News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to halt all trade relations with Spain after Madrid declined to permit American forces to use its military bases for operations connected to strikes on Iran.

Trump made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He criticised Spain’s position and disclosed that he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to take action.

“Spain ‌has been terrible,” Trump said. He added that he had instructed Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Spain.

“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” the president stated.

Following Spain’s refusal, the United States moved 15 aircraft, among them refuelling tankers, away from the Rota and Moron air bases in southern Spain. The Spanish Socialist-led government had declined permission for the facilities to support operations targeting Iran.

Trump also revisited his long-standing demand that NATO members allocate 5% of their gross domestic product to defence. Spain has resisted that target. The president argued that Washington holds broad authority over trade matters.

“Spain has absolutely nothing that we need,” he said.

“All business having to do with Spain, I have the right to stop it. Embargoes – do anything I want with it – and we may do that with Spain,” Trump added.

Bessent, who stood beside the president, confirmed that steps would be taken to examine possible penalties. He said the United States Trade Representative and the Commerce Department would begin inquiries into measures against Spain.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court recently limited Trump’s ability to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the president insisted the ruling strengthened his powers in other respects. He said the decision “totally reaffirmed” his authority to impose a comprehensive trade embargo under the same law.

IEEPA, enacted in 1977, has served as a legal basis for sanctions against countries such as Iran, Russia and North Korea. It has also enabled restrictions on exports of sensitive technologies.

Bessent backed Trump’s interpretation of the ruling. “The Supreme Court reaffirmed your ability to implement an embargo,” he told the president.

Spain Reacts

The Spanish government responded with a statement stressing that the United States must respect the independence of private enterprises, international legal frameworks and trade agreements between Washington and the European Union.

Madrid said it possesses the tools required to cushion any economic impact and assist industries that might suffer losses. Officials also affirmed their commitment to open markets and continued economic collaboration with partners.

Spain ranks as the world’s leading exporter of olive oil. It also supplies the United States with auto components, steel and chemicals. However, analysts note that Spain may be less exposed to American trade pressure than some other European economies.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that the United States recorded a $4.8 billion trade surplus with Spain in 2025. American exports to Spain reached $26.1 billion, while imports stood at $21.3 billion. This marked the fourth consecutive year of surplus for Washington.

Chancellor Merz indicated that European partners are urging Spain to increase defence expenditure. “We are trying to ⁠convince Spain to catch up with the 3% or 3.5% which we agreed on in NATO,” he said.

“And as the president said, it’s correct: Spain is the only one who is not willing to accept that and we are trying to convince them that this is part of our common security that ⁠we all have to comply with these numbers,” Merz added.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has previously taken positions that have drawn criticism from Trump. Among them was a decision to deny docking access to vessels transporting weapons to Israel.

The latest dispute signals rising tension between Washington and Madrid. The situation may have wider implications for transatlantic trade and security cooperation if concrete measures follow the president’s warning.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh reports suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Saudi Arabia for Madrid with his family have been dismissed as false.

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano debunked the claim in a Facebook post on Tuesday. According to him, the story circulating in sections of the international media is untrue.

Romano stated that Ronaldo remains in Saudi Arabia and was present at Al Nassr’s training ground today. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation that the Portuguese star had travelled back to Spain.

The journalist described the report as fake news and insisted that the forward has not departed the country.

He added that Ronaldo is currently undergoing assessment and treatment following issues he experienced in his last match. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was substituted during that game due to the problem.

Ronaldo continues to train with Al Nassr as he works toward full fitness, putting to rest rumours of an immediate return to Madrid.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed sending his country’s leading drone interception specialists to the Middle East. He said the support would be provided if Gulf leaders persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.

Zelensky made the proposal after a series of Iranian drone strikes targeted countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He noted that Ukraine has built strong expertise in countering such attacks after four years of war with Russia.

One of the Iranian-made drones struck the British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, on Monday. Security forces intercepted two other drones hours later.

“I would suggest the following: leaders of the Middle East have great relations with Russians. They can ask Russians to implement a month-long ceasefire,” Mr Zelensky told Bloomberg. “In exchange, we will send our best operators of drone interceptors to the Middle East countries.”

He said the ceasefire could last two months or even two weeks. He explained that the pause would allow Ukraine to deploy assistance aimed at protecting civilians in affected countries.

