Trump

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Chinese President Xi Jinping has cautioned United States President Donald Trump that any wrong move on the Taiwan issue could damage ties between both countries and possibly trigger conflict.

The warning came on Thursday as the two leaders met in Beijing for a high-profile summit that focused on trade, security and regional tensions.

Trump arrived in China with warm remarks for his host. He described Xi as a “great leader” and “friend”. The American president also invited the Chinese leader to visit the White House in September.

Despite the cordial atmosphere at the start of the meeting, Xi made it clear that Taiwan remains Beijing’s top concern in relations with Washington.

“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” Xi said, according to remarks released by Chinese state media after the talks began.

“If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” he added.

The discussions between both leaders reportedly lasted for two hours and 15 minutes at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi also urged both nations to maintain cooperation instead of rivalry. He said China and the United States “should be partners and not rivals”.

Trump, who is facing domestic pressure over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, described the summit as highly significant.

“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever,” Trump said during brief remarks after a welcoming ceremony in Beijing.

The ceremony featured an honour guard and children waving flowers and flags to welcome the American delegation.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xi told Trump that earlier negotiations between Chinese and American economic officials in South Korea produced “balanced and positive outcomes”.

Al Jazeera correspondent Katrina Yu, who reported from Beijing, said Chinese authorities appeared willing to manage disagreements with Washington on several issues, including trade, Iran and technology.

However, she noted that Taiwan remains a red line for Beijing.

“But there is one issue China and President Xi cannot be flexible on. That is Taiwan,” Yu said.

“And everything that Beijing has offered in the last few hours – niceties, friendliness, reaching out a hand to cooperate more closely – is not free and is conditional on one thing: Washington accepts that there is only one China and that Beijing is very serious about getting Taiwan under its control.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Donald Trump has notified the United States Congress that military hostilities against Iran have come to an end, while also raising the possibility of military action against Cuba.

In a letter sent on Friday, the president said the campaign, which started on February 28, had reached its conclusion after a ceasefire that began on April 7, 2026, remained intact. The development coincides with the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Act for unauthorised military engagements.

“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” Trump wrote. He added that the US military would keep a strong presence in the region to counter what he described as an ongoing threat from Iran.

Despite the formal tone of the letter, Trump struck a different note during an event in West Palm Beach, Florida. Speaking to supporters, he suggested that US naval forces deployed in the Persian Gulf could be redirected toward Cuba.

“We’ll do it on the way back from Iran,” Trump told the audience, referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier as monitored in CNN. “We’ll have that come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they’ll say, ‘thank you very much, we give up.'”

The remarks have drawn concern from international observers. Many see them as a sign that the administration may still be open to pursuing regime change, especially after the February 28 strikes that reportedly killed senior Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.

At the same event, Trump praised the US Navy’s operations in the Strait of Hormuz. He spoke about the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel and likened the operation to a lucrative venture.

“We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It’s a very profitable business,” he said, after explaining how forces used tugboats and boarded the ship.

Since April 13, the United States has maintained a maritime blockade around Iranian ports. Washington says foreign vessels can pass through, as long as they do not make payments to Iranian authorities. Analysts say the measure has severely affected Iran’s shipping activities.

Although active fighting has stopped, efforts to reach a lasting agreement have not succeeded. Talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without progress. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest proposal.

“Frankly, maybe we’re better off not making a deal at all,” he said, indicating that the US could continue its pressure tactics, including the naval blockade.

The operation, known as Operation Epic Fury, has caused widespread damage across the Middle East. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been affected since the initial strikes in February.

Even with the official end of hostilities, tensions remain high. US authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially regarding Iranian-aligned groups in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has criticised key American allies, including the United Kingdom and France, over their refusal to support recent military operations against Iran.

In a series of posts shared on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump accused the European countries of failing to cooperate during what he described as the “decapitation” of Iran’s leadership. He singled out the UK for maintaining a neutral stance and France for denying airspace access to U.S. military aircraft heading to Israel.

The remarks come amid a worsening global energy situation. Several countries are facing jet fuel shortages as the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments, becomes difficult to access due to the ongoing conflict.

