USA

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States House of Representatives on Thursday approved a resolution calling on President Donald Trump to halt military operations against Iran, marking another congressional challenge to the administration as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.

The measure passed by a vote of 214 to 208 after four Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in support. It directs the president to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress formally authorises military action.

However, the resolution is largely symbolic because it is a concurrent resolution. It does not require the president’s signature, and its legal effect remains disputed. As a result, Trump is widely expected to disregard it.

The vote came as the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran has also continued attacks on US military bases and allied Gulf states.

The remains of four American service members killed in recent Iran-related attacks were returned to the United States this week and honoured in flag-draped caskets.

The conflict has also affected maritime security in the region. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement said on Wednesday that it attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea after announcing a naval blockade. Iran has also maintained pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

Thursday’s vote reflected growing concern among lawmakers over the conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The war has also become a political issue for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal criticised the military campaign, saying it had “no clear mission, no strategy, no end goal.”

Democrats argued that President Trump breached the Constitution by launching and continuing military operations without congressional approval. They have repeatedly used war powers resolutions to force Republicans to take a public position on the conflict.

Most Republican lawmakers, however, remained supportive of the president.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast accused critics of overlooking the sacrifices made by American troops killed in the conflict. He said the military campaign was bringing a “reckoning” for Iranian attacks.

The Senate also considered a separate war powers resolution sponsored by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen on Thursday, although it was expected to fail.

Congress passed a similar resolution in June, but Trump dismissed it as “poorly timed and meaningless.”

The White House has maintained that limiting the president’s military authority would weaken the United States in its efforts to pressure Tehran. Democrats and a small group of Republicans have argued that Congress should reclaim its constitutional authority over decisions relating to war and peace.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said the war involving the US, Israel and Iran has so far cost $37.5 billion, according to the latest official estimate released by the Pentagon.

Hegseth disclosed the figure on Tuesday during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee. He appeared alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, to defend a proposed $1.5 trillion US defence budget. The request includes nearly $70 billion for military operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5bn,” Hegseth said in response to a question from Democratic Senator Dick Durbin.

He explained that the estimate covers some operational and maintenance expenses through the end of September. However, he did not provide a detailed breakdown of the spending.

The latest estimate is about $8 billion higher than the $29 billion figure the administration of President Donald Trump announced in May.

Other estimates place the economic impact much higher. Moody’s Analytics, for example, has estimated that the war could cost the US economy as much as $150 billion after accounting for higher domestic energy prices and other indirect effects.

The hearing took place as hostilities between the US and Iran continued after a memorandum of understanding that had paused attacks since June 17 collapsed last week.

On Monday, Trump said Iran would “pay” after two US soldiers were killed over the weekend. In recent days, he has also threatened further military action, including strikes on Iranian energy facilities, bridges and a deeply buried nuclear-linked site known as Pickaxe Mountain.

The Pentagon said the conflict has also increased pressure on US weapons supplies.

Hegseth told lawmakers that additional funding would help “to expand production lines and accelerate delivery of high-demand munitions. We’re talking about solid rocket motors, JDAMs [Joint Direct Attack Munition], hypersonics, and counter-drone capabilities”.

He also warned that military readiness could suffer if Congress failed to approve the requested funding.

“Training in the future would have to be curtailed if we do not get our budget needs met and met urgently, and yes, some of that has to do with the current budget cycle and how things come together,” he said.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray criticised the broad spending proposal, which also includes funding for National Guard deployments in Washington, DC, military operations against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean and border security missions.

“So I’ll be blunt,” she said. “The truth is, your request does not make a lot of sense.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has claimed responsibility for missile attacks on United States military assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. The development came after the US carried out its seventh consecutive night of air strikes on targets inside Iran, according to reports by Al Jazeera.

Iran’s military said it struck US facilities in response to the latest American attacks. Iranian state media reported that the targets in Bahrain included the Sheikh Isa Air Base.

According to a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, Iran said it targeted the “aircraft hangar and parking lot” as well as “fuel tanks” at the Sheikh Isa airbase and several communication bridges in Bahrain.

The statement added that the United States had used the base to launch “operations against regional targets, especially our country.”

“We are proud of our military duty to defend this land,” the statement concluded.

Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had completed its seventh straight night of military operations against Iran. The command said it used “fighter aircraft, aerial drones and warships” to strike Iran’s “surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities”.

Reports indicated that the attacks targeted Lar, Jask, Sirik, Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Ahvaz and the central city of Yazd.

Iranian state media said at least 3 people were killed and 8 others sustained injuries in Hormozgan Province, which borders the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military also dismissed claims by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards that two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM described the allegation as “false”.

Meanwhile, Kuwait said its armed forces were responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks for the third time. The country’s military urged residents to “adhere to the authorities’ safety and security instructions”.

Bahrain also activated warning sirens for the fourth time within a few hours. The country’s Ministry of Interior advised residents to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”.

The US State Department also issued a travel advisory as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East.

In a statement posted on X, the department warned that “due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation”. It also advised that “Americans should reconsider travel to/through the Middle East”.

