Donald Trump

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump was reportedly moved from Turkey to Britain aboard a smaller military aircraft last month after US authorities received what they considered a credible threat from Iran, The Washington Post and The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

The reported security operation occurred during Trump’s visit to Ankara for a NATO summit attended by several world leaders.

According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded the former Air Force One in front of television cameras. He was later transferred to another aircraft through an airport catering truck that is normally used to deliver meals and supplies to planes before departure.

A US official told the newspaper that the move was prompted by a credible threat linked to Iran.

The New York Times separately reported that the White House concealed Trump’s actual location from journalists and some members of his travelling staff.

The White House had earlier stated that Trump left Turkey on July 8 aboard the former Air Force One. Trump had also said on Truth Social that he intended to use the older Boeing 747 instead of the newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar, which had taken him to Turkey.

The Qatar-donated aircraft was on its first international trip during the NATO visit. Its security features and planned modifications had previously attracted public attention.

Before departing Ankara, Trump said he would use the older blue-and-white presidential aircraft “for old time’s sake” to travel to RAF Mildenhall in Britain. He said the newer aircraft would also stop at the British airbase so US military personnel stationed there could inspect it.

However, The Washington Post reported that Trump was first taken aboard a third aircraft before being transferred to the older Air Force One shortly before departure.

The reported operation allowed Trump to enter the older presidential aircraft through a different entrance before later appearing on its stairs in public, creating the impression that he had travelled aboard the plane throughout the journey.

Members of the travelling press pool were reportedly told to keep the window shades in their section closed during the flight.

Some White House personnel travelling with Trump were also reportedly unaware that he was not aboard the aircraft they believed was carrying him.

Reporters later asked Trump why they had been instructed to keep the window shades closed. He responded jokingly that they were “probably on a dangerous flight.”

“But if I go, you go. Right?” Trump added.

The C-32A aircraft reportedly carrying Trump landed in Britain at about 10:20pm local time. The former Air Force One and the media aircraft arrived separately several minutes later.

Trump’s travelling press pool said he came out of the older Air Force One at about 10:56pm. He reportedly gave reporters a peace sign, greeted US service members and proceeded towards the aircraft donated by Qatar.

The reported security manoeuvre was similar to an operation carried out during former US President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to Pakistan. Clinton reportedly used an unmarked executive aircraft to enter the country while Air Force One served as a decoy.

White House Communications Director Steve Cheung, in response to questions about the reported operation, said the Qatar-donated aircraft had been fitted with high-level security measures to protect Trump and his staff.

“As the president has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Cheung said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran asked Washington to refrain from launching fresh military strikes, describing the allegation as false.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, which cited military officials, Trump’s statement “was nothing but a new lie.” The officials also said the country’s armed forces were “on high alert and ready for any eventuality.”

Trump had stated on Saturday that the United States was “ready to go against the Islamic Republic.” He also claimed that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had urged him not to carry out additional attacks. He added that he agreed to delay any fresh military action on the condition that a deal could be reached with Tehran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “This would include the Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars News Agency quoted a source close to the country’s negotiating team as saying “as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.”

Iran has maintained restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. Ships are now required to obtain permission and pay transit fees before passing through the strategic waterway.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has announced that he has cancelled planned military strikes against Iran, saying the decision depends on the swift conclusion of an agreement.

In a statement, Trump said he called off the attacks “subject to being able to rapidly make a deal”.

He also claimed that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had urged him to suspend the planned operation because “the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to”, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s announcement followed fresh warnings from Iran over the possibility of military action.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in separate telephone conversations that any “aggression” by the United States and Israel would be met with a “decisive ⁠and proportionate response”.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza continued as Israeli forces reportedly killed at least eight Palestinians across the territory.

Reports also said Israeli attacks destroyed a medical warehouse in Deir el-Balah. The strike left a crater measuring about 20 metres (66 feet) wide and 10 metres (33 feet) deep.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

United States President Donald Trump has urged new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take immediate action against illegal migration, warning that the issue is “killing” the United Kingdom.

In an interview with GB News on Wednesday, Trump said Burnham would eventually be forced to address immigration despite initially avoiding the subject after taking office.

