USA

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Key European countries have turned down calls by United States President Donald Trump to support military efforts aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions rise during the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.

The position was made clear during a meeting of European Union officials in Brussels on Monday, where leaders discussed the sharp increase in global oil prices linked to the conflict. Germany stated firmly that it would not take part in any military action in the region.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said more information was needed before any further steps could be considered. “We need more clarity here,” he told reporters. “We expect from the US and Israel to inform us, to include us into what they’re doing there and to tell us if these goals are achieved.”

He added that once the situation becomes clearer, attention should shift towards broader regional security arrangements. “Once we have a clear picture of that, we believe we need to move into the next phase, namely, defining a security architecture for this entire region, together with the neighbouring states,” he said.

Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius also ruled out military involvement. He said Berlin would instead support diplomatic efforts to maintain safe passage through the strategic waterway. “This is not our war. We have ⁠not started it,” he said, while questioning the expectation for European naval forces to succeed where the US Navy already operates. “What does … Trump expect a handful or two handfuls of European frigates to do in the Strait of Hormuz that the powerful ⁠US Navy cannot do?”

A spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that the conflict is unrelated to NATO operations. Stefan Kornelius said the alliance’s purpose is territorial defence and noted that “the mandate to deploy NATO is lacking”.

The United Kingdom echoed a similar stance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that any involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would not fall under NATO. “Let me be clear: that won’t be, and it’s never been envisioned to be, a NATO mission,” he said. He also made it clear that Britain would avoid being pulled into a broader conflict, although discussions are ongoing with allies about possible support roles.

Several other European nations expressed doubts about the feasibility of a naval mission in the short term. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said it would be “very difficult to launch a successful mission there in the short term”.

Countries such as Lithuania and Estonia indicated they were open to considering a US request, but insisted on clearer details about the objectives. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna asked: “What will be the plan?” as he called for clarity on Washington’s “strategic goals”.

Greece and Italy also ruled out participation in military operations in the area, while Denmark suggested Europe should remain open to supporting safe navigation, even if it disagrees with the decision to go to war. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said, “We must face the world as it is, not as we want it to be,” adding that any plan should aim at de-escalation.

Poland signalled willingness to review a formal request made through NATO channels. Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said, “If there is a request via NATO, we will, of course, out of respect and sympathy for our American allies, consider it very carefully.”

Despite the resistance, President Trump has continued to press allies to join efforts to reopen the vital shipping route. Speaking at the White House, he criticised countries that have shown little enthusiasm. “Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren’t,” he said, adding that “the level of enthusiasm matters to me.”

He also expressed surprise at the United Kingdom’s hesitation and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would soon announce countries willing to support the initiative.

Within the European Union, there appears to be little support for expanding existing missions to cover the Strait of Hormuz. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there had been “no appetite” for such a move. “Nobody wants to go actively in this war,” she said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, with about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it. The ongoing conflict has disrupted traffic and driven oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about the wider impact on the global economy.

European leaders are now under increasing pressure from Washington to act, but many remain cautious. While discussions continue on how to ensure safe passage through the strait, there is no clear agreement on military involvement.

Five U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft sustained damage after an Iranian missile attack targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper said on Friday that the aircraft were struck while stationed on the ground at the military facility. It cited two U.S. officials who confirmed the incident.

The report stated that the strike occurred during an Iranian missile attack on the Saudi base in recent days. The aircraft were damaged but not completely destroyed. Repair work is now underway to restore them to service.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that the attack did not cause any fatalities.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report.

Prince Sultan Air Base hosts U.S. military personnel and serves as a key facility for American air operations in the region. The reported strike comes at a time of rising tension linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional rivals.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, held a demonstration on Friday at the National Mosque in Abuja to show support for Iran.

The protesters first joined other worshippers for the routine Friday prayers at the mosque. Shortly after the prayers ended, they began their demonstration within the mosque premises.

Witnesses said the group started chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they assembled in large numbers. The gathering quickly grew to about 200 participants.

During the protest, the demonstrators voiced strong criticism of the United States and Israel. They also declared their support for Iran. The crowd chanted “shame to America”, “shame to Israel”, and “we support Iran”.

Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. Members of the group organised protests at Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos. Others took to the streets in Kaduna and Bauchi.

The protests come at a time of rising tension in the Middle East following a recent escalation in the conflict involving Iran.

Last week, Shi’ite supporters organised demonstrations in several Nigerian states after the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Reports said he was killed during recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Protests took place in Lagos, Kano, Niger state, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna. Demonstrators condemned the joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel. The strikes reportedly led to the death of Khamenei and some members of his family.

