Category: North America

  • Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The war in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran shows no sign of easing, as Tehran has dismissed prospects for renewed negotiations with Washington.

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Tehran has “no plan” for another round of talks with the U.S., adding, “If the U.S. sends a team to Islamabad, that is a matter that concerns them.” His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American envoys were en route to Islamabad to continue discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

    Baqaei stressed that Iran would not accept deadlines or ultimatums, reiterating that its “red lines” remain unchanged. He further clarified that the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles abroad was “never raised” and is “not on the agenda.”

    The spokesperson also criticized U.S. actions, describing the ongoing naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire. He accused Washington of making “unreasonable demands” and insisted that progress depends on “good faith” from the American side.

    Tensions have escalated following Iran’s decision to reimpose the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. condemned as a breach of prior agreements. In response, President Trump warned of “devastating consequences” should Iran persist with the blockade.

    Analysts note that uncertainty over the Islamabad Talks and mutual accusations of violations have left the conflict at risk of further escalation, with trust between the two sides at a low point.

  • U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that U.S. forces disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to enter an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing naval blockade.

    CENTCOM said the operation was carried out on April 19 by the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), which intercepted the vessel, identified as M/V Touska, in the northern Arabian Sea while en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

    According to the command, U.S. forces issued multiple warnings to the vessel, informing its crew that it was in breach of the blockade. However, the crew reportedly failed to comply with the directives.

    CENTCOM said that after repeated warnings over a six-hour period, the destroyer ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before disabling the vessel’s propulsion system by firing rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into the engine compartment.

    The command added that U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the vessel, which is now in U.S. custody.

    It stated that the operation was conducted in a deliberate, professional and proportional manner to ensure compliance with the blockade measures.

    CENTCOM noted that since the commencement of the blockade, U.S. forces have directed at least 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports.

    The development comes amid rising tensions in the region, following Iran’s reimposition of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. restrictions, a move Washington has described as a violation of a ceasefire agreement reached after recent talks in Islamabad.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran continues to restrict access to the strategic waterway.

  • Trump warns Iran of devastating consequences over Strait of Hormuz closure

    Trump warns Iran of devastating consequences over Strait of Hormuz closure

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences following Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz again, describing the move as a violation of a ceasefire agreement.

    Iran had earlier cited the refusal of the United States to ease sanctions and restrictions as the reason for reimposing the closure of the strategic shipping route.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iran fired shots in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a French vessel and a freighter from the United Kingdom.

    “That wasn’t nice, was it?” he said.

    He disclosed that U.S. representatives would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for further negotiations, expected to commence the following day.

    Trump also claimed that Iran’s decision to shut the strait was counterproductive, arguing that existing U.S. measures had already limited access to the passage.

    According to him, the closure would hurt Iran economically, estimating losses of about $500 million daily.

    The U.S. president said the United States would not be adversely affected, noting that oil shipments were being redirected, with vessels heading to ports in Texas, Louisiana and Alaska to supply international markets.

    He added that the U.S. had presented Iran with what he described as a fair and reasonable deal, urging Tehran to accept it.

    Trump warned that failure to do so could lead to strong military action (knocking out of Iran’s power and bridges and others), stressing that the United States would no longer adopt what he called a “Mr. Nice Guy” approach. “They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the deal, it will be my honour to do what has to be done,” he said.

  • U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    ANTALYA, Turkey (NPA) — The United States Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has met with Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya.

    The meeting, held at the NEST Congress and Fair Center in Belek, focused on ongoing efforts to stabilise and unify Libya following years of political division. Boulos noted that both parties underscored the significance of the recent signing of a unified national budget on 11 April, as well as the launch of Exercise Flintlock on 14 April, which involved joint participation by eastern and western Libyan special forces.

    According to the U.S. envoy, the developments represent key steps toward national reconciliation and institutional unity after prolonged tensions among rival political factions and armed groups. He said both sides explored ways to build on the progress made through economic and military integration.

    Discussions also centred on how the United States can support Libya’s path toward the unification of state institutions, culminating in the conduct of credible national elections aimed at restoring stability and governance in the country.

    Boulos reiterated Washington’s position in favour of a peaceful, stable, and unified Libya, capable of driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for its citizens and international partners.

  • UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is severely damaging global trade, stressing that restoring freedom of navigation is vital to easing cost-of-living pressures worldwide.

    Speaking on Monday, Starmer said the United Kingdom has convened more than 40 nations committed to restoring safe passage through the strait, which has become the epicenter of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He emphasized that securing international shipping lanes is critical to stabilizing global markets.