Trump addressed the United Kingdom directly and ruled out further American support. He advised the British government to rely less on U.S. protection and act independently.

“I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump posted.

He also warned that Washington would withdraw its security support from allies who did not back the operation, stating, “The U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.”

The U.S. President also criticised France over its decision to block American transport planes carrying military supplies to Israel. He referred to Iran’s late leadership as the “Butcher of Iran” and insisted that the mission against them succeeded.

“France has been VERY UNHELPFUL… The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!” he said, suggesting a possible strain in relations between both countries.

Trump described the military phase as largely complete. He stated that “the hard part is done” and that Iran has been “decimated.” However, international observers have presented a more concerning outlook on the situation.

They reported “A dramatic spike in global jet fuel prices and a near-total halt of tankers through the Persian Gulf.” Reports from the United Nations indicate that about 2,000 civilians in Iran have died, while millions have been displaced.

Observers also pointed to “A complete breakdown in the “Special Relationship” between the U.S. and the UK, as London continues to distance itself from the unilateral military action.”

Trump’s remarks reflect a stronger push for his “America First” policy. His call for allies to “Go get your own oil” signals a shift away from the long-standing U.S. role in securing global energy routes in the Middle East.

Political analysts say the comments could deepen divisions between the United States and its allies. The United Nations and the European Union have already described the strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure as violations of international law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has firmly denied any American participation in the recent Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the country’s largest gas facility. He also warned that Israel will not conduct further strikes on the site.

In a post on his Truth Social page, Trump said, “Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran,” adding that “a relatively small section of the whole has been hit.”

He emphasized that “the United States knew nothing about this particular attack,” and made clear that “the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.”

Trump accused Iran of responding without full understanding of the situation, stating that Tehran “unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”

The president further stated, “NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field,” unless Iran escalates tensions. He also warned that any future strikes on Qatar’s gas infrastructure could trigger a powerful response from the United States.

“If Qatar’s LNG facilities are hit again,” Trump said, “the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

While highlighting the gravity of such action, he added, “I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so.”

South Pars represents the Iranian portion of the world’s largest natural gas deposit. Iran shares the resource with Qatar, a close U.S. ally that hosts America’s largest military base in the Gulf.

The ongoing conflict has seen Tehran target not only Israel but also U.S. diplomatic and military facilities in the Gulf, while warning neighboring countries against hosting attacks on Iran.

Earlier reports from SaharaReporters indicated that Qatar’s main gas production hub, Ras Laffan Industrial City, was struck by a missile fired from Iran. The attack caused extensive damage and prompted immediate emergency operations.

QatarEnergy confirmed in a statement, “that Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wedy was subject of missile attacks.” The company added, “emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused,” noting that “all personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time.” QatarEnergy also assured that it “will continue to communicate the latest available information.”

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said, “the State of Qatar was subjected today, Wednesday, to an attack involving (5) ballistic missiles launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The ministry explained that “Our Armed Forces, by the grace of God, successfully intercepted (4) of the ballistic missiles, while one missile fell in Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Donald Trump has responded to the resignation of Joseph Kent, Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, following controversy linked to U.S. military action against Iran.

Trump spoke on the development during an interview with Fox News, where he shared his views on Kent’s position on national security and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

He claimed that he had long held concerns about Kent’s approach. “I always thought he was weak on security. Very weak on security. I didn’t know him well. But I thought he seemed like a pretty nice guy. But when I read his statement, I realised that it’s a good thing he’s out because he said Iran was not a threat,” Trump said in a video released by Fox News on Tuesday.

Kent stepped down earlier the same day. His resignation followed criticism of the war in Iran and questions about the reasons behind the military engagement.

In a letter addressed to the president, Kent stated that his decision came after careful consideration. “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today,” he wrote.

He explained that he could not align himself with the administration’s current foreign policy, especially its military actions. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” he stated.

Kent added that his views were based on principles he believed had guided previous policies. “I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation,” he said.

He also criticised what he described as the role of external influence and media narratives. Kent said “high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media” promoted misinformation that “wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments” encouraging military action.

