USA

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The White House moved quickly to dismiss circulating rumours suggesting that President Donald Trump was receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The speculation emerged online on Saturday after the administration announced that the President would not make public appearances for the rest of the day.

President Trump’s health has remained under public scrutiny throughout his second term, with observers noting his past public missteps, apparent physical limitations, and reported medical concerns. The sudden absence from his usual weekend routine, which often includes a golf trip to Mar-a-Lago, triggered widespread conjecture.

Trump’s personal spokesperson, Steven Cheung, took to X to reassure the public: “There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump. On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him.”

The President’s last visit to Walter Reed occurred in October, when he underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. At the time, he told reporters aboard Air Force One: “I did. I got an MRI. It was perfect.” Trump, 79, did not disclose the specific reason for the scan, which can detect a variety of medical conditions. “The doctor said [it] was some of the best reports, for the age, they’ve ever seen,” he added, directing further questions to his medical team.

Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, described the October appointment as a “scheduled follow-up evaluation as part of his ongoing health maintenance plan and included advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventative health assessments.” He added that the President “continues to demonstrate excellent overall health.” According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, MRI scans are particularly effective for examining soft tissue and internal organs using powerful magnetic fields.

In 2025, the White House reported that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which leg veins fail to return blood efficiently to the heart, causing fluid buildup in the lower limbs. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the diagnosis followed observations of swelling in the President’s legs. Dr. Barbabella described the condition as “benign and common” among older adults.

Trump had also been seen wearing cosmetic patches on the back of his hand. The White House explained that the marks resulted from repeated handshakes and were unrelated to the vein condition.

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

A United States fighter jet has been shot down inside Iran, in what officials describe as the first confirmed loss of an American aircraft to Iranian air defences since the conflict escalated.

American officials and Iranian state media both acknowledged the incident. Several US sources also confirmed the development to CNN, backing earlier reports from Iranian outlets that the jet was intercepted and destroyed by local air defence systems.

Reports indicate that the aircraft was an F-15E Strike Eagle. It reportedly went down in or near Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran, about 470 kilometres from Tehran.

Videos traced to the area near a bridge over the Karoon River showed military aircraft flying at low altitude. The activity is believed to be linked to rescue or support operations after the crash.

US forces have reportedly launched a combat search and rescue mission to find the crew. The aircraft is believed to have carried two pilots.

Iranian state media, including Fars News and Tasnim News Agency, said early efforts to locate any crew members who may have ejected did not produce results.

A report by Fars News also stated that a reward had been offered for information that could lead to the capture of any “enemy pilot or pilots,” which has raised fears about the safety of the missing crew.

Iranian authorities credited the incident to “advanced and newly developed” air defence systems operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Images and videos shared by Iranian platforms appeared to show wreckage from the crash, including what looked like an ejection seat. However, independent confirmation of the materials remains limited.

Initial claims from Iranian sources suggested the aircraft was an F-35, but later assessments and US-based reports identified it as an F-15E.

As of Friday afternoon, there was no official statement from the Pentagon, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), or the White House on the incident or the status of the crew.

Analysts say such silence is common during ongoing combat search and rescue operations in hostile environments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a serious warning, threatening to target major American technology companies operating in the Middle East and calling on employees and nearby residents to evacuate immediately.

The statement, carried by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, identified U.S. firms involved in technology and artificial intelligence as potential targets. “Since the main element in designing and tracking terrorist targets are American and ICT and AI companies … from now on, [these] main institutions will be our legitimate targets,” it said.

The IRGC specifically named more than 15 companies that could be affected, including Boeing, Tesla, Meta, Google, and Apple. The warning noted that attacks could begin from 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday if further Iranian leaders are killed in what the statement described as “targeted assassinations.”

This announcement represents a significant escalation in regional tensions, raising concerns over the safety of multinational corporations and their staff.

