Iran

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Kingdom government has refused to grant permission for the United States to use British military facilities for any potential strike on Iran, amid escalating tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The decision places London in a cautious diplomatic position as indications emerge that US President Donald Trump is considering military options that could involve installations located on British territory.

Reports indicate that American officials are preparing operational strategies that would depend on the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, as well as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. RAF Fairford functions as a major centre for the deployment of US heavy bombers across Europe.

Under existing defence agreements between both countries, American forces require prior approval from the British government before launching operations from UK soil. However, reports state that such authorisation has not been granted should Washington proceed with military action against Iran.

Sources within government circles attribute the hesitation to legal concerns. British authorities fear violating international law, which holds both direct actors and supporting states accountable if a military strike is later judged unlawful.

The matter reportedly featured in a telephone discussion between President Trump and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday night. Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions formed a key part of the conversation.

A day later, the US president criticised the UK government’s stance on the Chagos Islands agreement. He also referenced Iran in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he suggested American forces might need access to the bases if Tehran refuses negotiations.

“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime,” Mr Trump wrote.

He added that such a move would aim to prevent “an attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries,” suggesting that British involvement could fall under self-defence if Iran poses a direct threat.

Meanwhile, the UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to moving forward with the Chagos Islands agreement despite signals of unease from Washington.

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones confirmed that the necessary legislation will return to Parliament once scheduling allows. The proposed bill had earlier been withdrawn from debate in the House of Lords after a Conservative-backed amendment called for a pause, citing “changing geopolitical circumstances.” Fresh delays were also reported as a possibility.

The situation highlights growing diplomatic strain as Britain attempts to preserve its strategic alliance with the United States while addressing legal and political sensitivities tied to any direct role in a potential conflict with Iran.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on the anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, describing the occasion as an important landmark in the country’s contemporary history.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria extends warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution,” the statement read.

Nigeria said the commemoration reflects Iran’s “enduring commitment to sovereignty and national development.”

The ministry stated that Nigeria acknowledges the importance of the anniversary to Iranians. It also recognised their “continued pursuit of progress, stability and prosperity.”

According to the statement, Nigeria and Iran have sustained diplomatic relations for more than five decades. It explained that the relationship has been anchored on mutual respect, shared interests and constructive engagement.

The ministry added that both nations continue to work together at bilateral and multilateral levels. Their cooperation covers political, economic, cultural and technical fields. It said this engagement demonstrates a shared dedication to peaceful collaboration and global partnership.

Nigeria used the occasion to restate its resolve to deepen diplomatic relations with Iran through dialogue and mutually rewarding cooperation.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria conveys its best wishes to the Government and people of Iran for continued peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could resort to military action if Tehran fails to comply with its demands on key security issues.

In remarks made to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 and published on Tuesday, Trump suggested that the United States was prepared to act forcefully if ongoing efforts to reach an agreement with Iran collapse.

“Either we reach a deal, or we’ll have to do something very tough,” Trump told the news outlet.

His warning came at a time when Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, held talks with Oman’s Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. Their meeting focused on the outcome of recent discussions between American and Iranian officials.

In the past few weeks, Trump has highlighted the expansion of US military deployments around the region. He disclosed that a “massive armada” had been dispatched to nearby waters. The deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Reports by Channel 12 and Axios also indicated that Washington is weighing the option of sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

The growing military presence has raised fears of a possible US strike on Iran. Critics argue that such action could further destabilise an already fragile region. Earlier on Monday, the United States issued fresh guidance to commercial vessels flying its flag. The advisory urged them to remain “as far as possible” from Iranian territorial waters.

‘With Speed And Violence’

Since January, Trump has intensified pressure on Tehran. He warned that the US military is “locked and loaded and ready to go”.

He drew parallels between Iran and Venezuela, where a US military mission on January 3 led to the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro.

“Like with Venezuela, [the US military] is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal,” Trump wrote on social media on January 28.

Toward the end of last month, the Trump administration outlined three broad conditions for Iran. These include halting uranium enrichment, cutting ties with regional proxy groups, and restricting its ballistic missile arsenal. Israel has long pushed for such limits.

During his first presidency, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement that imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

After returning to office for a second term in January 2025, he reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran. The campaign features sweeping sanctions and demands to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, which Iranian authorities insist is strictly for civilian energy use.

Last June, Trump approved military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict involving Iran and Israel.

Focus On Anti-Government Protests

Trump’s renewed threats have coincided with a fresh wave of anti-government protests inside Iran.

