New Post Africa

Category: Middle East

  • Netanyahu Welcomes Modi’s Visit, Pledges Stronger Israel–India Cooperation

    Netanyahu Welcomes Modi’s Visit, Pledges Stronger Israel–India Cooperation

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised his country’s ties with India ahead of the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit this week. Speaking at the opening of a government meeting, Netanyahu described Modi as a “personal friend” and highlighted the close relationship forged between the two leaders in recent years. “This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

    Netanyahu noted that Modi’s visit would provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and security fields. He also spoke of building a broader alliance of nations across continents to counter radical movements in the Middle East. Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday, deliver an address at the Knesset, and participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem. The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem together. Netanyahu emphasized that the visit would advance collaboration in high-tech, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between Israel and India.

    India and Israel already maintain strong ties in defense, technology, and trade. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, cooperation has expanded significantly, with India emerging as one of Israel’s largest defense customers.

    Both countries also collaborate in agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and innovation. In 2026, they adopted a joint working plan to strengthen strategic cooperation while engaging in regional peace initiatives, including support for the Gaza Peace Plan.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.

  • Pakistani Military Strikes Afghan Targets in Retaliation for Suicide Blast

    Pakistani Military Strikes Afghan Targets in Retaliation for Suicide Blast

    KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (News Agencies): Pakistan says it has launched strikes on armed groups in Afghanistan after blaming recent suicide bombings, including attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on fighters it says are operating from its neighbour’s territory.

    Kabul has repeatedly denied allowing armed groups to use Afghan territory to stage attacks in Pakistan.

    Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence on Sunday said “dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were martyred and wounded” when strikes hit a school and homes in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.

    Nangarhar police told the AFP news agency the bombardment started about midnight (19:30 GMT on Saturday) and hit three districts.

    “Civilians were killed. In one house, there were 23 family members. Five wounded people were taken out,” police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad said.

    The Afghan Defence Ministry said it will “deliver an appropriate and calculated response” to the Pakistani strikes.

    The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021.

    Pakistani military action killed 70 Afghan civilians from October to December, according to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan.

    Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkiye, but they have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

    Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

    The deteriorating relationship has had repercussions for people in both countries with the land border largely closed for months.

  • EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organization: What’s Next

    EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organization: What’s Next

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, following a decision by the Foreign Affairs Council. The move places the IRGC under EU counterterrorism sanctions, including asset freezes and a ban on providing funds or economic resources within member states. In total, 13 individuals and 23 organizations are now subject to restrictive measures under the EU’s terrorist list. The Council emphasized that this regime, established under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP, is distinct from the EU framework implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions targeting Al-Qaida and ISIL/Da’esh. The EU also retains the ability to autonomously apply restrictive measures against groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

    The decision has drawn international reactions. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the move and urged the United Kingdom to adopt a similar stance. Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen stated: “The Board of Deputies has welcomed the decision by the European Union to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation and has renewed its call for the UK Government to take equivalent action without further delay.”

    Strategically, the designation places the IRGC alongside Al-Qaida and ISIL, signaling that the EU views the Guard not as a legitimate state institution but as a transnational actor of repression and violence. The sanctions severely restrict the IRGC’s ability to operate economically in Europe, while also complicating EU-Iran relations.

    Analysts warn that Tehran may retaliate by limiting European business activity in Iran and reducing cooperation on regional security. The move aligns EU policy more closely with Washington, strengthening transatlantic coordination but heightening risks of further polarization in the Middle East.

  • Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    WARSAW, POLAND (NPA): Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Polish nationals residing in Iran to leave the country without delay, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

    In a statement on Thursday, Tusk cautioned that evacuation could soon become impossible. “Leave immediately. It is possible that in a few hours there will be no option to evacuate from the country,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also advised against travelling to Iran under any circumstances, stressing that the situation could deteriorate rapidly. His warning comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with the United States deploying significant assets near Iran, fuelling fears of a confrontation.

    Iran, for its part, has vowed to retaliate against any U.S. attack and recently conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.

    The developments have placed the Middle East at the centre of international attention, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported READ HERE the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States met on Tuesday in Switzerland, with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the two sides had exchanged views and made progress.

  • Iran’s Foreign Minister Reports Progress After Nuclear Talks with U.S. in Geneva

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Reports Progress After Nuclear Talks with U.S. in Geneva

    GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Following high-level discussions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the two sides had exchanged views and made progress.

    Araqchi told Iranian media that “different ideas have been seriously discussed, and ultimately we have been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles.” He added that future negotiations would build on these principles as the parties move toward drafting the text of a potential agreement.

    Further rounds of talks are expected in the coming days and weeks.

    U.S. Demands

    Ahead of the latest meeting, Washington outlined several conditions for Iran to avoid military confrontation:

    • Nuclear Program: Scale back or halt uranium enrichment and return to compliance with nuclear deal terms.
    • Missile Development: Limit ballistic missile testing, which the U.S. views as destabilising.
    • Regional Activities: Reduce support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other militias across the Middle East.
    • Human Rights: End violent repression of protests, which the U.S. has linked to its military buildup.

