TheNewsGuru

Tag: U.S.

  • U.S. attack on Iran: UN chief raises alarm of wider war

    U.S. attack on Iran: UN chief raises alarm of wider war

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Sunday that massive overnight strikes by the U.S. on Iran’s nuclear facilities would only increase the risk of a wider war.

    Guterres, at an emergency meeting convened by the Council on threats to international peace and security, said the strikes had also done “serious damage to the international order.”

    It has been 10 days of airstrikes initiated by Israel aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear programme which have led to deadly daily exchanges of missile fire between Tehran and Tel Aviv,

    The UN chief, however, said that diplomacy must now prevail, stressing, “We now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.”

    The U.S. intervention overnight in support of Israel’s military campaign, targeted three Iranian facilities involved in uranium enrichment.

    “We must act, immediately and decisively, to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme,” Guterres added.

    He told ambassadors the citizens of the wider Middle East region could not endure yet another cycle of destruction.

    Demanding a ceasefire, he also put Iran on notice that it must “fully respect” the Non-Proliferation Treaty on the development of nuclear weapons as a cornerstone of peace and security worldwide.

    Iran had consistently denied the allegation from Israel and others that its ambitions were to become a nuclear-armed state, versus developing atomic energy for purely peaceful purposes.

    The UN scribe stressed that Israel, the U.S. and Iran faced a stark choice, insisting that diplomacy must prevail.

    “One path leads to a wider war, deeper human suffering and serious damage to the international order. The other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue,” he said.

    UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča told ambassadors that the world was facing “a dangerous moment” following the U.S. bombing mission and Iran considered potential retaliation.

    Jenča warned the council that the region risks being “engulfed in further instability and volatility”, with “no military solution to this conflict.”

    The top UN official worried that hostilities between Iran and Israel were now into their tenth day and the humanitarian toll was mounting.

    “Most of the 430 killed in Iran have been civilians,” he noted, while also citing Israeli reports of 25 dead and over 1,300 injured.

    He also flagged growing threats from non-state armed groups, including the Houthis in Yemen. Their retaliation, he said, could widen the conflict.

    Iran’s parliament meanwhile voiced support for closing the crucial trading route through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.

    “The world will not be spared from the ramifications of this dangerous conflict,” Jenča said, urging countries to act in line with international law and the UN Charter.

  • US Defence Secretary reveals new details on Iran’s nuclear sites attacks

    US Defence Secretary reveals new details on Iran’s nuclear sites attacks

    U.S. Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth has revealed new details on the attacks that severely damaged three of Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Hegseth to have said the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities “took months and weeks of positioning and preparation” to be ready when President Donald Trump gave the order.

    President Trump had disclosed that the U.S. bombed Fordow, Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear facility, as well as two other sites, Natanz and Esfahan.

    Speaking about the attacks at the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary disclosed that the attacks took a great deal of precision and that it involved misdirection and the highest of operational security.

    “Last night, on President Trump’s orders, US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran: Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear program. It was an incredible and overwhelming success.

    “The order we received from our commander in chief was focused; it was powerful, and it was clear. We devastated the Iranian nuclear program. But, it is worth noting that the operation did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people,” Hegseth said.

    While appreciating Trump’s bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, the Defence Secretary said every American involved in the operation performed flawlessly.

    “For the entirety of his time in office. President Trump has consistently stated for over 10 years that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. Thanks to President Trump’s bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated.

    “I want to recognize the pilots who flew those bombers. Who flew those fighters. Who flew those refuelers. Warriors. I want to recognize the sailors on those destroyers, in those subs, on the carriers. Warriors. All of them.

    “I want to recognise our soldiers, doing air defence, base defence, QRF. Warriors. All of the. Every American involved in this operation performed flawlessly,” Hegseth said.

    He added: “This is a plan that took months and weeks of positioning and preparation so that we could be ready when the president of the United States called. It took a great deal of precision. It involved misdirection and the highest of operational security.