“He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country,” Trump told the broadcaster.

The US president claimed migrants were arriving from multiple regions, including Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.

“They’re invading Europe,” Trump warned, adding that “the UK is a prime suspect.”

Trump’s comments came on the same day that more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel into Britain, with people smugglers launching 11 small boats from various points along the French and Belgian coastline.

The remarks also come as Burnham’s government continues to face scrutiny over its plans for handling asylum seekers.

When asked earlier this week whether the Prime Minister wanted asylum hotels to be closed, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The work on that continues,” adding there was “no change in that work being carried out by the Home Secretary in her department.”

According to Home Office figures, 172 people crossed the Channel on the Wednesday of Burnham’s first week in office, followed by 366 on Thursday and another 103 on Friday.

Trump reflected on his early interactions with the British leader, saying Burnham had a “big job ahead of him” on his first day in Downing Street.

Describing a recent telephone conversation between them, Trump said it was “interesting, and went very well,” adding that he wished the Prime Minister “GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED.”

While the two leaders have maintained relatively stable relations during Burnham’s opening weeks, North Sea oil drilling has emerged as a potential point of disagreement.

The day before Burnham succeeded former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump urged him to expand North Sea oil drilling, claiming it would transform the UK “from a poverty stricken disaster, to one of the richest countries anywhere in the world.”

Sources in Washington have reportedly expressed concern over Burnham’s appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, citing his previous criticisms of Trump.

Behind the scenes, efforts to strengthen UK-US relations are continuing, while Burnham has maintained Britain’s policy of allowing US forces to use British military bases for what the government describes as “defensive” strikes linked to the conflict involving Iran.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has claimed responsibility for missile attacks on United States military assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. The development came after the US carried out its seventh consecutive night of air strikes on targets inside Iran, according to reports by Al Jazeera.

Iran’s military said it struck US facilities in response to the latest American attacks. Iranian state media reported that the targets in Bahrain included the Sheikh Isa Air Base.

According to a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, Iran said it targeted the “aircraft hangar and parking lot” as well as “fuel tanks” at the Sheikh Isa airbase and several communication bridges in Bahrain.

The statement added that the United States had used the base to launch “operations against regional targets, especially our country.”

“We are proud of our military duty to defend this land,” the statement concluded.

Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had completed its seventh straight night of military operations against Iran. The command said it used “fighter aircraft, aerial drones and warships” to strike Iran’s “surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities”.

Reports indicated that the attacks targeted Lar, Jask, Sirik, Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Ahvaz and the central city of Yazd.

Iranian state media said at least 3 people were killed and 8 others sustained injuries in Hormozgan Province, which borders the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military also dismissed claims by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards that two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM described the allegation as “false”.

Meanwhile, Kuwait said its armed forces were responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks for the third time. The country’s military urged residents to “adhere to the authorities’ safety and security instructions”.

Bahrain also activated warning sirens for the fourth time within a few hours. The country’s Ministry of Interior advised residents to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”.

The US State Department also issued a travel advisory as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East.

In a statement posted on X, the department warned that “due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation”. It also advised that “Americans should reconsider travel to/through the Middle East”.

The department urged US citizens already in the region to exercise caution, monitor developments closely and confirm flight schedules with their airlines.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A report by the Associated Press has claimed that a senior official at the White House contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The development followed FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban for one year, a move that cleared the striker to feature in the United States’ round-of-16 clash against Belgium.

According to TheCable, which cited the Associated Press report, a person familiar with the matter disclosed that a top US government official reached out to Infantino concerning the disciplinary action.

However, the source did not reveal the identity of the official or when the call took place.

Balogun had received a red card in the 64th minute of the United States’ round-of-32 encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a dangerous challenge. The striker was initially expected to miss the next match because of the suspension.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee later invoked Article 27 of its code and suspended the ban for one year. The decision made Balogun available for Tuesday’s encounter against Belgium. The forward has scored three goals in the tournament.

US President Donald Trump reacted to the decision on Truth Social. He thanked FIFA for reversing what he described as an unfair punishment against the player.

The decision has, however, sparked criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which expressed shock over FIFA’s action.

