Monday, June 23, 2025

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Artifacts Known as Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN

9:30 PM EDT, June 22, 2025

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The Netherlands on Thursday returned 119 artifacts looted from Nigeria, including human and animal figures, plaques, royal regalia and a bell.

The artifacts, known as the Benin Bronzes and mostly housed in a museum in the city of Leiden, were looted in the late 19th century by British soldiers.

In recent years, museums across Europe and North America have moved to address ownership disputes over artifacts looted during the colonial era. They were returned at the request of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

During the handover ceremony in Edo State, Oba Ewuare II, the monarch and custodian of Benin culture, described the return of the artifacts as a “divine intervention.” The Benin Bronzes were returned at the request of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

The restitution is a testament to the power of prayer and determination, the monarch said.

The Dutch government is committed to returning artifacts that do not belong to the country, said Marieke Van Bommel, director of the Wereld Museum.

Olugbile Holloway, the commission’s director, said the return of 119 artifacts marks the largest single repatriation to date and that his organization is working hard to recover more items looted during colonial times.

Nigeria formally requested the return of hundreds of objects from museums around the world in 2022. Some 72 objects were returned from a London museum that year while 31 were returned from a museum in Rhode Island.

The Benin Bronzes were stolen in 1897 when British forces under the command of Sir Henry Rawson sacked the Benin kingdom and forced Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, the monarch at the time, into a six-month exile. Benin is located in modern-day southern Nigeria.

Following Iranian Strike, Trump Urges 'Proceed with Peace'

By Al Mayadeen English

Following the Iranian missile strike on Al-Udeid, Donald Trump declares no casualties and praises Qatar’s mediation while urging “Israel” to seek peace in the region.

US President Donald Trump, in his first official statement since Iran targeted the Al-Udeid US military base in Qatar in retaliation to the US strikes on its nuclear facilities, confirmed that no casualties among American personnel were recorded, claiming that "hardly any damage was done."

In a post on his social platform Truth Social, Trump stated that air defenses intercepted 13 out of the 14 missiles launched by Iran toward the US base. According to the US president, one missile was "set free" because it was launched in a non-threatening direction. 

Trump emphasized that there were no American casualties and minimal damage. "Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE," he stated. He also expressed gratitude to Iran for what he described as an early warning prior to the strike, which he said allowed for effective defensive measures.

Trump highlighted the importance of Iran's early notice, stating it helped prevent the loss of life. He framed this gesture as a sign of restraint and an opportunity to avoid further escalation. "Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region," he said, adding that he would "enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same."

The president also thanked the Emir of Qatar for his "tremendous efforts toward peace in the region." 

Moreover, in a presser today, Trump stated that the recent attack on Iranian nuclear sites was aimed at advancing vital American interests and ensuring the collective defense of the US ally, “Israel”.

He emphasized that the strike on Iran was carefully calibrated, describing it as “limited in scope and purpose,” to avoid broader escalation, adding that it exclusively targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and did not involve attacks on military forces or other infrastructure.

Trump confirmed that no American ground forces took part in the strike on Iran, indicating a reliance solely on aerial or long-range military assets. He claimed the assault was meticulously planned to minimize casualties, deter future operations, and prevent further regional escalation.

Is the US seeking de-escalation?

Trump’s remarks come amid widespread speculation in US and international circles about the trajectory of US-Iran relations. 

CNN, citing a White House official, stated that Trump is not inclined to engage in new military conflicts in the region, signaling a shift from earlier aggressive postures.

In a similar context, "Israel’s" Channel 12 quoted a senior White House official indicating that Trump aims to end ongoing wars rather than escalate them. The official stated that Trump wants to convey to Netanyahu, "We don’t want war, we want a deal."

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Washington reported that Trump administration officials are scheduled to brief members of the US House of Representatives regarding recent developments in West Asia, particularly in the aftermath of the Iranian missile strike.