    “Our B-2s [stealth bombers] went in and out of these nuclear sites, in and out and back of downtown Tehran without the world knowing at all. In that way, it was historic. A strike that included the largest B-2s spirit bomber mission since 2001 and the first operational employment of the MAP, a massive ordinance penetrator”.

    Earlier, Trump, who spoke from the White House on Saturday night, said the objective of the strikes was to destroy Iran’s nuclear capacity and stop its nuclear threat.

    “A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime Fordow Natanz and Esfahan,” Trump said.

    “Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”

    The U.S. leader, who had been threatening Iran to make a “deal” about its nuclear programme, described the strikes as a huge military success.

    “Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.

    “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” Trump said.

    Trump warned that “there will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days”.

    He stressed that there were many targets left adding, “tonight’s was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal.

    “But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill; most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.”

    Trump boasted about the superiority of the U.S. military, saying no military in the world could have done what the U.S. military did in Iran.

    “There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight, not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago,” he stressed.

    Trump had, earlier in a post on Truth Social, announced the bombing of the Iranian nuclear sites.

    “We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” he wrote.

    “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.

    “Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his reaction to the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, hailed Trump for taking a “bold decision” on Iran.

    “Congratulations President Trump, your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu posted.

  • Future attacks will be far greater – Trump warns Iran after bombing nuclear sites

    Future attacks will be far greater – Trump warns Iran after bombing nuclear sites

    After coordinating attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that future attacks will be far greater if the Islamic nation should fail to pursue peace.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the U.S. bombed three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan on Saturday while warning against retaliation.

    Shortly after, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the attack on the three nuclear facilities “will have everlasting consequences”.

    However, Trump has now warned that Iran, he described as “the bully of the Middle East”, must now make peace, adding that if they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.

    “A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive precision strikes on the 3k nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    “Everybody heard those names for years as they built these horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was destruction on Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.

    “Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.

    “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.

    “For forty years, Iran has been saying, death to America, death to Israel. They have been killing our people blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their specialty.

    “We lost over a thousand of people and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate.

    “In particular, so many were killed by their General, Qasem Soleimani. I decided a long ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue,” he said.

    Speaking in a televised broadcast monitored by TNG, Trump stressed that there are many targets left and that tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far and perhaps the most lethal, adding that if peace does not come quickly, the U.S. will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.

    “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We worked like a team like perhaps no team has ever worked be fore. We have gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.

    “I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they have done, and most importantly I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many decades.

    “Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that’s so. I also want to congratulate the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Razin Caine, spectacular General and all of the military minds involved in this attack.

    “With all of that being said, we cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed in the last eight days.

    “Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.

    “Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There is no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago,” Trump said.

    UN chief ‘alarmed’ by U.S. bombings in Iran

    Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the United States’ use of force against Iran, saying he is alarmed by the action.

    Guterres, in a statement on Saturday night shortly after Trump announced U.S. strike on three nuclear sites in Iran, said the action was a dangerous escalation in the Middle East.

    U.S. President Donald Trump had said on Saturday night that the U.S. military had bombed Fordow, Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear facility as well as two other sites, Natanz and Esfahan.

    “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

    “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said.

    The UN chief called on member states to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

    “At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” the UN scribe said.

  • Iran’s nuclear sites attack: Israel happy but U.S. lawmaker calls for Trump’s impeachment

    Iran’s nuclear sites attack: Israel happy but U.S. lawmaker calls for Trump’s impeachment

    US Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence by his “disastrous decision” to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ocasio-Cortez to have said Trump carried out the US attack on the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan without authorization, and thus violated the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.

    “The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment,” the US Congresswoman wrote on X.

    Trump’s decision bold, will change history – Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu

    Meanwhile, following the U.S. attack on Iran’s three nuclear sites, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has described President Trump’s decision as bold.

