International

By Anwar Usman

The Palestinian group Hamas has urged its ally Iran to end attacks on Gulf states, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States in the war they launched.

Hamas on Saturday called upon its “brothers in Iran” not to target neighbouring countries, and urged the region to end the ongoing conflict that has embroiled much of the Middle East.

The group fought back against Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza following its October 7, 2023, attack, while Israel razed the besieged and bombarded enclave to the ground, killing more than 72,000, with Gulf nations, particularly Qatar, stepping in through mediation, diplomacy and aid.

Since the start of the Iran war by the US and Israel on February 28, several Gulf states in the region have reported Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Hamas said in a statement, “While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries.”

 The statement added that countries of the region should “cooperate to halt this aggression and preserve the bonds of fraternity among them”.

Iran has supported Hamas financially and militarily for decades, the group being a part of the now much-weakened so-called “axis of resistance” that includes Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis.

Last month, Gulf countries pledged more than $4bn in combined financial support to US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, signalling backing for efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The pledges were announced during the first meeting of the Board of Peace, which has gone quiet in the wake of the war, in Washington, where Qatar and Saudi Arabia each committed $1bn. Kuwait also pledged $1bn over the coming years, while the United Arab Emirates announced an additional $1.2bn in support for Gaza through the board.

Qatar, throughout the genocidal war on Gaza, also played a leading role as mediator, alongside the US and Egypt.

A US-backed “ceasefire” agreement has been in place in Gaza since October 2025, which was meant to halt Israel’s two-year onslaught that killed more than 72,000 people and injured more than 171,000 since October 2023.

Despite the “ceasefire”, however, Israeli forces have continued hundreds of violations through shelling and gunfire, killing hundreds of Palestinians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Japanese authorities reported on Saturday that North Korea may have launched a ballistic missile targeting Japan.

The Prime Minister’s Office of Japan shared the information on its verified X account, noting that officials are closely monitoring the situation. In the post, the office stated: “North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.”

No additional details were provided regarding the missile’s type, trajectory, or possible impact location. Japan has previously tracked multiple missile tests from North Korea in recent years, prompting heightened vigilance by both national and regional authorities.

Authorities have promised to release further updates as new information becomes available.

The missile alert comes amid an ongoing military confrontation between the United States and Iran in the Middle East, which intensified in late February 2026 following coordinated airstrikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iranian military and strategic sites.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory, U.S. military bases, and allied states in the Gulf region. Iranian-backed organizations, including Hezbollah, have also participated in the conflict.

The hostilities have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transport, raising concerns about energy supplies. Casualties and injuries have been reported among U.S. personnel as well as civilians in the region.

No formal ceasefire has been declared, and both sides continue military operations while monitoring each other’s movements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s national football team should reconsider taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, citing concerns about the players’ safety.

Trump shared the view in a message posted on his Truth Social account on Thursday. He stated that the Iranian team would still be welcomed at the tournament. However, he said the present circumstances might make participation risky.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you …,” Trump wrote.

The comment comes at a time of rising tension between the United States and Iran. The situation has raised concerns about security and diplomatic relations ahead of the global football competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 national teams.

Iran has already secured qualification for the competition. The team has been placed in a group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Their matches are scheduled to be played in cities across the United States.

Trump’s statement appears to differ from earlier assurances he gave to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At that time, he indicated that the Iranian team would be allowed to participate in the tournament.

Iranian officials have also expressed doubts about the country’s participation. The country’s sports minister said the team may not attend the competition under the current conditions. He argued that Iranian athletes might not be safe if they travel to the United States.

The situation has created uncertainty over Iran’s final decision on the tournament. It has also raised questions about how FIFA would respond if the country withdraws.

Trump also used the social media post to repeat his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He noted that the United States produces more oil than any other country and could benefit financially if oil prices increase.

“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” Trump said.

He added that financial gains were not his main concern as president.

“But, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World,” he added.

Trump ended the message with a firm warning.

“I won’t ever let that happen!” he said.

