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  • “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won,” Trump tells UK

    “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won,” Trump tells UK

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026— U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from the United Kingdom to deploy two aircraft carriers to the Middle East in support of ongoing American and Israeli military operations against Iran. 

    In a post on his Truth Social account Sunday, Trump dismissed the offer, writing: “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — but we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!”

    The remarks come amid tensions between Washington and London over Britain’s limited role in the conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that the UK’s priority is protecting British citizens in the region and avoiding escalation into a wider Middle East war. 

    Britain has confined its involvement to defensive operations, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles and evacuating nationals. UK officials argue that joining direct strikes against Iran could risk expanding the conflict into a full-scale regional war. Instead, London has pursued a dual-track strategy of military readiness and diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation.

  • Middle East War: Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

    Middle East War: Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

    Tampa, Fla. (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) convened a virtual meeting of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) Defence Working Group with representatives from Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    According to a statement issued by USCENTCOM on March 6, participants included HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council of Bahrain; Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom; and Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command.

    Discussions focused on the current regional security environment, with emphasis on what officials described as deliberate aggression by the Iranian regime and attacks on civilians across the Middle East. The parties underscored the importance of cooperation to safeguard peace and stability.

    The meeting followed recent developments in the Gulf, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighboring states after Iranian missile and drone strikes. In a televised address, Pezeshkian pledged to halt the attacks and called for diplomacy over escalation, attributing the strikes to miscommunication within Iran’s military ranks.

  • U.S. approves $151.8 million emergency arms sale to Israel

    U.S. approves $151.8 million emergency arms sale to Israel

    Washington, D.C. (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The United States has approved a $151.8 million emergency weapons sale to Israel, bypassing congressional review amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah and Iran.

    The package, authorized on March 6 by the State Department, includes 12,000 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bomb bodies, along with engineering and logistics support. Officials said part of the supply will be drawn from U.S. stockpiles to ensure rapid delivery.

    This latest deal follows a larger $6.67 billion arms package approved in January 2026, which included advanced missile systems, precision-guided munitions, and expanded drone capabilities. Together, the sales reflect Washington’s effort to reinforce Israel’s military capacity during the ongoing regional war.

    Analysts note that the emergency authorization not only underscores U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense but also signals Israel’s readiness to prosecute the conflict with Iran and Hezbollah for a longer duration than many observers might have anticipated.

  • Iran apologises for attacks on neighbours, sets tough conditions

    Iran apologises for attacks on neighbours, sets tough conditions

    Tehran, Iran (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an apology to Gulf nations following Iranian missile and drone strikes on neighbouring states amid ongoing military operations in the Persian Gulf involving the United States and Israel.

    In a televised address, Pezeshkian acknowledged the attacks, pledged to halt them, and called for diplomacy over escalation. “I should apologise to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran, on my own behalf,” he said, attributing the strikes to miscommunication within Iran’s military ranks.

    The president clarified that the response came after heavy assaults on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the strikes as unintended escalations. He warned, however, that Iran would retaliate against any future attacks launched from external territories.

    Analysts note uncertainty over whether the apology reflects a weakened military position, as both the U.S. and Israel have claimed to have destroyed more than 80 per cent of Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy.

    Meanwhile, Pezeshkian rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, dismissing it as “a dream they should take to their grave.”

  • U.S. lawmaker condemns Taraba church burning, says Washington will act

    U.S. lawmaker condemns Taraba church burning, says Washington will act

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Riley Moore, a member of the United States Congress tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, has condemned the reported burning of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Wukari, Taraba State, on March 4, 2026.

    The attack, attributed to Islamist militants, drew widespread attention after images of the destroyed church circulated on social media. In a statement on March 6, Moore offered condolences to parishioners and cited scripture: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

    Moore stressed that Christians in Nigeria continue to face targeted violence, adding: “The United States has declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, and we won’t stand idly by as Christians continue to face this violence.”

    Last week, the congressional committee chaired by Moore submitted recommendations to the U.S. President on measures to address what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities in Africa’s most populous nation.

    According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety Nigeria), Islamist extremist groups in Nigeria—most notably Boko Haram and allied militants—have systematically targeted churches as part of a campaign to intimidate Christian communities, diminish their presence, and advance their goal of establishing a religiously homogenous state. Since 2009, an estimated 19,100 churches have been attacked, burned, or destroyed, averaging about 1,200 per year (roughly 100 per month).

    The primary driver behind these attacks is ideological motivation. Groups such as Boko Haram seek to impose a strict Islamist order, viewing Christian institutions as symbols of resistance to their ideology and as strategic targets for undermining community cohesion and morale.

    The Nigerian government has introduced several measures to address the violence, including military operations such as targeted airstrikes against Islamist extremist groups. However, analysts caution that these efforts remain insufficient, noting that the attacks have continued to escalate in both frequency and scale.

  • Reno Omokri Thanks President Tinubu for Mexico Ambassador Posting

    Reno Omokri Thanks President Tinubu for Mexico Ambassador Posting

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his approval as Nigeria’s envoy to Mexico.

    In a statement released Friday, Omokri described President Tinubu as “a man with a heart of gold” and pledged his loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Head of State. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, family, and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, whom he praised for his integrity.

