International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that her country will continue to respect existing agreements that allow the United States to use military bases located in Italy.

However, she stressed that Italy has no intention of taking part in the ongoing war involving Iran.

Meloni spoke on Thursday during an interview on an RTL radio programme. She said the Italian government had not received any request from the United States to use its bases for military action against Iran.

“Today we have no such request and I want to say that we are not at war and we do not want to enter a war,” she said.

The prime minister explained that the agreements between Italy and the United States date back to 1954. According to her, these arrangements permit certain logistical activities and operations that do not involve direct combat.

“These are technical authorisations when we are clearly talking about logistics and so-called non-kinetic operations – simply put, operations that do not involve bombing,” she said.

Meloni also noted that if Washington later seeks approval to use Italian bases for combat operations, the government would first consult the country’s parliament before making any decision.

She expressed concern about the growing tension in the Middle East and warned that the conflict could widen. According to her, the situation carries “a risk of escalation that could have unpredictable consequences.”

Italy, alongside the United Kingdom, France and Germany, is also considering sending defensive assistance to countries in the Gulf region. Meloni said the step is intended to protect tens of thousands of Italian citizens living there, as well as about 2,000 Italian troops stationed in the region.

The Italian leader described the Gulf area as important to global energy supply and warned that the ongoing crisis could affect Italy’s economy.

She said the government was monitoring energy costs and food prices. Authorities, she added, would take action to prevent companies from taking advantage of the situation by raising prices unfairly.

The current tensions began after the United States and Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran last Saturday. Reports indicate that at least 926 people have been killed, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf states that host United States military assets.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iranian forces have carried out new military operations against Kurdish armed groups in northern Iraq as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify across the Middle East.

The latest attacks come as Iran also launched another wave of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and American assets in the region.

Reports indicate that this marks the 19th round of Iranian strikes since the United States and Israel began coordinated military operations against Iran nearly a week ago. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the conflict has already resulted in more than 1,045 deaths across the country.

Iran’s state media said early Thursday that its military struck what it described as “anti-Iran separatist forces” operating in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq. Authorities did not immediately disclose the precise locations targeted.

Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s intelligence ministry later confirmed the operation. The ministry stated that Iranian forces attacked positions belonging to “separatist groups” that were allegedly preparing to infiltrate the country through its western border.

The ministry also claimed the armed groups suffered significant losses and accused them of working with the United States and Israel to carry out attacks on Iranian territory.

Officials further said Iranian forces were cooperating with what they called “noble Kurds” in the area to counter what they described as an “Israeli-American plan” to destabilise Iran.

Residents in Iraq’s northeastern province of Sulaimaniyah reported several explosions late Wednesday night. The province lies within Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region.

Local media outlets said at least four explosions were heard near the areas of Arabat, Zarkuiz and Surdash. Sources in the region indicated that the strikes appeared to target the headquarters of the Kurdistan Toilers Association, widely known as Komala. The group is an Iranian Kurdish armed organisation based in northern Iraq.

Videos circulating on social media showed large fires and blasts lighting up the night sky.

The escalation followed reports that some Iranian Kurdish armed groups along the Iran-Iraq border recently held consultations with United States officials regarding possible coordinated operations against Iranian security forces.

Reuters reported that the Kurdish coalition had trained fighters for potential cross-border operations designed to weaken Iran’s military capacity. However, Tasnim news agency denied earlier claims that Kurdish fighters had already entered Iran from Iraqi territory.

At the same time, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a new round of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and American military facilities across the region.

Israeli media reported that air defence systems intercepted two drones over the western Galilee region. Saudi Arabia also said its air defence units shot down at least three drones believed to be linked to the Iranian attack campaign.

In Qatar, authorities instructed residents living near the United States Embassy in Doha to evacuate the area amid fears that American diplomatic sites could become targets.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel continued large-scale bombardments inside Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and in several Kurdish cities including Sanandaj, Saqqez and Bukan.

A satirical campaign urging Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, 19, to be drafted into the US military has gained viral attention as the US and Israel continue their strikes on Iran. The hashtag #SendBarron has been trending widely on social media.