The federation said it is “astonished” by the FIFA ruling, adding that the decision contravenes the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition regulations.

The Belgian FA added that it is examining “all potential options” to protect the integrity of the competition.

“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5,” the statement read.

“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’

“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.”

By Nura Jibo MRICS

The man, President Barack Hussein Obama, will never cease to amaze me. In 2008, when Obama was campaigning for his presidential bid against John McCain, I was in the Sudan Savanna region of Northern Nigeria, managing a N6 billion redevelopment of the Yankari Animal Game Reserve Holiday Resort and Safari Project in Bauchi State.

At that time, the 2i/c in my office, Dr Aminu Bashir, was scheduled to visit the United States. He asked me if there was anything that I needed him to buy in America. I humbly requested two (2) books: The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from My Father, both written by Barack Obama.

Indeed, it was a joyous moment for me the very day I laid my hands on the two of Obama’s international bestseller books. 

For those who are not aware of what qualifies a book to be labelled a bestseller, any book that its publishers sell an average of more than 10,000 copies within a week is automatically considered a bestseller under US standards. Obama’s “Audacity of Hope” immediately qualified for the New York Times bestseller list because of its profundity.

Today marks exactly 18 years since Barack Obama made history in the United States of America. And today, which marks the day of another victory with the launch of the Obama Presidential Centre on Juneteenth 2026, is not only a win for the US Democrats and democracy, but also a day when consistency meets sincerity and the ability to reemerge.

Chicago has been home to Obama, his wife Michelle, and their children, Sasha and Malia.

The lessons I learned from the Obamas are not only about courage and conviction but also about inspiring me to rise and do more with my life.

1. Personally, Obama’s personality (behaviours and appearance), as defined in simple psychology, inspired me to write my first book that debuted in 2010, which I sent to him and his wife, Michelle, one copy each-in 2010, via the US Embassy in Nigeria. At that time, my aim was not really to practice quantity surveying as a meal ticket. My dream was to immerse myself in the study of global literature and novels by renowned authors, such as the Russian Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky and the Chinese Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. I sincerely cared less about studying physics and chemistry books because I believed they offered less to humanity, as they contributed more to inflicting havoc on the scientific world via bombs, drones, and missiles. 

I deeply thought that science was never favourable for me. I was quite surprised when I see myself today practicing a segment of it and excelling in quantity surveying at an appreciable speed and awe, because my thinking was to one day appear in a global debate with world leaders such as Barack Obama to discuss the West and Africa and seek an explanation from my Kanoonline super writer friend, Dave McEwan Hill’s candid observation, who averred that: “If we want to keep our best people at home we have to provide a better country for them to operate in. If Nigerian leaders were honest, progressive, and ambitious, they would have rewarded high achievers rather than multibillion-dollar thieves.” McEwan Hill believes that many of our best brains would have stayed at home to build the nation.

However, most of them have gone overseas to be in more satisfying and more remunerative employment in better-run communities.

While I can’t agree with Dave as little as he does, his double-decker challenge was just like the way the Obamas challenged the late McCain and Trump, with his trumpeting of our cosmopolitan world in a George Galloway manner. Indeed, Dave McEwan Hill acknowledged what he described as my impressive contributions that nonetheless read like special pleading to ignite curiosity that the “blacks” are any less intelligent than the “whites. ” To which the question is more complex than that, as he asserted elsewhere that all members of all races function just as well as each other when placed equally in advanced environments. The key question is why some environments get so far ahead of others. 

So far, I have repeatedly featured and succeeded in debating the world at the United Nations Conference of the Parties level for umpteenth times.

2. Hence, anytime I listen to Obama, I come away with something new and extraordinary, not in my professional field, but outside my constituency. For example, before the birth of Obama’s Presidential Centre, I established a 3-hectare tree shelterbelt and two high-powered solar boreholes as a community organiser and climate change advocate in Nigeria. In my shelterbelt, biodiversity has already been restored for the people of Asayaya village across a comprehensive 3-hectare area, with a grant of no less than £70,000 from the BCDA.

