International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kuwait Ministry of Defence has announced that several American military aircraft went down on Monday morning, as authorities continue to investigate the incidents.

In an official statement released through the ministry’s spokesperson, the government confirmed that every crew member on board the affected aircraft survived.

“In a statement issued by the ministry’s official spokesperson, authorities said all crew members aboard the affected aircraft were successfully rescued.”

The spokesperson stated that emergency teams moved swiftly after the crashes. He said search and rescue operations commenced without delay. Medical teams evacuated the crews to hospital facilities for examination and treatment. He added that their condition remains stable.

The ministry also disclosed that it established direct contact with United States forces over the matter. It confirmed that both sides initiated joint technical steps in response to the crashes. However, officials did not state the exact number of aircraft involved. They also withheld details about the crash sites and the missions underway at the time.

The spokesperson said the appropriate authorities are continuing investigations to establish the cause of the incidents. He urged the public to rely on verified official information.

The crashes occurred amid heightened military confrontation in the region. After the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran that struck Tehran and other cities and resulted in the deaths of senior leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran promised retaliation.

Iran responded within hours. It launched multiple missiles and drones at American military installations across the Gulf.

The United States maintains forces and equipment in several Gulf countries. These include Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Iranian forces targeted bases in those nations in a show of reach across the Middle East.

Explosions were reported near the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. In Kuwait, Al Salem Air Base came under attack. In Qatar, Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military facility in the region, was also struck. Missiles targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

The strikes triggered alarm across the Gulf region. Smoke rose over parts of affected areas, and warning systems activated at U.S. facilities.

The escalation has intensified fears of a broader conflict. Gulf states that host American forces have found themselves drawn into the crisis, despite not taking part in the initial strikes on Iran.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has reacted to the passing of Iran’s top religious figure, Ali Khamenei, with a message of condolence.

The footballer shared a brief statement in which he expressed support for the people of Iran and others affected by the loss.

“Heartfelt condolences to the Iranian people and all those grieving the loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Wishing you strength and peace in these sorrowful days. 🙏❤️”

The message has joined a growing number of reactions from public figures across the globe, as tributes continue to pour in following the reported death of the Iranian leader.

By Uzair Adam

The Ummah Movement has condemned what it described as an unprovoked and premeditated joint military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran by the United States and Israel, warning that the action could trigger a wider regional and global conflict.

In a statement signed by its National Amir, Prof. Muhammad Babangida, on Sunday, the group expressed shock over the reported simultaneous strikes carried out on Saturday, 28th February 2026.

The movement said it was saddened that U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly chose the holy month of Ramadan to launch what it termed “criminal aggression” against Iran.

It also referenced the ongoing war in Gaza, claiming that more than 70,000 lives had been lost in previous joint military actions.

According to the group, the attack on Iran was launched despite what it described as ongoing negotiations in Geneva, which it alleged were used as a cover for regime change.

The Ummah Movement said the action was capable of igniting a broader regional confrontation with “unlimited disastrous consequences.”

The statement further condemned what it called the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Kharana’i, and other senior officials.

“This is a cowardly act which sets a dangerous precedence in conflicts between nations,” the group stated, accusing the United States and Israel of disregarding international laws and conventions in pursuit of expansionist goals.

The movement called on the Nigerian Federal Government to publicly denounce the strikes and review any existing military agreements with the United States and Israel.

It also urged Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East to shut down U.S. military bases within their territories and expel American troops as a step toward restoring peace in the region.

The group warned that failure by Muslim countries to act promptly could lead to a wider global confrontation, potentially drawing in Russia and China on the side of Iran, particularly if the conflict disrupts global fuel supplies in the Gulf.

By Uzair Adam

The Republic of China has firmly opposed and strongly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, describing the attack as a serious breach of international norms.

A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry made the statement on Sunday while responding to questions about the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was said to have been killed during military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel in Tehran on Saturday.

According to the spokesperson, the attack represents a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, undermining the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter as well as the basic norms guiding international relations.

China called for an immediate halt to the military operations and urged all parties to avoid further escalation of tensions.

