International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned that his administration could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support Washington’s claim to control Greenland, as a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers moved to ease rising tensions with Denmark and Greenland.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, which is a NATO ally.

Earlier in the week, he said any outcome short of US control of the Arctic island would be “unacceptable”.

Speaking on Friday during a White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump recalled how he previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

“I may do that for Greenland too,” Trump said. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” he said.

Trump has described Greenland as vital to US security due to its strategic position in the Arctic and its large mineral reserves. He has also refused to rule out the use of force to take control of the territory. This marks the first time he has openly linked tariffs to efforts to press US claims over Greenland.

Earlier in the week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the discussions failed to bridge major differences, both sides agreed to establish a working group, although Denmark and the White House later offered sharply different accounts of its purpose.

European leaders have maintained that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory itself. Denmark also announced this week that it was strengthening its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies.

On Friday, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers travelled to Copenhagen, where they met Danish and Greenlandic leaders in a bid to reduce tensions sparked by Trump’s remarks. The delegation sought to reassure officials that Congress views Greenland as an ally rather than property.

The 11-member group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and members of both Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.

“There’s a lot of rhetoric, but there’s not a ‍lot of reality in the current discussion in Washington,” Coons told reporters after the meetings, adding that the lawmakers planned to “lower the temperature” once they returned home.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Greenland said he remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. Jeff Landry announced plans to visit the Danish territory in March and suggested negotiations could yield results.

“I do believe that there’s a deal that should ‍and ⁠will be made once this plays out,” Landry said during a Friday interview with Fox News.

“The president is ‌serious. I think he’s laid ‌the markers down. He’s ⁠told Denmark what he’s looking for, and now it’s a matter ‌of having Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio and Vice President JD ‍Vance make a deal.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, European countries have already deployed small numbers of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request, underscoring growing concern over the dispute and its implications for NATO unity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned he may deploy the military to Minnesota under the Insurrection Act as tensions rise over an intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The threat follows days of clashes between local residents and federal officers after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Good in her car eight days ago.

Protests over the killing have spread to multiple cities, Reuters reports.

Trump’s warning came shortly after another shooting in Minneapolis. Authorities said an immigration officer wounded a Venezuelan man in the leg after he fled when agents tried to stop his vehicle.

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,” Trump wrote on social media.

The president, a Republican, has repeatedly criticised Minnesota’s Democratic leadership and referred to Somali-origin residents in the state as “garbage” who should be “thrown out” of the country.

Nearly 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minneapolis. Armed personnel wearing military-style camouflage and masks have patrolled the streets while residents protested loudly and angrily.

On Wednesday night, crowds gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, prompting federal officers to fire tear gas and use flash-bang grenades.

After most residents left, a small group vandalised a car believed to belong to federal officers, spray-painting: “Hang Kristi Noem,” a reference to the Homeland Security secretary.

Since the enforcement surge began, federal agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters. In some cases, officers smashed windows and removed people from vehicles. They have also faced criticism for demanding identification from Black and Latino U.S. citizens.

Both the Trump administration and Minnesota officials have blamed each other for fueling anger and violence.One widely reported incident involved U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman, who was detained near the site of Good’s killing.

She told Reuters, “They dragged me from my car and bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled.”

Rahman added that she repeatedly requested medical attention while in ICE custody but was taken to a detention centre instead. She said she later lost consciousness in a cell and was transported to a hospital.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said an “agitator” ignored an officer’s orders to move her vehicle away from an enforcement action and was arrested for obstruction.

The wounded Venezuelan man, identified by DHS as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, entered the U.S. in 2022 under former President Joe Biden’s humanitarian parole programme.

The Trump administration has since revoked parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under the programme.According to DHS, officers attempted to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle.

He fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. During a struggle, two other Venezuelan men allegedly attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Several members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have commenced the deployment of military personnel to Greenland following growing diplomatic strain between the United States and its European partners over the future of the Arctic territory.

Denmark, which holds responsibility for Greenland’s defence, confirmed that troops and military hardware were moved to the island under “Operation Arctic Endurance,” a multinational exercise designed to reinforce security collaboration in the region.

France, Germany, Sweden and Norway have all announced plans to dispatch limited numbers of military officers and reconnaissance units to Greenland.

