Donald Trump

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.

The United States government has announced plans to release a limited number of special passports that will carry the image of President Donald Trump. The initiative is intended to mark the country’s 250th Independence anniversary.

The State Department said the passports will be produced as a special edition and will only be available for a short period.

Officials noted that the move departs from established norms in democratic nations, where it is uncommon for a sitting president’s image to appear in official travel documents.

The department’s spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the release is scheduled to coincide with the July 4 celebrations.

Reports indicate that the passports will be obtainable at designated locations in Washington and will not attract any additional cost.

However, lawmakers from the Democratic Party have criticised the decision, accusing the government of misusing taxpayers’ money.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were quickly escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard outside the venue.

Authorities confirmed that both leaders were unharmed. President Trump later stated that the situation had been brought under control, adding that the suspect had been apprehended. He also disclosed that the attacker was “armed with multiple weapons.”

Security personnel moved swiftly to shield the president during the incident. Footage aired by CNN showed officers surrounding Mr Trump on stage before leading him out. He reportedly stumbled briefly during the evacuation.

Officials later identified the suspect as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Los Angeles who worked as a teacher and video game developer.

Law enforcement authorities said the suspect was present at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the event was held. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been established.

“Preliminary information. We do believe he was a guest here at the hotel,” CNN quotes the Interim Chief at the Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffery Carroll, as saying at a news conference late Saturday (US time).

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. military officials have disclosed that Iran still possesses nearly 40 percent of its attack drone stockpile, despite weeks of sustained strikes targeting its military infrastructure.

The assessment underscores the resilience of Iran’s drone capabilities, which analysts say remain a central pillar of its military strategy. Earlier intelligence estimates had suggested that roughly half of Iran’s drone arsenal remained intact, highlighting the difficulty of eliminating such systems entirely due to their relatively low cost and ease of production.

Officials warn that the continued availability of these drones poses an ongoing threat to U.S. and allied forces in the region. Iranian drones—particularly low-cost, one-way attack models—have proven challenging to counter, with defenses struggling to intercept large-scale barrages effectively.

The latest figures come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where drone warfare has become a defining feature of the conflict. Military experts say Iran’s strategy relies on maintaining sufficient stockpiles to sustain prolonged pressure, even in the face of repeated airstrikes.

The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the exact figures, but officials indicate that efforts to degrade Iran’s drone capabilities are ongoing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Pope Leo has warned that global affairs are being dominated by a small group of powerful leaders, as tensions continue between him and former United States President Donald Trump.

The pontiff made the remarks during a visit to Cameroon, where he criticised world leaders for using religion to advance their own interests. He said such actions often serve “military, economic and political gain.”

He said: “The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild.

“They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.”

Pope Leo, who is 70 and the first American to hold the position, has spoken frequently about the ongoing conflict in Iran. His comments have drawn criticism from Trump and some figures within the former administration.

Earlier in the week, Trump criticised the Pope over his position on the Middle East. He said the pontiff was “WEAK on crime and terrible for foreign policy”.

“Will someone please ⁠tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least ‌42,000 innocent, completely unarmed protesters ‌in the last two ⁠months, and that ⁠for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely ‌unacceptable,” he said on Wednesday.

Trump also shared an AI-generated image that portrayed him in a religious light. The post sparked backlash, including from some Catholic supporters in the United States.

In what appeared to be a response, Pope Leo delivered further remarks on Thursday, condemning the misuse of religion by political leaders.

“Woe to those who manipulate religion ⁠and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.

“It is a world turned upside down, an exploitation of God’s creation that must be denounced and rejected by every honest conscience.”

The Pope spoke in Bamenda, a major city in Cameroon’s English-speaking region. The area has experienced prolonged violence between government forces and separatist groups. Reports indicate that thousands of people have lost their lives in the conflict.

Trump had first criticised the Pope before his African visit and repeated his comments days later. Some senior figures aligned with the former president also backed his stance.

US Vice-President JD Vance questioned the Pope’s position during an event in Georgia, where he faced interruptions from the audience.