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding Iranian football players have also drawn attention in Australia. Authorities there recently relocated six members of Iran’s women’s national football team after they sought asylum in the country.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the emergency relocation while addressing parliament. He said the government acted after learning that one of the players had contacted the Iranian embassy and revealed the group’s location.

“Unfortunately, in making that decision, she’d been advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian embassy and to get collected,” Burke said.

“I immediately gave the instruction for people to be moved,” he added.

The issue began after the players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem before a match. The action drew criticism from Iranian state media, which reportedly described the athletes as traitors. Human rights groups later raised concerns about the players’ safety, which led Australian authorities to arrange visas and protective accommodation for them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A chartered aircraft arranged by Iran left southern India late on Friday carrying sailors and the bodies of crew members killed in a recent U.S. attack at sea, according to two sources familiar with the development.

The aircraft had earlier departed from Sri Lanka with the remains of Iranian sailors who died after a U.S. submarine struck an Iranian warship off the Sri Lankan coast last week. An Indian official with direct knowledge of the situation said the plane transported the bodies of 84 sailors.

The flight later landed in Kochi in southern India. It then departed with sailors from another Iranian vessel that had docked in India. The aircraft also carried several Iranian tourists who had been stranded in the country, the official said.

An Iranian source confirmed that the plane departed from Kochi. The source declined to reveal the destination or provide further details due to security concerns.

The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on March 4 after a torpedo fired from a U.S. submarine struck it. The vessel was returning from a naval exercise in India when the incident occurred. The attack took place during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Two other Iranian naval vessels that took part in the exercise sought shelter in nearby countries. The IRIS Lavan docked in India. The IRIS Booshehr sailed to Sri Lanka.

A Sri Lankan court ordered authorities earlier this week to hand over the bodies of the sailors killed in the attack to Iran’s embassy. The remains had been kept at a morgue in the National Hospital in Galle, a southern port city.

Thirty-two survivors from the sunken vessel remain in Sri Lanka. Another 208 crew members from the IRIS Booshehr are also in the country.

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said it has maintained communication with the Iranian embassy in Colombo regarding the situation of the crew. Iranian authorities in Tehran are also involved in consultations.

The developments come amid rising tension in the region. The war involving Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. About 40 percent of India’s crude oil imports pass through the strategic waterway.

Iran confirmed on Friday that Indian ships would be allowed to transit the strait safely. The announcement brought relief to New Delhi after days of uncertainty caused by Iranian attacks on vessels in the area.

Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, reaffirmed the decision while speaking to reporters.

“Because we believe that Iran and India are friends,” he said. “We have common interests and a common fate. I, as the ambassador for Iran in India, I say to you that the government of India .. after the war, will help us in different fields.”

India has continued discussions with Iranian officials to ensure safe passage for ships flying the Indian flag or carrying cargo to the country. Several vessels have already passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. Officials in New Delhi see the development as an important step toward stabilising energy supplies.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

China has announced a $200,000 humanitarian donation to support the families of students killed in a missile strike on a school in Iran earlier in the war, according to reports by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

In a statement on Friday, China’s foreign ministry said the Chinese Red Cross Society will channel the funds through the Iranian Red Crescent Society to assist the parents of the victims.

Beijing described the incident as an “indiscriminate” missile strike carried out by the United States that resulted in the deaths of several students. The donation, officials said, will serve as emergency humanitarian assistance intended for “condolences and compensations” to the bereaved families.

China also reiterated its call for the protection of civilians, particularly children, during armed conflicts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A United States military refueling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, the US Central Command confirmed on Thursday, saying the incident involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

In a statement, the command said rescue operations were underway after the KC-135 refueling aircraft went down during a mission. It added that the second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury,” the statement said, referring to the military operation name for the US campaign against Iran.

A US official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the second aircraft was also a KC-135. The official added that up to six service members were on board the aircraft that crashed.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed armed groups, claimed responsibility for bringing down the aircraft.

In a statement, the group said it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace”.

The KC-135 tanker aircraft was produced by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s. It has remained a key part of the US military’s aerial refueling fleet. The aircraft allows combat planes to continue missions without the need to land for fuel.