    In a televised broadcast, Netanyahu said Israel has done “truly amazing things” since hostilities started but that with Trump’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the U.S. has done what no other country on earth could do.

    “Congratulations President Donald Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history.

    “In Operation Rising Lion, Israel has done truly amazing things. But in tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on earth could do.

    “History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime, the world’s most dangerous weapons. His leadership today, has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace.

    “President Trump and I often say, “peace through strength”. First comes strength, then comes peace. Tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.

    “President Trump, I thank you, the people of Israel thank you, the forces of civilisation thank you. God bless America, God bless Israel, and may God bless our unshakeable alliance and our unbreakable faith,” Netanyahu in the broadcast.

    Meanwhile, in a post on X, addressing Israelis, the Prime Minister noted that Iran’s nuclear program threatens Israel’s very existence and also endangered the peace of the entire world.

    He confirmed to have spoken with President Trump after the U.S. bombing of the Iran’s nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    “Dear citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters. In Operation ‘Am Kalavi’, we achieved unprecedented achievements together in Israeli history.

    “You remember that from the beginning of the operation, I promised you that Iran’s nuclear facilities would be destroyed, one way or another. This promise was fulfilled.

    “A short time ago, in full coordination between me and President Trump, and in full operational coordination between the IDF and the United States military, the United States attacked Iran’s three nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

    “In doing so, the United States continued, with greater intensity and with great force, the attacks of the IDF and the Mossad on Iran’s nuclear program. This program threatened our very existence and also endangered the peace of the entire world.

    “Immediately after the operation was completed, President Trump called me. It was a very warm, very moving conversation. He blessed me, he blessed our army and he blessed our people. And I congratulated him, the United States pilots, and the American people.

    “President Trump is a strong leader of the free world. He is a great friend of Israel, a friend like no other. In my name and on behalf of all the citizens of Israel, on behalf of the entire Jewish people, I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

    “And I know, citizens of Israel, that I speak from the bottom of each and every one of your hearts. We stand together, We fight together, And with God’s help – we win together. As the verse says, “We will ascend, for we can overcome them,” Netanyahu wrote.

  • “This is outrageous” – Iran reacts over bombed nuclear sites

    “This is outrageous” – Iran reacts over bombed nuclear sites

    The Islamic Republic of Iran has described the bombing of its three nuclear sites as outrageous and said the event “will have everlasting consequences.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan on Saturday while warning against retaliation.

    “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after the bombing.

    Araghchi stated that the United States has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking the nuclear sites, he described as “peaceful nuclear installations”.

    The Foreign Minister also stated that Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people, citing the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense.

    “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.

    “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.

    “In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” Araghchi wrote.

    Similarly, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has strongly condemned the US attack on the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, and vowed to take legal actions.

    According to AEOI, field surveys and radiation systems data showed that there is no contamination recorded, no danger to residents around these sites and safety is in a stable state following the US attack on the nuclear sites.

  • U.S. bombs Iran’s nuclear sites; Trump warns against retaliation

    U.S. bombs Iran’s nuclear sites; Trump warns against retaliation

    U.S. President Donald Trump has disclosed that the United States has carried out “very successful attack” on three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Trump disclosed this via Truth Social while warning that “any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight”.

    Trump in posts on the social media platform on Saturday described the attack on the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites as historic for the USA, Israel and the world, adding that Iran must now agree to end the war.

    “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

    “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.

    “Congratulations to our great American warriors. There is not another military in the world that could have done this. Now is the time for peace,” Trump wrote.

    Sources said the United States Air Force used 6 Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to drop 12 bunker-buster bombs, that is 360,000 lbs, on the Fordow Nuclear Facility, obliterating the entire nuclear capability.

    TNG reports this is coming after hostilities broke out between Israel and Iran on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

    The Israel versus Iran crisis has led to fatalities running into hundreds as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday warned that the U.S. participation in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran would be “very unfortunate” and “extremely dangerous for everyone.”

