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  • US Central Command issues safety warning to civilians in Iran

    US Central Command issues safety warning to civilians in Iran

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a safety advisory urging civilians in Iran to remain indoors, citing concerns that the Iranian government is conducting military operations from heavily populated areas. According to CENTCOM, these operations include the launch of one-way attack drones and ballistic missiles.

    In a statement released on March 8, CENTCOM described the Iranian strategy as “a dangerous decision that risks the lives of civilians,” noting that under international law, locations used for military purposes lose their protected status and may become legitimate military targets.

    The statement alleged that Iranian forces are operating from crowded urban areas in cities such as Dezful, Esfahan, and Shiraz. CENTCOM warned that this tactic places civilians at risk, while also accusing Iranian forces of targeting civilian airports, hotels, and residential neighborhoods across the Middle East.

    “Iran’s terrorist regime is blatantly disregarding civilian lives by attacking Gulf partners while compromising the safety of their own people,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

    CENTCOM further reported that since February 28, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of one-way attack drones. However, it claimed that launch rates have declined significantly due to U.S. and partner forces degrading Iran’s military capabilities.

    The statement emphasized that the U.S. military takes “every feasible precaution to minimize harm to civilians” but cautioned that it cannot guarantee civilian safety near facilities being used by Iranian forces for military purposes.

  • Israel’s Defense Minister vows to target any future Iranian Supreme Leader

    Israel’s Defense Minister vows to target any future Iranian Supreme Leader

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 8, 2026— Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has declared that any individual appointed as the next Supreme Leader of Iran will be targeted for elimination by Israel. His remarks follow an Israeli strike on an oil refinery and storage facility in Iran, which left parts of the city engulfed in fumes.

    In a post on his verified X account on March 4, Katz stated: “Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world, and to suppress the Iranian people—will be an unequivocal target for elimination. It does not matter what his name is or where he hides.”

    Katz added that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for action under Operation Lion’s Roar. He emphasized that Israel, working alongside the United States, would continue to act “with full force” to weaken Iran’s regime and create conditions for its overthrow.

    Israel has previously carried out targeted killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders shortly after their appointments, raising questions about how Tehran will respond to this latest warning. Iran has continued to launch missile and drone attacks against Israel and neighboring Gulf states in retaliation for ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes that have severely damaged key national infrastructure.

  • Obama Presidential Center to open June 19

    Obama Presidential Center to open June 19

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — The Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago’s South Side, will officially open to the public on June 19, 2026, former U.S. President Barack Obama announced on March 7.

    Obama described the center as “a place for all of us to come together to bring change home,” underscoring its mission as a global hub for inspiration, empowerment, and civic engagement.

    The 19-acre campus will feature a world-class museum, a public library, and open-air spaces designed for community gatherings. According to information published on obama.org, the center aims to serve both local residents and international visitors, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and participate in initiatives that drive social change.

    In announcing the opening, Obama emphasized that the event will not follow a traditional ribbon-cutting format.

    “The opening of the Obama Presidential Center will be a celebration of the power of ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things. From our next-door neighbors to our community online, we invite everyone to join us in a week of moments designed to inspire action on campus and across the world,” he said.

    The inauguration will include a series of activities highlighting the center’s mission to foster civic participation and community-driven solutions to global challenges.

  • “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.