3. After succeeding in biodiversity restoration, I looked up to the United States of America to leverage the establishment and registration of a segment of my NGO: the African Climate Change Research Centre (ACCREC), which I affiliated with the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany, as its climate observer organisation for well over sixteen years now. Prof. Bello Makama–an African American Chemist of all time, painstakingly registered ACCREC in New York and became its first US Country Director at SUNY-ERIE, courtesy of following the Obama legacy.

4. Now that Obama has launched his Presidential Centre in Chicago, with Presidents George Bush Jr., Biden, and Clinton in attendance, only God knows what is going on in my mind regarding what I will come up with in a couple of months. I will not digress, but I take a huge lesson from the veracity of Obama’s amazing construction, which cost well over $850 million, with Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates as its landscape architects; the centre is designed to receive an average of 1,666 visitors every week. They will enjoy learning, sports, entertainment and music to the zenith.

5. Indeed, anytime I read and watch the Obamas, rest assured I will come up with something new, especially when I reflect on their times as a husband and wife in perfect harmony.

6. The time they spent in Chicago, with Michelle as an Associate Dean and Obama as a professor of law, often reminds me of the days I traversed and visited nearly fifty countries for my international career. I lived in Europe, North Africa, South America, West Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, sharing ideas and presenting my case studies to the international community, my immediate community and African neighbourhoods.

7. Anyone who wants to know more about what I am up to in a couple of days can watch this space for my open letter to President Obama. This letter is certainly going to be different and very unique from the one I wrote and sent to President Donald John Trump at his house in Mar-a-Lago!

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that recent American military operations in Nigeria helped reduce attacks against Christian communities by terrorist groups.

Trump made the remarks during a live event on Saturday monitored by SaharaReporters. He said the U.S. military carried out heavy strikes against terrorists accused of attacking Christian populations in Nigeria.

“As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations,” Trump said.

The American president alleged that before the operation, thousands of Christians, including women, children and elderly people, had lost their lives in attacks.

“They have a great Christian population that were being butchered. Butchered. Thousands and thousands who were being killed — children, women, old people just being slaughtered, hacked to death,” he stated.

Trump said the strikes weakened the terrorists and forced them to pull back because of fears of stronger military action from the United States.

“They know that if they go further, the attack will be far greater and they don’t want to really get involved anymore so much,” Trump claimed.

He further stated that American forces killed senior leaders of the group during the operation.

“You know, we hit them very hard. We knocked out their leader, we knocked out their second leader, and their third leader,” he said.

Trump compared the Nigeria operation to recent American actions against Iran. He insisted that Washington would continue using force against threats it considers dangerous.

“Sounds a little bit like Iran actually. That’s all about the different cause we have to do because we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let it happen,” he said.

The U.S. president said protecting Christians formed part of his administration’s foreign policy priorities.

“So I’m saving Christians throughout the world even though we are not in those various countries where you read about,” Trump said.

He also warned that extremist ideologies abroad could eventually threaten the United States if they are not confronted.

“They would like to make our country just like those countries. That’s where they started. They started it right where we are right now,” he said.

Trump added that his administration would continue targeting terrorist leaders across the world.

“I’m saving them by hitting these terrorists very violently and very hard. We are hitting them very hard by the greatest weapons on earth, taking them out. We know where they are and we hunt them down and we take them out,” he stated.

Describing attacks on rural communities, Trump said, “Think of that, they go into a village and just kill everybody. It’s crazy.”

He also linked terrorism to what he described as threats against religious freedom.

“They will close your churches in this country. They go Communist and they’re trying to. They will kill your people. And that’s what they’re about. They want to end religion,” he added.

Trump, however, did not disclose the exact locations of the alleged military strikes in Nigeria or identify the terrorist organisation involved.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters reported on Friday that the United States reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The assurance came during a visit by the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Major General Claude Tudor, to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Military authorities said the visit focused on improving existing security cooperation and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Italian government has reacted strongly to comments made by United States President Donald Trump, who claimed that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in France.

Trump reportedly made the remark during an interview aired on La7 television network on Friday.

According to the broadcaster, the U.S. president said Meloni requested a photograph with him during the G7 meeting in Evian-les-Bains. He also suggested that he accepted the request despite having no obligation to do so.

The statement sparked criticism from Italian officials shortly after the interview aired.