“How can you say that God was never on the side of those who wield the sword?” Mr Vance asked. “Was God on the side of the Americans who liberated France from the Nazis? Was God on the side of the Americans who liberated Holocaust camps?”

Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, also reacted to the situation. He said the Pope should “expect some political response” over his comments on the Middle East crisis.

Despite the criticism, Pope Leo has indicated that he will continue to speak on the conflict in Iran, though he has avoided direct replies to Trump in recent days.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has removed a controversial social media post that portrayed him in a Christ-like image after facing strong criticism from supporters, including members of his religious base.

The post, which appeared late Sunday on his Truth Social platform, featured an AI-generated image of the 79-year-old president depicted as a messianic figure. In the image, Trump was seen laying a hand on a patient in a hospital bed in a gesture of divine healing, flanked by a nurse, a soldier, and a praying woman.

The scene also included prominent American symbols such as the national flag, the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and several bald eagles.

The post came shortly after Trump launched a sharp online attack against Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as a “weak” leader serving the “Radical Left.”

Reactions from his followers were swift and critical. Many described the image as inappropriate and offensive to Christian beliefs. Some supporters expressed disappointment over what they viewed as a misuse of religious symbolism.

A supporter, Leroy Brookens, said, “I am a solid Trump supporter and fan, but Trump is not Christ and this art is blasphemous.”

Another follower, identified as Kiwi Ellis, wrote, “God values humility and this is the opposite of that. The blasphemy is real.”

Several users also referenced biblical teachings in their criticism. Some went as far as accusing the president of presenting himself as a false religious figure.

One user, Jhelton50, asked, “The book of Revelations speaks of this, are you literally depicting yourself as a savior or messiah? The Book of Revelation tells us the Antichrist will claim he is.”

Others reacted more strongly. A user named Philosophical posted, “Disgusting. Sad… we elected the Antichrist,” while another account, For God and Country, wrote, “FALSE GOD. BLASPHEMY!! ANTI CHRIST.”

The controversy also drew comments from prominent conservative figures. Right-wing influencer Riley Gaines questioned the motive behind the post.

“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? A little humility would serve him well; God shall not be mocked,” Gaines wrote.

MAGA podcaster Michael Knowles also urged caution, stating, “It behooves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”

Beyond religious concerns, the backlash included expressions of regret from some former supporters and calls for political action.

A user, Joe_88, said, “I’m officially 100% done with you at this point; mocking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is beyond ridiculous. I cannot believe I voted for you three times!”

Another commenter, whatfreshhelltoday, added, “I deeply regret voting for you! Your ego won’t let you see it, or are you truly a sociopath? 25th Amendment!!!”

By Monday morning, the post had been taken down from Trump’s account without any formal statement.

Although the image has been removed, the episode has raised fresh concerns about Trump’s relationship with sections of his religious supporters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Pope Leo XIV has addressed recent criticism from United States President Donald Trump, stating that he will not be drawn into political arguments and will remain focused on his religious mission.

The pontiff spoke to journalists on Monday aboard the papal plane on his way to Algeria. He made it clear that he does not see himself as a political figure, despite rising tensions following remarks from the U.S. leader.

“I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions,” the Pope said. “I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him.”

He stressed that his role is rooted in faith and the teachings of the Gospel, not political confrontation.

“I speak about the Gospel, I am not a politician,” he said, adding that he would continue to speak against violence and advocate for peace.

“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems,” he stated.

Pope Leo also warned against the use of religion for political purposes. He said such actions distort the message of the Church.

“I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing,” he said.

He reiterated that the Church’s message remains centred on peace and compassion.

“The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel, blessed are the peacemakers,” he added.

The Pope further stated that he is not intimidated by political pressure from Washington, even as he avoids direct confrontation with the U.S. president.

“I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” he said, while maintaining his stance against engaging in debate.

“I do not see my role as that of a politician, I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world,” he said.

His comments followed a recent attack by President Trump, who criticised the Pope’s leadership on issues such as crime and foreign policy. Trump also questioned the pontiff’s views on global conflicts and nuclear matters, and suggested that his emergence as Pope had political backing.