Authorities also recorded similar protests in Bauchi and Yobe states.

Many of the protesters waved Iranian flags and carried portraits of Khamenei. Some also displayed placards that criticised the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Air Force has confirmed the loss of a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft during operations over western Iraq, though it stated the incident was not the result of hostile action.

In a statement late Thursday, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) said one of its KC-135 aircraft went down during what it described as Operation Epic Fury. The operation involved two aircraft.

“One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely,” CENTCOM stated.



The military emphasized that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, and added that rescue efforts for the crew were ongoing.

“This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement read. “More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”



However, Shia armed groups operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft. In a statement posted on Telegram, the group said its fighters targeted the U.S. refueling plane while defending Iraqi airspace.

> “Protecting our country and its airspace, supporters of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq downed the KC-135 plane of the U.S. Air Force,” the statement said.



The group did not specify the weapon used but claimed it deployed “suitable weapons”. It also asserted responsibility for a second attack on another U.S. aircraft, which, according to the statement, successfully landed.

> “Protecting our country and its airspace, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked another KC-135 plane, but its crew managed to escape and land the aircraft at an airfield of the enemy,” the group said.



The U.S. military has not confirmed these claims. CENTCOM has also not released further details regarding the crew aboard the downed plane or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a vital refueling aircraft that allows U.S. combat and support planes to operate at extended ranges. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Iran-aligned militias and U.S. forces have exchanged threats and attacks in recent weeks.

Security analysts noted that conflicting accounts of the incident highlight the increasing volatility of the region’s airspace. Shia militias in Iraq have previously targeted U.S. bases and military assets, citing the goal of ending the American military presence in the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised the United States and Israel over their military campaign against Iran. She said their actions fall outside international law and insisted that Italy will not join the conflict.

Meloni made the remarks on Wednesday during an address to the Italian Senate. Her comments marked her strongest criticism of the war so far.

She said the military campaign launched by Washington and Israel violated international legal norms. The Italian leader also called for a full investigation into the missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran.

The attack occurred on February 28, the first day of the war. More than 160 people died in the strike. Most of the victims were children.

Meloni described the incident as a “massacre”. She told lawmakers that responsibility for the strike must be determined.

“Responsibility must be ascertained for the massacre of girls in southern Iran. The safety of civilians and children must be protected,” she said.

Her position could create tension with U.S. President Donald Trump. Both leaders have previously appeared to maintain a close relationship.

Despite the criticism, Meloni stressed that Italy has no intention of joining the war. She told the Senate that the conflict was “an intervention that Italy is not part of and does not intend to take part in”.

The prime minister also addressed speculation that the United States might seek access to Italian military facilities. She said Washington has not asked to use Italian air bases for military operations. However, she explained that any such request would require approval from the Italian parliament.

Meloni warned that the conflict reflects a deeper crisis in the global order.

She said the war must be viewed within the context of a “structural crisis in the international system”. According to her, threats around the world are becoming more dangerous. She also warned that unilateral military actions are increasing.

At the same time, Meloni emphasised that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. She said such a development would pose a serious threat to Europe.

“We cannot afford a regime of ayatollahs in possession of nuclear weapons, combined with a missile capability that could soon be able to directly strike Italy and Europe,” she said.

Questions have also emerged over the missile strike on the school in Minab. President Trump said earlier that the incident was under investigation. He also suggested that Iran might have fired the missile.

However, analysis by several experts indicates the school may have been struck by a U.S. Tomahawk missile. Neither Iran nor Israel is known to possess such weapons.

Preliminary findings from a military inquiry suggest the strike may have resulted from outdated targeting information. Officials said the investigation remains at an early stage.

If U.S. forces are confirmed to be responsible, the attack could rank among the most serious incidents involving American troops killing civilians in the Middle East in recent decades.

Meloni said the United States must establish who carried out the strike.

Meanwhile, the Italian government has taken steps to protect its citizens in the Gulf region. Meloni told parliament that Italy is providing air defence assets to allied Gulf countries facing missile and drone attacks from Iran.

She explained that thousands of Italians live and work in the region. Italy also maintains a military presence there.

“This is not only because these ⁠are friendly ⁠nations and strategic partners of Italy, but also because there are tens of thousands of Italian citizens in that area whom we must protect, not to mention the fact that there are about 2,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the Gulf,” she said.