Earlier, IRGC Aerospace Commander Seyed Majid Moosavi had directed a warning at employees of industrial firms connected to the United States and Israel, urging them to leave their workplaces following a series of attacks on Iran’s production facilities.

In a post on X last Friday, Moosavi stated, “You tested us once before; the world saw again that you yourselves started playing with fire and attacking infrastructure.”

He further cautioned, “This time, the equation will no longer be an eye for an eye; wait and see! Employees of industrial companies associated with the Americans and the Zionist regime should quickly leave their workplaces to avoid endangering their lives.”

The warning comes amid reports of targeted attacks on Iranian industrial facilities in recent weeks. The IRGC has repeatedly emphasized that foreign involvement in Iran’s industrial sector could provoke serious consequences, signaling a stronger defensive posture.

Last Thursday, Israel announced the killing of the Commander of Iran’s IRGC Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, in a targeted military operation. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, saying Tangsiri was “directly responsible for the terrorist act of bombing and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.”

Katz added that the naval chief was “blown up” along with several other “senior Navy command officials.” Tangsiri, appointed as IRGC Navy commander in 2018, had previously served as deputy commander since 2010.

Other Iranian leaders have also been killed amid ongoing regional conflict, including the now deceased Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States naval personnel and marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have reached the Middle East, according to an announcement by the Central Command on Saturday.

The vessel serves as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. It carries about 3,500 troops along with transport and fighter aircraft.

The deployment is expected to strengthen the U.S. military presence in the region. Washington is reportedly weighing the possibility of launching a ground operation around Iran’s key oil export hub and the Hormuz Strait.

Reports indicate that the U.S. is considering steps to secure Iran’s nuclear materials. Other options under review include a possible seizure of Kharg Island, an invasion of Larak Island near Hormuz, and control of Abu Musa and nearby islands. Additional strikes on nuclear and energy facilities are also being considered.

At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have declared their involvement in the conflict. The group said it carried out its first operation using ballistic missiles against Israeli military targets.

“Our operations will continue until the declared goals are achieved,” a spokesperson vowed on Saturday. “We will continue until the aggression stops on all fronts.”

Meanwhile, Iran continued retaliatory actions against Gulf countries over the weekend. Two drones struck Oman’s Port of Salalah. The incident left one worker injured and damaged a crane.

Authorities in Kuwait reported that multiple drones hit the country’s international airport, affecting its radar systems. Emirates Global Aluminium also confirmed that Iranian strikes impacted its Al Taweelah facility in Abu Dhabi.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the situation. He said it was unfortunate that “the territories of some Muslim countries” are being used to attack Iran. He accused Israel of attempting to widen the conflict across the region.

The president also stated that Iran has been “attacked twice during negotiations,” adding that the “bombing infrastructure and assassinating Iranian figures show that the aggressors cannot be trusted.”

His remarks came after Israel launched fresh strikes on two nuclear-related facilities in Iran. The targets included a heavy-water production plant in Khondab and a yellowcake production site in Ardakan.

Russia also reacted to the developments on Saturday. Moscow accused Iran’s opponents of escalating the conflict “despite related risks, including a threat of large-scale radioactive contamination.”

The country called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address what it described as a “grave threat.” It added that the attacks breached international law and should attract strong condemnation from the global community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken the unusual step of blocking the promotion of four Army officers to the rank of one-star general, a move that has drawn concern among senior military officials.

According to officials familiar with the development, two of the affected officers are Black, while the other two are women.

According to a report by The New York Times, the names were removed from a promotion list that includes about three dozen officers, most of whom are white men.

Sources said Hegseth had, for months, urged top Army leaders, including Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, to drop the officers from the list. Driscoll reportedly declined on several occasions, citing the officers’ long-standing records of distinguished service.

The situation changed earlier this month when Hegseth acted on his own to strike the names from the list. It remains unclear whether he has the legal authority to make such a decision.

The list is now under review at the White House and is expected to be forwarded to the Senate for final approval. Officials noted that some Black and female officers are still included.