Despite the criticism, Pope Leo adopted a measured tone. He called on world leaders to prioritise dialogue and peaceful solutions over conflict.

The position aligns with his earlier message at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he cautioned against rising global tensions and the misuse of religion to justify violence.

“To them we cry out: stop! It is time for peace!” the Pope had said, as he urged leaders to embrace negotiation instead of war.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ and launching a series of attacks on Pope Leo XIV over his recent calls for global peace.

The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, shows him dressed in flowing robes with radiant light around him. It presents him in a healing pose, while figures resembling angels or soldiers appear to float nearby. The background includes fighter jets flying across the sky, fireworks, and the Statue of Liberty, combining religious imagery with symbols of American military strength and national identity.

The post came shortly after Trump reacted strongly to statements made by Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called for an end to escalating global conflicts.

In his criticism, Trump described the pontiff in harsh terms over his position on crime and foreign policy.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote.

“He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the fear that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian organisations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else for holding church services.”

Trump also rejected the pope’s comments on international security issues, including nuclear weapons and recent military actions involving the United States.

He further questioned the legitimacy and background of Pope Leo’s election, suggesting political motivations behind his selection as the leader of the Catholic Church.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States,” he said.

“And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.

“Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican. Unfortunately, Leo’s Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons, does not sit well with me.”

Trump later reinforced his criticism in remarks to journalists, where he made it clear he was unimpressed with the pope’s leadership.

“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess. He’s a very liberal person,” he added.

The dispute escalated after Pope Leo delivered a message during evening prayers at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he urged global leaders to pursue peace amid rising tensions across several regions.

The pope warned against what he called a dangerous mindset driving conflict worldwide.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life,” he said.

In earlier comments shared on X, Pope Leo also appealed for an end to conflicts involving major global powers, including the United States, Israel, and Iran. He stressed that peace must be built through dialogue and coexistence rather than violence.

“God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs,” the pope had written.

The disagreement between both leaders has continued to widen since Pope Leo’s election in 2025 as the first American pope. While Trump initially welcomed the development as a national honour, tensions later emerged over foreign policy, migration, and public statements on global conflicts.

The latest AI-generated image shared by Trump adds another layer to the growing dispute between the White House and the Vatican.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has faulted United States President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict with Iran, accusing him of destabilising global peace and worsening international insecurity.

Sonko spoke at a conference focused on Africa’s push for sovereignty. He questioned the purpose of the confrontation and its impact on global stability. He argued that the United States has not achieved its key objectives despite rising tensions.

“Reducing Iran’s ballistic capacity has not been achieved. Forcing Iran to abandon all nuclear programmes, both civil and military, is not an objective that has been achieved,” Sonko said.

He also warned that the consequences of the conflict have been severe and unjustified.

“Yet the world has been plunged into chaos that nothing can justify. Mr Trump is not a man of peace. He is a man who destabilises the world,” he stated.

His remarks come as concerns grow among world leaders over the effect of the US-Iran crisis on global peace and security.

President Trump, on his part, has accused Iran of failing to meet its obligations under arrangements tied to the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He described Tehran’s conduct as inadequate and criticised its actions in strong terms.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz. That is not the agreement we have!”

He also warned against any attempt by Iran to impose charges on vessels passing through the route. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!” Trump wrote on Friday.

These developments follow reports that shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz remain limited despite a recently announced ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Al Jazeera reported that only a few vessels have passed through the channel since both sides agreed to a temporary halt in hostilities earlier in the week. The situation has raised fears over continued disruption in global energy supply.

A separate report indicated that a private oil tanker company paid about $2 million to Iran to secure safe passage through the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts in the region. He stated that “the United States is letting Israel kill diplomacy.”

Araghchi also linked the regional crisis to internal political developments in Israel. He referred to the legal challenges facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Netanyahu’s criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, including Lebanon, would hasten his jailing,” he said.

The exchange of accusations highlights growing tensions among key actors, as the conflict continues to draw international attention and concern.