Donald Trump

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has said Israel would not exist today if he had not taken action against Iran, while rejecting claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded him to confront Tehran.

Trump made the remarks during an appearance on the Pod Force One podcast, where he responded to suggestions that Netanyahu had influenced his decision to take a hard line against Iran.

“He tricked me? No. I’m the one that started it,” Trump said.

The US president stated that his actions were motivated by concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“I started it because we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. If there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel right now,” he said.

His comments came amid reports of strained relations between Trump and Netanyahu following a recent telephone conversation about Israel’s military operations in the region.

Trump also confirmed that he had a tense exchange with the Israeli leader over the continuing conflict involving Lebanon.

In an interview published by the New York Post, Trump was asked about reports that he used strong language during a phone call with Netanyahu.

“You said, ‘Are you f-ing crazy? What are you f-ing doing? I helped you stay out of jail.’ Is that true? Did you speak to him in those terms?” the interviewer asked.

“I did,” Trump responded. “I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon.”

Trump said he urged Netanyahu to halt the hostilities.

“I said, ‘Bibi, we gotta stop this.’”

The comments highlight reported disagreements between the two leaders over Israel’s military actions, despite their long-standing political relationship. They also come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where conflicts involving Israel, Iran and regional armed groups continue to draw international attention.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly launched into a profanity-laden tirade against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their latest phone conversation, according to a report by Axios.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the exchange, Axios reported that Trump told Netanyahu: “You’re fucking crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”

The reported remarks reflect growing tensions over Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and increasing international criticism of the Israeli government. Neither Trump nor Netanyahu had publicly commented on the report at the time of publication.

If confirmed, the exchange would mark one of the sharpest known criticisms of Netanyahu by Trump, despite the close relationship the two leaders maintained during Trump’s presidency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that a peace agreement with Iran is close to completion, saying key parts of the deal have already been negotiated, including plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump made the remarks on Saturday in a post on his Truth Social account, where he said he had held discussions with several Middle Eastern leaders. He explained that an agreement had reached an advanced stage but still required final approval.

He stated that the arrangement remains subject to final agreement between the United States, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and other involved countries.

Trump also said:

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.

“In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened,” he said.

Further details of the proposed deal are expected to be made public once the remaining terms are concluded.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A rare albino water buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” has become an internet sensation and a massive crowd-puller in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival.

The 700-kilogram (1,540 lb) animal went viral for a distinct tuft of golden-blonde hair on its forehead, prompting immediate comparisons to the former U.S. president. Raised at the Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj, near the capital city of Dhaka, the buffalo features unique cream-coloured skin and pale eyes resulting from a rare genetic mutation.

The animal’s sudden fame drew thousands of visitors, with people travelling long distances by boat just to catch a glimpse or take a selfie. However, the overwhelming attention took a toll. The farm’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha, had to briefly restrict public viewing after the noise and crowds stressed the buffalo, causing it to lose its appetite.

To keep the celebrity livestock healthy, handlers pampered the animal with four baths and four high-nutrient meals a day.

Naming prized livestock after global celebrities and politicians has become a popular marketing trend among traders in Bangladesh to boost interest ahead of the Islamic “Feast of the Sacrifice”. The viral “Donald Trump” buffalo has already been sold to a buyer in Dhaka, where it will be sacrificed in accordance with Eid traditions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has declared that he is “not open” to granting concessions to Iran as diplomatic efforts continue over the ongoing conflict involving Washington, Tehran and Israel.

Trump’s remarks came after Iranian authorities confirmed that they had sent a response to the latest American proposal through Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator in the talks.

The latest developments emerged amid growing international concern over security, energy supplies and humanitarian conditions across the Middle East.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended Iran’s right to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said, “Iran, like any other member of the Non-Proliferation Agreement, has the full right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.”

