International

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least eight people have died after powerful tornadoes struck parts of the central United States, affecting the states of Michigan and Oklahoma. Authorities have warned that more severe weather could occur in the coming hours.

Officials confirmed on Saturday that four people died in southern Michigan while another four lost their lives in Oklahoma. Emergency responders are still assessing the affected areas, and authorities say the death toll may rise as more information becomes available.

The storms swept through several communities on Friday. They left widespread destruction that included damaged buildings, crushed vehicles, fallen trees, and power lines. Videos released by local media showed heavy damage across some towns after the tornadoes passed.

The United States National Weather Service also warned that additional severe weather could develop across a wide region stretching from the Great Lakes to Texas. The agency said thunderstorms and flash floods remain possible, and there is still a chance that more tornadoes could form.

In Michigan, the Branch County Sheriff’s Office reported that three people died and 12 others were injured in the Union Lake area near Union City.

About 81 kilometres southwest of that location, officials in Cass County confirmed another fatality. Several people were also injured after another tornado struck the area.

“Emergency Management personnel will be conducting damage assessments in the affected area as required by the State of Michigan,” the local sheriff’s office said.

In Oklahoma, authorities reported additional deaths linked to the storms. Law enforcement officials said at least two people were killed after a tornado hit the town of Beggs in Okmulgee County.

State Governor Kevin Stitt also confirmed that two other victims, a mother and her daughter, died in Major County on Friday.

“I declared a state of emergency for Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties to ensure Oklahomans have the support and resources they need after last night’s storms,” Stitt wrote on social media on Saturday.

Emergency teams continue rescue and assessment operations across the affected communities as authorities prepare for the possibility of further extreme weather.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has mocked Iran after the country apologised to neighbouring states affected by its recent retaliatory airstrikes.

Iran had launched missile and drone attacks on several American military bases located in Gulf countries. The targets included bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. The strikes were carried out in response to what Iran described as “preemptive” attacks by the United States and Israel.

Earlier, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran had no intention of invading neighbouring countries. He called for cooperation among regional nations to promote stability and peace.

“I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked,” Pezeshkian said.

“We do not intend to invade neighbouring countries.”

However, Trump reacted strongly to the apology in a message posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday. He claimed the apology resulted from continuous military pressure from the United States and Israel.

“Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologised and surrendered to its Middle East neighbours,” Trump posted.

“They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern Countries.

“They have said, ‘Thank you President Trump’. I have said, ‘You’re welcome!’

“Iran is no longer the bully of the Middle East, they are, instead, ‘The loser of the Middle East’ and will be for many decades until they surrender, or more likely, completely collapse!”

Trump also warned that further military action could follow.

“Today, Iran will be hit very hard!”

He added that Iran’s “bad behaviour” had forced authorities to consider expanding potential targets. According to him, some areas and groups that were previously not included among targets are now under consideration for “complete destruction and certain death.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has mocked Iran after the country apologised to neighbouring states affected by its recent retaliatory airstrikes.

Iran had launched missile and drone attacks on several American military bases located in Gulf countries. The targets included bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. The strikes were carried out in response to what Iran described as “preemptive” attacks by the United States and Israel.

Earlier, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran had no intention of invading neighbouring countries. He called for cooperation among regional nations to promote stability and peace.

“I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked,” Pezeshkian said.

“We do not intend to invade neighbouring countries.”

However, Trump reacted strongly to the apology in a message posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday. He claimed the apology resulted from continuous military pressure from the United States and Israel.

“Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologised and surrendered to its Middle East neighbours,” Trump posted.

“They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern Countries.

“They have said, ‘Thank you President Trump’. I have said, ‘You’re welcome!’

“Iran is no longer the bully of the Middle East, they are, instead, ‘The loser of the Middle East’ and will be for many decades until they surrender, or more likely, completely collapse!”

Trump also warned that further military action could follow.

“Today, Iran will be hit very hard!”

He added that Iran’s “bad behaviour” had forced authorities to consider expanding potential targets. According to him, some areas and groups that were previously not included among targets are now under consideration for “complete destruction and certain death.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Emirates Airline has halted all flights to and from Dubai indefinitely due to security concerns linked to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The Dubai-based carrier announced the decision on Saturday. It said the measure aims to protect passengers and crew as the regional security situation continues to change.

The airline urged travellers not to go to the airport while the suspension remains in place. It also said additional information will be released when more details become available.

The disruption comes as rising conflict and missile activity in parts of the Middle East have led several countries to shut or limit access to their airspace. The development has disrupted both regional and international air travel.

Airlines across the Gulf region have altered flight paths and cancelled services because of safety concerns.

Dubai serves as one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world. Emirates operates thousands of weekly flights from the city to destinations across six continents. The suspension has affected passengers travelling to Dubai as well as those who planned to transit through the emirate to other parts of the world.

Passengers with existing bookings have been advised to follow updates from the airline and contact Emirates for options related to rescheduling or refunds.

Officials said flight operations will resume once authorities determine that the situation is safe.