The department urged US citizens already in the region to exercise caution, monitor developments closely and confirm flight schedules with their airlines.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 20% “safe passage” fee on ships transporting cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

Trump said the proposed levy would cover the cost of providing security in the strategic waterway. He made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He wrote, “All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.

“The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.

“The process and formation will begin immediately.”

The announcement comes amid renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran after the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. Washington has resumed military strikes against Iranian targets, while Trump has vowed to deal with Tehran “very hard” over its refusal to reach an agreement.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck 140 targets over the weekend. Military operations continued on Monday. The attacks reportedly damaged infrastructure and resulted in civilian casualties.

Iran has accused the United States of disrupting negotiations with Oman on maintaining safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. It has also responded with strikes on US facilities in neighbouring Gulf countries.

The latest escalation has affected the global oil market. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose by 3.60% to $78.7 per barrel, after trading at around $70 per barrel in recent weeks. Analysts say continued tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could increase pressure on global energy prices.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A report by the Associated Press has claimed that a senior official at the White House contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The development followed FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban for one year, a move that cleared the striker to feature in the United States’ round-of-16 clash against Belgium.

According to TheCable, which cited the Associated Press report, a person familiar with the matter disclosed that a top US government official reached out to Infantino concerning the disciplinary action.

However, the source did not reveal the identity of the official or when the call took place.

Balogun had received a red card in the 64th minute of the United States’ round-of-32 encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a dangerous challenge. The striker was initially expected to miss the next match because of the suspension.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee later invoked Article 27 of its code and suspended the ban for one year. The decision made Balogun available for Tuesday’s encounter against Belgium. The forward has scored three goals in the tournament.

US President Donald Trump reacted to the decision on Truth Social. He thanked FIFA for reversing what he described as an unfair punishment against the player.

The decision has, however, sparked criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which expressed shock over FIFA’s action.

The federation said it is “astonished” by the FIFA ruling, adding that the decision contravenes the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition regulations.

The Belgian FA added that it is examining “all potential options” to protect the integrity of the competition.

“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5,” the statement read.

“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’

“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has said the administration of President Donald Trump will closely observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Moore, a Republican lawmaker from West Virginia, stated this during an interview with NoireTV, which was later shared on the platform’s social media pages on Sunday.

Speaking on the credibility of Nigeria’s next elections, the congressman said Washington would pay serious attention to how the exercise is conducted.

“What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. And that’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to,” he said.

The lawmaker also revealed that the US House of Representatives was working on an appropriations bill that contains provisions concerning Nigeria. He said the proposed legislation focuses on issues surrounding religious freedom and American security assistance.

“We’re working on Chris (Smith)’s bill, which obviously I’m a co-sponsor of that bill. But I’d say, more importantly, what people need to pay attention to is the appropriations bill that we’re going to have on the floor today,” Moore stated.

According to him, the bill includes strong measures that could shape future relations between both countries.

“There’s a lot of language that I put on that bill that’s inside of it that relates to Nigeria and the persecution of Christians and restrictions on security assistance to the government of Nigeria, and steps that they have to take.

“That bill’s likely to become law. We’re about to, hopefully, pass that here today. And so there’s some pretty strong and aggressive language in that bill that’s going to be binding as it relates to our relationship to Nigeria moving forward,” he added.

Moore further disclosed that he would continue discussions with the Trump administration on matters relating to Nigeria. He also said he was expected to meet the US president.

“I continue to work with the administration on next steps that we’re going to take. I’m actually going to see President Trump tonight. I’ll be having dinner with him and some other members, so yeah, I continue to talk to him about these issues, and it’s very important to him,” he said.

Moore is also a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. The bill was introduced in February alongside Congressman Chris Smith.

The proposed legislation seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress on efforts aimed at addressing religious persecution and mass killings in Nigeria.

The bill also proposes reviews of Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations. It covers US security support, sanctions, humanitarian assistance, and steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute attackers.

In April 2026, the US House Appropriations Committee approved provisions in its annual State Department funding bill that introduced stricter conditions for financial support to Nigeria.

The proposal, which has been forwarded to Congress, states that half of the funds allocated to Nigeria under foreign assistance programmes would remain withheld until the Nigerian government is certified to be taking “effective steps” to tackle religious violence.

The bill also demands support for investigations and prosecution of violence linked to Fulani militia groups. It further requires measures that would ensure the safe return of displaced persons.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that recent American military operations in Nigeria helped reduce attacks against Christian communities by terrorist groups.

Trump made the remarks during a live event on Saturday monitored by SaharaReporters. He said the U.S. military carried out heavy strikes against terrorists accused of attacking Christian populations in Nigeria.

“As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations,” Trump said.

The American president alleged that before the operation, thousands of Christians, including women, children and elderly people, had lost their lives in attacks.

“They have a great Christian population that were being butchered. Butchered. Thousands and thousands who were being killed — children, women, old people just being slaughtered, hacked to death,” he stated.

Trump said the strikes weakened the terrorists and forced them to pull back because of fears of stronger military action from the United States.

“They know that if they go further, the attack will be far greater and they don’t want to really get involved anymore so much,” Trump claimed.

He further stated that American forces killed senior leaders of the group during the operation.