He also stressed that Russia would not obstruct ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

“We will support any resolutions agreed upon and accepted by the negotiating parties themselves. In this case, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Lavrov said, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

Meanwhile, Iran announced plans to tighten its oversight of the Strait of Hormuz through the creation of a new body known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iranian officials said the authority would provide real-time operational updates concerning the strategic waterway, which handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments.

Reports also indicated that Tehran plans to introduce an insurance scheme for vessels operating through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf waters. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, transactions linked to the insurance arrangement would be settled through cryptocurrency payments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Iranian state media said both officials discussed regional developments and diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington.

Germany joined calls for restraint after fresh attacks in the Gulf region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other regional allies.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence,” Merz wrote on social media.

He further urged Iran to resume negotiations with the United States, halt threats against neighbouring countries and ensure unrestricted access through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the occupied Palestinian territories, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry criticised Israel’s reported decision to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah area.

Palestinian officials warned that the move represented a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine international law. They said Israeli authorities planned to construct army and security facilities on the site, reportedly under the cover of establishing a museum.

Elsewhere, the Gaza Health Ministry said the territory’s medical system had suffered severe damage during the war. Officials stated that more than 76 percent of medical imaging equipment had been destroyed.

According to the ministry, all MRI services in Gaza have stopped after the destruction of nine machines. Only five of the enclave’s 18 CT scanners remain operational, while many X-ray machines are reportedly worn out and frequently malfunctioning.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned a recent drone strike targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant. UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber described the attack as “a terrorist attack on a peaceful project, built to the highest safety standards, that powers homes, hospitals, and industries across the UAE.”

Authorities in the UAE said investigations were ongoing to determine the origin of the drones, which reportedly entered the country’s airspace through the western border.

In Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for stronger cooperation between Europe and North America amid tensions between the United States and NATO allies over the conflict involving Iran.

“It is the task of all of us here in Poland, in Europe, across the Atlantic, in the US, in Canada, to ensure that transatlantic cooperation regardless of various political variables survives this difficult period,” Tusk said.

Tensions also escalated after organisers of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla announced that Israeli authorities detained several participants, including Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

In a pre-recorded message released by organisers, Connolly stated: “If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I’m now being held illegally in an Israeli prison.

“I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla – it is the largest to date.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, a key Nato ally, as tensions deepen between Washington and European leaders over the ongoing war with Iran.

The Pentagon confirmed the decision on Friday. The move follows a dispute between former President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The disagreement centres on comments made by the German leader about the conflict.

A senior Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticised Germany’s recent statements. The official said they had been “inappropriate and unhelpful”.

“The president is rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks,” the official said.

Germany remains the largest base for US military operations in Europe. More than 35,000 American troops are currently stationed in the country. The location serves as a major hub for training and logistics.

Earlier in the week, Mr Trump warned that he could reduce troop levels after exchanging words with Mr Merz. The German chancellor had said Iran was embarrassing the United States during negotiations aimed at ending the war.

“An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. And so I hope that this ends as quickly as possible,” he said.

“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skillful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result.”

Mr Merz also questioned Washington’s approach to the war. He said he could not identify a clear exit strategy. His remarks highlighted growing divisions between the US and its European allies. The disagreements also extend to issues such as Ukraine and trade policies.

In response, Mr Trump criticised the German leader in a post on Truth Social. He wrote:

“The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where ‌he has been totally ineffective!), and ⁠fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and ⁠less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran ‌Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a ‌safer place!”

The Pentagon said the troop withdrawal would take place over six to twelve months. Officials expect the move to return US troop levels in Europe to what they were before 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As part of the plan, a brigade combat team will leave Germany. A long-range fires battalion that had been scheduled for deployment will no longer be sent.

The decision comes as the US increases pressure on its allies over the Iran conflict. Washington has urged Nato members to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since late February. The disruption has affected global energy supplies.

In a related move, Mr Trump also announced plans to raise tariffs on vehicles imported from the European Union to 25 per cent starting next week. The policy is expected to have a significant impact on Germany’s auto industry.