The decision has attracted rare attention at this level, as promotion lists for one-star generals do not usually face this degree of intervention from a defense secretary. The development has also highlighted divisions within the military leadership.

Hegseth has defended his broader stance on military reforms. He has argued that he is working to overhaul a system he believes was shaped by “foolish,” “reckless” and “woke” leaders from previous administrations.

However, critics have raised concerns that his actions, particularly toward minority and female officers, could undermine trust in a promotion process that is expected to remain neutral and based on merit.

By Anwar Usman

The United Nation Security Council will hold closed-door consultations on Friday to discuss strikes on Iran at Moscow’s request, Russian state media reported, as the Middle East war nears its second month.

Iran has come under near-daily bombardment since US-Israeli strikes on February 28 triggered the war, which has since widened to large parts of the region.

According to state news agency TASS, spokesman for Russia’s envoy to the United Nations, Evgeny Uspensky, said “The Russian Federation has requested closed-door consultations with the UN Security Council due to the ongoing strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including educational and healthcare facilities.”

A strike on the first day of the war hit a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, killing more than 160 children, according to authorities.

Reports from the US military investigation by The New York Times indicated that a US Tomahawk cruise missile had hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

The United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, scheduled the meeting for 10:00 am in New York (1400 GMT), according to TASS.

The US-Israeli military campaign has targeted Iranian leadership, missile sites and military infrastructure, prompting a large-scale Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the effective closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude and liquefied natural gas passes during peacetime.

AFP reports that, the UN Human Rights Council will hold a separate meeting on Friday in Geneva focused on the deadly school strike.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Low-budget drones are reshaping the architecture of modern warfare in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. They allow combatants to engage targets with minimal human contact, reduced battlefield exposure, and significantly fewer casualties. Unlike traditional air power that requires expensive fighter jets, trained pilots, and sophisticated logistics, drones can be produced at low cost, deployed quickly, and operated remotely with high precision. This shift is lowering the barrier to entry for military capability and redefining how wars are fought.

More importantly, this transformation is changing the balance of power between strong and less-powerful nations. Previously, military dominance depended heavily on air superiority, armoured divisions, and naval strength, all of which were controlled by a handful of major powers. Today, relatively smaller or less-equipped countries can use swarms of low-cost drones to challenge technologically advanced militaries. This has made conflicts more prolonged, unpredictable, and difficult to decisively win. Even well-funded armies now face persistent threats from inexpensive systems that are hard to detect and cheap to replace.

The Ukraine-Russia war is a clear example of this shift. A country with fewer conventional military resources has been able to slow down and at times stall a larger, more powerful opponent by using drones for surveillance, artillery guidance, and direct strikes. Commercial-style drones modified for military use have destroyed tanks, disrupted supply lines, and targeted command positions. This has contributed to battlefield stalemates and reduced the effectiveness of traditional heavy military advantage.

Similarly, the United States-Israel-Iran war has demonstrated how drone technology is changing deterrence dynamics. Iran, with its Shahed drones, was able to withstand the US and Israel at the same time, including being able to attack other countries. Iran was able to attack military bases, infrastructure, or naval assets across the Gulf and Israel using its relatively cheap drones; these have altered strategic calculations of the entire war. Furthermore, this suggests that even nations without overwhelming conventional strength can project power and create credible resistance.

However, while low-cost drones provide tactical advantages, they also introduce serious risks. The biggest concern is that non-state actors, militias, insurgent groups, and even criminal organisations can now access and deploy drone technology. Unlike fighter jets or missiles, drones are easier to acquire, modify, and operate. This increases the likelihood of asymmetric attacks against states, critical infrastructure, and civilian targets. What was once the exclusive domain of national militaries is now accessible to smaller groups with limited funding.

In essence, low-cost drones have ‘democratised’ air power. They have changed the face of war, reshaped military strategy, and reduced the dominance of traditional superpowers. But at the same time, they have introduced a new era of insecurity where conflicts may become more frequent, more decentralised, and harder to control. The same technology that reduces casualties on one side also increases the risk of widespread, unpredictable confrontations, especially when used by non-state actors beyond conventional rules of engagement.