Meloni delivered her remarks as an Italian naval frigate arrived in Cyprus. The vessel, Federico Martinengo, joined German, French and Greek warships already deployed near the island.

European countries have increased their military presence in the area after an Iranian-made drone struck RAF Akrotiri, a British air base in Cyprus, last week.

Britain has also sent a warship to the eastern Mediterranean. HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on Tuesday, although British authorities have faced criticism over the time it took to deploy the vessel.

In a separate development, Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, Ana María Salomón Pérez. She had earlier been recalled from Tel Aviv by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Sánchez took the step after banning the United States from sending weapons to Israel. He said the move was intended to stop what he described as “genocide” in Gaza.

United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has said American forces are preparing for what he described as the most intense round of strikes against Iran since the conflict began.

Hegseth made the remark during a briefing with reporters on Tuesday. He stated that the United States believes it is gaining the upper hand in the war. However, he declined to give a timeline for when the fighting might end. He said President Donald Trump will determine the pace of the campaign.

According to the Pentagon chief, Washington’s military operations are focused on weakening Iran’s missile capacity, destroying its naval forces and ensuring that Tehran can never obtain nuclear weapons.

“We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” Hegseth said.

“We do so on our timeline and at our choosing. For example, today will be yet again, our most intense day of strikes inside Iran – the most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes.”

Despite the claims from Washington, Iranian leaders have projected defiance. They have promised that the country will continue to resist the attacks.

“Those mightier than you have not been able to eliminate our nation. Those who have tried have become eradicated themselves,” Iranian official Ali Larijani wrote in a social media post on Tuesday.

Iran has repeatedly denied that it is pursuing nuclear weapons. Authorities in Tehran insist the country’s nuclear programme is peaceful. The denial comes despite earlier claims by President Trump that US strikes in June 2025 had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme.

The conflict has already led to heavy casualties. US and Israeli strikes have killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with more than 1,250 other people. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and other targets across the region.

Iranian forces have also targeted oil facilities in several Gulf countries. The military campaign has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s most important energy routes. The disruption has pushed global fuel prices higher.

President Trump warned Iran on Monday that it would face “death, fire, and fury” if it continued to block oil shipments through the strategic waterway.

Larijani responded with a warning of his own. He said the strait “will either be a Strait of peace and prosperity for all or will be a Strait of defeat and suffering for warmongers”.

Top US General Dan Caine said American forces are still tracking and striking vessels suspected of laying naval mines in the Gulf. He noted that Washington has not yet decided whether the US Navy will escort oil tankers through the strait.

“If tasked to escort, we’ll look at the range of options to set the military conditions to be able to do that,” Caine said.

The war has also revealed differences in military priorities between the United States and Israel. Last week, Israeli forces struck oil depots in Tehran. The attack triggered large fires and thick smoke across the Iranian capital. The move attracted criticism from some supporters of the war.

Hegseth acknowledged that Israel has its own objectives in the conflict. He indicated that attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure were not a primary US goal.

“Israel has been a really strong partner in this effort. Where they have different objectives, they pursued them. Ultimately, we’ve stayed focused on ours,” he said.

Questions remain about the long-term aim of the war. President Trump has offered different explanations in recent weeks. His statements have ranged from promoting “freedom” for Iranians to suggesting that a new Iranian leader from within the country’s political system could emerge and cooperate with US and Israeli demands.

When asked how long the conflict might last, Hegseth said the final decision rests with the president.

“The president has set a very specific mission to accomplish, and our job is to unrelentingly deliver that. Now, he gets to control the throttle. He’s the one deciding.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In what appears to be a daring move against the United States and its allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after the cleric was appointed by the country’s Assembly of Experts.

Putin congratulated the 56-year-old on Monday. He said he believed the new leader would continue the legacy of his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in recent US-Israeli strikes.

The Russian leader said he was confident Mojtaba Khamenei would carry out his responsibilities “with honour” and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials”.

Putin also reaffirmed Moscow’s position on Iran. He said Russia wished to confirm “unwavering support ‌for Tehran and solidarity with ⁠our Iranian ⁠friends”.

Iran and Russia have maintained close ties since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During the current conflict, reports have suggested Moscow may have supplied intelligence that helped Iranian forces target American positions. The White House has not denied those reports, although Russia has not formally entered the war on Iran’s side.

China has also reacted to the leadership change in Tehran. Beijing warned against any attempt by the United States or Israel to target Mojtaba Khamenei during their military campaign.

Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East has continued to intensify. Israel launched fresh air strikes on several Iranian locations, including Tehran, Isfahan and parts of southern Iran. Israeli officials said the attacks were directed at key infrastructure.