The suspension also comes amid reports of a major explosion at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, the Iranian capital.

Eyewitnesses said several loud blasts were heard in western Tehran early on Saturday. They reported seeing flames and thick smoke rising from areas near the airport.

Videos shared on social media showed fires burning in parts of the airport. Reports also suggested that air defence systems were activated across the city.

The explosions are believed to be connected to a series of air strikes that targeted sites in Tehran. Some reports said aircraft parked on the tarmac caught fire after the blasts. However, the extent of the damage and possible casualties remained unclear.

Israeli authorities said their forces had launched extensive strikes on what they described as high-priority targets in Tehran.

Iranian media also confirmed that a large explosion occurred in the western part of the capital. Residents described hearing multiple powerful blasts across the city.

Mehrabad Airport is among Tehran’s busiest aviation centres and handles both civilian and military flights. The facility has been targeted in earlier incidents during the ongoing conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A prominent businessman from the United Arab Emirates, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, has asked United States President Donald Trump to explain the reasons behind Washington’s decision to engage in war with Iran alongside Israel.

Habtoor raised the concerns in an open letter posted on X, where he criticised the move and questioned whether the US leader had considered the possible consequences for countries in the Gulf region.

In the message, he asked Trump: “Who gave you the authority to drag our region into a war with #Iran? And on what basis did you make this dangerous decision?

Did you calculate the collateral damage before pulling the trigger? And did you consider that the first to suffer from this escalation will be the countries of the region itself!

The peoples of this region have the right to ask as well: Was this your decision alone? Or did it come as a result of pressures from #Netanyahu and his government?”

Habtoor, who founded and chairs the Al Habtoor Group, also accused the US president of exposing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to dangers they did not choose.

He wrote: “You (Trump) have placed the countries of the #GulfCooperationCouncil and the Arab countries at the heart of a danger they did not choose. Thank God, we are strong and capable of defending ourselves, and we have armies and defences that protect our homelands, but the question remains: Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?”

Neither President Trump nor the White House has issued a response to the letter. The government of the UAE has also not publicly endorsed the message.

The letter is seen as a rare public criticism from a prominent figure in the UAE. It reflects rising concern in the Gulf as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues into its sixth day.

Last week, US and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks on Iran. The strikes reportedly targeted military positions as well as civilian facilities. Iran responded with its own attacks against Israel, US positions and locations in Gulf countries that host American military assets.

Reports indicate that the first five days of the conflict, described by the US as Operation Epic Fury, have caused heavy casualties. Estimates suggest that more than 2,400 people have died in Iran, including at least 181 children.

Iranian authorities claim that US-Israel strikes during the early hours of the war hit the all-girls Minab Primary School. According to Tehran, the attack killed more than 165 female students and school staff. Israel has denied responsibility, while the United States says it is investigating the incident.

Washington says six American soldiers have died so far in the conflict. Iran, however, claims it has killed more than 500 US troops.

A US-based conflict monitoring organisation reports that Iran has launched more drones and missiles at Gulf states than at Israel since the war began.

Data from the Critical Threats Project (CTP), part of the American Enterprise Institute, states that Iran fired 255 drones and missiles at Israel after the conflict started on February 28. During the same period, the report says 2,171 drones and missiles were directed toward Gulf countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

According to the report, 1,138 of those attacks targeted the UAE, making it the most heavily struck country in the conflict.

In his letter, Habtoor also criticised the escalation in relation to Trump’s Board of Peace initiative announced in January 2026. The programme aimed to rebuild Gaza and was backed by about seven billion dollars pledged by Gulf states.

He wrote: “For before the ink has dried on the #BoardOfPeace initiative that you announced in the name of peace and stability, we find ourselves facing a military escalation that endangers the entire region. So where did those initiatives go? And what is the fate of the commitments made in the name of peace?”

Habtoor further questioned whether the financial contributions from Gulf countries were meant to support peace or to fund a war.

He stated: “Most of the funding proposed in those initiatives came from the countries of the region themselves, and from Arab Gulf countries that contributed billions of dollars on the basis of supporting stability and development. And these countries have the right to ask today: Where did this money go? And are we funding peace initiatives or funding a war that exposes us to danger?”

The businessman also argued that the conflict could impose significant financial costs on Americans.

He wrote: “And here they are today, finding themselves in a war funded from their money and taxes, with costs ranging, according to the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), between 40-65 billion dollars for direct military operations, and could reach 210 billion dollars including economic impacts and indirect losses if it lasts four to five weeks, not to mention the sacrifice of Americans themselves in a war in which they have neither camel nor she-camel.”

Habtoor also criticised Trump for engaging in foreign military operations despite previous promises to focus on domestic priorities.

In the letter he wrote: “You have even broken your promises not to get involved in wars and to focus only on America and put it at the top of your priorities, as you ordered foreign military interventions during your second term that included seven countries: Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, in addition to naval operations in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.”

He added: “You directed more than 658 foreign air strikes in your first year in office, which equals the total strikes in Biden’s entire term, for which you directed your arrows of criticism for involving the United States in foreign wars.”