This trend is no longer limited to state actors alone. Multiple credible reports and security analysts confirm that Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) have increasingly deployed low-budget, commercially available (COTS) drones, often modified quadcopters, in attacks on Nigerian military positions in the Northeast. These drones are reportedly used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and in some cases, direct strikes against troop locations and defensive positions.

Beyond Nigeria, other non-state actors in different parts of the world have also been reported to use low-budget, commercially available drones, typically inexpensive quadcopters or FPV models, modified with improvised explosives, grenades, mortar rounds, or IEDs. These systems are deployed for intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and direct attacks. The accessibility of these platforms makes them attractive tools for irregular forces seeking to offset conventional military disadvantages.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s foreign ministry has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim of “productive” talks to end hostilities, suggesting the remarks aim to calm energy markets and gain time for military planning.

On Monday, Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had held “VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE” conversations over the past two days about a “COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST”. He added that he had instructed the US Department of War to postpone all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period. This announcement came just hours before the deadline of his ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would result in Tehran being “obliterated.”

Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the notion of direct negotiations with the US. It stated that while regional countries had initiated efforts to reduce tensions, “all requests should be directed towards the US as we did not initiate the war.”

Citing an unnamed source, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Trump delayed military action after learning that Iran would respond by targeting all power plants in the region. The source also indicated that Tehran could lay mines across the Persian Gulf if the US proceeded with attacks on the country’s coast or islands.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified pressure on Trump. The vital waterway is a major conduit for oil, and its disruption has caused energy prices to surge since hostilities escalated in late February.

In London, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Trump’s announcement to delay strikes. His official spokesman said: “Any reports of productive talks are welcome. We have always said that a swift resolution to the war is in global interests and the Strait of Hormuz specifically needs to be reopened.”

The spokesman added that the UK was in contact with the US about the situation and had discussed safeguarding international shipping. “It has been something the prime minister has talked about since the beginning of this conflict, that we want to work with the US and international partners to develop a viable plan to safeguard international shipping and see an end to this crisis,” he said.

Financial markets responded to Trump’s announcement with modest optimism. Analysts warn, however, that prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz will continue to drive energy prices upward, potentially prompting multiple interest rate increases in the UK. Rising costs are expected to affect transport, fuel, and production, increasing inflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed fresh strikes on “Iranian terror regime targets” in Tehran, and Iranian sources stressed that the country would continue to respond and defend its territory. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, “the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions and energy markets will remain unsettled,” and no direct negotiations with the US are underway.

Trump’s announcement of a temporary pause came as he described ongoing discussions with Iran as “very good and productive,” aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

“Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, witch [sic] will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter! President Donald J. Trump”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has advised its citizens in ‘Israel’ to consider leaving the country through land borders due to ongoing travel difficulties and limited immediate options.

In a message posted on its official Instagram page, the embassy explained that overland routes currently offer the quickest way out. It pointed to border crossings into neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan as the most viable options for departure.

According to the advisory, commercial flights are still operating from airports in Egypt, including Sharm el-Sheikh and Cairo, as well as from Jordan’s capital, Amman.

To support those seeking to leave, the U.S. Department of State has begun arranging bus transportation for American citizens. The service is scheduled to start on March 23 and will move passengers from ‘Israel’ to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

As part of the “departure by land” plan, assisted transport will be available through the northern crossing known as the Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein border point. The embassy said this option is intended for citizens who require help exiting the country.

Americans interested in using the service must first complete an online registration form. After that, they will receive information on departure schedules and designated meeting locations. Current arrangements cover departures from both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Officials stressed that travelers will still need to handle their onward journeys themselves, including securing flights from Amman.

The embassy added that it will continue to provide updates to U.S. citizens in ‘Israel’ as the situation develops.