Thousands of Iranians gathered in major cities to show support for the new leader. Crowds assembled at Enghelab Square in Tehran and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan. Many people carried Iranian flags and portraits of Mojtaba Khamenei while pledging loyalty to him.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said any decision to end the war would involve both the United States and Israel.

“I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” Trump told The Times of Israel.

He also claimed the military action prevented a larger threat from Iran.

“Iran was going to destroy Israel and everything else around it… We’ve worked together. We’ve destroyed a country that wanted to destroy Israel,” he said.

Trump declined to comment directly on Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, saying only: “We’ll see what happens.”

Diplomatic efforts to calm the crisis are also under way. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his government is working with partners to reduce tensions in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron has travelled to Cyprus for talks with President Nikos Christodoulides on regional security. France has deployed naval forces to the Mediterranean and says it will help defend British bases on the island while Royal Navy ships are absent.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A senior United States senator has suggested that the ongoing war against Iran could bring major economic benefits if the current Iranian government collapses.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has long supported military intervention abroad, made the remarks during an interview with Fox News on Sunday. He said it would be worthwhile for Washington to invest resources in removing Iran’s leadership.

“When this regime goes down, we are going to have a new Middle East, and we are going [to] make a tonne of money,” Graham said.

The veteran lawmaker has been one of the most outspoken supporters of the US-Israel war against Iran under President Donald Trump’s administration. He also appeared to link recent US actions abroad to control over global oil supplies.

“Venezuela and Iran have 31 percent of the world’s oil reserves. We’re going to have a partnership with 31 percent of the known reserves. This is China’s nightmare. This is a good investment,” he said.

Iran strongly rejected the claims and accused Washington of attempting to divide the country in order to control its natural resources.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States had a clear plan to weaken the country and take over its oil wealth.

“Their design is clear, their enterprise is quite obvious – they aim at partitioning our country to take illegal possession of our oil riches,” he said. “Their objective is to violate our sovereignty, defeat our people and undermine our humanity.”

Graham also warned that US and Israeli attacks on Iran could intensify in the coming weeks. He issued a strong warning to Tehran over threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

The senator said the US was ready to escalate military pressure.

The Trump administration has defended the strikes against Iran. President Trump said the Iranian government posed a serious danger to Americans.

“An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American,” Trump said on March 2.

However, some analysts and legal experts have questioned the justification for the military action. They said the claim that Iran posed an immediate threat lacks legal backing under international law.

The conflict has also affected the global economy. Oil prices have risen above 100 dollars per barrel since the fighting began. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted Gulf countries that host US military bases. These include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. The strikes have disrupted oil and gas production and forced several countries in the region to close their airspace.

Reports also show that Graham held several meetings with Israeli officials before the war began. He said he had discussions with members of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.

“They’ll tell me things our own government won’t tell me,” Graham said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the senator also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visits. The report said Graham advised Netanyahu on how to persuade President Trump to support military action.

Netanyahu later presented intelligence information to Trump that helped convince him to approve the joint attacks on Iran, the senator said.

Israel has repeatedly claimed that Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies the accusation and insists its nuclear programme is designed for civilian purposes.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has also said there is currently no evidence of a systematic programme by Iran to produce nuclear weapons.

Graham has supported several US military operations in the Middle East during the past two decades. These include the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as well as interventions in Syria and Libya.

During the interview, he also urged Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to join the fight against Iran.

“Yeah. I want them to get into the fight. We sell them weapons. Iran is striking their country; they have good capability,” he said.

Graham’s remarks also suggested that US attention could shift to Cuba in the future.

“You see this hat? ‘Free Cuba.’ Stay tuned. The liberation of Cuba is upon us. We’re marching through the world. We’re clearing out the bad guys. Cuba is next.”

By Uzair Adam

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that Iran’s next supreme leader would not remain in power for long without Washington’s approval, as Tehran prepares to announce a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Nine days after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on his compound killed Khamenei and triggered a wider Middle East conflict, Iran’s Assembly of Experts met behind closed doors and selected a new leader, members of the body said.

The clerics did not disclose the identity of the chosen candidate but indicated that an announcement would be made soon. Some members suggested that Khamenei’s 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could succeed his father.

Trump had earlier insisted that the United States should have a say in the decision and described Mojtaba Khamenei as an unacceptable “lightweight.”

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump said in an interview with ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the suggestion, saying the leadership decision was solely Iran’s internal matter.