Iran Military Operations Halted, Conditional on Israeli Aggression

By Al Mayadeen English

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi denies any ceasefire agreement with "Israel," saying Iran’s military response continued until 4 a.m. and could resume if Israeli aggression persists.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that no ceasefire agreement with the Israeli occupation has been reached, stressing that Tehran's military operations will only cease if the occupation stops its aggression.

In a post on X, Araghchi stated, “As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.”

“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” he added.

However, Araghchi noted that Iran is prepared to end its military response if the Israeli occupation halts its attacks by 4 am Tehran time.

“Provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 a.m. Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards,” he wrote, adding that the final decision on ending operations would be taken at a later time.

Soon after, Araghchi confirmed that Iran’s response to Israeli aggression persisted until the final moment.

Araghchi confirms halting of military operations

“The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4 a.m.,” he declared.

He also paid tribute to the Iranian military, stating, “Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute.”

The 12 Day War

The comments come in response to US President Donald Trump’s earlier announcement that a phased ceasefire had been brokered, with Iran supposedly observing a 12-hour pause followed by a similar commitment from “Israel”. Trump described the deal as ending what he termed “the 12 Day War.”

However, Araghchi’s firm denial of any such agreement directly contradicts Washington’s narrative. Tehran maintains that no formal truce has been reached and that its operations are strictly conditional upon a full halt to Israeli aggression.

While the US has credited Qatari mediation in bringing both parties to the table, Iran’s statements suggest that any cessation of hostilities remains unilateral and provisional. As of Tuesday morning, there was still no official Israeli confirmation of the ceasefire.

Following Iranian Strike, Trump Urges 'Proceed with Peace'

By Al Mayadeen English

Following the Iranian missile strike on Al-Udeid, Donald Trump declares no casualties and praises Qatar’s mediation while urging “Israel” to seek peace in the region.

US President Donald Trump, in his first official statement since Iran targeted the Al-Udeid US military base in Qatar in retaliation to the US strikes on its nuclear facilities, confirmed that no casualties among American personnel were recorded, claiming that "hardly any damage was done."

In a post on his social platform Truth Social, Trump stated that air defenses intercepted 13 out of the 14 missiles launched by Iran toward the US base. According to the US president, one missile was "set free" because it was launched in a non-threatening direction. 

Trump emphasized that there were no American casualties and minimal damage. "Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE," he stated. He also expressed gratitude to Iran for what he described as an early warning prior to the strike, which he said allowed for effective defensive measures.

Trump highlighted the importance of Iran's early notice, stating it helped prevent the loss of life. He framed this gesture as a sign of restraint and an opportunity to avoid further escalation. "Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region," he said, adding that he would "enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same."

The president also thanked the Emir of Qatar for his "tremendous efforts toward peace in the region." 

Moreover, in a presser today, Trump stated that the recent attack on Iranian nuclear sites was aimed at advancing vital American interests and ensuring the collective defense of the US ally, “Israel”.

He emphasized that the strike on Iran was carefully calibrated, describing it as “limited in scope and purpose,” to avoid broader escalation, adding that it exclusively targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and did not involve attacks on military forces or other infrastructure.

Trump confirmed that no American ground forces took part in the strike on Iran, indicating a reliance solely on aerial or long-range military assets. He claimed the assault was meticulously planned to minimize casualties, deter future operations, and prevent further regional escalation.

Is the US seeking de-escalation?

Trump’s remarks come amid widespread speculation in US and international circles about the trajectory of US-Iran relations. 

CNN, citing a White House official, stated that Trump is not inclined to engage in new military conflicts in the region, signaling a shift from earlier aggressive postures.

In a similar context, "Israel’s" Channel 12 quoted a senior White House official indicating that Trump aims to end ongoing wars rather than escalate them. The official stated that Trump wants to convey to Netanyahu, "We don’t want war, we want a deal."

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Washington reported that Trump administration officials are scheduled to brief members of the US House of Representatives regarding recent developments in West Asia, particularly in the aftermath of the Iranian missile strike.