Authorities in Tehran responded with a violent crackdown that reportedly left thousands dead. The development drew condemnation from international human rights organisations.

Reports indicated that security forces fired live rounds at demonstrators during an internet blackout.

On January 2, one day before the Venezuela operation, Trump threatened to intervene in support of the protesters and “come to their rescue”, though no such action was eventually taken.

Some analysts believe that proposed US strikes on Iran would do little to assist protesters. They argue that military action would instead align with long-standing US and Israeli objectives of weakening Iran’s military strength.

Iranian officials maintain that armed groups infiltrated the protests and attacked security personnel, leading to the deaths of hundreds of officers. Tehran has also accused foreign powers, including the United States and Israel, of backing the unrest.

While many aspects of the protests remain difficult to independently verify, Iranian authorities have acknowledged that thousands were killed during the government response.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The European Union has dismissed Iran’s decision to classify European armies as terrorist organizations, insisting that diplomatic engagement with Tehran must remain part of its foreign policy, Anadolu reports.

Responding to the announcement, EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told the European Commission’s midday press briefing on Monday, “We reject the announcement of listing of EU armies as such and the accusation of terrorism altogether.”

El Anouni added that the EU expects diplomatic channels to continue functioning despite rising tensions following the bloc’s decision to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. He cited remarks by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, saying, “We expect diplomatic channels to remain open after the decision of listing IRGC as part of the EU terror list,” and stressed that “maintaining open channels with Iran must also be part and remain part of our toolbox, as part of our engagement when it is required with our counterparts.”

On the matter of Iran summoning EU ambassadors to Tehran, El Anouni described the action as “a diplomatic practice that is part of the Vienna Convention,” adding, “I will not here go into details in terms of what member states, when and how.”

Iran announced the designation of European armies as terrorist groups in retaliation after the EU applied the same label to the IRGC over its crackdown on recent protests prompted by worsening economic conditions. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday that the decision was taken under “Article 7 of the Law on Countermeasures Against the Declaration of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organisation.”

The EU has maintained that engagement with Iran is necessary, even amid disputes, to ensure continued dialogue and diplomatic relations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has summoned all ambassadors of the European Union in Tehran to protest the bloc’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, a move that has further strained relations and heightened fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed on Monday that the summons started on Sunday and continued into the new week. He described the EU decision as “illegal, unreasonable and very wrong.”

“A series of actions were reviewed, various options are being prepared and sent to relevant decision-making bodies,” Baghaei said. He added that Tehran would soon decide on “reciprocal measures.”

The diplomatic confrontation comes at a time when Iran is under growing international scrutiny following its violent response to nationwide protests in January. Reports indicate that thousands were killed and tens of thousands arrested during the unrest. Human rights organisations have also warned about the risk of mass executions of detainees.

Last week, the European Union agreed to blacklist the IRGC over its role in the crackdown. Although the decision is largely symbolic, it adds to economic and political pressure on Tehran because of the Guard’s deep involvement in Iran’s economy. The United States and Canada had earlier taken similar actions.

In response, Iran’s parliament speaker spoke on Sunday and said the Islamic Republic now regards all EU militaries as “terrorist groups,” referring to a 2019 Iranian law.

At the same time, military tensions in the region continue to rise. The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln alongside several guided-missile destroyers to the Middle East.

While it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will approve military action, Washington says the deployments aim to deter further violence and safeguard international shipping routes.

“Trump is trying to calibrate a response to Iran’s mass killing of protesters that punishes Iranian leaders without dragging the United States into a new, open-ended conflict,” the New York-based Soufan Center said in a statement on Monday.

The group added that some U.S. officials want to take advantage of Tehran’s weakened position. It also noted that American conditions for diplomacy are “unacceptable” to Iran.

Regional anxiety has also increased after Iran confirmed that the Revolutionary Guard has begun a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Iran had warned shipping operators last week about planned exercises, although it initially avoided confirming their commencement.

Satellite images analysed by the Associated Press showed small, fast-moving vessels believed to belong to the Guard operating between Iran’s Qeshm and Hengam islands, away from major commercial routes.

The U.S. Central Command has cautioned Tehran against harassing naval vessels or interfering with commercial traffic.

Despite the sharp rhetoric and military movements, Baghaei sought to calm public fears. He urged Iranians not to worry about the prospect of war, although he declined to confirm whether Washington had given Tehran any deadline to meet U.S. demands.

