USA

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar and critical thinker, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised strong objections to the potential presence of U.S. military forces in Nigeria, calling it a dangerous move that could threaten the nation’s independence.

In a recent statement, Sheikh Gumi cautioned that powerful foreign forces often play a role in creating or fueling conflicts, only to later intervene under the guise of providing assistance. This pattern, he argued, can eventually lead to a loss of national sovereignty and control.

Gumi emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize protecting its sovereignty. He expressed confidence that, if properly equipped and supported, the Nigerian military is capable of addressing the country’s security challenges without foreign military intervention.

The warning comes amid ongoing debates over international security cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry. While some advocate for foreign support, Gumi’s remarks highlight a growing concern among certain circles about the long-term implications of external military presence on Nigeria’s self-determination.

By Anas Abbas

The United States has deployed a small contingent of military personnel to Nigeria in a move officials say is intended to strengthen cooperation against extremist violence in the West African country.

Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed the deployment on Tuesday, saying the team arrived after discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on intensifying efforts to counter threats from Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other armed groups.

The deployment is the first acknowledgment of U.S. forces on the ground in Nigeria since America carried out airstrikes there on Christmas Day, targeting fighters linked to the Islamic State. While details about the size, exact mission and location of the U.S. team have not been released, military officials describe their role as focused on intelligence support, coordination and enhancing Nigerian capabilities rather than leading combat operations.

Nigeria faces persistent insecurity across its north and northwest, where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilian communities. These groups have waged an insurgency for nearly two decades, displacing millions and forcing the government to seek varied forms of assistance to suppress the violence.

The move follows growing diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington. In recent months, U.S. officials have reportedly urged Nigeria to take stronger action against extremist violence, even as the Nigerian government rejects accusations that it is failing to protect vulnerable populations. Nigerian authorities emphasize that operations target all armed groups that threaten security, irrespective of the victims’ religious identities.

The U.S. has also conducted surveillance flights over Nigeria from bases in neighboring countries, a precursor to the December airstrikes. Those strikes reportedly killed multiple militants in Sokoto State, conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces.

While the current deployment is limited in scope, it marks a notable shift toward deeper military cooperation between the two countries at a time when Nigeria’s security challenges remain acute.

Newly released documents have revealed email exchanges between late financier Jeffrey Epstein and an associate, David Stern, over a possible business venture involving Nigeria’s crude oil.

The materials are reportedly part of a broader set of records made public by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

According to Premium Times in Nigeria, an email dated 20 September 2010 showed Mr Stern informing Mr Epstein of what he described as a lucrative opportunity in brokering or flipping Nigerian crude oil.

The correspondence said a contact identified as “PA” suggested meetings with individuals who had access to buy the oil and resell it to China, with projected profits running into millions of dollars.

“PA has asked me to see a guy who has access to Nigerian oil, and when selling it to China (or somebody else), F. can make around $6m.”

Despite the promise of high returns, doubts were clearly expressed in the exchange.

“This seems very fishy (as my boss JEE would say),” Mr Stern wrote.

Nigeria, which remains Africa’s largest oil producer, has long battled problems of opacity in its oil sector. Illegal trading on the black market has persisted for decades, while attempts by successive governments to enforce transparency have recorded limited success. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited only began publishing audited accounts in recent years.

The email conversation between Mr Epstein and Mr Stern was among several communications uncovered in the newly released files. Before his death in July 2019, Mr Epstein exchanged messages with members of his wealthy and influential circle on business interests, investment prospects, and planned visits. Nigeria featured in several of these discussions.

In another exchange from 2010, Mr Epstein received a message from George Reenstra, founder of Aircraft Service Group, an American aircraft servicing firm. Mr Reenstra informed him of an urgent trip to Nigeria to meet then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I unexpectedly must leave this evening for Nigeria. I have tried hard to delay this trip but it is with the the country President and I have no alternative,” Mr Reenstra wrote on 27 September 2010, about four months after Mr Jonathan assumed office. There is no confirmation that the meeting with the Nigerian president eventually took place.

Mr Reenstra also assured Mr Epstein that arrangements for their ongoing business discussions had been delegated.

“I have passed all the documentation to my partner, Jon Parker, and he will be able to assist you in completing the transaction. I will have email access but not the ability to open attachments. Hopefully we can resolve the contract issues and get the funds into deposit early this week per our telephone and e-mail exchanges of last week,” he added.

