Iran

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has said Washington has deployed what he described as “a big armada next to Iran” amid rising tensions, while insisting that Tehran’s leadership is still interested in reaching an agreement with the US.

Trump made the remarks during an interview with Axios late on Monday, shortly after the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln entered the US Central Command’s area of responsibility in the Middle East. The move marked a major escalation in the US military posture close to Iran.

Speaking on the deployment, Trump said: “We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela.”
He also emphasised that diplomacy remained possible. “They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk.”

According to White House officials quoted by Axios, a military strike against Iran remains an option, although Trump has not taken a final decision. The officials added that the president is expected to hold further consultations this week and assess additional military choices.

Iranian authorities, on their part, have continued to warn of serious consequences if the US launches any attack. The warnings come amid ongoing arrests linked to deadly nationwide protests and a prolonged internet blackout across parts of the country, Aaljazeera reports.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also issued strong signals. In a report carried by Press TV, an unnamed IRGC official said the force is “closely monitoring” US and Israeli actions in the region. The official added that any belief that a strike on Iran would be quick and clean is based on an “incomplete understanding” of Iran’s capabilities. Last week, IRGC commander General Mohammad Pakpour said his forces were “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger,” and urged the US and Israel to “avoid any miscalculation.”

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah has declared it would not remain neutral if Iran is attacked. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem made the position clear during a televised address delivered via video link at a solidarity event.

Qassem said Hezbollah fully supports Iran and its leadership. He added that any threat against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would be treated as a threat against Hezbollah itself, according to Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV. Qassem also accused Washington of long-standing hostility towards Iran, saying the US had plotted against the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and later pursued conflict through Iraq in the 1980s.

Regional reactions have also emerged. The United Arab Emirates announced that it would not allow its land, airspace or territorial waters to be used for any military operation against Iran. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said it would also refuse to provide logistical support for such an attack. The Gulf state maintains strong trade ties with Iran, despite regional rivalries and its 2020 normalisation agreement with Israel, which was brokered by the US.

In Tehran, tensions have spilled into public symbolism. Authorities unveiled a massive mural in Enghelab Square that shows a damaged US aircraft carrier with destroyed fighter jets and streams of blood. The caption on the artwork, written in both Farsi and English, reads: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” Enghelab Square often hosts state-organised gatherings, and officials regularly change its murals to reflect national events.

The developments underline the growing strain between Washington and Tehran, as diplomatic signals continue alongside military deployments and stark warnings from Iran and its allies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has announced that any country maintaining commercial ties with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on all business conducted with the United States.

The declaration came on Monday through a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he described the decision as “final and conclusive”, without providing further clarification on how the measure would be implemented.

“Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump said in the post.

The statement did not specify the nations that would be affected. However, several major economies maintain active trade relations with Iran. These include Russia, China, Brazil and Turkiye. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates also rank among Iran’s key trading partners, according to data from Trading Economics.

The announcement comes at a time when Iran is experiencing widespread antigovernment protests and violent unrest across the country.

Reports from rights groups suggest that hundreds of people may have been killed, although an internet shutdown has limited independent verification of events on the ground.

In recent weeks, Trump has increased pressure on Tehran while issuing warnings of possible military action if Iran does not reduce its nuclear and military programmes.

“Now, I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down,” Trump told reporters in December.

“We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But, hopefully, that’s not happening.”

Earlier in June, the United States carried out air attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict that followed military action by Israel.

Legal experts have argued that the US strikes may have breached international law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Iranian military has pledged to defend the country’s strategic assets and public property as authorities intensify efforts to contain widespread antigovernment protests triggered by rising living costs.

In a statement released on Saturday by semi-official media outlets, the armed forces accused Israel and what they described as “hostile terrorist groups” of attempting to “undermine the country’s public security.”

The declaration came after United States President Donald Trump issued fresh warnings to Iran’s leadership over the growing demonstrations, which have resulted in dozens of deaths.

“The Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, together with other armed forces, in addition to monitoring enemy movements in the region, will resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country’s strategic infrastructure, and public property,” the military said.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) delivered a similar message on Saturday. State television reported that the elite force described the protection of the 1979 revolution’s legacy and national security as a “red line.”

Earlier in the day, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s backing for Iranian protesters following an internet shutdown introduced by Iranian authorities.

“The United States supports the brave people of Iran,” Rubio wrote on X.

His message followed new remarks from Trump, who warned Iran’s leadership, saying, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” Trump stated that Iran’s leaders appeared to be “in big trouble” and repeated his warning that military action could follow if protesters were killed.

He added, “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago.”

Demonstrations have spread across the country since January 3, driven by frustration over economic hardship and increasing calls for the removal of the clerical establishment that has governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Reports from Reuters indicated that unrest continued overnight on Saturday. State media blamed “rioters” for setting a municipal building ablaze in Karaj, west of Tehran. Press TV aired funeral footage of security personnel it said died during clashes in Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan.

By Maryam Ahmad

Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and multilateral engagement.

The commitment was restated during a high-level meeting held on 17 December 2025 in Abuja, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, received the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, His Excellency Gholamreza Raja.

The meeting marked one of Ambassador Raja’s first formal engagements following the presentation of his Letters of Credence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Both sides emphasised the importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

They also expressed readiness to explore new opportunities that would further strengthen ties between the two countries and contribute to regional and global cooperation.

By Anwar Usman

The top security chief of Iran, Ali Larijani, vowed in Lebanon on Wednesday that his government would continue to provide support, after the Lebanese government ordered the army to devise a plan to disarm Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Ali Larijani’s trip to Lebanon comes after Iran expressed opposition to a government plan to disarm Hezbollah, which, before a war with Israel last year, was believed to be better armed than the Lebanese military.

“If the Lebanese people are suffering, we in Iran will also feel this pain and we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon in all circumstances,” Larijani, the head of the National Security Council, told reporters after landing in BeirutDozens of Hezbollah supporters gathered along the airport road to welcome Larijani.

He briefly stepped out of his car to greet them as they chanted slogans of support.

In Lebanon, the security chief is expected to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.

Iran has suffered a series of blows in its long-running rivalry with Israel, including during 12 days of open war between the two countries in June.

Reports show that, Hezbollah is part of Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance” — a network of armed groups in the region, including Hamas in Gaza and Yemen’s Huthi rebels, united in their opposition to Israel.

The ouster in December of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which long served as a conduit for weapons deliveries between Iran and Hezbollah, cut off the supply route to Lebanon.

Iran has declared its firm opposition to the Lebanese government’s bid to disarm Hezbollah, while the movement itself has slammed the decision as a “grave sin”.

By Muhammad Abubakar

President Donald J. Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Congressman Buddy Carter, following a historic ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel.

Carter praised Trump’s role in ending the conflict and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, calling his leadership “bold and decisive.” The congressman credited Trump with promoting peace and stability in a volatile region.

Now serving as the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s efforts, Carter said, “exemplify the very ideals that the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to recognize.”