The IRGC was formed after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the clerical system. Over the years, it has grown into a powerful military, political and economic force. Its Basij militia faces widespread accusations of leading the violent suppression of recent protests. Leaked videos have shown armed men beating and shooting demonstrators after authorities shut down internet and phone services across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

China, Iran, and Russia have formalized a wide-ranging strategic agreement, a development experts say could shift global power balances and heighten tensions with the United States.

The pact was announced simultaneously in Tehran, Beijing, and Moscow. Officials from the three countries described it as “a cornerstone for a new multipolar order.”

While the full text is being gradually released, authorities confirmed that the agreement covers collaboration in energy, trade, military coordination, and diplomatic strategy.

Iranian state media cited officials saying the pact reflects a joint commitment to “mutual respect, sovereign independence and a rules-based international system that rejects unilateral coercion.” Beijing and Moscow issued similar statements, highlighting their shared opposition to Western dominance.

This trilateral agreement builds on years of close bilateral ties. In January 2025, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty to strengthen economic and defense cooperation and counter Western sanctions. That treaty became effective last year.

Iran and China had also signed a 25-year cooperation deal in 2021, aimed at expanding trade, infrastructure, and energy cooperation.

What sets this new pact apart is that it explicitly unites all three countries under a coordinated framework. Unlike previous bilateral agreements, the pact aligns them on issues such as nuclear sovereignty, economic resilience, and military coordination.

No Formal Defence Commitment

Officials emphasized that the agreement is not a mutual defense treaty like NATO’s Article 5, which obligates members to defend one another militarily.

Past agreements between Iran and Russia did not include such guarantees, and this pact follows the same cautious approach. Analysts say it signals a political and strategic alignment intended to counterbalance US influence, resist sanctions, reduce dependence on Western financial systems, and expand regional influence.

The signing comes as tensions rise between Iran and the United States. Washington has accused Tehran of enriching uranium beyond the limits of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy.

Attempts to revive the deal have repeatedly stalled. Talks in Oman and Rome in 2025 ended without an agreement, deepening mistrust. US military deployments in the Gulf, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, have also raised fears of escalation.

Inside Iran, protests that began in December 2025 over economic hardship have added domestic pressure. Iranian authorities accused foreign actors of fueling unrest, citing statements by US President Donald Trump in support of demonstrators as interference in domestic affairs.

Strategic Implications

For Tehran, the pact offers economic relief and strengthens deterrence against military threats by deepening ties with Russia and China.

For Moscow and Beijing, the agreement provides access to Iran’s energy resources and strengthens their capacity to challenge US alliances in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Both countries have expanded military cooperation with Iran, including joint naval exercises in the Gulf.

For the United States and its allies, the pact complicates efforts to isolate Iran. Gulf states, wary of Tehran’s ambitions, fear the agreement could embolden Iran and destabilize the region further.

Experts caution, however, that the pact has limits. Russia and China remain cautious about overcommitting, mindful of possible US retaliation. Iran’s ongoing economic challenges and domestic unrest could also hinder its ability to meet obligations. Without a formal defense guarantee, Tehran remains vulnerable to confrontation with the US or Israel.

Much will depend on whether Moscow and Beijing risk deeper involvement in Iran’s disputes with the West. For now, the agreement strengthens Tehran’s diplomatic position, even as tensions with Washington persist.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that any military attack by the United States would lead to a “regional war” in the Middle East, as tensions continue to rise between Tehran and Washington.

Khamenei issued the warning on Sunday amid the presence of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other American warships in the Arabian Sea. The deployment followed President Donald Trump’s decision to send the vessels after Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

Iranian state television reported Khamenei’s remarks online before broadcasting any video of his speech.

“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei was quoted as saying.

He also insisted that Iran had no intention of attacking other countries but would respond forcefully to any provocation. “We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it,” he said.

Khamenei further described the ongoing protests across Iran as an attempted coup, adopting a tougher stance after earlier acknowledging that economic hardship had contributed to public anger. The protests began on December 28 after the collapse of Iran’s currency and later turned into a direct challenge to his leadership.

“The recent sedition was similar to a coup. Of course, the coup was suppressed,” he said. “Their goal was to destroy sensitive and effective centers involved in running the country, and for this reason they attacked the police, government centers, (Revolutionary Guard) facilities, banks and mosques — and burned copies of the Quran. They targeted centers that run the country.”