According to CNBC, the teams will participate in coordinated drills on the sparsely populated island.

French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed on social media that French forces had already begun relocating to Greenland and that further deployments would follow.

Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, also verified that Swedish officers would take part in the Danish-led exercises alongside other NATO partners.

The troop movements followed high-level talks in Washington involving Danish and Greenlandic officials as well as senior United States government figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Before the meetings, President Donald Trump restated his position that the United States “needs Greenland” for national security reasons.

His comments raised concern in both Copenhagen and Nuuk.Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the discussions at the White House as “frank but constructive.”

He, however, admitted that a “fundamental disagreement” remained regarding the future of the island.“It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland,” Rasmussen said, while reaffirming Denmark’s stance on Greenland’s sovereignty.

Greenland’s authorities, with backing from Denmark and other European partners, have consistently dismissed any proposal that suggests American ownership or direct control.

They insist that defence arrangements should operate within NATO structures and follow international legal standards.

Recent opinion polls show that most Greenlanders oppose U.S. control. A significant majority also favours eventual independence from Denmark.

Denmark has announced additional plans to expand its military footprint around Greenland. The programme includes the deployment of aircraft, naval vessels and more troops.

Defence officials said the measures aim to enhance routine security and reassure residents amid increasing geopolitical pressures.

Although the United States already operates military facilities on the island through long-standing agreements, Trump’s renewed advocacy for greater control has unsettled European leaders. Many fear that any attempt to alter Greenland’s status could undermine NATO unity and international norms.

On Wednesday, Trump again insisted that Americans “need Greenland for the purpose of National Security.”

He warned that Russia or China might seek control of the territory if the U.S. and its allies failed to act.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Direct communication between senior officials of the United States and Iran has reportedly come to a halt as diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate.

A senior Iranian official disclosed to the Reuters news agency on Wednesday that discussions between Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and the United States special envoy, Steve Wittkof, have been suspended.

The development comes at a time when President Donald Trump has issued threats of possible intervention as Iranian authorities intensify actions against protests within the country. In response, Tehran has vowed to strike United States military bases in the region if it comes under attack.

Over the past year, the United States and several European allies had pursued renewed diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the Iranian official indicated that the current climate has erased any chance of meaningful progress.

He said the threats from Washington have weakened ongoing diplomatic initiatives. He added that proposed meetings between Araghchi and Wittkof, which aimed to address the long-standing nuclear dispute, have been called off.

The official also revealed that Tehran had asked United States allies within the region to “prevent Washington from attacking”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has announced that any country maintaining commercial ties with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on all business conducted with the United States.

The declaration came on Monday through a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he described the decision as “final and conclusive”, without providing further clarification on how the measure would be implemented.

“Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump said in the post.

The statement did not specify the nations that would be affected. However, several major economies maintain active trade relations with Iran. These include Russia, China, Brazil and Turkiye. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates also rank among Iran’s key trading partners, according to data from Trading Economics.

The announcement comes at a time when Iran is experiencing widespread antigovernment protests and violent unrest across the country.

Reports from rights groups suggest that hundreds of people may have been killed, although an internet shutdown has limited independent verification of events on the ground.

In recent weeks, Trump has increased pressure on Tehran while issuing warnings of possible military action if Iran does not reduce its nuclear and military programmes.

“Now, I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down,” Trump told reporters in December.

“We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But, hopefully, that’s not happening.”

Earlier in June, the United States carried out air attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict that followed military action by Israel.

Legal experts have argued that the US strikes may have breached international law.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Xabi Alonso has left his role as head coach of Real Madrid by mutual agreement, the club confirmed on Tuesday, following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

The decision came shortly after Madrid’s loss in the high-profile clash, a result that intensified pressure on the former midfielder, who had taken charge amid high expectations.

Sources close to the club said both parties agreed that a change was necessary as Madrid look to reset their season.

Real Madrid thanked Alonso for his commitment and professionalism during his tenure, while Alonso expressed gratitude to the club and supporters, wishing the team success in the future.

The club is expected to announce an interim coach in the coming days as it considers long-term options for the role.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has said she would consider giving her Nobel Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing swift clarification from the Nobel Institute that such a move would not be possible.