    Looking ahead, Starmer revealed that the UK and France will co-host a summit this week to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping once the conflict subsides. “Getting global shipping moving again is essential to protect households and economies from further shocks,” he said.

    As of press time, it remains unclear whether the United States is among the 40 nations convened, given Washington’s unilateral actions in the strait. President Donald Trump recently announced a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ordering the Navy to intercept vessels paying tolls to Iran.

  • U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has announced that it carried out precision strikes on two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations, in an operation described as “applying total systemic friction on the cartels.”

    According to SOUTHCOM, the strikes were conducted on April 11 under the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. The first strike killed two male narco-terrorists, while one survived. The second strike killed three male narco-terrorists.

    In its statement, SOUTHCOM said: “On April 11, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted two lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed, and one narco-terrorist survived the first strike. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during the second strike.”

    Following the engagements, SOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. The Command confirmed that no U.S. military forces were harmed during the operation.

  • Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Former U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the victory of Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, over incumbent Viktor Orbán, ending his 16-year rule. Obama described the outcome as “a victory for democracy.” 

    Early results on Sunday showed Tisza securing a majority in the 199-seat parliament, with projections giving the party 138 seats compared to Fidesz’s 55. Orbán has since conceded defeat, marking a dramatic shift in Hungary’s political landscape.

    In a statement, Obama said: “The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.” 

    Magyar’s campaign focused on rebuilding ties with the European Union, restoring democratic checks and balances, and reducing Hungary’s dependence on Moscow. He pledged to strengthen judicial independence, protect media freedom, and implement anti-corruption measures to ensure transparent governance. 

    The victory signals a new era in Hungarian politics, with voters backing a platform centered on democratic renewal, international cooperation, and economic accountability.

  • US praises Nigeria over large-scale terrorism convictions

    US praises Nigeria over large-scale terrorism convictions

    INTERNATIONAL, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Fares Boulos, has commended the Nigerian government for securing recent convictions of terrorism suspects, describing the move as a strong demonstration of commitment to justice and accountability.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, Boulos said the United States welcomed the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in Nigerian courts. “We commend the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice,” he noted.

    He stressed that Washington believes timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. “Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country,” the statement concluded.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 cases in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects. The Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed the development last Friday, noting that of the 508 defendants brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, two were acquitted while eight were discharged.

    Fagbemi further clarified that another batch of 112 suspects, whose cases could not be heard, will be arraigned alongside others in the next phase of the mass trial scheduled for 15–18 June. He stressed that the convictions send a clear message that Nigeria has zero tolerance for terrorism and related crimes.

    The United States’ endorsement of Nigeria’s judicial efforts signals support for the country’s fight against extremism, and the strengthening of national and regional security.

  • US terminates residency of family linked to 1979 Tehran hostage crisis

    US terminates residency of family linked to 1979 Tehran hostage crisis

    INTERNATIONAL, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the termination of permanent resident status for Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son, pending their removal from the country.

    In a statement today, Rubio referenced Masoumeh Ebtekar — also known as “Screaming Mary” — who served as spokeswoman for the militants that stormed the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days and subjecting them to beatings, starvation, and mock executions.

    Rubio noted that in 2014, the Obama Administration granted visas to Ebtekar’s son and his family, and in 2016, they were given lawful permanent resident status through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme.

    “This week, I terminated their lawful permanent resident status. Today, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son are in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending removal from our country,” Rubio said.

    He added that the family should never have been allowed to benefit from the privilege of living in the United States. “America can never become home for anti‑American terrorists or their families — and under the Trump Administration, it never will,” he concluded.

  • US begins clearing mines from Strait of Hormuz as warships cross waterway

    US begins clearing mines from Strait of Hormuz as warships cross waterway

    INTERNATIONAL, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced that the US has begun the process of clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz to allow the full resumption of marine navigation. He said the move was being undertaken as a favour to countries across the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany and others.

    In a post on Truth Social, President Trump criticised what he described as “The Fake News Media”, accusing them of lacking credibility and of portraying Iran as “winning” despite what he claimed was the opposite. He asserted that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, including its navy, air force, radar systems, missile and drone factories, and leadership.

    Trump noted that the only remaining threat was the possibility of ships striking sea mines, but added that all 28 of Iran’s mine‑laying boats had been destroyed. He said the US was now beginning mine‑clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for international shipping.

    He also lampooned countries that had declined to participate in securing the strait during the conflict, saying they lacked the courage or will to act. He pointed out that empty oil tankers from many nations were now heading to the United States to load crude oil.

    “Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he concluded.

    Earlier, Axios reported that several US warships crossed the Strait of Hormuz today for the first time since the war began, in a move not coordinated with Iran.