Trump Claims Iran, 'Israel' Ceasefire Reached

By Al Mayadeen English

Amid conflicting reports, Donald Trump announces a comprehensive ceasefire between Iran and "Israel", while Iran denies receiving any proposal. Meanwhile, the aggression on Tehran continues.

While US President Donald Trump dramatically declared that a complete and total ceasefire between Iran and “Israel” has been agreed upon, a senior Iranian official denied Tehran's reception of any ceasefire proposal.

According to Trump, the ceasefire is set to begin in approximately six hours, once both sides complete their ongoing final missions, marking the end of what he has termed "THE 12 DAY WAR."

The ceasefire, Trump said, will proceed in two phases. Iran is set to initiate the first 12-hour period, during which “Israel” will allegedly remain peaceful. Following this, “Israel” will implement its 12-hour ceasefire, concluding a 24-hour span that will officially end the aggression. Trump emphasized that both sides are expected to act peacefully and respectfully throughout the process.

"This is a war that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will," Trump stated. His announcement framed the ceasefire not only as a diplomatic milestone but also as a turning point for broader regional stability.

Trump commended the "stamina, courage, and intelligence" shown by Iran and “Israel” in reaching this agreement. He positioned the ceasefire as a testament to the power of diplomacy and strategic restraint.

Trump closed his statement with a sweeping message: "God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!"

Iranian official says 'no proposal received'

However, just minutes before the announcement, a senior Iranian official confirmed to CNN that Iran has not received any proposal for a ceasefire and "sees no reason for one," adding that the Islamic Republic will proceed with its operation until lasting peace is achieved. 

Moreover, the official affirmed that any remarks by the Israeli occupation or the US will be considered "a deception" that aims to justify attacks on Iranian interests. 

“At this very moment, the enemy is committing aggression against Iran, and Iran is on the verge of intensifying its retaliatory strikes, with no ear to listen to the lies of its enemies,” the official said.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Tehran also reported that no official Iranian sources confirmed Trump's ceasefire announcement. 

Moreover, The New York Times said that an Israeli military spokesperson did not comment on questions regarding Trump's ceasefire announcement.

Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes continue to attack Iran, with the Israeli occupation forces issuing a warning to the residents of Tehran of an upcoming attack. 

Claims of Qatari mediation emerge

Reuters, citing an unnamed official briefed on the matter, said that Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bun Abdulrahman al-Thani secured Tehran's agreement to a US proposal for a ceasefire. 

According to the report, this came after Trump was able to secure "Israel's" agreement to the ceasefire. In turn, the US president "asked Doha's help persuading Tehran to also agree to the ceasefire."

Operation Herald of Victory: Iran Pounds US Military Base in Qatar in Retaliatory Operation

Monday, 23 June 2025 5:11 PM

Iran launches missiles at an American base in Qatar in response to the US aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Iranian armed forces have launched a missile barrage at American military bases in Qatar in a retaliatory operation a day after Iranian nuclear sites were targeted by US bombers.

In a statement following the successful retaliatory operation, Iranian armed forces said the operation came in response to the “blatant military aggression by the criminal regime of the United States” against the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic.

The statement described the US aggression as “a clear violation of international law” and added that under the directive of the Supreme National Security Council and the command of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (PBUH), the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), using the sacred code “Ya Aba Abdillah al-Hussain (AS),” launched a powerful and devastating missile strike on the Al Udeid base in Qatar.

This base serves as the headquarters of the US Air Force Command and represents the most strategic asset of the American military in West Asia.

“The message of this decisive action by the sons of the nation in the armed forces to the White House and its allies is clear and direct,” the statement noted, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran will “never leave any violation of its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national security unanswered.”

It further said that the American enemy’s aggression has “exposed to all that Zionist malice is simply a continuation of US strategy” while reminding all that in this national defense, American military bases and assets in the region “are not points of strength but critical vulnerabilities — the Achilles’ heel of this warmongering regime.”