Kyiv and its European partners have repeatedly called for an unconditional ceasefire. Moscow has turned down those appeals. Russian officials insist they are prepared to discuss what they describe as a “lasting peace,” while placing strict conditions on any settlement.

On Monday, President Putin held phone conversations with leaders from Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. These countries have faced recent Iranian drone attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains “in constant contact with the Iranian leadership.”

“For sure, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar have good relations, first of all economic, with Putin,” Zelensky said. “We can help Israel in the same way.”

Zelensky stated that Russia has launched more than 57,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since the invasion began four years ago. He said the drones often target power facilities, warehouses and residential areas.

The drones were first designed by an Iranian firm, Shahed Aviation Industries Research Centre. Russia now produces many of them at a factory in Yelabuga, located in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Ukraine uses a coordinated air defence structure that combines mobile ground units, anti-aircraft missiles and radio-electronic systems. Zelensky described the system as “irreplaceable.”

He voiced support for recent US and Israeli military action against Iran. He argued that Tehran “chose to become Putin’s accomplice” by supplying military equipment to Moscow.

At the same time, Zelensky warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could affect Ukraine’s access to air defence supplies. Kyiv depends heavily on US-made Patriot systems, which are also deployed by American forces in the region.

“We understand that a long war… and the intensity of the fighting will affect the amount of air defence equipment we receive,” he said.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said recent developments show weakening support for Moscow among its allies. “Assad, Maduro and now Khamenei. Putin has lost three of his closest pals in little more than a year,” he said. “The domino of deposed dictators must continue, and Putin’s fall one day is inevitable.”

Meanwhile, Putin has presented Russia as a potential mediator in the crisis. He condemned what he described as the “cynical” killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader and held discussions with leaders in Iran and the Gulf region.

Some pro-Kremlin commentators have argued that US military action could disrupt peace efforts in Ukraine. “Diplomacy was destroyed as a tool on Saturday,” said Vladimir Solovyov on Russia-1 television. “It is now completely obvious to us that any negotiation process is nothing more than part of a military operation designed to pacify the enemy.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid, Spain, as security concerns mount in the region following recent military action involving the United States and Israel.

Ronaldo, who serves as captain and forward for Al-Nassr FC, left Riyadh late at night aboard his £61million ($81million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet. The UK Daily Mail disclosed the development on Tuesday.

His relocation followed coordinated strikes carried out by the United States and Israel in Iran on February 28, 2026. The operation reportedly led to the deaths of several senior Iranian figures. Iranian state media announced on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed. Authorities declared 40 days of mourning and introduced a seven-day public holiday.

The security situation in the Gulf region deteriorated after two drones hit the United States Embassy in Riyadh overnight.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence said, “A limited fire broke out at the United States Embassy in Riyadh after it was hit by two drones,” adding that the strike caused “minor material damage.”

According to the Daily Mail, “Riyadh, where Ronaldo lives with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children, has been affected by attacks linked to the regional conflict.”

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the aircraft “departed Riyadh at 8:00 pm and arrived in Madrid at almost 1:00 am, flying a path over Egypt and the Mediterranean.”

Ronaldo’s exit occurred as Washington intensified security steps across the Middle East in response to the unfolding crisis. The U.S. Department of State announced temporary closures of embassies and the suspension of consular services in several countries due to heightened safety concerns tied to the expanding Iran conflict.

In Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh halted both routine and emergency services across its missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.

In neighbouring Iraq, nonemergency American government personnel received orders to exit the country. U.S. staff also faced restrictions from using Baghdad’s international airport.

Kuwait recorded deadly incidents involving American forces. Six soldiers lost their lives, and three fighter jets crashed in what the U.S. military described as an “apparent friendly fire” episode.

The unfolding developments have heightened uncertainty across the region, with governments implementing precautionary measures as tensions persist.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said it has not received any distress call from Nigerians residing in Iran despite the escalating hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The clarification comes as the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that it is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.

NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, speaking on Monday, explained that although Nigerians may be living in Iran, none has formally contacted the commission to request assistance.

“I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, I’m only saying nobody has sent any distress call,” he said.

Balogun attributed the cancellation of flights to the region to the ongoing hostilities, noting that airlines would not operate in an active war zone.