Machado made the remark during a public discussion about international support for Venezuela’s democratic struggle, suggesting Trump’s foreign policy pressure on Caracas deserved recognition. Her comments sparked widespread reaction on social media and prompted questions about whether a Nobel Prize can be transferred.

In response, the Nobel Institute said the rules governing the Nobel Peace Prize are clear and final: once awarded, the prize cannot be given, reassigned, or donated to another individual. “The decision is final,” the institute said, underscoring that the prize is granted solely to the named laureate, to her in this case.

Machado, a former National Assembly member, was barred by authorities aligned with Nicolas Maduro from running in Venezuela’s 2024 general election.

She backed a stand‑in candidate widely considered to have won the vote, although Maduro claimed victory. Ballot audits by independent observers revealed irregularities in the official results.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Iranian military has pledged to defend the country’s strategic assets and public property as authorities intensify efforts to contain widespread antigovernment protests triggered by rising living costs.

In a statement released on Saturday by semi-official media outlets, the armed forces accused Israel and what they described as “hostile terrorist groups” of attempting to “undermine the country’s public security.”

The declaration came after United States President Donald Trump issued fresh warnings to Iran’s leadership over the growing demonstrations, which have resulted in dozens of deaths.

“The Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, together with other armed forces, in addition to monitoring enemy movements in the region, will resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country’s strategic infrastructure, and public property,” the military said.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) delivered a similar message on Saturday. State television reported that the elite force described the protection of the 1979 revolution’s legacy and national security as a “red line.”

Earlier in the day, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s backing for Iranian protesters following an internet shutdown introduced by Iranian authorities.

“The United States supports the brave people of Iran,” Rubio wrote on X.

His message followed new remarks from Trump, who warned Iran’s leadership, saying, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” Trump stated that Iran’s leaders appeared to be “in big trouble” and repeated his warning that military action could follow if protesters were killed.

He added, “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago.”

Demonstrations have spread across the country since January 3, driven by frustration over economic hardship and increasing calls for the removal of the clerical establishment that has governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Reports from Reuters indicated that unrest continued overnight on Saturday. State media blamed “rioters” for setting a municipal building ablaze in Karaj, west of Tehran. Press TV aired funeral footage of security personnel it said died during clashes in Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Venezuelan authorities have announced that no fewer than 100 people lost their lives during a United States military operation that led to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from office.

The country’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, disclosed the figure late on Wednesday. This marked the first official confirmation of the death toll since the operation took place on Saturday.

According to Cabello, “100 people died in the U.S. attack which removed President Nicolas Maduro from power on Saturday.” Officials had previously refrained from releasing a comprehensive casualty count.

Earlier, the Venezuelan military had released the names of 23 personnel who were confirmed dead. Government officials later stated that a significant portion of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood.”

Cuba also announced that some of its military and intelligence officers deployed in Venezuela died during the operation.Cabello further revealed that injuries occurred during the raid. He said that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who was detained alongside him, sustained a head injury. He also stated that Maduro suffered an injury to his leg.

The operation followed prolonged diplomatic and political tensions between Washington and Caracas. Over the years, the two countries have exchanged accusations over governance, security concerns, sanctions and diplomatic pressure. United States officials have repeatedly accused Maduro’s administration of failures in leadership and public security, claims that Venezuelan authorities have consistently rejected.

On Saturday, U.S. forces carried out a controversial mission in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Maduro and his wife. American authorities later justified the action by linking Maduro to allegations of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Federal indictments alleged that his administration aided the shipment of large quantities of cocaine into the United States. These allegations were presented as the legal grounds for his arrest.

After the operation, President Donald Trump publicly stated that the United States intended to assert control over Venezuela’s oil sector. He argued that the industry was built with American investment and accused Maduro’s government of taking over U.S. energy assets. In a post on social media, Trump said the United States would “run Venezuela and take over its oil” after Maduro’s arrest.

In his first public remarks following his transfer to the United States, Maduro described himself as “kidnapped” and maintained his innocence.

During a weekly broadcast on state television, Cabello announced that Venezuelan authorities had declared a week of mourning for members of the armed forces who were killed in the operation. He referred to the fallen personnel as “courageous.”

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.