Mr Epstein was awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges, to which he pleaded not guilty, when he died in custody in 2019. His death, ruled a suicide, intensified public pressure for the release of records detailing his activities and associations.

The calls grew louder after President Donald Trump returned to office, as many believed the public deserved a full account of the financier’s network. The latest documents indicate that several figures linked to Mr Trump had interacted with Mr Epstein over the years. Mr Trump has acknowledged knowing Mr Epstein but insists he severed ties long before the financier’s arrest.

The files also reference prominent global figures, including former US President Bill Clinton, technology billionaire Elon Musk, and Britain’s Prince Andrew, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Mr Epstein maintained close ties with many wealthy and powerful individuals.

Among the documents is correspondence showing an invitation for Mr Epstein to dine at Buckingham Palace. In another exchange, he offered to introduce Prince Andrew to a 26-year-old Russian woman. Photographs in the files appear to show the prince kneeling over an unidentified woman lying on the floor.

Prince Andrew previously claimed he had no contact with Mr Epstein after a visit to the financier’s New York residence in December 2010. However, the documents indicate emails were exchanged in February 2011.

Mr Musk’s name also appeared multiple times, including messages from 2012 to 2013 in which he discussed the possibility of visiting Mr Epstein’s Caribbean island. In 2019, the Tesla chief publicly distanced himself from Mr Epstein, describing him as “obviously a creep” who “tried repeatedly to get me to visit his island.” He said he declined the invitations.

The records further revealed that the current US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, arranged a visit to Mr Epstein’s island in 2012. They also showed cordial exchanges between Mr Epstein and Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Mr Trump.

In a January 2019 email, Mr Epstein asked Mr Bannon if he had received an Apple Watch sent as a Christmas gift. Days later, he invited him to “come join” him in New York.

The latest disclosures have renewed scrutiny of Mr Epstein’s far-reaching connections and the extent of his dealings across business, politics, and international networks.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after lawmakers initiated steps to hold them in criminal contempt of Congress.

The development followed mounting pressure from the committee, which accused the Clintons of attempting to avoid accountability. In a post on X, the committee said the pair were “trying to dodge contempt by requesting special treatment,” while stressing that “The Clintons are not above the law.”

Confirmation of their appearance came from Angel Ureña, deputy chief of staff to Bill Clinton, who also posted on X.

“They negotiated in good faith. You did not,” Ureña wrote. “But the former president and former Secretary of State will be there and look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”

The House Oversight Committee is examining what the Clintons may have known about Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The inquiry also focuses on Hillary Clinton’s role in supervising U.S. efforts against international sex trafficking during her tenure as secretary of state.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the Clintons’ legal team sent an email to the committee confirming their willingness to testify under conditions outlined by Chairman James Comer of Kentucky.

“Please be advised, and please advise the Chairman, that my clients accept the terms of your letter and will appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates,” the message stated. “As has been the Committee’s practice, please confirm the House will not move forward with contempt proceedings, as the Chairman stated in his letter this morning.”

Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking Democrat, said the communication showed full compliance with the panel’s demands.

“I mean, they sent us and the Republicans affirmation that they’ve accepted every single term that James Comer has asked for, and that they’re willing to come in and testify,” Garcia said.

Chairman Comer, however, disagreed with that assessment. He told Fox News Digital that the response lacked clear details.

“The Clintons’ counsel has said they agree to terms, but those terms lack clarity yet again, and they have provided no dates for their depositions,” Comer said. “The only reason they have said they agree to terms is because the House has moved forward with contempt. I will clarify the terms they are agreeing to and then discuss next steps with my committee members.”

Following the Clintons’ decision, the House temporarily paused efforts to hold them in contempt. The House Rules Committee had been preparing to advance contempt resolutions but reversed course late Monday night. It remains uncertain when, or if, those proceedings will resume.

Democratic members of the committee have also criticized Comer, noting that he has not pursued contempt actions against other witnesses who failed to appear. They further pointed out that no similar threats were made against the Department of Justice, despite its failure to deliver all Epstein-related documents by a congressional deadline. So far, only a portion of the expected records has been released.

The investigation continues as the committee weighs its next steps in the high-profile case.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that any military attack by the United States would lead to a “regional war” in the Middle East, as tensions continue to rise between Tehran and Washington.

Khamenei issued the warning on Sunday amid the presence of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other American warships in the Arabian Sea. The deployment followed President Donald Trump’s decision to send the vessels after Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

Iranian state television reported Khamenei’s remarks online before broadcasting any video of his speech.