Operation Epic Fury, which involves extensive airstrikes by the US and Israel against Iran, has so far resulted in the deaths of six American service members.

Donald Trump has faced criticism for what commentators describe as a lack of visible concern over these casualties. During brief remarks at a Medal of Honor ceremony following the attacks, Trump appeared more focused on his plans for the White House’s new ballroom than on the loss of life, prompting speculation about how he might react if his own son were deployed.

In response, former South Park writer Toby Morton created the satirical website, DraftBarronTrump.com, which encourages the president to send Barron to war. The site humorously praises Barron’s “courage” and “proven genes” while juxtaposing images of him napping.

“America is strong because its leaders are strong,” reads a subheading on the website. “President Trump proves that every day. Naturally, his son Barron is more than ready to defend the country his father so boldly commands.”

The site concludes: “Service is honor. Strength is inherited. Dog Bless Barron.”

DraftBarronTrump.com also features absurdist testimonials from Barron’s family. Donald Trump Jr said, “This moment is really about Barron, okay? Always has been. He represents strength, courage, and service. I’ll be honoring that sacrifice in my own way, mainly by talking about it from a safe distance.”

Eric Trump added: “People always say I’m stupid, which is totally unfair, because I understand a lot about pancakes. Pancakes are complex. You’ve got batter, heat, timing. If you rush it, you ruin everything. I think about pancakes a lot. Mostly pancakes.”

Morton, known for buying website names and creating satirical campaigns, also promoted ResignChuck.com, which calls for Democratic Party leader Chuck Schumer to resign over his perceived inaction toward Trump’s policies.

The launch of DraftBarronTrump.com fueled the trending hashtag #SendBarron, with thousands of social media users jokingly calling for Barron to serve alongside soldiers his father has sent into battle.

Barron’s eligibility for military service may be limited due to his height of 6’9’’ (2.05m), exceeding the maximum enlistment limit of 6’8’’ (2.03m) in most military branches. This contrasts with Donald Trump’s own avoidance of the Vietnam draft, which he famously attributed to a bone spur diagnosis. Dr. Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel, daughters of the podiatrist who signed the original diagnosis, told The New York Times that it was “a favour” to Trump’s father, Fred Trump, who was their father’s landlord.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s armed forces have issued a strong warning to Israel over what they described as a possible attack on Tehran’s diplomatic mission in Lebanon.

A military spokesperson said on Wednesday that Iran would respond by targeting Israeli embassies across the globe if such an action takes place.

Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces, spoke during a live television broadcast. He said, “if Israel commits such a crime, it will force us to make all Israeli embassies around the world our legitimate target.”

His remarks followed a statement by the Israeli military a day earlier. On Tuesday, Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, said it “warns representatives of the Iranian regime who are still in Lebanon to leave immediately before being targeted”, and gave them 24 hours to depart.

The exchange comes amid rising hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has faced joint US-Israeli airstrikes since February 28. Reports indicate that more than 40 senior Iranian government officials have been killed in the bombardment. Among those reported dead is Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The strikes have also affected civilians. More than 1,000 non-combatants have lost their lives, according to reports. The attacks prompted Iran to launch retaliatory measures.

Washington has accused the government led by Khamenei of suppressing its citizens and pursuing nuclear weapons development. Tehran has denied the claims and rejected the allegations.

The situation has continued to heighten tensions across the region, with both sides exchanging threats as the conflict deepens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has alleged that Iran attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump, as he announced the killing of a senior figure linked to the plot.

Hegseth made the remarks during a press briefing at the Pentagon on Wednesday, where he provided updates on the ongoing conflict with Iran. He referred to recent interceptions of drones and rockets by American forces and praised the strength of the US military.

He said: ‘Yesterday, the leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump was hunted down and killed.

‘Iran tried to kill President Trump, and President Trump got the last laugh.’

The defence chief also vowed retaliation for American personnel killed in the fighting. He stated that the United States would ‘avenge’ the four servicemen and women who died in attacks involving Iranian drones and rockets.

Hegseth stressed that operations are still underway. He said the mission is not ‘accomplished’. He cited a recent naval action in which a US submarine sank an Iranian warship that, according to him, ‘thought it was safe in international waters’.