“You know, we hit them very hard. We knocked out their leader, we knocked out their second leader, and their third leader,” he said.

Trump compared the Nigeria operation to recent American actions against Iran. He insisted that Washington would continue using force against threats it considers dangerous.

“Sounds a little bit like Iran actually. That’s all about the different cause we have to do because we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let it happen,” he said.

The U.S. president said protecting Christians formed part of his administration’s foreign policy priorities.

“So I’m saving Christians throughout the world even though we are not in those various countries where you read about,” Trump said.

He also warned that extremist ideologies abroad could eventually threaten the United States if they are not confronted.

“They would like to make our country just like those countries. That’s where they started. They started it right where we are right now,” he said.

Trump added that his administration would continue targeting terrorist leaders across the world.

“I’m saving them by hitting these terrorists very violently and very hard. We are hitting them very hard by the greatest weapons on earth, taking them out. We know where they are and we hunt them down and we take them out,” he stated.

Describing attacks on rural communities, Trump said, “Think of that, they go into a village and just kill everybody. It’s crazy.”

He also linked terrorism to what he described as threats against religious freedom.

“They will close your churches in this country. They go Communist and they’re trying to. They will kill your people. And that’s what they’re about. They want to end religion,” he added.

Trump, however, did not disclose the exact locations of the alleged military strikes in Nigeria or identify the terrorist organisation involved.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters reported on Friday that the United States reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The assurance came during a visit by the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Major General Claude Tudor, to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Military authorities said the visit focused on improving existing security cooperation and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has announced a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil exports and related transactions until August 21, 2026.

According to a statement released on Monday by the US Treasury Department, the measure will allow Iran to produce, sell and transport crude oil and associated petroleum products during the period.

The Treasury Department, which oversees US economic sanctions, stated that “All transactions” that had previously been restricted in connection with Iranian-origin crude oil “are authorized through 12:01 am eastern daylight time, August 21, 2026.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington decided to ease the restrictions due to commitments made by Tehran during ongoing talks with the United States and its allies.

Bessent explained that Iran had agreed to support “free and open transit” through the Strait of Hormuz. He also cited Tehran’s decision to permit inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to enter the country.

The latest development comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts between both countries over regional security and energy-related concerns.

AFP reported that the temporary relief could affect global crude oil supply and international energy markets in the coming weeks.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has declared that a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Iran, alongside a decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping, marking a major shift in relations after months of tension.

Trump made the announcement from the White House and later expanded on it in a series of posts on Truth Social, where he confirmed the deal and outlined immediate steps linked to its implementation.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He further stated:
“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

In a separate message, he added:
“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region”

Trump also suggested that the agreement could reshape regional relations going forward.

“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

The announcement came shortly after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that both parties had reached a comprehensive understanding to end hostilities.

“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif wrote.

He also disclosed that an official signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday, June 19, following a series of preparatory diplomatic meetings.

The agreement, according to mediating parties, followed intensive negotiations involving several regional actors. Qatar welcomed the outcome, describing it as a step toward wider stability.

“The State of Qatar welcomes the agreement reached on the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran on addressing the outstanding issues between them, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and considers it an important step towards consolidating sustainable peace and promoting economic growth regionally and internationally,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for continued technical discussions aimed at ensuring full implementation of the agreement.

“Attention must now turn to fully implementing the memorandum of understanding to ensure the Strait reopens and remains fully and permanently open, and that the detailed elements of the nuclear agreement are finalised,” Starmer said.

He added:
“We are clear that toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored,”

French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the deal, urging swift implementation while confirming France’s readiness to support maritime stability efforts.

“I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, the result of a diplomatic effort to which several partners contributed. I call for its swift and full implementation by all parties to the conflict,” Macron said.

“This agreement must allow for the urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which the international mission established with the United Kingdom is ready to support. The resources are in place and ready to be deployed,” he added.

“The resumption of maritime traffic, without restrictions or tolls, is essential for regional stability and the global economy.”

France “will also continue to provide its full support to the determined efforts of the Lebanese authorities to restore the sovereignty of the State, which alone can ensure Lebanon’s stability and territorial integrity and meet the needs of its populations”, he added.

US Vice President JD Vance described the agreement as a turning point for the region and expressed optimism about its wider impact.

“What the president has done is create the real space to transform that region. And now, hopefully a new era with the Iranians,” Vance said.

“I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon… This is just a great thing for the American people.”

The ceasefire announcement comes as international observers watch closely for signs of long-term stability in the region, with attention now turning to the upcoming signing ceremony in Switzerland and the practical implementation of the agreement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged that the United States will take action after Iran allegedly brought down an American Apache helicopter during a patrol operation over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump disclosed the development on Tuesday through a post on his Truth Social platform. He said military officials informed him that the incident took place overnight and involved what he described as a “highly sophisticated Apache Helicopter.”

The president stated that both pilots aboard the aircraft survived and did not suffer any injuries.

Trump wrote: “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The reported incident is expected to heighten tensions between the United States and Iran. It comes amid ongoing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Neither the U.S. military nor Iranian authorities had immediately provided additional details on the incident at the time of this report.