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, described the comments as “serious and offensive” to both Meloni and the Italian nation. He also cancelled a planned trip to the United States that was scheduled for the weekend.

Meloni later addressed the matter in a video message, where she dismissed Trump’s account and expressed surprise over the remarks.

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned,” she said. “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies. After all, this isn’t the first time this has happened.”

The Italian prime minister explained that she chose to respond publicly because “certain things deserve an immediate response.”

She also criticised Trump’s conduct toward allied nations.

“I can only say that it’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States — toward leaders with whom he, on the other hand, is much more accommodating.”

Meloni added: “But there’s one thing he must remember: Italy and I do not beg.”

The White House had not issued any official reaction to Meloni’s comments as of the time of filing this report.

The disagreement comes amid increasing tensions between Rome and Washington over several international matters, including the conflict involving Iran, the war in Ukraine, trade tariffs imposed by the United States, and Washington’s support for Israel in Gaza.

Despite previously being viewed as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, Meloni’s relationship with the American president appears to have weakened in recent months.

Several Italian officials publicly defended Meloni after her response.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini wrote: “Whoever attacks @GiorgiaMeloni attacks all of us.”

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio also faulted Trump’s remarks.

“The thousands of crosses marking the graves of American soldiers who died to free us from Nazi-Fascist dictatorship did not deserve such a painful blow to our fraternal ties,” he said.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto dismissed the idea that Meloni would seek a photograph under such circumstances.

“I can, however, imagine how much it cost her to set aside what Trump had said weeks ago, to serve the interests of Italy, of Europe, and of the West,” Crosetto posted on X. “Jokes of this kind do no good to anyone: neither to the USA, nor to Italy, nor to the alliance.”

Before Trump returned to office in 2025, Meloni visited him at his Mar-a-Lago residence, where both leaders reportedly held discussions that she later described as productive. Trump also praised the Italian leader publicly on several occasions afterward.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has declared that a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Iran, alongside a decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping, marking a major shift in relations after months of tension.

Trump made the announcement from the White House and later expanded on it in a series of posts on Truth Social, where he confirmed the deal and outlined immediate steps linked to its implementation.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He further stated:
“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

In a separate message, he added:
“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region”

Trump also suggested that the agreement could reshape regional relations going forward.

“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

The announcement came shortly after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that both parties had reached a comprehensive understanding to end hostilities.

“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif wrote.

He also disclosed that an official signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday, June 19, following a series of preparatory diplomatic meetings.

The agreement, according to mediating parties, followed intensive negotiations involving several regional actors. Qatar welcomed the outcome, describing it as a step toward wider stability.

“The State of Qatar welcomes the agreement reached on the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran on addressing the outstanding issues between them, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and considers it an important step towards consolidating sustainable peace and promoting economic growth regionally and internationally,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for continued technical discussions aimed at ensuring full implementation of the agreement.

“Attention must now turn to fully implementing the memorandum of understanding to ensure the Strait reopens and remains fully and permanently open, and that the detailed elements of the nuclear agreement are finalised,” Starmer said.

He added:
“We are clear that toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored,”

French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the deal, urging swift implementation while confirming France’s readiness to support maritime stability efforts.

“I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, the result of a diplomatic effort to which several partners contributed. I call for its swift and full implementation by all parties to the conflict,” Macron said.

“This agreement must allow for the urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which the international mission established with the United Kingdom is ready to support. The resources are in place and ready to be deployed,” he added.

“The resumption of maritime traffic, without restrictions or tolls, is essential for regional stability and the global economy.”

France “will also continue to provide its full support to the determined efforts of the Lebanese authorities to restore the sovereignty of the State, which alone can ensure Lebanon’s stability and territorial integrity and meet the needs of its populations”, he added.

US Vice President JD Vance described the agreement as a turning point for the region and expressed optimism about its wider impact.

“What the president has done is create the real space to transform that region. And now, hopefully a new era with the Iranians,” Vance said.

“I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon… This is just a great thing for the American people.”

The ceasefire announcement comes as international observers watch closely for signs of long-term stability in the region, with attention now turning to the upcoming signing ceremony in Switzerland and the practical implementation of the agreement.