Hegseth added: ‘This was never meant to be a fair fight, and it’s not a fair fight… they’re going down.

‘More and larger waves are coming; we are just getting started.’

A Defence Department map displayed during the briefing outlined the first 100 hours of what has been named Operation EPIC FURY. The chart detailed a series of strikes across Iranian territory.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities reported a rising death toll from the conflict. Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said at least 1,045 people have died so far. The agency explained that the figure reflects bodies identified and prepared for burial.

The fighting entered its fifth day with continued airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran and other cities. Israeli forces targeted members of Iran’s leadership and security services. Iran responded with missile launches and drone attacks aimed at Israel and locations across the region.

Residents in Tehran reported explosions at dawn. State television broadcast images of damaged buildings in central areas of the capital. The city of Qom and several other locations also came under attack.

The Israeli military said one of its F-35 fighter jets shot down a piloted Iranian Air Force YAK-130 aircraft over Tehran on Wednesday.

The conflict has intensified tensions across the Middle East, with both sides signalling that further military action may follow.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has pushed back against pressure from the United States after President Donald Trump warned that Washington could halt trade ties over Madrid’s refusal to support American military strikes on Iran.

In a national broadcast from the Moncloa Palace, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez set out his government’s position in clear terms. He told citizens that Spain’s stance could be reduced to three words: no to war. He also stressed that one “illegality” could not be met with another, framing the issue as a matter of principle and international law rather than political rivalry.

Tensions escalated when Spain declined to grant the United States permission to use the shared military bases at Morón and Rota for operations targeting Iran. Spanish authorities described the strikes as unjustified and risky. In response, Trump labelled Spain a “terrible” partner and threatened to cut off all trade between the two countries.

The warning has raised concerns about a key economic partnership. The United States ranks among the top destinations for Spanish exports and remains a major source of investment. Although no formal sanctions or tariffs have been announced, the prospect of trade restrictions has unsettled investors and business leaders.

Spain’s approach aligns with its recent foreign policy record. The government has adopted firm positions on conflicts it believes may violate international law. It has criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and recognised a Palestinian state ahead of several European Union members. At the same time, Madrid has backed Ukraine in resisting Russia’s invasion, while urging restraint to avoid broader escalation elsewhere.

Spanish officials have also invoked the memory of the 2003 Iraq invasion. That conflict, which Spain supported under a previous administration, sparked widespread protests at home. Many citizens still regard that decision as an error that increased insecurity and carried lasting costs. Leaders now argue that military action can produce consequences that endure well beyond the battlefield.

The dispute unfolds at a delicate time for Spain’s coalition government. It faces political pressure in parliament and allegations of corruption involving individuals close to the leadership. However, recent opinion polls indicate that a significant number of Spaniards hold unfavourable views of Trump. Analysts say this could reduce the domestic fallout from the diplomatic clash.

For Madrid, the confrontation extends beyond Iran or access to military facilities. It touches on Spain’s broader role in global affairs. The government maintains that adherence to peace and international legality reflects national values and long-term interests. Critics counter that challenging the United States may expose the country to economic strain that could affect ordinary citizens.

The next phase depends largely on Washington’s response. If the White House moves from rhetoric to concrete measures, trade relations could face serious disruption. Until then, Spain remains in a tense standoff that tests both its diplomatic principles and its economic stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A new economic assessment has indicated that the United States’ military action against Iran could impose a heavy financial burden on the American economy, with potential losses reaching as high as $210 billion.

Kent Smetters, a fiscal analyst and director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, said the conflict has already unsettled trade flows, global energy markets, and fuel prices. He explained in an interview with Fortune that estimating the exact cost of the war remains difficult due to uncertainty surrounding its duration and scope.

According to his projections, the economic loss could stand at about $115 billion under current conditions. However, he noted that the figure could be as low as $50 billion or rise to $210 billion, depending on how events unfold.

“One problem I have with cost of war calculations is that they really do ignore the counterfactual,” he told the outlet. “If Iran really did get a nuclear weapon, then we might have spent a lot more on military and even repair of cities later on.”