The spokesperson also stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and across the world. (Xinhua)

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran was announced shortly after the passing of the country’s former leader, Ali Khamenei.

The new leader assumes the position at a time of significant challenges in the Middle East, amidst severe tensions between Iran and other nations, including Israel.

In his inaugural address to the nation, Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran’s policies regarding its nuclear program and its firm stance in defending its regional interests will remain unchanged. He emphasized that Iran will continue to follow the path inherited from the previous leadership.

He also indicated that the country is in a state of full readiness, portraying Iran as a resilient nation equipped with sufficient strategies and strength to defend itself against any external threats.

Political analysts observing international affairs view this transition as a new chapter in the history of Iran’s leadership, particularly at a time when the Middle East is grappling with conflicts and disputes.

By Anas Abbas

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday following an unprecedented military offensive by the United States and Israel.

The joint strikes, which targeted key leadership and strategic sites across Iran, mark an escalation in the long-standing tensions between Tehran and its Western and Israeli adversaries.

Iran’s state television and official news agencies reported the 86-year-old leader’s death and announced 40 days of national mourning along with seven days of public holidays as the nation comes to terms with the loss.

Reports confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier stated that Khamenei was killed in coordinated military action, describing the outcome in stark terms on social media. Israeli officials also indicated that Khamenei’s compound in Tehran had been destroyed during the strikes.

Reports from Iranian media further indicate that members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and a grandchild, were also killed in the attack.

Khamenei had led the Islamic Republic since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and guiding Iran’s hardline theocratic system for more than three decades. As supreme leader, he exercised ultimate authority over the country’s political, military and religious institutions and was a defining figure in shaping Tehran’s domestic and foreign policies.

The strikes have prompted swift retaliatory action by Iranian forces, with missile and drone launches directed at U.S. and allied positions across the region. Analysts warn that the developments could trigger broader instability across the Middle East.

Under Iran’s constitution, a transitional council composed of senior officials including the president, the judiciary chief and a Guardian Council cleric will temporarily oversee state affairs while the Assembly of Experts, a body of clerics, convenes to select a new supreme leader.

Observers say the power vacuum left by Khamenei’s death and the sweeping geopolitical fallout from the U.S. Israeli military operation will have far-reaching consequences for Iran and the wider region in the weeks and months ahead.

By Uzair Adam

Saudi Arabia has condemned what it described as direct military aggression by Iran, confirming that Iranian forces targeted Riyadh and the Kingdom’s eastern region in a sharp escalation of tensions across the Gulf.

In a statement issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry and carried by Al Jazeera, the Kingdom said its air defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles and drones.

“These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way,” the statement said, adding that Tehran had been aware that Saudi Arabia would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for operations against it.

The acknowledgement represents a significant shift in Riyadh’s posture, moving from expressions of solidarity with Gulf allies to confirming that it was itself a direct target.

The escalation followed coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on multiple locations inside Iran. Washington and Tel Aviv described the operation as aimed at weakening Iran’s military capacity and countering perceived threats.

Tehran, however, denounced the attacks as violations of its sovereignty and pledged a decisive response.

Within hours, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israeli and American assets across the region.

Air defence systems were activated in several Gulf capitals amid reports of explosions and intercepted projectiles.

Iran had earlier warned that any assault on its territory would result in American bases in the region being treated as legitimate targets.

Despite calls for restraint from some Middle Eastern states, the United States proceeded with its military operation.

Confirmation that Riyadh and the eastern region were also targeted has intensified fears of a wider regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia now finds itself navigating a delicate strategic balance. As a longstanding security partner of Washington, the Kingdom remains aligned with the United States’ defence framework.

At the same time, it has in recent years sought to ease tensions with Tehran after decades of rivalry.

The confrontation builds on deep-rooted disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proxy conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, alongside recurring flare-ups between Israel and Iran.

Diplomatic efforts to calm tensions have repeatedly faltered, leaving the region exposed to sudden escalation.

Analysts warn that continued hostilities could disrupt energy supplies, unsettle global markets, and strain an already fragile regional security environment.

