said Ukraine counts on additional contributions. 

    He added: “We discussed the possibility of joint arms manufacturing, the participation of Portuguese businesses in the recovery of Ukraine, and our path toward EU membership. Thank you for the clear position on our European future!”

  • EU announces €458 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East

    EU announces €458 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East

    INTERNATIONAL — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The European Commission has approved €458 million in humanitarian aid for Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt in 2026. This comes as major donors withdraw from the region and international humanitarian law faces unprecedented strain.

    A statement by EU Spokesperson Eva Hrncirova clarified that Syria will receive €210 million to sustain emergency response and protection nationwide. More than a year after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, 16.5 million people still require aid, including 3.2 million returnees facing destroyed infrastructure and limited livelihoods. Funding covers food, healthcare, shelter, clean water, and education.

    In Palestine, €124 million will support food, health, protection, shelter, and education under extremely difficult conditions. Over 3.3 million people remain in need — 2.1 million in Gaza and 1.2 million in the West Bank. Gaza faces malnutrition, a collapsed healthcare system, and systematic obstruction of aid.

    Lebanon will receive €100 million for emergency healthcare, basic assistance, protection, shelter, and education. Needs are acute: even before the current crisis, over three million people required aid. In March 2026, Israeli airstrikes displaced more than 800,000 people. EU humanitarian airbridge flights are already delivering medical and relief supplies.

    Jordan will receive €15.5 million to sustain essential services such as health and protection, meeting the needs of refugees both in and outside camps. Egypt will receive €8 million for multi-sectoral assistance, including education for out-of-school children and disaster preparedness. Egypt currently hosts over 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, notably from Sudan and Gaza.