Iran

Fresh US intelligence assessments indicate that China could be preparing to supply Iran with new air defense systems in the coming weeks, according to three individuals familiar with the findings, as reported by Cable News Network (CNN).

The development comes shortly after Beijing played a role in brokering a fragile ceasefire that halted recent hostilities between Iran and the United States. The timing is sensitive as President Donald Trump is expected to travel to China next month for talks with President Xi Jinping.

Officials say the intelligence points to possible efforts by Iran to use the pause in fighting to rebuild parts of its military capability with assistance from foreign partners.

Two sources said there are signs that China may attempt to route the weapons through third-party countries in order to conceal their origin.

The weapons in question are believed to be shoulder-fired anti-aircraft systems known as MANPADS. According to the sources, such systems posed a threat to low-flying US military aircraft during the recent five-week conflict and could do so again if fighting resumes.

China has denied the claims. A spokesperson for its embassy in Washington said, “China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue.”

The spokesperson added, “As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations. We urge the U.S. side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions.”

Earlier, the embassy maintained that Beijing had “been working to help bring about a ceasefire and end to the conflict” since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war.

President Trump said earlier this week that a US F-15 fighter jet downed over Iran was struck by a “handheld shoulder missile, [a] heat-seeking missile.” Iran had earlier claimed it used a “new” air defense system, though it did not disclose details. It remains unclear whether the system was of Chinese origin.

Analysts say any transfer of MANPADS would signal a shift in China’s level of support for Iran since the US and Israel began joint military operations in February. While Chinese firms have continued supplying dual-use technologies to Iran, direct involvement by the Chinese government in weapons transfers would represent a significant escalation.

High-level engagements between Washington and Beijing have continued alongside ceasefire discussions, and Trump’s planned visit is expected to address several of these concerns.

One source familiar with the intelligence said China appears to be balancing its interests. Beijing is seen as avoiding direct involvement in the conflict while maintaining ties with Iran, a key supplier of oil, and preserving plausible deniability.

Sources also noted that China could frame any support as defensive in nature. This position could distinguish its actions from Russia, which has reportedly supported Iran with intelligence sharing during the conflict.

Iran maintains long-standing military and economic ties with both China and Russia. It has also supported Moscow in its war in Ukraine, including the supply of Shahed drones, while continuing to export much of its sanctioned oil to China.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has criticised CNN over a report linked to Iran’s claim of victory after a ceasefire agreement, alleging that the network relied on a false source.

The president made the allegation on Wednesday through his Truth Social platform. His comments came shortly after he announced a two-week ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran.

Reacting to a statement attributed to Iranian authorities, Trump said, “The alleged statement put out by CNN World News is a fraud, as CNN well knows.”

He also claimed that the report originated from an unreliable platform. According to him, “The false statement was linked to a Fake News site (from Nigeria) and, of course, immediately picked up by CNN, and blared out as a ‘legitimate’ headline.”

Trump maintained that the version circulated by CNN did not reflect Iran’s official position. He said, “The Official Statement by Iran was just released, and posted on TRUTH, below.”

In another post, the president intensified his criticism of the network. He said, “No one can believe that Fake News CNN put out a knowingly false and dangerous statement pretending it came from the upper levels of the Iranian Government. It didn’t! It was totally made up and posted, as a headline, for purpose of, perhaps, inflaming a very delicate situation.”

He further alleged that the report came from “a new, trouble-making site from Nigeria,” and added that “CNN just got caught cheating — a very dangerous thing to do.”

The disputed report was said to have been issued by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. It claimed that Tehran recorded a “historic and crushing defeat” against the United States and forced Washington to accept parts of its negotiation terms.

Trump rejected the claim and insisted that Iran’s official statement did not support such conclusions. He also called on CNN to withdraw the report and issue an apology.

He said, “Authorities are looking to determine whether or not a crime was committed on the issuance of the Fake CNN World Statement, or was it a sick rogue player.”

He added, “CNN is being ordered to immediately withdraw this statement with full apologies for their, as usual, terrible ‘reporting.’ Results of the investigation will be announced in the near future.”

Trump’s reference to Nigeria has drawn reactions, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim that the report came from a Nigerian-based platform.

The Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, supported the president’s position and faulted CNN’s handling of the report.

Carr said, “Fake news is bad enough for the country, but pushing out a hoax headline in such a sensitive national security moment as this requires accountability.”

CNN, however, defended its report and declined to retract it. A spokesperson for the network said the information came directly from Iranian officials and was confirmed by several state media outlets in Iran.