Speaking on Meet the Press on NBC, Araghchi also called on Trump to “apologise to people of the region” over the escalating war.

Mojtaba Khamenei is widely viewed as a hardline conservative, partly because of his close ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Israel’s military has already issued a warning to any incoming Iranian leader, saying it would not hesitate to target them if necessary.

Israel demonstrated its military reach overnight with two new operations — air strikes on fuel depots in and around Tehran and an attack on a hotel in Beirut believed to house suspected Iranian commanders.

Warplanes hit five oil facilities near the Iranian capital, killing at least four people, according to a state oil executive, and sending thick smoke across the city.

Tehran’s governor told the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency that fuel distribution in the capital had been temporarily disrupted.

A dense haze covered the city of about 10 million people, blocking sunlight as the smell of burning fuel filled the air.

Authorities warned that the smoke could be toxic and advised residents to remain indoors, although many buildings had their windows shattered by the force of the explosions.

A 35-year-old resident said the fire had been burning for more than 12 hours and that the air had become difficult to breathe.

“At first, I supported this war. After Khamenei’s death, I celebrated with my friends,” she said in a message sent to Europe. “But since yesterday, people say there is no gasoline left at the stations.”

As the conflict entered its ninth day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had enough supplies to sustain missile and drone operations across the Middle East for up to six months.

Explosions were also reported over Israel’s commercial hub of Tel Aviv after the Israeli military detected a barrage of Iranian missiles. The emergency service Magen David Adom said six people were wounded in central Israel.

Trump again declined to rule out deploying U.S. ground troops in Iran but insisted the war was close to being won despite continued Iranian attacks.

The U.S. president also spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, according to Downing Street, after previously criticising him over Britain’s involvement in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said the country had so far used only first- and second-generation missiles but would soon deploy more advanced long-range weapons.

The conflict has also affected other countries in the region. Authorities in Saudi Arabia said a projectile killed two people and injured 12 in Al Kharj province after a wave of drones was intercepted near the capital Riyadh.

Kuwait reported damage to fuel tanks at its international airport, while Bahrain said a desalination plant had been hit.

Iran’s health ministry said at least 1,200 civilians had been killed and about 10,000 wounded in the war, although the figures could not be independently verified.

In Lebanon, the health ministry reported that at least 394 people had been killed in Israeli air strikes since the country was drawn into the conflict, including dozens of women and children.

Two Israeli soldiers were also killed during clashes in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military.

Analysts say there is still no clear path to ending the conflict, which U.S. and Israeli officials believe could last for several weeks.

Trump suggested Iran’s economy could be rebuilt if a leader acceptable to Washington replaces Khamenei.

Meanwhile, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi warned that the war should never have occurred, saying the world “cannot return to the law of the jungle.”

During his Sunday prayer, Pope Leo XIV also called for peace, urging that “the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and space for dialogue may open.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least eight people have died after powerful tornadoes struck parts of the central United States, affecting the states of Michigan and Oklahoma. Authorities have warned that more severe weather could occur in the coming hours.

Officials confirmed on Saturday that four people died in southern Michigan while another four lost their lives in Oklahoma. Emergency responders are still assessing the affected areas, and authorities say the death toll may rise as more information becomes available.

The storms swept through several communities on Friday. They left widespread destruction that included damaged buildings, crushed vehicles, fallen trees, and power lines. Videos released by local media showed heavy damage across some towns after the tornadoes passed.

The United States National Weather Service also warned that additional severe weather could develop across a wide region stretching from the Great Lakes to Texas. The agency said thunderstorms and flash floods remain possible, and there is still a chance that more tornadoes could form.

In Michigan, the Branch County Sheriff’s Office reported that three people died and 12 others were injured in the Union Lake area near Union City.

About 81 kilometres southwest of that location, officials in Cass County confirmed another fatality. Several people were also injured after another tornado struck the area.

“Emergency Management personnel will be conducting damage assessments in the affected area as required by the State of Michigan,” the local sheriff’s office said.

In Oklahoma, authorities reported additional deaths linked to the storms. Law enforcement officials said at least two people were killed after a tornado hit the town of Beggs in Okmulgee County.

State Governor Kevin Stitt also confirmed that two other victims, a mother and her daughter, died in Major County on Friday.

“I declared a state of emergency for Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties to ensure Oklahomans have the support and resources they need after last night’s storms,” Stitt wrote on social media on Saturday.

Emergency teams continue rescue and assessment operations across the affected communities as authorities prepare for the possibility of further extreme weather.