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Category: North America

  • UN Chief warns of wider Middle East War, urges dialogue over destruction

    UN Chief warns of wider Middle East War, urges dialogue over destruction

    INTERNATIONAL, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has issued a stark warning that the world is “on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe.” Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, following a Security Council meeting on cooperation with Gulf States, he appealed to all parties to halt hostilities and choose diplomacy over confrontation.

    Guterres condemned the military strikes against Iran on 28 February and subsequent attacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, describing them as “clear violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He stressed that “conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction.”

    The UN chief called on the United States, Israel and Iran to stop the war, warning that each day of continued fighting brings mounting human suffering, indiscriminate attacks and escalating devastation. He urged Iran specifically to “stop attacking your neighbours,” while pressing all sides to respect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear installations.

    Highlighting the global economic repercussions, Guterres emphasised the need to uphold freedom of navigation and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor through which one‑fifth of the world’s oil and gas is exported. He cautioned that disruptions to maritime routes and energy supplies risk deepening the cost‑of‑living crisis and fuelling hunger worldwide.

    Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Jean Arnault appointed as the Secretary‑General’s Personal Envoy to lead UN engagement on the Middle East conflict. Guterres underscored that strengthened cooperation between the UN and Gulf States is “not only timely; it is necessary.”

    “The choice is clear,” he concluded. “Dialogue must prevail over destruction if the region and the world are to avoid catastrophe.”

  • Trump says Iran requests ceasefire conditional on Strait of Hormuz opening

    Trump says Iran requests ceasefire conditional on Strait of Hormuz opening

    INTERNATIONAL, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Iranian authorities have approached Washington seeking a ceasefire. However, he insisted that any such consideration would only be possible if the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear.”

    The President made the remarks on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social, adding that the US military would continue its operations against Iran if the strategic waterway remained obstructed.

    He wrote: “The Iran’s New Regime President, much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT.”

    Iran, however, has on many occasions denied engaging in ceasefire talks with the United States, stating that it alone will decide when the war ends. Tehran has also insisted on keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed. It remains unclear what diplomatic efforts, if any, are being pursued behind the scenes between the adversaries to bring the conflict to a conclusion.

  • Trump announces King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 2027 state visit to the U.S.

    Trump announces King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 2027 state visit to the U.S.

    NORTH AMERICA, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the United States from 27 to 30 April 2027.

    As part of what the President described as a “historic occasion,” a state banquet will be held at the White House on the evening of 28 April. The visit coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    In a statement released on Tuesday via his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: “Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th, which will include a beautiful Banquet Dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28th. This momentous occasion will be even more special this year, as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our Great Country. I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”

    However, earlier in the day, Trump criticised the United Kingdom and other NATO allies for failing to join U.S. efforts in the ongoing conflict with Iran, particularly in securing the Strait of Hormuz. He accused them of complaining about rising oil prices while refusing to take military action.

    “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” Trump said.

    It remains unclear how the forthcoming state visit will accommodate these political conundrums arising from the war in the Middle East, as Trump has been openly critical of England’s neutral position.

  • China accuses U.S. of nuclear ‘smears’, demands disarmament leadership

    China accuses U.S. of nuclear ‘smears’, demands disarmament leadership

    INTERNATIONAL (Agency Report) — 27 March 2026 — China’s Ministry of National Defence on Thursday rejected recent United States allegations of nuclear testing as “groundless smears” and urged Washington to honour its responsibilities on disarmament.

    Spokesperson Jiang Bin, responding to media questions, stressed that China maintains a strictly self-defensive nuclear strategy, adheres to a no-first-use policy, and pledges never to use or threaten nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. He said China’s nuclear capability remains at the minimum required for national security and that Beijing does not engage in an arms race.

    Jiang highlighted China’s active role in the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its participation in meetings of the five recognised nuclear powers. He noted that Beijing continues dialogue on arms control with all parties.

    Turning his criticism on Washington, Jiang accused the U.S. of undermining global stability by withdrawing from treaties, investing heavily in upgrading its nuclear triad, developing the “Golden Dome” missile defence system, and deploying intermediate-range weapons in the Asia-Pacific. He also cited the lapse of the New START treaty, U.S. interest in resuming nuclear testing, and double standards in non-proliferation.