Habtoor concluded his message by urging greater transparency from the US leadership.

He wrote: “True leadership is not measured by war decisions, but by wisdom, respect for others, and pushing toward achieving peace. And if these initiatives were launched in the name of peace, then we have the right today to demand full transparency and clear accountability.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States economy recorded an unexpected decline in employment in February after official figures showed that thousands of jobs were lost across several sectors.

Data released in the latest labour report indicates that payrolls dropped by 92,000 during the month. The unemployment rate also increased slightly to 4.4%. Analysts had predicted that the labour market would remain steady.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the strength of the US job market. Economists now question whether the labour sector could be entering a period of weakness.

The report shows that job losses affected nearly every major sector of the economy. The healthcare industry also recorded losses despite its reputation as a stable source of employment. Strikes in the sector contributed to the decline in February.

The drop represents the largest monthly job loss since October. At that time, the United States government shutdown disrupted economic activity.

Economic observers also point to rising oil prices as another potential challenge. The increase followed tensions linked to the US-Israel war in Iran. Analysts warn that the surge in energy costs could place additional pressure on economic growth in the coming months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across the world and to the United Nations.

The list includes 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees. The Senate had confirmed the nominees in December last year.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the postings cover several strategic countries and international organisations.

Among the non-career ambassadors, Senator Grace Bent was posted to Lome in Togo, while former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang will serve in South Africa. Former Abia State governor Victor Ikpeazu was assigned to Spain, and Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu will represent Nigeria in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Other notable appointments include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to Qatar, Reno Omokri to Mexico, and former Minister of Health Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole to Canada. Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve in Germany, while former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, was posted to China.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was named Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Lateef Kayode Are was assigned to the United States, while Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji will represent Nigeria in Russia. Aminu Dalhatu was posted to the United Kingdom.

The career ambassadors were also deployed to various countries. Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka will serve in Cote d’Ivoire, while Besto Maimuna Ibrahim was assigned to Niger. Other postings include Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt, and Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India.

Additional assignments include Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal, Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana, Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia, Abubakar Musa Musa to Chad, and Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya.

According to the statement, some host countries have already granted diplomatic approval for the appointments.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.”

The presidency added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has forwarded the nominations of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries for the necessary diplomatic clearance.

“The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.”

President Tinubu also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for the ambassadors before they assume duty.

“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.”

The induction programme is expected to prepare the envoys for their diplomatic responsibilities before their deployment to various missions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he must play a part in selecting Iran’s next leader following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Trump made the remark during an interview with Axios on Thursday. He said Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Iranian leader, appears to be the most likely successor. However, the U.S. president rejected the possibility of him taking over the position.

“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said. “I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela.”

Rodriguez became Venezuela’s acting president in January after U.S. forces entered Caracas, arrested then-President Nicolas Maduro and transferred him to New York to face drug-related charges. After Rodriguez assumed office, Trump described Venezuela as “our new friend and partner” and said her administration had supplied the United States with millions of barrels of oil.

Trump stressed that Washington would not accept a new Iranian leader who intends to continue the policies of the late supreme leader.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” he told Axios. “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.”

He repeated the position in a separate interview with Reuters.

“We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the future. We don’t have to go back every five years and do this again and again.”

Reports from the New York Times indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as the leading candidate for the role after several meetings of Iran’s Assembly of Experts. The cleric, who has largely stayed away from public attention, studied Islamic theology and is known for holding hardline conservative views.

The comments from Trump come days after the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran. The strikes targeted multiple locations across the country. A humanitarian organisation reported that more than 1,000 people lost their lives during the attacks.

Iran responded with missile strikes on Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and other locations in the region. According to the Pentagon, six American service members have been killed in the conflict.

Military activity has continued in recent days. Reports indicate Iranian attacks in Azerbaijan. The U.S. Navy also sank an Iranian vessel in the Indian Ocean. The Pentagon said more than 20 Iranian ships have either been damaged or destroyed.

Soon after the first strikes, the Trump administration offered several explanations for the operation, which it named “Epic Fury.”

Vice President JD Vance said the campaign aims to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the action followed indications that Israel planned to attack Iran. Trump also suggested the operation could lead to political change in Iran. He wrote on Truth Social during the weekend, “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

During a press conference on Monday, Trump outlined four major objectives. He said the United States seeks to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, eliminate its navy, prevent the country from obtaining nuclear weapons and remove the current Iranian leadership.

It remains unclear how long the operation will last. Trump suggested it might take about four weeks but said the United States has the ability to continue longer if necessary.

The military action has drawn mixed reactions in the United States. Many Democrats oppose the campaign and have described it as illegal and strategically flawed. Several Republicans have expressed support for the president, although some have raised concerns in private.

A war powers resolution that aimed to limit the president’s authority over the Iran conflict failed in the Senate earlier this week. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives are expected to vote on a similar proposal.

Public opinion also appears divided. A recent Reuters survey found that only one in four Americans support the U.S. strikes on Iran.

Iran’s government has condemned the attacks. Officials in Tehran described the strikes as illegal and urged the international community to support the country.

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.