The latest incident comes as fighting continues between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, seven American troops have been killed.

Reuters reported earlier this week that up to 150 US troops have been wounded in the conflict.

On the same day as the crash, two US sailors were also injured after a fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald Ford. Officials said the fire was not related to combat.

Overall, the war has claimed more than 2,000 lives so far, including nearly 700 people in Lebanon.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States military is examining reports that outdated intelligence may have led to a missile strike that hit a girls’ school in southern Iran, an attack that reportedly killed about 170 children and 14 teachers.

Iranian state media said the strike occurred on Feb. 28 in the city of Minab. The school is located close to an Iranian naval base. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from several countries and international observers.

According to a report, investigators found fragments of an American-made Tomahawk missile at the scene. Officials familiar with the inquiry told the New York Times that the US Central Command generated the strike coordinates using old information obtained from the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The sources explained that the data used for the operation had not been updated before the strike took place. They added that investigators are still trying to determine why the information was not verified again before the missile was launched. They also noted that the inquiry is still at an early stage.

US President Donald Trump initially suggested that Iran might have been responsible for the attack. Speaking on Saturday, he said he believed Iran carried out the strike “based on what I’ve seen”.

However, two days later he appeared less certain. He said the attack could have been carried out by “Iran or somebody else”. He also described the Tomahawk missile as “very generic” and “sold to other countries”. He added: “I just don’t know enough about it.”

Iran is not believed to possess Tomahawk missiles. Apart from the United States, the weapon is also used by Britain, Australia and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator John Kennedy, a close ally of Mr Trump, apologised for the incident on Monday. He described the strike as a serious mistake.

He said: “Other countries do that sort of thing intentionally, like Russia. We would never do that intentionally.

“I think the department is investigating it now, and I’m sorry. I’m just so sorry it happened.”

The development came amid reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had recently dismissed staff members responsible for reducing civilian casualties before the strike occurred.

Reports said Mr Hegseth significantly reduced the workforce of the Civilian Protection Centre of Excellence. The agency was created under former defence secretary Lloyd Austin to prevent and investigate harm to civilians during military operations.

Although the centre cannot be abolished because it was established by an act of Congress, about 90 per cent of its staff have been removed, according to Politico.

The unit responsible for monitoring civilian casualties at the US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, has also been reduced. Its staff dropped from ten personnel to just one.

Mr Hegseth has also introduced major changes to policies inside the Pentagon. He argues that several existing rules weaken the military’s effectiveness.

In a speech last September, he said: “We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralise, hunt and kill the enemies of our country.

“No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement, just common sense, maximum lethality and authority for warfighters.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised the United States and Israel over their military campaign against Iran. She said their actions fall outside international law and insisted that Italy will not join the conflict.

Meloni made the remarks on Wednesday during an address to the Italian Senate. Her comments marked her strongest criticism of the war so far.

She said the military campaign launched by Washington and Israel violated international legal norms. The Italian leader also called for a full investigation into the missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran.

The attack occurred on February 28, the first day of the war. More than 160 people died in the strike. Most of the victims were children.

Meloni described the incident as a “massacre”. She told lawmakers that responsibility for the strike must be determined.

“Responsibility must be ascertained for the massacre of girls in southern Iran. The safety of civilians and children must be protected,” she said.

Her position could create tension with U.S. President Donald Trump. Both leaders have previously appeared to maintain a close relationship.

Despite the criticism, Meloni stressed that Italy has no intention of joining the war. She told the Senate that the conflict was “an intervention that Italy is not part of and does not intend to take part in”.

The prime minister also addressed speculation that the United States might seek access to Italian military facilities. She said Washington has not asked to use Italian air bases for military operations. However, she explained that any such request would require approval from the Italian parliament.

Meloni warned that the conflict reflects a deeper crisis in the global order.

She said the war must be viewed within the context of a “structural crisis in the international system”. According to her, threats around the world are becoming more dangerous. She also warned that unilateral military actions are increasing.

At the same time, Meloni emphasised that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. She said such a development would pose a serious threat to Europe.