    Omokri noted that his posting coincides with his symbolic six-day climb to Mount Kilimanjaro, where he intends to hoist Nigeria’s flag at the summit. He linked the gesture to Nigeria’s rising global profile, citing reports from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund that ranked Nigeria among the top contributors to global GDP in 2025.

    He further highlighted Nigeria’s growing reputation as a safe and stable destination, pointing to the success of “Detty December 2025,” which attracted 1.2 million tourists without major incidents.

    “I devote my life again and afresh to Nigeria — to be faithful, loyal, and honest, and to serve and market Nigeria to the best of my ability. So help me God,” Omokri stated.

  • U.S. military sinks Iranian drone carrier, vows destruction of Iranian naval power

    U.S. military sinks Iranian drone carrier, vows destruction of Iranian naval power

    Florida, U.S. (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The United States military has announced the sinking of an Iranian naval vessel described as a drone carrier. The announcement was made by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

    In a statement accompanied by video footage, CENTCOM said: “U.S. forces are not holding back in the mission to degrade the Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a World War II-era aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire.”

    The incident follows a recent operation in which U.S. forces sank another Iranian naval vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, reportedly leaving more than 100 Iranian military personnel dead and dozens injured. The latest strike underscores escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with analysts warning of potential wider regional implications.

  • FBI arrests Bangladeshi national in international child exploitation case

    FBI arrests Bangladeshi national in international child exploitation case

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of a 28-year-old Bangladeshi national, wanted since 2022 for allegedly operating an international child sexual exploitation enterprise.

    In a statement released Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the suspect, identified as Zobaidul Amin, was apprehended in Malaysia and subsequently transferred to the United States.

    “The FBI, working closely with our international partners, has arrested Zobaidul Amin, 28, a Bangladeshi national who has been wanted since 2022 on charges including running an international child sexual exploitation enterprise,” Patel said.

    According to the FBI, Amin was flown from Malaysia to Alaska on Thursday night, where he is expected to face formal charges later today.

    Director Patel expressed gratitude to both U.S. and international agencies for their cooperation in the operation.

    “We thank Legat Kuala Lumpur, the Government of Malaysia, and our local partners across the country for their invaluable assistance in this investigation and arrest. Special recognition goes to FBI Anchorage for their outstanding work in this case,” he added.

    Sex trafficking and child exploitation are treated as serious federal crimes in the United States. Convictions can carry penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment, along with substantial fines and restitution to victims. In aggravated cases involving minors, offenders may face automatic life sentences.

  • U.S. assure of energy security amid Iran conflict

    U.S. assure of energy security amid Iran conflict

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The United States government has sought to calm fears of an energy crisis as military operations with Israel against Iran intensify. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that President Donald Trump’s administration has positioned the U.S. as the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, ensuring resilience against supply shocks.

    Leavitt noted that beyond domestic production, Washington is exploring opportunities to strengthen energy dominance by tapping newly discovered reserves in Venezuela. She added that the U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide political risk insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, while the U.S. Navy stands ready to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. “Rest assured — President Trump’s entire energy team has been preparing for this, and they are all over it,” she said.

    Global oil markets, however, have already reacted sharply to the conflict. Crude prices surged more than 8% in early March, with gas and LNG markets also spiking amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Analysts warn that higher energy costs could fuel inflation worldwide, while investors have shifted toward gold and defence stocks as safe havens. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed to have shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, raising concerns of sustained price volatility.

    In Nigeria, as the hostilities pushed global crude prices above $90 per barrel, petrol prices rose to ₦824–₦880 per litre, with regional variations based on transport and supply chain costs.

    Economic forecasters, including Oxford Economics, project that the war could last weeks or months, keeping energy markets unstable. Morgan Stanley cautioned that inflationary pressures may constrain central banks, limiting their ability to raise interest rates. The longer the conflict and Gulf disruption persist, the more severe the global economic fallout is expected to be.

  • Middle East War: Two coalitions emerge — Israel’s President

    Middle East War: Two coalitions emerge — Israel’s President

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — Amid escalating military operations by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, declared on Thursday that the conflict has given rise to two opposing coalitions in the Middle East.

    In a video message monitored by our correspondents, Herzog stated: “Two coalitions have emerged in the Middle East. One of terror, with Tehran at its centre. And one of hope, with Muslims, Christians, and Jews living together in peace. This coalition of hope, coexistence, and peace will prevail.”

    Israel’s objectives in its current strikes on Iran are twofold: to cripple Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and to weaken or remove the ruling regime. Coordinated closely with the United States, these attacks represent the most direct attempt yet to reshape Iran’s political and military landscape. Targets have included nuclear facilities, missile sites, and command centres, intending to reduce Iran’s capacity to arm regional proxies such as Hezbollah and deter future assaults on Israeli territory.

    Beyond military deterrence, analysts suggest Israel’s broader strategic goal is regime change in Tehran. The killing of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, underscores this ambition. By destabilising Iran’s leadership, Israel hopes to pave the way for a government less hostile to its existence and regional stability. This marks a dramatic escalation from defensive operations toward actively reshaping Iran’s political order.

    Iran has responded with avalanches of missiles and drone strikes across countries in the region, inflicting significant damage and deaths in the Gulf.