“On the eve of the month of Muharram, the time of mourning for the Master of Martyrs, Imam Aba Abdillah al-Hussain (AS), we once again warn the enemies of Islamic Iran that the era of 'hit and run' is over,” the armed forces stated.

he statement noted that the will of the powerful, people-backed armed forces is such that “any repeat of these hostile actions will only hasten the collapse of America's military presence in the region, lead to their disgraceful retreat from West Asia, and fulfill the shared dream of the Islamic Ummah and freedom-loving nations — the eradication of the cancerous Zionist entity.”

True Promise III: Iran Unleashes Several New-generation Missiles in Fresh Wave

Monday, 23 June 2025 9:50 AM

Iranian armed forces launched the new phase of Operation True Promise on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Iran carried out the new phase of Operation True Promise III with a barrage of new-generation missiles, which made direct impacts across occupied territories.

The 21st phase kicked off at around 12:00 pm local time on Monday, with informed sources saying many new-generation missiles were used in today's retaliatory operation.

In a statement, the public relations department of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the 21st wave of Operation True Promise III was launched in response to the continued aggression of the criminal Zionist regime.

The latest phase of the operation began with the firing of both solid- and liquid-fueled missiles and a combined assault using smart drones.

In this phase, the statement noted, for the first time, the multi-warhead Kheibar (Qadr-H) ballistic missile was used, employing new and surprising tactics to achieve greater precision, destructiveness, and effectiveness.

The missiles successfully struck strategic targets across the occupied territories, from north to south and central areas of the Zionist regime.

The IRGC statement emphasized that this “impact-driven operation” will continue with new special tactics, exploiting weaknesses in the enemy’s air defense systems, and will grow stronger and more powerful.

It added that drone combat operations “will not cease for a moment,” prompting the occupiers of the occupied territories “to constantly endure sirens, fleeing, and seeking shelter.”

Some sections of Israeli media reported widespread destruction of streets in several cities due to powerful blast waves on Monday that sent settlers back into the underground shelters.

For the first time, air raid sirens blared across the occupied territories for 35 minutes, reports said, indicating the massive wave of Iranian missiles used on Monday.

Once again, the multi-tier Israeli air defense systems failed to intercept the new-generation Iranian missiles, which made their way to intended targets across the occupied territories.

According to the source, Kheibar Shekan, Emad, Qadr, and Fattah-1 missiles were used in Monday's operation, which struck important Israeli military facilities across the occupied territories, including in Safed, Lachish, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Beit She’an.

The missiles directly targeted the Ashdod power plant, causing widespread power outages across the occupied territories, reports said.

These operations are in response to the continued Israeli military aggression against Iran, which has led to the martyrdom of more than 400 people since June 13, including top-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, professors, athletes and students.

In response Iranian armed forces have carried out 21 waves of missiles and drones against the occupied territories as part of Operation True Promise III, inflicting heavy blows on the regime and its military intelligence infrastructure.

On Sunday, the multi-warhead Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile was used for the first time during the 20th wave of Operation True Promise III.

The twentieth wave came just hours after the United States claimed to have struck three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

According to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), a total of 40 solid- and liquid-fueled missiles were launched at strategic targets across the occupied Palestinian territories on Sunday.

“In this operation, for the first time, the IRGC Aerospace Force deployed the third-generation Kheibar Shekan multi-warhead ballistic missile, employing new and surprising tactics to achieve greater precision, destructive power, and effectiveness,” the statement said.

The Iranian armed forces have used many new-generation missiles in Operation True Promise III, including Kheibar Shekan, Fattah, Emad and Hajj Qassem.

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Lavrov Calls US Strike on Iran Another Step Toward Unpredictable Escalation

During that call that was initiated by the Hungarian side, the two top diplomats "discussed the situation following the United States’ strike on Iranian nuclear facilities," the ministry said

MOSCOW, June 22. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has slammed the United States’ strikes on Iran as another spiral of dangerous escalation with unpredictable consequences, the Russian foreign ministry said after his phone call with his Hugarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto.

During that call that was initiated by the Hungarian side, the two top diplomats "discussed the situation following the United States’ strike on Iranian nuclear facilities," the ministry said.