He added that temporary ceasefires are sometimes arranged to allow stranded passengers to be evacuated, but such an arrangement has yet to take place.

On the possibility of an evacuation, he said the Federal Government would only activate a full-scale operation when specific conditions are met, including an official request for help from affected citizens.

“You cannot force them. People went there voluntarily. In Sudan and Ukraine, some initially said they were not leaving,” he explained.

He stressed that Nigerians who desire evacuation must clearly indicate their willingness to return home. “People must seek help and say, ‘Our lives are in danger, can you evacuate us?’” he said.

According to him, once a formal request is made and the situation permits safe movement, the government could initiate emergency steps such as chartering aircraft and setting up a rescue committee.

“All must be Nigerian and must be ready to come back home,” he stated.

Balogun reaffirmed that safeguarding Nigerians abroad remains a key responsibility of the Federal Government under its citizen diplomacy policy.

He assured that if any Nigerian’s life is threatened and a request for assistance is received, authorities would explore available options, including leasing aircraft if necessary.

However, he maintained that evacuation would be impracticable without a ceasefire and the reopening of airspace, stressing that international aviation protocols must also be respected.

“As far as I know, I’m not aware that anybody has sent a distress call,” he reiterated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 35 Artillery Brigade have intercepted 296 large wraps of substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa along the Abeokuta–Igboora Road in Ogun State.

The operation took place at about 4:30 a.m. on March 1, 2026, after the troops received credible intelligence about the planned movement of suspected illicit drugs along the route. Acting swiftly on the information, the soldiers moved to the area and stopped a motorcycle without a registration number.

During a search, the troops discovered 296 large wraps of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. The items were hidden inside three large sacks. The suspect reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and escaped into a nearby bush under the cover of darkness.

The seized exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

The 35 Artillery Brigade reiterated its determination to rid Ogun State of drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The Brigade warned individuals involved in illegal trade to embrace lawful means of livelihood or face the consequences of security operations.

It also reassured residents of Ogun State of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The Brigade stated that troops will sustain a strong presence across the state to ensure that criminal elements do not operate freely.

The statement was signed by Major IderegHI Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, and dated March 2, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s newly declared Supreme Leader, Alireza Arafa, has threatened retaliation against the United States and Israel after Tehran accused both countries of carrying out military attacks on its territory.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning across several social media platforms, Arafa said diplomatic efforts had come to an end. He accused Washington of crossing a “red line.”

“The time for negotiations is over. The United States has chosen to cross the red line, the line of irreparable harm,” he said.

“By launching this war, they have signed their own death warrant: they don’t know when or how the axe will fall, but we hold the reins.”

His remarks followed reports of coordinated airstrikes by US and Israeli forces on Iranian military sites and key infrastructure. The operation marked a sharp deterioration in relations among Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv.

Tensions between the countries have grown in recent months over Iran’s missile programme, its regional activities and allegations linked to nuclear development. The United States has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting armed groups in the Middle East and fuelling instability in the region. Iranian officials have denied those allegations.

Tehran described the recent strikes as “unprovoked.” Authorities insisted that Iran did not initiate hostilities.

Arafa rejected Western claims that the attacks were preventive steps against a nuclear threat.

“They brandish the nuclear specter like a scarecrow, blinded by their arrogance,” he said.

“They have no idea of the true extent of our power or what we are prepared to unleash.”

He directed some of his strongest remarks at Israel and warned of continued retaliation.

“As for Israel, its fate is sealed. Every strike, every crime, every act of suffering they have inflicted will come back to haunt them,” Arafa declared.

“They will remain in our sights, exposed, vulnerable, hunted.”

The exchange of threats has heightened concerns about a wider regional conflict. Armed groups aligned with Tehran in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen could become involved if hostilities expand.

Security analysts say a prolonged confrontation could disrupt global energy supplies and deepen sectarian divisions across the Middle East.

In his concluding remarks, Arafa described the crisis as a defining struggle for Iran.

“We walk in the shadow of the Leader, and every step is a lightning bolt,” he said, before ending with the slogan: “Iran does not bend. Iran wins. Always.”

As tensions rise and military activities continue, international actors face growing calls to intervene and prevent a broader conflict that could reshape the region for years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has clarified that it is engaged in conflict with the United States and Israel, not with any countries in the Gulf region.