    “These measures have seriously weakened global strategic stability,” Jiang said. “As the country with the largest nuclear arsenal, the U.S. should earnestly fulfil its special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, make substantial reductions in its arsenal, and create conditions for other nuclear-weapon states to participate in disarmament.” (Xinhua/NAN).

  • IDF confirms killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri and Intelligence Chief Behnam Rezaei

    IDF confirms killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri and Intelligence Chief Behnam Rezaei

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have officially announced the killing of Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

    In a statement, the IDF noted that Tangsiri had served in the role for the past eight years, following earlier senior positions within the IRGC Navy, including overseeing what Israel described as the regime’s terror activities.

    The IDF accused him of responsibility for repeated strikes against oil tankers and trading vessels, portraying him as a central figure who posed a threat to maritime navigation and freedom of trade in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider international maritime domain.

    According to the statement, during Operation Roaring Lion, Tangsiri directed efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz and oversaw maritime attacks against countries in the Middle East, as well as against U.S. and allied energy infrastructure.

    The IDF added that he was directly implicated in disrupting the global economy and had been subject to numerous international sanctions due to his involvement in attacks on vessels in international waters, as well as in the transfer of air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia and Syria.

    The statement further revealed that another senior Iranian military official was killed alongside Tangsiri — Behnam Rezaei, Head of the IRGC Navy Intelligence Directorate. Rezaei was said to have been responsible for intelligence collection on regional countries and for leading cooperation with various intelligence organisations.

  • Ukraine’s drone offensive halves Russia’s oil shipments as global oil markets hangs in the balance

    Ukraine’s drone offensive halves Russia’s oil shipments as global oil markets hangs in the balance

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 25, 2026: Russia’s ambitions to cash in on soaring global oil demand amid Middle East turmoil have suffered a devastating setback, as Ukrainian drone attacks cripple nearly half of its export capacity.

    Massive fires erupted at Russia’s Baltic Sea ports, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, forcing the suspension of oil shipments for the second time in a week. The Ust-Luga terminal, which handles about 700,000 barrels of oil daily, was struck overnight, sparking an inferno that continues to rage. The port is a vital hub for petroleum products, coal, and fertilizers.

    Primorsk, Russia’s largest Baltic oil port with a capacity of 1 million barrels per day, was also targeted earlier on March 22. That strike ignited fuel storage tanks, halting operations and compounding the disruption.

    The scale of the damage is staggering: about 2 million barrels per day—roughly 40% of Russia’s export capacity—has been knocked offline. Novorossiysk, another critical port on the Black Sea, has also faced interruptions following a drone attack earlier this month.

    MarineTraffic data shows at least 50 vessels stranded in the Gulf of Finland, awaiting clearance to dock at the paralyzed ports. Local media, including Helsingin Sanomat, report that smoke from Ust-Luga’s burning fuel tanks—33 in total, with capacity exceeding 500 rail tank cars—is visible from Finland’s coastline, stretching for dozens of kilometers.

    Russia’s oil lifeline to global markets now hangs in the balance, as Ukraine’s precision strikes continue to dismantle Moscow’s export infrastructure.

  • Ex-US Mayor, Mike Arnold accuses Britain of silence over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

    Ex-US Mayor, Mike Arnold accuses Britain of silence over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Mike Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, has accused Britain of deliberate silence over the imprisonment of British citizen Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

    Arnold, a vocal critic of Christian persecution in Nigeria, on Tuesday, published a lengthy piece titled “Great Britain’s Dirtiest Secret.” He described Kanu, a British passport holder and founder of IPOB — the Indigenous People of Biafra — as a peaceful advocate for Igbo rights and independence. Broadcasting legally from London, he alleged that Kanu’s movement was declared a terrorist organisation in 2017 by then‑President Muhammadu Buhari without trial or evidence. Though courts later dismissed the designation, damages were awarded, and IPOB’s activities continued.