“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei was quoted as saying.

He also insisted that Iran had no intention of attacking other countries but would respond forcefully to any provocation. “We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it,” he said.

Khamenei further described the ongoing protests across Iran as an attempted coup, adopting a tougher stance after earlier acknowledging that economic hardship had contributed to public anger. The protests began on December 28 after the collapse of Iran’s currency and later turned into a direct challenge to his leadership.

“The recent sedition was similar to a coup. Of course, the coup was suppressed,” he said. “Their goal was to destroy sensitive and effective centers involved in running the country, and for this reason they attacked the police, government centers, (Revolutionary Guard) facilities, banks and mosques — and burned copies of the Quran. They targeted centers that run the country.”

Reports indicate that tens of thousands of people have been detained since the demonstrations began. In Iran, charges related to sedition can carry the death penalty, a development that has drawn concern from the United States. Trump has previously described the killing of peaceful protesters or mass executions as red lines for possible military action.

Meanwhile, Iran also scheduled live-fire military drills for Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes. The US military’s Central Command warned against any threat to American forces or disruption of commercial shipping during the exercise.

In a related development, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, announced that Tehran now considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist groups. The statement followed the EU’s decision to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over its role in the crackdown on protests.

Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, made the declaration as lawmakers appeared in Guard uniforms in parliament.

“By seeking to strike at the (Guard), which itself has been the greatest barrier to the spread of terrorism to Europe, Europeans have in fact shot themselves in the foot and, once again, through blind obedience to the Americans, decided against the interests of their own people,” Qalibaf said.

Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session.

Trump, for his part, has said Iran is engaged in talks with the United States, even as he declined to confirm whether he had decided on military action.

“I don’t know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us,” Trump said, while stressing the need for a “satisfactory” deal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, Iran’s Supreme Leader has repeatedly ruled out direct negotiations with Washington. Despite that, Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian security official, wrote on social media that “structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing,” although no public evidence of direct talks has emerged.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Anxiety has reportedly gripped Nigerian communities across the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up its enforcement drive under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The aggressive campaign has pushed some Nigerians off the streets, caused many to lose jobs, and in some cases, prompted quiet, self-arranged returns to Nigeria. Others have gone into hiding to avoid arrest.

Heightened ICE raids, including door-to-door operations, have disrupted daily life for numerous immigrants. Reports indicate that many Nigerians are avoiding work, limiting their movement, and relying on informal or home-based businesses to make ends meet, according to PUNCH.

President Trump launched a renewed effort to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants shortly after his inauguration in January 2025. The policy, which he has consistently defended, has drawn strong criticism from civil rights groups and immigrant advocates. Critics accuse ICE of using excessive force and mistreating detainees.

The enforcement actions have led to deadly incidents. Official figures show that at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, marking the deadliest year for immigration detention deaths in more than twenty years. In 2026 alone, The Guardian of the UK reported that at least eight people have died during encounters with ICE officers.

Recent shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have further escalated fear. Public outrage followed the death of 37-year-old Renée Good, who was shot by an ICE agent on January 7 during an operation. A medical examiner later ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. Weeks later, 37-year-old Alex Pretti was also killed during a federal immigration operation in the same city.

Since the crackdown began, about 70,000 people have reportedly been detained by ICE, while roughly 540,000 immigrants have been deported. Sources across the U.S. indicate that the climate of fear has led some Nigerians to abandon regular jobs and make discreet plans to return home.

Social media has captured the human toll of the raids. A Nigerian woman described the panic and grief among immigrants, saying she was traumatised by Pretti’s death, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. She said ICE agents often ignored legal status during operations.

“It is very traumatising the way these (ICE) people are treating immigrants,” PUNCH quoted her as saying. “President Trump, if you want the immigrants to leave America, tell us. Just come out and say, ‘All immigrants, we want you out, whether you are criminal or not.’”

She added, “These (ICE) people don’t even care. There are a lot of immigrants who are treated like animals, and these people will be telling them, ‘we are citizens’, but they don’t care.”

The woman, who requested to be identified as senior Immigrant, said fear of arrest has driven many Nigerians into online trading and home-based work. She recounted a shop assistant who stopped coming to work in mid-December and a family who left factory jobs after ICE activity in their area.

“My girl, who was working with me in my shop, stopped coming in mid-December. The reason was that she was scared for her life because ICE came to my area,” she said. “The most unfortunate thing was that they came to her area in New Jersey. Since then, she has had anxiety and fear.”