The former counterterrorism chief warned that U.S. leaders may have been misled about the level of threat posed by Iran. “This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal experience, Kent pointed to the cost of war. “As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives,” he said.

He concluded his message with a call for a policy rethink. “I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards,” he wrote.

Kent ended his letter on a note of appreciation for his time in office. “It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.”

Pope Leo XIV has urged Christian political leaders who initiate wars to reflect on their actions and seek confession, as part of a moral examination of their conduct.

Speaking on Friday at the Vatican, the pontiff addressed Catholic priests during a conference focused on the practice of confession. He raised concerns about the responsibility of Christian leaders involved in armed conflicts and questioned whether they remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

“Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?” the pope asked in a speech to priests.

Although the pope did not mention any specific leader or conflict, his comments came amid increasing appeals from the Vatican for an end to the ongoing Iran war. The conflict began on February 28 after joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

United States President Donald Trump, who was raised in the Presbyterian Christian tradition, leads the country during the conflict. Some of his senior officials are Catholics. They include Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Christian teaching emphasizes peace and rejects violence. The Catholic Church generally opposes war. However, the Church has long used the “just war” tradition to assess whether a conflict may be morally justified. The framework includes conditions such as defending against an unjust invasion.

Earlier this week, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., criticized the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. He said the military action did not meet the Church’s moral standards. According to him, the strikes were “not morally legitimate”.

During his remarks at the Vatican event, Pope Leo also highlighted the importance of confession within Catholic life. In that sacrament, believers admit their sins to a priest and seek forgiveness from God.

The pope said the practice encourages personal moral reflection. He added that it can also strengthen peace and unity within society.

The remarks formed part of a Vatican conference organized to discuss the role of confession in the life of the Church. The event brought together clergy who study and guide the practice of the sacrament.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran is “very complete” following a phone conversation that lasted about an hour with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump told CBS News that the joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel had severely weakened Iran’s military capability.

“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” he said, adding that the US was “very far” ahead of its original timeline.

According to Trump, the campaign left Iran with “no navy, no communications… no air force”.

He added: “Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place, including their manufacturing of drones.

“If you look, they have nothing left. There’s nothing left in a military sense.”

The US president made the remarks shortly after speaking with Putin. The Kremlin said the Russian leader presented “several proposals to end the Iran conflict quickly” during the call.

American defence officials also indicated that the military was approaching the point where it could achieve its operational goals in the conflict.

Trump later addressed Republican lawmakers in Miami, where he described the war as a “short-term excursion”. He praised the performance of the US military and said global perception of the country had improved.

“The world respects us right now more than they have ever respected us,” he said.

“We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough,” Mr Trump said.

“We will not relent until the enemy is decisively defeated,” he added.

Financial markets reacted quickly to the developments. Stocks on Wall Street moved higher after Trump’s comments. The S&P 500 rose by 0.8 percent in afternoon trading in New York, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.5 percent.

Oil prices also dropped from earlier highs, falling to about $92 per barrel after reaching around $120 earlier in the day.

Despite the decline, analysts warned that prices could rise again if the conflict continues or if shipping disruptions persist in the Strait of Hormuz.

Independent oil analyst Tom Kloza cautioned that the drop may not last.

“It may prove to be a fool’s drop, or it may not. I think they’re betting on the fact that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be reopened. But I don’t think we’re done with triple digit oil unless the Strait is actually reopened.”

Dan Pickering, chief investment officer at Pickering Energy Partners, also warned that market reactions may remain unpredictable.

“This market has been schizophrenic. What we should expect is that the markets will react to almost every piece of commentary. Tomorrow, it could be the Iranians commenting about fighting for a long time, or a tanker could catch fire in the Strait of Hormuz and we could be back to being afraid again.

“Oil prices are still elevated because we have a war in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz is closed. Donald Trump can’t talk it open. There’s going to have to be a change in the situation before those bottlenecked barrels can move again. Talk has to be backed up by actions.”

Meanwhile, Australia confirmed that it granted asylum to five members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team. Authorities said the players feared persecution if they returned home.

Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke said the athletes would be allowed to remain in the country.

“They are welcome to stay in Australia, and they are safe here, and should feel at home here,” he told reporters.

The development came after the players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem during a tournament match in Australia last week, an act widely viewed as a protest against the Islamic Republic.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A prominent businessman from the United Arab Emirates, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, has asked United States President Donald Trump to explain the reasons behind Washington’s decision to engage in war with Iran alongside Israel.

Habtoor raised the concerns in an open letter posted on X, where he criticised the move and questioned whether the US leader had considered the possible consequences for countries in the Gulf region.

In the message, he asked Trump: “Who gave you the authority to drag our region into a war with #Iran? And on what basis did you make this dangerous decision?

Did you calculate the collateral damage before pulling the trigger? And did you consider that the first to suffer from this escalation will be the countries of the region itself!

The peoples of this region have the right to ask as well: Was this your decision alone? Or did it come as a result of pressures from #Netanyahu and his government?”

Habtoor, who founded and chairs the Al Habtoor Group, also accused the US president of exposing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to dangers they did not choose.

He wrote: “You (Trump) have placed the countries of the #GulfCooperationCouncil and the Arab countries at the heart of a danger they did not choose. Thank God, we are strong and capable of defending ourselves, and we have armies and defences that protect our homelands, but the question remains: Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?”

Neither President Trump nor the White House has issued a response to the letter. The government of the UAE has also not publicly endorsed the message.

The letter is seen as a rare public criticism from a prominent figure in the UAE. It reflects rising concern in the Gulf as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues into its sixth day.

Last week, US and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks on Iran. The strikes reportedly targeted military positions as well as civilian facilities. Iran responded with its own attacks against Israel, US positions and locations in Gulf countries that host American military assets.

Reports indicate that the first five days of the conflict, described by the US as Operation Epic Fury, have caused heavy casualties. Estimates suggest that more than 2,400 people have died in Iran, including at least 181 children.

Iranian authorities claim that US-Israel strikes during the early hours of the war hit the all-girls Minab Primary School. According to Tehran, the attack killed more than 165 female students and school staff. Israel has denied responsibility, while the United States says it is investigating the incident.

Washington says six American soldiers have died so far in the conflict. Iran, however, claims it has killed more than 500 US troops.

A US-based conflict monitoring organisation reports that Iran has launched more drones and missiles at Gulf states than at Israel since the war began.

Data from the Critical Threats Project (CTP), part of the American Enterprise Institute, states that Iran fired 255 drones and missiles at Israel after the conflict started on February 28. During the same period, the report says 2,171 drones and missiles were directed toward Gulf countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

According to the report, 1,138 of those attacks targeted the UAE, making it the most heavily struck country in the conflict.

In his letter, Habtoor also criticised the escalation in relation to Trump’s Board of Peace initiative announced in January 2026. The programme aimed to rebuild Gaza and was backed by about seven billion dollars pledged by Gulf states.

He wrote: “For before the ink has dried on the #BoardOfPeace initiative that you announced in the name of peace and stability, we find ourselves facing a military escalation that endangers the entire region. So where did those initiatives go? And what is the fate of the commitments made in the name of peace?”

Habtoor further questioned whether the financial contributions from Gulf countries were meant to support peace or to fund a war.

He stated: “Most of the funding proposed in those initiatives came from the countries of the region themselves, and from Arab Gulf countries that contributed billions of dollars on the basis of supporting stability and development. And these countries have the right to ask today: Where did this money go? And are we funding peace initiatives or funding a war that exposes us to danger?”

The businessman also argued that the conflict could impose significant financial costs on Americans.

He wrote: “And here they are today, finding themselves in a war funded from their money and taxes, with costs ranging, according to the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), between 40-65 billion dollars for direct military operations, and could reach 210 billion dollars including economic impacts and indirect losses if it lasts four to five weeks, not to mention the sacrifice of Americans themselves in a war in which they have neither camel nor she-camel.”

Habtoor also criticised Trump for engaging in foreign military operations despite previous promises to focus on domestic priorities.