    Also, the United Nations’ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had warned that the ongoing violent conflict between Iran and Israel is “a fire no one can control” and risks spiralling out of control.

    UN nuclear chief gives grave warnings on Iran’s nuclear safety

    Recall that the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had earlier released the most alarming update on the ongoing Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, on Friday warned the UN Security Council that Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities were degrading critical safety systems and placing millions at potential radiological risk.

    Grossi said at Natanz, the destruction of electricity infrastructure and direct strikes on enrichment halls had led to internal contamination.

    Grossi said while no radiological release has been detected outside the facility, warned that uranium compounds now posed significant health hazards within.

    At Isfahan, the UN nuclear watchdog boss said multiple buildings including a uranium conversion plant and a metal processing facility, were hit.

    At Arak’s Khondab reactor site, he said that damage was sustained, though the facility was not operational.

    The greatest risk, however, he said, is the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which remains operational.

    Grossi warned that a direct strike “could result in a high release of radioactivity to the environment.”

    He stressed that even a disruption of its external power supply could lead to a core meltdown.

    In the worst-case scenario, radiation would affect populations hundreds of kilometres away and require mass evacuations, he warned.

    Grossi also warned against any attack on the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor, which could endanger millions in the capital.

    “Nuclear facilities and material must not be shrouded by the fog of war,” he said. We must maintain communication, transparency and restraint,” the IAEA chief stressed.

    Grossi pledged that the IAEA would continue to monitor and report on nuclear safety conditions in Iran and reiterated his readiness to mediate.

    He stressed that the agency “can guarantee, through a watertight inspections system,” that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran, urging dialogue.

    “The alternative is a protracted conflict and a looming nuclear threat that would erode the global non-proliferation regime,” he stressed.

  • Iran warns U.S. against involvement in Israeli strikes, urges return to diplomacy

    Iran warns U.S. against involvement in Israeli strikes, urges return to diplomacy

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday warned that the U.S. participation in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran would be “very unfortunate” and “extremely dangerous for everyone.”

    Araghchi was speaking to reporters in Istanbul ahead of the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

    He said: “Diplomacy worked in the past, it can work again. But to return to it, aggression must stop.”

    He emphasised Iran’s readiness for peaceful negotiations.

    “We are absolutely ready for a negotiated solution, just like in 2015,” the minister said.

    He accused Israel of opposing diplomatic efforts, saying: “Israel is clearly against diplomacy.”

    Araghchi reiterated that halting hostilities was a prerequisite for any diplomatic progress.

    Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

    Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Israel since then in Iranian missile attacks.

    Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.

  • U.S. resumes student visas for foreigners

    U.S. resumes student visas for foreigners

    The U.S. has announced that it is resuming the suspended process for foreigners applying for student visas but would now require monitoring of the social media activities of the applicants.

    The U.S. Department of State said all applicants would now be required to unlock their social media accounts for review in an attempt to expand screening and vetting for visa applicants.

    The government had, in May, temporarily halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the U.S.

    The department’s spokesperson in a statement, said U.S. visa was a privilege, not a right.

    “We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.

    “Under new guidance, the department will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant  classifications.

    “To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public.”

    It also announced that the U.S. overseas posts would resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon.

    The State Department said it was “committed to protecting the nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through its visa process”.

    It also advised visa applicants to check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.

    “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement stressed.

    “The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests,” it said.

    The statement demanded that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sort, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission”.

    Nigeria currently leads Africa as the number one source of international students enrolling in the United States, with about 20,000 students, and ranks 17th globally.

  • How U.S. visa restrictions will harm West Africa – MFA

    How U.S. visa restrictions will harm West Africa – MFA

    Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), says the U.S.’ plan to apply visa restrictions on all ECOWAS countries is tantamount to creating “non-tariff barriers” that will harm trade relations with West Africa.

    Tuggar, who is the Chairman, ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) made this known at the 54th Ordinary Session of the MSC at the Ministerial Level in Abuja on Wednesday.