Speaking on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “We’re not attacking our neighbours, we’re attacking US military bases. US soldiers fleeing to hotels will not prevent them from being targeted.” His remarks come amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iranian positions, and retaliatory Iranian attacks on American and Israeli interests in the Middle East.

Al Jazeera reports that Iran accused the US of “betraying diplomacy” by launching attacks during ongoing negotiations. Araghchi also urged Gulf nations to pressure Washington to halt its military actions against Iran.

The Iranian minister emphasized that US military installations, including those located within Gulf countries, and facilities housing American troops, are considered legitimate targets.

For the third day in a row, loud explosions were reported in Dubai, UAE, and Qatar as Iran continues to respond to US and Israeli attacks. Bloomberg notes that both the UAE and Qatar have been quietly appealing to international allies to encourage President Trump to pursue a diplomatic solution instead of extending the conflict.

Qatar warned that ongoing disruptions to regional shipping could further drive up global natural gas prices. The country also announced that it intercepted two Iranian fighter planes, along with missiles and drones, which had entered its airspace. Gulf nations have pledged to continue defending their territories.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate as both sides exchange attacks.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has urged its citizens to leave more than a dozen countries across the Middle East as fighting between US-Israeli forces and Iran intensifies.

In a notice issued on Monday, the US Department of State advised Americans to depart several countries in the region, which include Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The advisory follows recent updates to travel guidance that cautioned against travel to parts of the Middle East.

According to Aljazeera, the directive applies to Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Mora Namdar, the State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, announced the guidance on social media. She instructed US citizens to “DEPART NOW” from the listed countries using available commercial transport “due to serious safety risks”.

Earlier on Monday, the US Embassy in Amman said its staff had left the diplomatic compound “due to a threat”.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Washington, Patty Culhane, described the method of the announcement as unusual. She noted that the message came through a post by a senior official rather than through a traditional formal channel.

“The fact that the State Department is referring us to a tweet from an assistant secretary of state, and this isn’t necessarily official policy – but perhaps they are saying it is official policy – this is not at all how it is usually done,” Culhane said.

“This is really, truly bizarre. I can’t say that I have seen anything like this in my very long time covering Washington,” she said.

“This is not how this is done. The State Department has very complex processes to notify Americans in these places that they need to leave. That hasn’t happened. It’s not official government policy, at least it doesn’t appear to be yet, because this isn’t how they announce official government policy,” she added.

Culhane also questioned how Americans would be able to leave, given the security situation. “It’s not quite clear what this means, and exactly how Americans could leave the entire Middle East since commercial traffic has been interrupted so much because of all of the missiles,” she said.

“This is going to be a very big question, especially for all of the Americans in the Middle East”.

The advisory comes after US and Israeli forces launched heavy strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian authorities confirmed the deaths of several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran responded with attacks across the region.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the military campaign was expected to continue for four to five weeks, although he indicated that it could extend beyond that timeframe.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced that the United States is neither using nor expected to use joint military facilities on Spanish soil for operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares made the position clear during an interview with Spanish public television on Monday. “Based on all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” he said.

The statement follows criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who denounced the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Saturday. He described the action as an “unjustified” and “dangerous military intervention” that falls outside international law.

Albares stressed that Madrid would not permit any activity beyond the scope of existing agreements. “The Spanish government will not authorise the use of the bases for anything beyond the agreement or inconsistent with the United Nations,” he stated. He referred specifically to the Rota naval base and the Moron airbase, facilities operated jointly by Spain and the US but which remain under Spanish sovereignty.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles also addressed the issue. She said the bases “will not provide support, except if, in a given case, it were necessary from a humanitarian perspective”.

Spain further criticised Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, even as it maintained opposition to the initial US and Israeli attacks.

Flight data published on Monday by tracking service FlightRadar24 indicated that 15 US aircraft departed from bases in southern Spain after the launch of military operations against Iran. At least seven of the planes later arrived at Ramstein airbase in Germany, according to the same source.

Madrid’s stance differs from that of several other leading European nations. The United Kingdom had earlier declined to allow the use of its bases for strikes on Iran. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed that decision on Sunday. He authorised their use for “collective self-defence” following Iranian counterattacks aimed at US assets in the Middle East and energy facilities in the Gulf.

France and Germany have signalled readiness to take a similar approach.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders of the three countries said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations”.

They added, “We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.”