    Arnold condemned Kanu’s abduction from Kenya in 2021 without extradition proceedings, his conviction in November 2025 under what he alleged was a repealed law, and his transfer to Sokoto prison, far from family and legal counsel. He questioned Britain’s silence in all these, noting no statement, briefing, or sanctions, despite similar actions against Russia, Myanmar, and China.

    The release emphasised the vitality of the Igbo people, describing them as dynamic and entrepreneurial, yet marginalised for decades. 

    Arnold further accused Britain of allegedly prioritising oil and Shell’s pipelines over millions of lives during the Nigeria-Biafra War, insisting that reparations and autonomy are overdue. He argued that Biafra represents justice, not instability, and warned that Washington’s reluctance to address it stems from fear.

    He broadened the critique to Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups — Yoruba, Tiv, Berom, Kanuri, and others — all deserving freedom and self‑determination. 

    According to him, Britain’s 1970 victory left the Igbo dispossessed, with systematic marginalisation continuing: no Igbo president, underrepresentation in federal institutions, and environmental devastation in the oil‑rich southeast,’ he wrote further.

    Arnold contrasted the poverty in the Igbo homeland with the success of the Igbos in diaspora, whom he highlighted as reputable doctors, engineers, and professionals thriving in America and Britain. He concluded that the problem with Nigeria lies not with the people but with a system designed to suppress them, comparing Nigeria’s tribal divisions to America’s racial ones — both tools to keep the oppressed divided.

    Recently, Arnold and his former associate, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, publicly clashed over widespread allegations of Christian killings in Nigeria — a controversy that ultimately drew the attention of a U.S. congressional inquiry.

  • Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday held discussions with United States President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Netanyahu revealed that the talks focused on consolidating the “tremendous achievements” made by Israel and the US in the conflict, while exploring additional strategies to secure their war objectives in a framework that protects the vital interests of both nations.

    In a televised broadcast, on Monday, monitored by Newpost Africa, Netanyahu stressed that diplomatic engagements would not deter Israel from continuing military operations in Iran and Lebanon.

    “We are crushing the missile program and the nuclear program, and continuing to inflict severe blows on Hezbollah,” he declared. “Just days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists — and the hand is still outstretched.”

    The Prime Minister emphasised that Israel’s security priorities remain unchanged, regardless of the outcome of ongoing US talks with Iran. He insisted that Israel would safeguard its national interests under any scenario, reinforcing his government’s resolve to maintain pressure on Tehran and its allies.

    Observers note that Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel’s determination to pursue a hardline military approach while simultaneously engaging in high‑level diplomatic coordination with Washington. The statement also highlights the dual track of Israel’s strategy: combining battlefield operations with international negotiations to secure long‑term security guarantees.

  • Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” mantra may be showing results, following his announcement on Monday via his Truth Social account that the United States and Iran have, over the past two days, begun what he described as “very good and productive conversations” aimed at achieving a complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.

    Trump clarified that, based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive discussions — which are expected to continue throughout the week — he has instructed the Department of War to postpone any planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. He stressed that the pause is conditional on the success of ongoing meetings and negotiations.

    The statement, reproduced in full, reads: “I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

    The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has destabilised oil markets and damaged critical civilian infrastructure. Trump’s decision to delay strikes is being interpreted as a cautious step toward de-escalation, while leaving open the possibility of military action should talks fail.

  • LaGuardia Airport shut after Air Canada jet collides with fire truck

    LaGuardia Airport shut after Air Canada jet collides with fire truck

    NORTH AMERICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — New York’s LaGuardia Airport was closed temporarily after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck while landing late Sunday night, killing the pilot and co-pilot and injuring several others, according to officials.

    The crash, which has intensified scrutiny amid ongoing concerns about aviation safety in the United States, occurred on the runway as the aircraft was touching down and the emergency vehicle was reportedly moving toward another plane.

    Authorities confirmed that there were 72 passengers and four crew members onboard. Of these, 41 people were hospitalized with varying degrees of injury, while others were treated at the scene. 

    The incident has prompted investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, as officials seek to determine how a rescue vehicle came into conflict with a landing aircraft at one of the nation’s busiest airports.