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Category: Middle East

  • Iran rules out negotiations with United States

    Iran rules out negotiations with United States

    TEHRAN, IRAN (NPA): Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has declared that Iran will not engage in negotiations with the United States.

    Larijani made the statement in a post on X on March 2, 2026, contradicting a report by The Wall Street Journal that suggested he had initiated new efforts to resume talks with Washington.

    The announcement also came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had reached out for negotiations.

    Meanwhile, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Al-Busaidi, expressed optimism about diplomatic progress. In a social media post on Sunday evening, he wrote: “The Geneva talks made real progress toward an unprecedented agreement between Iran and the United States. Although there was hope to prevent war, war should not mean the loss of hope for peace. I still believe in the power of diplomacy to resolve this conflict. The sooner negotiations resume, the better it will be for everyone.”

    In a separate post, Larijani criticized President Trump’s regional policies, accusing him of destabilizing the Middle East and prioritizing Israel’s interests over those of the United States. He asserted that Iran’s armed forces were acting defensively and had not initiated aggression.

  • Austin-Texas Mass Shooting Investigated as Possible Terror Attack

    Austin-Texas Mass Shooting Investigated as Possible Terror Attack

    AUSTIN, TEXAS (NPA) — The FBI announced Sunday that a mass shooting in downtown Austin, Texas, which left three people dead and 14 others injured, is being investigated as “potentially an act of terrorism.”

    Authorities said the suspect, who was wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the words “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag, opened fire in a crowded entertainment district early Sunday.

    Federal law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal and residing in Pflugerville, Texas. Diagne reportedly became a U.S. citizen in 2013.

    Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether it was ideologically driven.

    The incident comes amid heightened global tensions following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The development has sparked protests in several cities worldwide, including demonstrations in Pakistan and northern Nigeria, as military escalations continue between the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

  • BREAKING: TRUMP ANNOUNCES DEATH OF IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI

    BREAKING: TRUMP ANNOUNCES DEATH OF IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI

    WASHINGTON D.C. (NPA): United States President Donald Trump has announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the first day of U.S. and Israeli strikes in the Persian Gulf nation.

    Trump made the announcement on January 28, 2026, in a post on his Truth Social account. He wrote:

    “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. He was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.”

    In his statement, Trump urged Iranians to seize the opportunity to reclaim their country amid what he described as a power vacuum. He added:

    “We are hearing that many of their IRGC, military, and other security and police forces no longer want to fight, and are looking for immunity from us. As I said last night, ‘Now they can have immunity, later they only get death!’ Hopefully, the IRGC and police will peacefully merge with the Iranian patriots and work together as a unit to bring back the country to the greatness it deserves.”

    Trump further warned that the bombing campaign would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week, or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.”

    As of the time of filing this report, Iranian authorities have not confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader.

  • Nigeria Issues Advisory to Citizens in Iran and Gulf States  

    Nigeria Issues Advisory to Citizens in Iran and Gulf States  

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) – The Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has issued a security advisory to Nigerian citizens residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries following a reported preemptive strike in Iran by the United States and Israel.  

    In a statement released on Saturday, 28 February 2026, under reference No. MFA/PR/2026/21 and signed by Ministry Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Federal Government emphasised that it is closely monitoring the volatile situation in the Middle East. The statement noted that military actions by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets, as well as retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf states, have heightened regional tensions.  

    Key Advisory Points for Citizens  

    The Ministry urged Nigerian citizens in Iran and Gulf countries—including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—to take the following precautions:  

    • Maintain Vigilance: Remain alert and avoid areas near military, government, or strategic installations.  
    • Restrict Movement:  Limit non-essential travel and avoid large gatherings or public demonstrations.  
    • Follow Local Directives: Comply strictly with instructions issued by local authorities and cooperate with law enforcement.  
    • Stay Informed:  Rely on credible international and local news outlets for updates, and avoid misinformation.  
    • Contact Nigerian Embassies: Establish communication with Nigerian diplomatic missions in affected countries for consular assistance.  

    The Ministry assured that it will continue to assess developments and provide updates as necessary. It reaffirmed that the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a top priority of the Federal Government.  

    Nigeria called on all parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations in the interest of global peace and coexistence. 

  • Breaking: Netanyahu Announces Operation “Lion’s Roar” Against Iran

    Breaking: Netanyahu Announces Operation “Lion’s Roar” Against Iran

    JERUSALEM (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday the launch of a joint military operation with the United States, aimed at countering what he described as “an existential threat posed by the regime in Iran.”

    In a televised statement on February 28, Netanyahu said: “For 47 years, the Ayatollahs’ regime has chanted ‘Death to Israel, Death to America.’ It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.”

    Netanyahu added that the operation, named “Lion’s Roar,” was intended to “create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.” He urged unity among Iran’s diverse communities, including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis, to “cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran.”

    The prime minister also called on Israeli citizens to follow Home Front Command instructions during the operation. “In the coming days, during Operation ‘Lion’s Roar,’ we will all be called upon to show patience and strength of spirit. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel,” he said.