    President Donald Trump warned that if no deal is reached, the U.S. is prepared to take “something very tough” military action.

    Iran’s Response

    Iran has maintained a firm stance:

    • Scope of Talks: Insists negotiations should focus solely on its nuclear program, rejecting U.S. demands on missiles and regional influence.
    • Defiance of Threats: Officials argue U.S. military threats are provocative and accuse Washington of seeking regime change.
    • Sovereignty: Frames U.S. demands as interference in domestic affairs, particularly regarding protests.
    • Preparedness: Warns that it will respond strongly if attacked, raising the risk of regional escalation.

    The U.S. has deployed a “massive armada” of ships and aircraft near Iran, signalling readiness for strikes should diplomacy fail. With Israel also a factor in the regional equation, analysts warn that the risk of military escalation remains high as neither side shows willingness to compromise on core demands.

  • Netanyahu Condemns Attacks on Female IDF Soldiers and Police

    Netanyahu Condemns Attacks on Female IDF Soldiers and Police

    TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the violent riots that erupted in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city near Tel Aviv, where female IDF soldiers and police officers were attacked. In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said: “I strongly condemn the violent riots in Bnei Brak against female IDF soldiers and officers of the Israeli Police. This is an extremist minority that does not represent the Haredi society as a whole. This is a grave and unacceptable act. We will not allow anarchy, and we will not tolerate any attack on IDF personnel and security forces who carry out their mission with devotion and determination.”

    The unrest began when two female IDF soldiers conducting a welfare activity were surrounded and chased by a mob of ultra-Orthodox men. Police intervened to rescue them, but the situation escalated as rioters overturned a police car and set a motorcycle ablaze. The incident has been linked to growing anger over Israel’s draft law mandating conscription for ultra-Orthodox men, a policy strongly opposed by parts of the community.

  • Trump Says No Definitive Outcome with Netanyahu as Israeli Leader Concludes Washington Visit

    Trump Says No Definitive Outcome with Netanyahu as Israeli Leader Concludes Washington Visit

    WASHINGTON, D.C., US: President Donald Trump has wrapped up talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House amid heightened tensions in the Middle East over Iran’s uranium enrichment program, which continues despite pressure from both Washington and Tel Aviv.

    In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the meeting as “very good,” highlighting the “tremendous relationship” between the United States and Israel. He added, however, that “nothing definitive” was agreed upon, aside from his insistence that negotiations with Iran should continue to determine whether a deal can be reached. “If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be,” Trump wrote.

    The president’s cryptic remarks have left foreign policy analysts uncertain about the concrete results of the meeting, particularly as the US continues to deploy aircraft carriers and other military assets to the region.

    Trump, signalling a preference for diplomacy over direct confrontation, warned Tehran against repeating past mistakes: “Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — that did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”

    Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the Middle East, with speculation mounting over possible US military action in response to Iran’s human rights abuses. Recent protests in the Persian Gulf nation reportedly resulted in mass casualties, further fuelling uncertainty about Washington’s next steps.

    Photo credit: Facebook/The Prime Minister of Israel

  • Israel’s Government Celebrates Trump Victory

    Israel’s Government Celebrates Trump Victory

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters celebrated the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House next year, hailing what a leader of the settler movement called an ally who would support them “unconditionally”.

    Congratulating Trump, Netanyahu said the former president was set for “history’s greatest comeback”.

    “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” he said in a statement, which was echoed by the leaders of the hard-right nationalist religious parties in his coalition.

    The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been fighting Israel for more than a year in Gaza, said the election was a matter for the American people, but it called for an end to the “blind support” for Israel from the United States.

    “We urge Trump to learn from (President Joe) Biden’s mistakes,” Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

    The outcome is a relief for Netanyahu’s coalition, which has clashed with Biden’s Democratic administration over the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon that have fuelled protests worldwide and left Israel increasingly isolated internationally.

    The first Trump administration delivered major wins to Netanyahu, when it went against most of the world in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and accepting Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

    Israel’s settler leaders also welcomed the election results after Biden’s administration imposed sanctions and asset freezes on settler groups and individuals involved in violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

    “We expect to have an ally standing unconditionally beside us as we fight the battles that are a war on the entire West,” Israel Ganz, chairman of the main Yesha settler council, said in a statement to Reuters.

    Underscoring the tensions, around 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel on Wednesday targeting locations including the coastal city of Tel Aviv with no injuries, the Israeli military said.

    Television footage showed part of a rocket that appeared to have been shot down by air defence systems smashing a car in the Israeli city of Raanana, close to Tel Aviv.

    Nearly two thirds of Israelis believe Trump would be better for Israel than his Democratic Party rival Kamala Harris, according to a survey from the Israel Democracy Institute.

    “I think it’s good for Israel,” said Jerusalem resident Nissim Attias. “He proved the last time he was the president, he moved the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and everything that he said, he did.”

    -REUTERS