The spokesperson stated, “We received the statement from specific official Iranian spokespeople who are known to us,” and noted that similar versions appeared in English and Farsi across Iranian platforms.

The network insisted that its report reflected information provided by Iranian authorities at the time. It added that standard verification processes were followed before publication.

The disagreement comes amid global attention on the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The agreement was reached shortly before a deadline set by Trump for possible military action.

Both countries have claimed success in the standoff. The ceasefire has, however, been widely seen as a step toward reducing tensions, especially due to the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil supply.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that safe passage through the strait would be ensured for two weeks under the agreement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has announced that the United States has accepted “in principle” a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

According to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the country’s Supreme National Security Council said on Wednesday that the proposal would form the basis for upcoming negotiations. The talks are expected to focus on reaching a comprehensive agreement to end hostilities.

The report stated that the proposal includes guarantees of non-aggression, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, and recognition of Tehran’s right to enrich uranium. It also calls for the removal of all US primary and secondary sanctions, the end of measures imposed by the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as compensation payments and the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region.

The council emphasised that any final deal would depend on whether Iran’s conditions are met and on the completion of detailed negotiations. It added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be maintained during the negotiation period in coordination with Iran’s armed forces.

Negotiations are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as mediator. The discussions are expected to last up to two weeks.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Washington would pause attacks on Iran for the same period, describing Tehran’s proposal as a “workable basis” for discussions.

Iranian media reported that the plan outlines an end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and proposes a broader framework for a lasting settlement.

The New York Times reported that the proposal was delivered through Pakistani mediators and is intended to serve as a comprehensive roadmap towards a permanent resolution of the conflict.

The proposal also includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, with a fee of $2 million per vessel to be shared between Iran and Oman. Instead of direct compensation, Iran is expected to use its share of the transit revenue to rebuild infrastructure damaged during recent attacks.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A U.S. Senator, Edward J. Markey, has demanded the immediate removal of President Donald Trump from office. He described the president’s recent remarks as dangerous and without precedent.

In a statement issued in Boston on April 7, 2026, Markey said, “With each passing day, it becomes increasingly apparent that Donald Trump is unstable and a clear and present danger, not just to the American people but to the world. He must be removed from office before he causes incalculable and unfathomable harm.”

He dismissed the idea that limited legislative steps would address the situation. Markey stressed that stronger action was necessary.

“At this point, a war powers resolution, although required under our constitutional order, will not be enough. We have a warmonger in the White House,” he said.

“He has threatened war crimes on an apocalyptic scale and appears eager to commit them, including through the possible use of nuclear weapons. We cannot fund this illegal war. The Congress must act now.”

The senator called on lawmakers to move quickly. He outlined constitutional options available to Congress and the executive branch.

“The House and Senate must return to session. The House must pass articles of impeachment, and then the Senate must vote to convict and remove the President. Or, the cabinet and Vice President, with congressional concurrence, must invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump,” he said.

Markey warned that the situation carries serious global implications.

“His threats cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. This is as grave a moment as the world has faced in the nuclear era,” he said.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran has taken a more cautious stance. He distanced himself from extreme rhetoric linked to the rising tension between the United States and Iran.

In a statement released on April 7, 2026, Moran emphasized the importance of strong national defense. He also stressed that military action must follow legal and moral standards.

“The United States of America must always be prepared to use overwhelming military force when necessary to defend our national security interests and protect Americans at home and abroad,” Moran said.

He added that presidential powers must remain within constitutional limits.

“And, a President should have the latitude to make decisions to that end, but only to the extent that those decisions are also consistent with the inherent authority of a Commander-in-Chief under the U.S. Constitution and the provisions of the War Powers Resolution,” he stated.

Moran explained that his earlier support for Trump’s actions on Iran was based on their alignment with national security and legal authority.

“To date, I have supported the President’s decisions relating to the Iranian conflict because they were consistent with these authorities and the ultimate goal of protecting national security interests,” he added.

However, he rejected calls that suggest wiping out an entire society. He said such statements go against American values.

“At the same time, what sets America apart is not only our strength, but how we use it. Our nation has always conducted military operations for just causes and through just and moral means. This must continue in the future; otherwise we forfeit our legitimacy to lead the world,” Moran said.

“So, let me be clear: I do not support the destruction of a ‘whole civilization.’ That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America,” he said.

Reaffirming his position, Moran said, “I have and will continue to support a strong national defense—one that is focused, disciplined, and firmly rooted in protecting the safety and security of the American people. But, how we protect the lives of the innocent is just as important as how we engage the enemy.”