She added, “People are staying indoors because of the fear of ICE. They get family support from those who work. Two weeks ago, someone called me to say that they were donating to support some families, and they requested that I contribute, which I did.”

She said some families now sell goods from home or prepare meals for online orders that customers pick up privately. “There are many people with other serious experiences,” she noted.

Mrs Chris Ademiluyi, President of the Nigerian community in Maryland, confirmed that many Nigerians have chosen to go into hiding rather than return home.

“They are in hiding instead. Nigeria is not any better,” Ademiluyi said. “Some people affected may want to talk anonymously, but they are not talking because of fear.” She added that Nigerian-Americans are largely shielded and that community organisations are providing support where possible.

The situation has also sparked online debate. The Lead Pastor of Lighthouse/Rejuvenation Church in Rosenberg, Texas, Shola Adeoye, cautioned Nigerians against fear-driven decisions in a Facebook post.

“Some Nigerians are moving back home due to fear of this administration. It’s not wise to bury yourself before death,” Adeoye wrote.

Ben Ijeh, a Facebook user, commented, “Whoever that leaves involuntarily by ICE is not psychologically likely to want to come back in the future. The trauma will be too much to bear. God will always make a way for His own.” Another user, Olukunle Durodolu, wrote, “The way ICE agents capture people could be scary; they may not have the opportunity to get themselves together. So, it is preferred to time their return home when they can control themselves.”

Policy changes have compounded the pressure. Mr Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center, a non-profit immigration and cultural organisation in Washington, DC, said the organisation has seen a surge in Nigerians seeking help.

“The problem we are facing is multi-layered. There is a visa ban,” Ogunjimi said. “Before the visa ban, Nigeria was designated as a Country of Particular Concern. That was last year.”

He explained that in December 2025, a partial ban suspended most visa categories, including non-immigrant visas. “What they did not tell those of us in America or Nigerians in America is that the ban will also stop their ability to file for citizenship, green cards, work authorisation, asylum, and things like that,” he said.

Ogunjimi said the Nigerian Center has focused on public education and guidance. “If you go to our website and social media, we put out a policy memo, educating people on the parameters of this ban. We’re just giving information to folks.”

An increasing number of immigrants are considering voluntary departure, Ogunjimi noted. “We’ve seen cases where a lot of people are self-deporting right now,” he said. “Some of them asked if they would be able to come back to the US if they leave.”

In some cases, his organisation advises immigrants not to leave hastily. “They probably came here on a visiting visa… maybe they have overstayed for a couple of days,” he said, adding that waivers may still be possible.

On exact figures, Ogunjimi said, “Do I have numbers of those who have actually gone back, and who have taken the advice? The answer is: I don’t know. I don’t have those numbers.”

As ICE enforcement continues, uncertainty remains the defining reality for many Nigerians in the U.S., caught between fear of arrest abroad and harsh economic and security conditions at home.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Newly unclassified documents from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein reveal that the FBI interviewed a whistleblower regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving Donald Trump. The files contain notes from a whistleblower hotline that mention Trump several times, though officials emphasized that inclusion in these records does not establish proof of criminal activity.

While the FBI dismissed several tips as lacking credibility, one specific entry detailed a serious accusation involving a minor. According to the document:

“[redacted] reported an unidentified female friend who was forced to perform oral sex on President Trump approximately 25 years ago in NJ [New Jersey]. The friend told Alexis that she was approximately 13-14 years old when this occurred and that the friend allegedly bit President Trump while performing oral sex. The friend was allegedly hit in the face after she laughed about biting President Trump. The friend said she was also abused by Epstein.”



Records indicate that federal agents viewed this specific tip with enough seriousness to escalate it. Notes attached to the entry state:

“Spoke with caller who identified [redacted] as friend. Lead was sent to Washington Office to conduct interview.”



It remains unclear if that interview was ever finalized.

Department of Justice response

The Department of Justice issued a firm rebuttal regarding the contents of the public release. In an official statement, the department warned that the cache includes unverified information:

“This production may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos, as everything that was sent to the FBI by the public was included in the production that is responsive to the Act. Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already.”


Massive document release under Transparency Act

This disclosure is part of a broader effort under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This law mandates the government to open investigative records concerning the late financier and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the release of more than 3 million pages, along with thousands of images and videos.

During a news conference, Blanche addressed the intense public interest in the files and the potential for further speculation. He noted:

“Today’s release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance with the act.”