    No immediate response has yet been issued by Iranian officials.

    Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

  • UPDATED: Israel and U.S. Launch Strikes on Iran, Trump Confirms

    UPDATED: Israel and U.S. Launch Strikes on Iran, Trump Confirms

    JERUSALEM (NPA) — The Israeli military announced Saturday that it has carried out pre-emptive strikes against Iran, an operation confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.

    The strikes follow weeks of diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at resolving disputes over Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and its development of ballistic missiles. Negotiations sought to limit Iran’s nuclear activities and curb missile capabilities but ended without agreement.

    According to the West Asia News Agency (WANA), loud explosions were reported in Tehran, with smoke rising over central districts. Early reports suggested the blasts may have been caused by missile strikes, with impacts noted near University Street and the Jomhouri district.

    Several media outlets also reported that Israel’s Defense Minister announced the operation, describing it as a preemptive measure to eliminate threats against the country.

    Analysts warn that retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel could follow. There are also expectations that Iran may respond by targeting Israeli territory and U.S. military bases in the region.

    Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has declared a nationwide state of emergency, urging citizens to follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected areas.

    As of now, Iranian officials have not issued any public statements regarding the incident.

    Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

  • US loves to strike Muslim countries during Ramadan—Ilhan Omar

    US loves to strike Muslim countries during Ramadan—Ilhan Omar

    Washington, D.C. (NPA)– Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District since 2019, has accused the United States of deliberately targeting Muslim-majority countries during the holy month of Ramadan.

    In a post on X, Omar claimed that the U.S. attacked Iraq during Ramadan in 2003 and suggested that similar plans were being made against Iran. She wrote: “Iraq was attacked by the U.S. during Ramadan, and it is sickening to know that the U.S. is again going to attack Iran during Ramadan. The U.S. apparently loves to strike Muslim countries during Ramadan, and I am convinced it isn’t about violations of international law but about who they worship.”

    However, historical records show that her claim is inaccurate. The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began on March 19, 2003, while Ramadan that year did not start until October 27 — more than seven months later.

    Omar’s remarks come against the backdrop of her long-running feud with former President Donald Trump. Their disputes have centered on immigration, race, religion, and foreign policy. Trump has repeatedly criticized Minnesota’s Somali community, accusing it of fraud and corruption, while Omar — herself a Somali-American — has strongly rejected those claims.

    The conflict has often played out in public settings. Trump has used slogans such as “Send them back,” which were widely condemned as racist, while Omar has accused U.S. military actions in Muslim-majority countries of being influenced by religious bias. Trump, in turn, has accused her of sympathizing with extremists, even linking her without evidence to ISIS in Somalia.

    Their confrontations have been especially visible during Trump’s State of the Union addresses.

  • UN Rights Chief Raises Alarm Over Executions in Iran

    UN Rights Chief Raises Alarm Over Executions in Iran

    GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (NPA): The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged Iran to halt the use of capital punishment, warning that many more individuals could face execution following recent unrest.

    Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Türk expressed deep concern after reports emerged that at least eight people — including two minors — have already received death sentences linked to the January protests. He noted that another 30 individuals may be at risk of similar rulings.

    One case involves a man convicted of “enmity against God” by a revolutionary court in Tehran. If upheld, this would mark the first death sentence directly tied to the mass demonstrations earlier this year.

    Rights organizations say thousands were killed during the crackdown, which has been described as the most severe domestic turmoil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The unrest also drew international attention, with warnings from Washington about possible military consequences should executions proceed.

    Türk cautioned that escalating tensions could destabilize the wider region, stressing the need for restraint and dialogue. Meanwhile, talks in Geneva between U.S. and Iranian officials — mediated by Oman — made some progress on nuclear issues, though no breakthrough was reported that might ease fears of military confrontation.

  • Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Israel for bilateral talks and to strengthen defense cooperation, on Thursday visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

    In a statement posted on his official X account, Modi expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying him during the visit. “I placed a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I am grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit,” he wrote.

    Modi also toured the Hall of Names, a solemn memorial space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the experience, he stated: “The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.”

    Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, serves as Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The center is dedicated to preserving their memory, honoring survivors, and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.

  • Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the enduring relationship between Israel and India, describing both nations as “two ancient civilizations, from the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley.” He made the remarks during a special session of the Knesset in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Israel.

    Netanyahu, in a statement posted Wednesday on X, said: “Our alliance multiplies our strengths — in spirit, in action, and in innovation. Together, we will take the friendship between our peoples to unprecedented heights.”

    Addressing the Knesset, Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and the goodwill of the Indian people toward Israel. He was awarded the Medal of the Knesset, which he described as “not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”

    Following the session, both leaders toured an exhibition showcasing Israeli technological innovations. Modi praised the pioneering work of Israeli youth in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, healthcare, cybersecurity, water management, and agriculture. He encouraged Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with Indian talent.

    Modi’s visit, taking place from February 25–26, 2026, includes bilateral talks with Netanyahu aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture, water resources, and trade.