“We cannot afford a regime of ayatollahs in possession of nuclear weapons, combined with a missile capability that could soon be able to directly strike Italy and Europe,” she said.

Questions have also emerged over the missile strike on the school in Minab. President Trump said earlier that the incident was under investigation. He also suggested that Iran might have fired the missile.

However, analysis by several experts indicates the school may have been struck by a U.S. Tomahawk missile. Neither Iran nor Israel is known to possess such weapons.

Preliminary findings from a military inquiry suggest the strike may have resulted from outdated targeting information. Officials said the investigation remains at an early stage.

If U.S. forces are confirmed to be responsible, the attack could rank among the most serious incidents involving American troops killing civilians in the Middle East in recent decades.

Meloni said the United States must establish who carried out the strike.

Meanwhile, the Italian government has taken steps to protect its citizens in the Gulf region. Meloni told parliament that Italy is providing air defence assets to allied Gulf countries facing missile and drone attacks from Iran.

She explained that thousands of Italians live and work in the region. Italy also maintains a military presence there.

“This is not only because these ⁠are friendly ⁠nations and strategic partners of Italy, but also because there are tens of thousands of Italian citizens in that area whom we must protect, not to mention the fact that there are about 2,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the Gulf,” she said.

Meloni delivered her remarks as an Italian naval frigate arrived in Cyprus. The vessel, Federico Martinengo, joined German, French and Greek warships already deployed near the island.

European countries have increased their military presence in the area after an Iranian-made drone struck RAF Akrotiri, a British air base in Cyprus, last week.

Britain has also sent a warship to the eastern Mediterranean. HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on Tuesday, although British authorities have faced criticism over the time it took to deploy the vessel.

In a separate development, Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, Ana María Salomón Pérez. She had earlier been recalled from Tel Aviv by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Sánchez took the step after banning the United States from sending weapons to Israel. He said the move was intended to stop what he described as “genocide” in Gaza.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Spanish government has withdrawn its ambassador to Israel amid growing diplomatic tension linked to the war in Gaza and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

An announcement published in Spain’s official state gazette confirmed that the decision took effect on Wednesday. The move reflects Madrid’s strong criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza as well as the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Spain has emerged as one of the European Union countries that openly condemn Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The government has also opposed the military campaign launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iran.

The gazette explained the decision regarding Spain’s diplomatic representation in Israel. It stated: “At the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, and following deliberation by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on 10 March 2026, I hereby order the termination of Ms Ana María Sálomon Pérez’s appointment as Ambassador of Spain to the State of Israel.”

Following the ambassador’s removal, Spain’s embassy in Tel Aviv will now operate under a charge d’affaires, according to a source from the country’s Foreign Ministry cited by Reuters.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the few left-wing European leaders who openly criticize the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. He described the assault as “unjustifiable” and stressed that Madrid’s position remains “no to the war”.

The Spanish government has also maintained a strong stance against Israel’s operations in Gaza. In October, Spain’s parliament approved legislation that imposed a complete arms embargo on Israel. The law permanently blocks the sale of weapons, military equipment and dual-use technology to the country in response to the genocide.

A senior Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, has alleged that Iranian forces captured several American soldiers. However, the United States military has rejected the claim and described it as false.

Larijani made the claim on Saturday in a post on X. He accused Washington of attempting to conceal the alleged incident.

“It has been reported to me that several American soldiers have been taken prisoner. But the Americans claim that they have been killed in action,” Larijani wrote.

He also insisted that the truth would eventually emerge. “Despite their futile efforts, the truth is not something they can hide for too long.”

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) quickly dismissed the allegation. A spokesperson for the command told Al Jazeera that no American soldiers had been captured.

“The Iranian regime’s claims of capturing American soldiers are yet another example of its lies and deceptions,” the spokesman said.

The exchange of claims and denials comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The situation worsened after joint air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. Reports indicate that the attacks killed more than 1,000 people. Those reported dead include Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, over 150 schoolgirls and several senior military officials.

The conflict has increased instability across the region. Tehran has also carried out retaliatory attacks on locations linked to the United States in several parts of the Middle East.