Reports indicate that tens of thousands of people have been detained since the demonstrations began. In Iran, charges related to sedition can carry the death penalty, a development that has drawn concern from the United States. Trump has previously described the killing of peaceful protesters or mass executions as red lines for possible military action.

Meanwhile, Iran also scheduled live-fire military drills for Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes. The US military’s Central Command warned against any threat to American forces or disruption of commercial shipping during the exercise.

In a related development, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, announced that Tehran now considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist groups. The statement followed the EU’s decision to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over its role in the crackdown on protests.

Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, made the declaration as lawmakers appeared in Guard uniforms in parliament.

“By seeking to strike at the (Guard), which itself has been the greatest barrier to the spread of terrorism to Europe, Europeans have in fact shot themselves in the foot and, once again, through blind obedience to the Americans, decided against the interests of their own people,” Qalibaf said.

Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session.

Trump, for his part, has said Iran is engaged in talks with the United States, even as he declined to confirm whether he had decided on military action.

“I don’t know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us,” Trump said, while stressing the need for a “satisfactory” deal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, Iran’s Supreme Leader has repeatedly ruled out direct negotiations with Washington. Despite that, Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian security official, wrote on social media that “structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing,” although no public evidence of direct talks has emerged.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant military mobilization, Iran has deployed over 2,500 military aircraft to operate alongside its naval forces in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The move, reported tonight, centers on the area of Hormuz Zaldmoon.

Regional analysts view the large-scale deployment as a major security preparation and strategic exercise. It is widely interpreted as a show of force and a direct response to escalating regional tensions and recent threats of conflict.

A senior Iranian military official stated the operations have a “special focus on marine security,” underscoring Tehran’s declaration of readiness to defend vital waterways. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments.

The rapid military buildup has drawn intense international scrutiny, with world leaders and defense observers closely monitoring the speedy activities. The deployment raises concerns over potential miscalculations or confrontations in an already volatile region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Islamic Republic of Iran has dismissed claims that it sought negotiations with the United States amid rising tensions between the two countries. Tehran said it has not made any request for dialogue with Washington and has had no recent direct contact with U.S. officials.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, said he had not communicated with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days. He stressed that Iran did not initiate any move toward talks with the United States.

“There was no contact between me and Witkoff in recent days and no request for negotiations was made from us,” Araqchi told state media. He explained that while some intermediaries remain in touch with Tehran, they are only “holding consultations” with various parties.

Araqchi further outlined Iran’s position on any potential engagement with Washington. “Our stance is clear, negotiations don’t go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands,” he said. His remarks underlined Iran’s refusal to enter discussions under pressure.

On the U.S. side, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that another “armada” was moving toward Iran. He also said he hoped Tehran would agree to a deal with Washington. The United States has recently increased its military deployments in the Gulf, following nationwide protests in Iran. Those protests triggered what observers have described as the bloodiest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, also commented on the situation. He told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iran supports any effort that can prevent war, provided it aligns with international law. According to him, Tehran remains open to peaceful initiatives aimed at avoiding conflict.

The latest statements from both sides point to continued strain in relations. Iran insists that meaningful dialogue cannot happen under threats or excessive demands, while the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Islamic Republic of Iran has executed a man named Hamidreza Sabet Esmaeilipour after a court found him guilty of espionage on behalf of Israel, according to Mizan, the media outlet of the Iranian judiciary.

Mizan reported on Wednesday that Esmaeilipour was hanged following his conviction for spying and intelligence cooperation with Israel’s intelligence agency, the Mossad.

Judicial authorities said Esmaeilipour was arrested on April 29, 2025. They accused him of transferring classified documents and sensitive materials to a “hostile intelligence service.”

The report stated that the execution took place after Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence. Authorities also said all legal processes had been completed before the sentence was carried out.

Iran and Israel have remained engaged in a prolonged shadow conflict that has involved covert activities, assassinations, cyber operations and intelligence missions across the Middle East.

Tehran has repeatedly alleged that Israel has penetrated its security and military institutions, with particular focus on matters linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have executed several people accused of having ties to Israeli intelligence. These actions have attracted criticism from international human rights organisations, which have raised concerns about due process and Iran’s use of capital punishment.

Reports indicate that executions connected to alleged espionage for Israel have risen since last year. This followed a direct military confrontation in June, when Israeli and U.S. forces launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a development that sharply intensified hostilities between the two rivals.

Iranian officials insist that such executions are essential for protecting national security. Critics, however, argue that espionage allegations often lack clarity and that court proceedings remain largely opaque.