President Donald Trump has acknowledged the possible strain on the economy. He has proposed measures aimed at stabilizing energy supplies, including government-backed insurance and naval escorts for oil tankers passing through strategic routes in the Gulf.

“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible,” President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday on Truth Social. “No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD. The United States’ ECONOMIC and MILITARY MIGHT is the GREATEST ON EARTH.”

Speaking with reporters in Washington, the president admitted that oil prices could remain elevated “for a little while,” but expressed confidence that costs would eventually decline. He said once the conflict ends, “these prices are going to drop, I believe even lower than before.”

Energy markets have already reacted to the hostilities. By the end of trading on Tuesday, West Texas Intermediate crude rose by more than five percent. Data from the American Automobile Association also showed that the national average price for a gallon of gasoline increased by more than 10 cents.

Economic observers say the overall impact will depend largely on the length of the war and whether key shipping lanes remain secure.

“Markets are right now really under-pricing the tail risk of a sustained engagement and an operation that does not wrap up quickly, restore travel through the Strait of Hormuz and get everything back to de-escalation and normal in a timely manner,” former Biden economic adviser and chief of policy and advocacy at the Groundwork Collaborative, Alex Jacquez, told The Associated Press.

Beyond the broader economic effects, the military campaign itself may require substantial federal spending. Estimates suggest the operation could add about $65 billion in budgetary costs as U.S. air and naval forces mobilize across the region.

In a letter to Congress, President Trump stated that it is “not possible at this time to know” how long the mission, known as Operation Epic Fury, will continue.

“Although the United States desires a quick and enduring peace, it is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary,” Trump wrote Monday.

He has earlier indicated that the bombing campaign could last “four to five weeks.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned of possible protests in Abuja today, March 4, 2026, and advised American citizens to take precautionary measures.

The alert, which was posted on the Embassy’s official Facebook page, highlighted concerns about demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory. The mission linked the development to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that there is a high potential for protests in Abuja today, March 4, 2026, due to the current conflict with Iran.

Previous protests by some groups have resulted in violent clashes between the group and Nigerian security forces.

The Embassy strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Abuja remain in their residences on Wednesday, March 4.”

In its advisory, the Embassy outlined steps Americans should take to reduce risk. It urged citizens to avoid areas where protests may occur and to stay away from large crowds. It asked them to exercise caution if they find themselves near gatherings. The mission encouraged them to follow local media reports and stay conscious of their surroundings. It also advised them to keep a low profile and review personal security arrangements.

The alert further directed U.S. citizens to keep their mobile phones charged in case of emergency and to carry valid identification at all times. It warned them to remain vigilant in public places such as shopping centres, cinemas, and places of worship. The Embassy also asked individuals to take note of emergency exits whenever they enter buildings and to vary travel routes and times to reduce predictability.

Despite the warning, the Embassy confirmed that visa and other consular services remain operational.

“The Consular Sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos remain open. Please monitor our website for updates.”

For assistance, the Embassy provided contact details for its offices in Abuja and Lagos. The Abuja office is located at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area. It can be reached at +234 209 461 4328, while after-hours calls can be made to +234 209 461 4000 by pressing zero. Emails can be sent to AbujaACS@state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is situated at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island. It can be contacted at +234 201 460 3400 during and after business hours. Its email address is LagosACS@state.gov.

The State Department’s Consular Affairs office in Washington can also be reached at +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444.

The Embassy encouraged Americans to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates. It also asked the public to follow its official social media accounts for more information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has recorded an estimated loss of almost $2 billion in military assets within the first four days of its military campaign against Iran, according to figures compiled by Anadolu Agency.

The report shows that Iran has damaged military equipment valued at about $1.902 billion across several locations in the Middle East since hostilities began on Saturday.

The most costly single asset affected is the US AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The radar, valued at $1.1 billion, was struck by an Iranian missile on Saturday. Qatari authorities later confirmed that the facility was hit and sustained damage.

On Sunday, three F-15E Strike Eagles were lost in what officials described as a friendly fire incident involving Kuwaiti air defence systems. Although all six crew members survived, the aircraft were destroyed. The estimated replacement cost for the three jets stands at $282 million.