He further acknowledged that the volume of information might still leave some questions unanswered for the public:

“There’s a hunger, or a thirst, for information that I don’t think will be satisfied by review of these documents.”

Blanche also defended the integrity of the process, asserting that the department did not show favoritism toward any public figures mentioned in the files. He stated:

“We did not protect President Trump. We didn’t protect — or not protect — anybody.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has dismissed claims that he fell asleep during a cabinet meeting, saying he only closed his eyes because the session was dull.

The 79-year-old leader faced renewed scrutiny over his health after video footage from a December cabinet meeting appeared to show him dozing off. The incident sparked online debate, especially because such meetings are often broadcast live and tend to last for hours.

Cabinet meetings under Mr Trump are known for their length. One session in August reportedly ran for more than three hours. The meeting held on Thursday, however, ended after one hour and 20 minutes.

During the gathering, Mr Trump departed from the usual practice where cabinet members take turns praising the president and outlining progress in their ministries. After delivering an opening speech that lasted about 25 minutes, he limited the number of officials allowed to speak.

“We are going to ask a couple of people to say a few words, and we’re not going to go through the whole table,” he said.

He referred to criticism from a previous press conference, stating: “Because the last time we had a press conference, it lasted for three hours, and some people said ‘he closed his eyes.’”

Mr Trump then explained his action, saying: “Look, it got pretty boring. I love these people, but there’s a lot of people.” He added: “But I didn’t sleep. I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell out of here.”

The president has repeatedly rejected suggestions that his age affects his performance. In an interview with New York Magazine published on Monday, he again defended his health, blaming what he described as “boring as hell” cabinet meetings for appearing sleepy.

In the interview, Mr Trump said he is in “perfect health” and feels “the same as [he] did 40 years ago”. A senior staff member quoted in the report claimed that the president’s decision to stop dyeing his hair was his “only concession to age”.

Attention also turned to those who were not invited to speak during Thursday’s meeting. Mr Trump did not call on Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, despite her presence in the room.

Ms Noem is facing heavy criticism over the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers following recent deadly incidents in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was killed during a protest on Saturday. Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, was killed on January 7 during a confrontation with officers carrying out immigration raids.

Amid rising tension, Mr Trump has reshuffled his immigration leadership. He sidelined Ms Noem and dismissed Gregory Bovino, the head of border control.

Other senior officials also did not speak during the session, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, although the president praised both men.

In a move that surprised reporters, Mr Trump declined to take questions at the end of the meeting. As a result, he avoided direct queries about his confidence in Ms Noem and the ongoing controversy surrounding immigration enforcement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant military mobilization, Iran has deployed over 2,500 military aircraft to operate alongside its naval forces in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The move, reported tonight, centers on the area of Hormuz Zaldmoon.

Regional analysts view the large-scale deployment as a major security preparation and strategic exercise. It is widely interpreted as a show of force and a direct response to escalating regional tensions and recent threats of conflict.

A senior Iranian military official stated the operations have a “special focus on marine security,” underscoring Tehran’s declaration of readiness to defend vital waterways. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments.

The rapid military buildup has drawn intense international scrutiny, with world leaders and defense observers closely monitoring the speedy activities. The deployment raises concerns over potential miscalculations or confrontations in an already volatile region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Islamic Republic of Iran has dismissed claims that it sought negotiations with the United States amid rising tensions between the two countries. Tehran said it has not made any request for dialogue with Washington and has had no recent direct contact with U.S. officials.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, said he had not communicated with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days. He stressed that Iran did not initiate any move toward talks with the United States.

“There was no contact between me and Witkoff in recent days and no request for negotiations was made from us,” Araqchi told state media. He explained that while some intermediaries remain in touch with Tehran, they are only “holding consultations” with various parties.

Araqchi further outlined Iran’s position on any potential engagement with Washington. “Our stance is clear, negotiations don’t go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands,” he said. His remarks underlined Iran’s refusal to enter discussions under pressure.

On the U.S. side, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that another “armada” was moving toward Iran. He also said he hoped Tehran would agree to a deal with Washington. The United States has recently increased its military deployments in the Gulf, following nationwide protests in Iran. Those protests triggered what observers have described as the bloodiest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, also commented on the situation. He told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iran supports any effort that can prevent war, provided it aligns with international law. According to him, Tehran remains open to peaceful initiatives aimed at avoiding conflict.

The latest statements from both sides point to continued strain in relations. Iran insists that meaningful dialogue cannot happen under threats or excessive demands, while the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region.