He concluded by stating, “America is great because America is good.”

The remarks from both lawmakers come amid growing political reactions to President Trump’s recent comments on the Iran crisis. The president had earlier warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” as tensions continued to rise.

He also said, “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Washington, April 7, 2026 – United States President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about accusations of possible war crimes linked to threats of attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure. His remarks came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise over a looming deadline tied to a proposed agreement.

Trump warned that the US could target key facilities such as power plants, bridges, oil wells, and water desalination sites if Iran fails to comply. Such targets are protected under international humanitarian law.

“I’m not worried about it,” Mr Trump said when asked during a press conference on Monday what he would say to those who allege that striking energy facilities would amount to war crimes. “You know the war crime? The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

When pressed further, the US leader described Iran’s leadership as “animals” and accused them of killing large numbers of protesters.

He also spoke about Iran’s oil resources and suggested he would take control of them under different circumstances. “I’d keep the oil, and I would make plenty of money,” he said.

Trump has already issued a deadline for Tehran to reach a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of severe consequences if the demand is not met. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

At the same briefing, Trump addressed concerns that such attacks could harm civilians. He responded: “It’s suffering. They would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom.”

The president appeared alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is facing criticism from US lawmakers. Democrat Yassamin Ansari accused him of supporting unlawful military actions.

“Trump is escalating a devastating, illegal war, threatening massive war crimes and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. In the last 48 hours alone, the rhetoric has crossed every line. Pete Hegseth is complicit,” Ansari wrote in a post on X.

“I’ve called for the 25th Amendment and am introducing Articles of Impeachment against Hegseth,” she added.

Criticism also came from other political figures in the United States. Senator Chuck Schumer said: “He’s threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies. This is who he is, but this is not who we are. Our country deserves so much better.”

Senator Chris Murphy described Trump’s remarks as “completely unhinged”.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, once an ally of the president, also reacted strongly. She wrote: “Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the President and intervene in Trump’s madness.”

She continued: “Trump threatening to bomb power plants and bridges hurts the Iranian people, the very people Trump claimed he was freeing […] This is not making America great again, this is evil.”

The United Nations has also raised concerns. A spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that international law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure.

“Even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective,” Stephane Dujarric said, an attack would still be prohibited if it risks “excessive incidental civilian harm”.

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that a 45-day ceasefire proposal had been discussed but not approved by Trump. Iran has rejected the temporary arrangement and is instead calling for a permanent end to the conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has called on its citizens to take protective action around critical national assets following renewed threats from the United States, Sky News reports.

The request comes as multiple attacks on Iran’s strategic infrastructure have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with tensions rising between Tehran, Washington, and Israel.

“Iran has called on young people to form human chains around power plants, after Donald Trump threatened to hit them.”

The announcement coincides with a looming deadline issued by former US President Donald Trump, which has intensified uncertainty about possible military operations.

“Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 1am UK time on Wednesday looms.”

Iranian media reported that Kharg Island, a vital hub for oil exports, has been struck again amid the ongoing hostilities.

“Iran’s Kharg Island has been hit by several strikes, according to a report from the Iranian Mehr news agency.”

The island is central to Iran’s economy due to its key role in oil exports.

“The island is an oil export hub for Iran.”

Earlier in the conflict, US strikes avoided causing significant damage to the island’s infrastructure.

“The US bombed the island earlier in the war but Donald Trump made a point of saying at the time that it left Iran’s oil infrastructure alone.”

Nevertheless, Trump has previously hinted at targeting the island for strategic leverage.

“Trump has, at various points, threatened that the US could take the island to control Iran’s oil.”

Recent reports from US media also point to fresh military action targeting facilities on Kharg Island.

“The US has conducted strikes on military targets on Iran’s Kharg ⁠Island, according to American news website Axios, citing an unidentified senior US official.”

Elsewhere in Iran, additional strikes hit transport infrastructure in the central and northern regions.

“We’re receiving reports from Iranian media that a recent Israeli strike struck the Yahya Abad railway bridge in the city of Kashan, in central Iran.”

Authorities confirmed casualties in one incident, highlighting the impact on civilians.

“The Mehr News agency quoted the deputy governor of Isfahan as saying that the strike killed two people.”

Further disruptions occurred on major routes in the north-west and north, following safety warnings issued by Israeli forces.

“Strikes were also reported on the Tabriz-Zanjan freeway in the northwest and a railway in Karaj in the north.”