During its initial retaliatory operation, Iran targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. The strike destroyed two satellite communication terminals and several large structures within the facility. Open-source intelligence assessments identified the damaged terminals as AN/GSC-52B systems. Each unit is estimated to cost around $20 million, including deployment and installation expenses.

Iran also announced that it had destroyed the AN/TPY-2 radar component of the THAAD Anti-Ballistic Missile system deployed in Al-Ruwais Industrial City in the United Arab Emirates. Satellite imagery reviewed through open-source intelligence indicated that the site was indeed hit. The radar component alone is valued at approximately $500 million.

When combined, the value of the damaged assets amounts to $1.902 billion.

Multiple US sites targeted

Iran has reportedly targeted at least seven US-linked military locations in the region since the conflict escalated. These include the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Camp Arifjan, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring in Kuwait, Erbil Base in Iraq, Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

In Kuwait, images taken after reported strikes showed collapsed rooftops at various sections of Ali Al Salem Air Base. Camp Arifjan recorded the deaths of six US service members. A widely shared video from Camp Buehring captured a drone flying over the base before exploding within its perimeter.

At Erbil International Airport in Iraq, where US forces are stationed, footage verified by The New York Times indicated repeated strikes over the weekend. Smoke and flames rose from the installation. Satellite images taken on Sunday morning revealed that four structures in one section of the base had either been damaged or destroyed. Fires continued into early Monday.

In Dubai, satellite imagery from Sunday showed smoke rising from a large building inside a fenced US Navy recreational zone at Jebel Ali Port. Although the site is not officially designated as a US base, it remains one of the navy’s most frequently used ports in the region.

Diplomatic missions also hit

In addition to military installations, several US diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE came under attack.

The US Embassy in Riyadh was struck by two drones. The Saudi Defence Ministry reported “limited fire and minor material damage” within the compound. The Washington Post later reported that the CIA station located inside the embassy complex was also hit.

The US Embassy in Kuwait City faced drone and missile strikes. Smoke was seen near the compound. Authorities have not released detailed information about the extent of the damage. The embassy announced it would remain closed “until further notice,” while non-essential staff and family members were evacuated.

In the UAE, a suspected Iranian drone struck a parking area near the US Consulate General in Dubai. The incident caused a fire, which local authorities quickly brought under control. The consulate compound experienced some impact, though no major structural damage was reported.

The escalation marks one of the most significant direct confrontations between the United States and Iran in recent years.

By Anas Abbas

Russia and China have publicly criticised the ongoing military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran, warning that it risks destabilising the Middle East and undermining diplomatic efforts.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made direct contact with his Israeli counterpart, urging an immediate halt to the bombardment of Iranian territory. China has framed the strikes as a setback to negotiations that had been making headway in addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns. According to him, military action interrupted progress that was being achieved through talks.

In a statement released by China’s foreign ministry, Wang stressed that continued fighting would deepen instability, increase civilian suffering, and fray international norms governing sovereign relations. He reaffirmed Beijing’s preference for diplomatic engagement over force and called for all parties to resume peaceful negotiations without delay.

On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed similar concerns in Moscow, questioning the justification for the attacks. He pointed out during a press briefing that there is no credible evidence that Tehran was actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, the publicly stated reason for the military action.

Lavrov argued that the strikes could have the opposite effect of what their architects intended, potentially driving Iran and other states to seek nuclear capabilities as a deterrent.

Lavrov warned that the conflict may prompt a broader nuclear arms race in the region if countries feel compelled to arm themselves in response to military threats. He also criticised the US and Israeli approach as “unprovoked aggression,” underscoring that such actions violate international norms and threaten regional peace.

Russia has offered to assist in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis but has firmly rejected any justification for the current offensive campaign.

Both Beijing and Moscow are pushing for renewed diplomatic channels to be opened, including through international institutions and direct talks, emphasising that military solutions cannot resolve deeply rooted political disputes. Their positions signal widening international concern over the conflict and mounting pressure for a ceasefire and negotiated settlement.