Several air routes to and from parts of the Middle East have already been suspended amid the rising tensions.

With military exchanges intensifying and rhetoric hardening, the region faces a defining moment, as uncertainty grows over whether diplomacy can regain momentum and prevent a broader conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Editorial Board of The New York Times has strongly criticised Donald Trump over his decision to launch a fresh military attack on Iran, describing the move as reckless and poorly justified.

In an opinion piece published on February 28, 2026, the board said Mr. Trump had gone against his earlier campaign promise to end wars, noting that he had instead ordered military strikes in several countries over the past year.

The editorial stated that the latest operation, carried out in cooperation with Israel, was broader than earlier attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. It accused the president of failing to properly explain the reasons for the action to Americans and the international community.

According to the board, Mr. Trump did not seek approval from Congress before authorising the strike, despite constitutional provisions that grant lawmakers the authority to declare war. It also criticised the timing and manner of his announcement, noting that he released a video in the early hours of Saturday claiming Iran posed “imminent threats” and calling for regime change.

The editorial questioned the credibility of the president’s justification. It pointed out that he had earlier claimed Iran’s nuclear programme was “obliterated” during the June strikes, a position it said was contradicted by intelligence reports and the need for a new attack.

While acknowledging that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a legitimate objective, the board argued that the administration had not clearly defined its goals or secured sufficient domestic and international support.

It further stated that the president’s approach showed disregard for both U.S. law and international rules governing warfare.

The editorial also criticised the Iranian government, describing it as oppressive and responsible for widespread human rights abuses, including the killing of protesters and persecution of minorities. It added that Iran’s leadership had long posed a threat through its hostility toward the United States and alleged support for violent activities abroad.

Despite this, the board maintained that the dangers posed by Iran do not justify what it described as an ill-prepared and potentially destabilising military action by the Trump administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in Iran and neighboring Gulf countries of its commitment to their safety, following reports of military activities in parts of the Middle East.

In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said it is “closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East,” emphasizing that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority.

The ministry urged Nigerian nationals in the affected countries to stay alert, restrict non-essential travel, and follow instructions from local security authorities.

It also advised citizens to avoid areas identified as strategic, military, or government installations, warning that such locations could become hotspots amid ongoing tensions.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and affected neighbouring Gulf countries are on high alert to provide required consular assistance and facilitate easy communication,” the statement noted.

Nigerians were encouraged to rely on credible sources of information and avoid acting on unverified reports circulating on social media. The government stressed that official communication channels remain the safest way to receive security updates.

The advisory applies to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Citizens in these countries were further urged to exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and refrain from public demonstrations until the situation stabilizes.

Beyond immediate safety measures, the Federal Government called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint.

“The Government of Nigeria wishes to call on parties to the conflict to de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table for the interests of global peace and coexistence,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and reiterated its support for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel has closed its airspace to civilian flights following a military operation against Iran, as tensions escalate across the region.

Authorities in Israel confirmed on Saturday that the action followed what officials described as a preemptive strike on Iran. Air raid sirens were activated in Jerusalem, while residents across the country received emergency alerts warning of an “extremely serious” threat.

In a statement, the defence ministry said: “The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran.

“Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the country.”

In Iran, witnesses reported explosions in the capital, Tehran. Two loud blasts were heard, and thick smoke was seen rising from parts of the city.

Iranian news outlet Fars suggested the nature of the incident. “The type of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” the agency reported.

Following the development, Israel announced a complete shutdown of its airspace. The country’s transportation minister, Miri Regev, said: “Following the security developments, the Minister of Transportation has ordered the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace of the State of Israel to civilian flights.”

Iran also took a similar step. Its Civil Aviation Organisation confirmed that flights have been suspended nationwide. “The airspace of the entire country is closed until further notice,” a spokesman said.

The situation has prompted precautionary measures beyond the two countries. In Qatar, the United States embassy directed its staff to remain indoors as a safety measure.

The latest developments have raised fears of a wider confrontation, with both countries taking urgent steps to secure their territories.