By Anwar Usman

Iran has rejected a proposed truce in its war with the United States and Israel, state media reported Monday, despite a stark threat by US President Donald Trump to destroy its vital infrastructure.

“Iran has conveyed to Pakistan its response to the American proposal to end the war,” the news agency IRNA said, without revealing its source or what the US offer contained.

“In this response—set out in ten points—Iran… has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict.”

AFP reports that, several countries are trying to find a diplomatic solution to end 38 days of war sparked by Israeli and US attacks against Iran, which has responded by firing missiles at targets across the Middle East.

Recall on Sunday President Trump warned that, unless Tehran agreed by Tuesday evening to allow free passage to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he would order strikes on its power plants and bridges.

But IRNA said Tehran had countered with demands of its own, including “an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has annulled the lawful permanent resident status of two relatives of the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani, citing alleged connections to the Iranian government.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the termination of the legal status of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter.

Both women were subsequently taken into custody by federal authorities and are now held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The statement described Soleimani Afshar as “an outspoken supporter” of the Iranian government. Officials claim she promoted Iranian state narratives while residing in the United States.

“While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the ‘Great Satan,’ and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the statement said.

Authorities also alleged that she led a luxurious lifestyle in Los Angeles while posting content on social media that supported Iran.

In addition to revoking the residency status of Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, the department confirmed that her husband has been barred from entering the United States.

Earlier this month, Secretary Rubio also terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of former Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, along with her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both are no longer in the United States and have been prohibited from future entry.

The Department of State acknowledged the cooperation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in carrying out the operation.

“The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iranian media say a United States search helicopter has been shot down during an operation to locate a missing fighter jet, in what marks a further escalation following an earlier aerial incident.

Reports indicate that the helicopter, which was deployed to search for the downed aircraft’s crew, was struck by a projectile. “The US search helicopter was hit by a projectile.”

This development comes after Iranian authorities claimed they had brought down a US fighter jet, though details about the aircraft and its crew remain uncertain. No official confirmation has been issued by US authorities regarding the condition or location of those on board.

A source familiar with the situation said efforts are ongoing to locate the crew of the aircraft, according to a report by the UK Guardian.

Earlier, Iranian state media identified the downed aircraft as an F-35 warplane. However, this claim has not been independently verified. Questions have also emerged about the accuracy of that identification.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that US forces are searching for a pilot “of a fighter jet that was attacked by the Iranian armed forces this morning”. The agency also released images it claimed showed debris from the aircraft, although some analysts have raised doubts about the type of jet involved.

Providing a different assessment, Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, told NBC News: “I think the structure looks like an F-15 and from the tail flash stripe markings from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.”

His analysis suggests the aircraft could be an F-15E Strike Eagle, rather than the F-35 initially reported.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that a broadcaster linked to Iranian state television aired details about the missing pilot. The report said the transmission came from Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, a mountainous area in southwestern Iran.

As of the time of filing this report, US officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the incidents.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has permitted a French-linked vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the continuing conflict in the region.

The ship, identified as Kribi, sails under the Maltese flag and is owned by French shipping company CMA CGM. It is the first Western vessel to exit the Persian Gulf since hostilities involving Iran began.

Reports indicate that ships from countries such as China, Pakistan and the Philippines have successfully navigated the strait in recent days.

However, Iran’s military has maintained that the strategic waterway will remain closed to vessels linked to the United States and Israel for the foreseeable future.

There are also claims that Iran has introduced charges for ships seeking passage through the strait, with fees said to be as high as $2 million. It remains unclear whether the Kribi paid any such fee.

Tracking data suggests the vessel travelled close to Iran’s coastline while passing through the strait.

Meanwhile, attention remains on the fate of a United States fighter jet crew after their aircraft was downed in Iran. One crew member has been rescued, while the other is still missing.

A geopolitical analyst, Mona Yacoubian, said: “It could be that the US finds whoever this is, and the Iranians don’t have control over this person, but if they do, I think that that is a further escalation of the war. That’s going to present a new challenge for President Trump.

“If there are images that are broadcast of a US fighter pilot taken hostage, captured as a prisoner, that’s going to elevate the challenges in the US domestically, because now you’re going to have this conflict brought home even more personally, into people’s living rooms, on their computer screens… I think it will then increase the pressure further on the administration to do something.”

In a separate reaction, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised the United States over the situation, stating: “After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from ‘regime change’ to ‘Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?’.

“Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.”

The developments highlight rising tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical route for global oil shipments and a focal point in the ongoing crisis.