In the letter he wrote: “You have even broken your promises not to get involved in wars and to focus only on America and put it at the top of your priorities, as you ordered foreign military interventions during your second term that included seven countries: Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, in addition to naval operations in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.”

He added: “You directed more than 658 foreign air strikes in your first year in office, which equals the total strikes in Biden’s entire term, for which you directed your arrows of criticism for involving the United States in foreign wars.”

Habtoor concluded his message by urging greater transparency from the US leadership.

He wrote: “True leadership is not measured by war decisions, but by wisdom, respect for others, and pushing toward achieving peace. And if these initiatives were launched in the name of peace, then we have the right today to demand full transparency and clear accountability.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has pushed back against pressure from the United States after President Donald Trump warned that Washington could halt trade ties over Madrid’s refusal to support American military strikes on Iran.

In a national broadcast from the Moncloa Palace, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez set out his government’s position in clear terms. He told citizens that Spain’s stance could be reduced to three words: no to war. He also stressed that one “illegality” could not be met with another, framing the issue as a matter of principle and international law rather than political rivalry.

Tensions escalated when Spain declined to grant the United States permission to use the shared military bases at Morón and Rota for operations targeting Iran. Spanish authorities described the strikes as unjustified and risky. In response, Trump labelled Spain a “terrible” partner and threatened to cut off all trade between the two countries.

The warning has raised concerns about a key economic partnership. The United States ranks among the top destinations for Spanish exports and remains a major source of investment. Although no formal sanctions or tariffs have been announced, the prospect of trade restrictions has unsettled investors and business leaders.

Spain’s approach aligns with its recent foreign policy record. The government has adopted firm positions on conflicts it believes may violate international law. It has criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and recognised a Palestinian state ahead of several European Union members. At the same time, Madrid has backed Ukraine in resisting Russia’s invasion, while urging restraint to avoid broader escalation elsewhere.

Spanish officials have also invoked the memory of the 2003 Iraq invasion. That conflict, which Spain supported under a previous administration, sparked widespread protests at home. Many citizens still regard that decision as an error that increased insecurity and carried lasting costs. Leaders now argue that military action can produce consequences that endure well beyond the battlefield.

The dispute unfolds at a delicate time for Spain’s coalition government. It faces political pressure in parliament and allegations of corruption involving individuals close to the leadership. However, recent opinion polls indicate that a significant number of Spaniards hold unfavourable views of Trump. Analysts say this could reduce the domestic fallout from the diplomatic clash.

For Madrid, the confrontation extends beyond Iran or access to military facilities. It touches on Spain’s broader role in global affairs. The government maintains that adherence to peace and international legality reflects national values and long-term interests. Critics counter that challenging the United States may expose the country to economic strain that could affect ordinary citizens.

The next phase depends largely on Washington’s response. If the White House moves from rhetoric to concrete measures, trade relations could face serious disruption. Until then, Spain remains in a tense standoff that tests both its diplomatic principles and its economic stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States First Lady Melania Trump is set to preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, marking a historic moment at the global body.

Her appearance was announced last week before the United States launched military operations against Iran. According to her office, Melania will “make history at the United Nations, taking the gavel as the United States assumes the Security Council Presidency to emphasise education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace.”

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, confirmed that the event represents the first occasion a first lady or first gentleman has chaired a Security Council session.

The United States holds the rotating presidency of the Council for the month of March.

The development comes at a time of strained relations between Washington and the United Nations. Political and financial disagreements have increased in recent years, with the US expressing frustration over its status as the largest contributor to the organisation’s budget.

Since returning to office last year, President Donald Trump has withdrawn American support from several major UN agencies, including the World Health Organization.

The UN recently introduced a reform initiative. Washington paid $160 million into the body’s regular budget a few days ago, after making no contribution in 2025. Despite that payment, the United States still owes about $4 billion in outstanding contributions to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the organisation faces a serious financial crisis.

Melania Trump’s Security Council appearance takes place amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East. A joint US-Israeli military campaign began on Saturday with strikes in Tehran that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Iran has since carried out missile and drone attacks across several countries in the region.