    U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently announced a list 36 countries under the country’s visa scrutiny, many of them being ECOWAS members.

    According to the new visa proposal, the affected countries are given a 60-day window to meet new visa requirements or face potential travel bans.

    Tuggar, who criticised the proposed policy, warned that it could significantly hinder trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity between the U.S. and West Africa.

    He emphasised that ECOWAS is a region of opportunities with critical resources, and such restrictions would amount to mounting “non-tariff barriers” to potential deals and partnerships between them and the U.S.

    “It would, therefore, be a remiss of me if I did not mention the apparent recent decision by the Government of the United States to include all ECOWAS countries in its visa restrictions (Togo was on an earlier list).

    “This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals.

    “We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi,” he said.

    The minister stressed that ECOWAS member states would like to do deals with the U.S., but noted that visa restrictions were synonymous with slamming non-tarriff barriers to any deals with them.

    He also said that West African countries had been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system.

    “ECOWAS countries and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need.

    “We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity.

    “The only question is with whom? Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?” He asked.

    Earlier in an opening address, Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, expressed delight that the MSC was holding at a critical juncture of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, still standing strong amid challenges.

    He said that for more than 25 years, the MSC had contributed immensely to the security and stability of the region, through its numerous sessions.

    Touray said that the session was to enable the council to present to participants the political and security situation in the region, including trends and developments.

    “We will update on the transition process in Guinea and the negotiation process between ECOWAS and Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

    “We will be updating you on maritime security in our region, as well as terrorism and transnational organised crime.

    “We will also be presenting the outcome of the assessments of our Missions in the Gambia and Bissau,” he said.

    The commission’s president said that ECOWAS had also made progress in strengthening the subregion’s regional peace and security architecture.

    He said that ECOWAS would present a memoranda to the MSC on its Standby Force Logistics Concept and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot Policies.

    Touray said that ECOWAS would also present a memoranda on the Supplementary Act relating to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Regional Platform.

    He said ECOWAS would also give updates on regional National Early Warning and Response centres, humanitarian situation, and measures against money laundering and financing of terrorism.

    “These memoranda outline the key activities of the institutions on strengthening further the instruments of our response to peace and security challenges in region,” he said.

    Touray further said that after some difficult time over the last two years, ECOWAS had successfully changed the narrative on the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, who recently withdrew from the bloc.

    He said that ECOWAS had started direct talks with them toward safeguarding the community’s achievements and building a realistic, fruitful future cooperation in various areas including security and development.

    According to him, ECOWAS has improved  communication with the exited countries with the view to mitigating the effects of “mis and dis information,” and put in place mechanisms to project its views to the world.

    “This is significant as fake news have contributed to the complications of our security and political environment in recent years,” he added.

  • Trump pushes for largest mass deportation

    Trump pushes for largest mass deportation

    U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his tough stance on immigration, demanding a sweeping expansion of arrests and deportations by federal agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the Republican president called on ICE and other agencies to do all in their power to carry out what he described as the single largest Mass Deportation Programme in History.

    Trump specifically targeted Democrat-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, urging the federal agents to step up enforcement efforts.

    The president’s hard-line approach has sparked widespread protests across several U.S. cities.

    Demonstrations in the U.S intensified recently after Trump deployed National Guard troops and marines to Los Angeles, a move strongly opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender.

    Mass deportations were a central promise during Trump’s election campaign, and since taking office, his administration has staged raids accompanied by press releases, photographs and regular updates on deportations to showcase their efforts.

    An estimated 11 million people currently live in the U.S. without valid papers.

    Many work in sectors vital to the economy, such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.

    Against this backdrop, Trump has recently made a notable adjustment.

    Earlier on Thursday, he suggested exempting the agriculture and hotel industries from the immigration crackdown.

    “Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

    The New York Times reported, citing government officials, that the change came after Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins called Trump and told him of growing concern among farm owners.