"The Russian side stressed that the US missile strike on the territory of a sovereign state can be seen as another dangerous spiral of the conflict escalation, which can have unpredictable consequences and has already impaired the nuclear nonproliferation regime, regional and global security," it added.

The ministers also exchanged views on a number of issues on the bilateral agenda.

US President Donald Trump said overnight to June 22 that the United States had attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran, namely Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. Tehran should agree to end the conflict, he noted. Previously, Iran has been daily attaced by Israel since June 13. Israel’s declared objective was to demolish Iran’s missile and nuclear program.

Western Media Coverage of Iran-Israel Conflict Overlooks Nuclear Risk Element — MFA

Maria Zakharova warned against assuming that just because so-called "precision strikes" are being carried out, a nuclear disaster is out of the question

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Peter Kovalev/TASS

© Peter Kovalev/TASS

ST. PETERSBURG, June 20. /TASS/. The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran poses a serious nuclear threat, but Western media continue to overlook this in their coverage, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at the 19th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), hosted by TASS during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"It’s remarkable how little attention Western media are paying to the nuclear risks involved," she said, referring to missile and airstrikes near or targeting nuclear-related facilities. "No alarm bells are being rung, no calls for restraint - as if this is just another routine escalation that we’ve seen many times before."

Zakharova criticized Western news coverage for focusing only on strike counts, casualty numbers, and visuals of the destruction, without reflecting the broader and more dangerous implications of the conflict.

She warned against assuming that just because so-called "precision strikes" are being carried out, a nuclear disaster is out of the question. "Sure, it’s easy to claim that these are targeted, carefully calculated operations, but we’ve already witnessed missiles going off course, triggering fires and explosions far from their intended targets," she said.

"Radiation doesn’t check passports. It doesn’t care about ethnicity, borders, or permissions. It seeps into water, air, and soil - and it can remain there for decades, even centuries, destroying lives," Zakharova concluded.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place on June 18-21. This year, the event is held under the theme "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World." The program includes the SME Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the Day of the Future International Youth Economic Forum, the Drug Security Forum, and the Roscongress Urban Hub discussion platform. The Roscongress Foundation is the organizer of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. TASS is its information partner.

Russia’s Medvedev: Countries Ready to Give Iran Nuclear Weapons

June 23, 2025

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Medvedev downplayed the effectiveness of the American operation, asserting that the facilities sustained little to no serious damage.

A senior Russian figure has alleged that several governments are willing to supply Iran with nuclear arms, following US air raids on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear infrastructure.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, made the explosive claim on Telegram on Sunday, writing: “A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their nuclear weapons.”

His remarks were issued shortly after US President Donald Trump confirmed that American warplanes had carried out strikes against Iran’s uranium enrichment sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—facilities long scrutinized for their potential dual-use in nuclear weapons development.

Medvedev downplayed the effectiveness of the American operation, asserting that the facilities sustained little to no serious damage. He suggested that Iran’s nuclear efforts, including uranium enrichment, are likely to persist despite the bombing.

He further argued that the assault has backfired politically, strengthening Tehran’s position at home: “The people are consolidating around the spiritual leadership, and even those who did not sympathise with it,” Medvedev said, portraying Iran’s leadership as newly emboldened.

Labeling the US as entangled in yet another protracted war, Medvedev warned of the potential for a full-scale ground conflict. He also took aim at Trump personally, mocking the president’s image as a bringer of peace. “A peacemaker he is not,” Medvedev said, scoffing at the idea that Trump could be in line for a Nobel Peace Prize.

He also insisted that Washington and Tel Aviv have lost global support over their campaign against Iran, declaring that “the absolute majority of countries” are opposed to their military actions.

The US bombing came after Israeli forces ramped up their military engagement with Iran earlier this month, launching extensive attacks beginning June 13. Iran responded with retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israeli cities and defense installations.

Casualty reports reflect the scale of the escalation. Iran’s Ministry of Health announced that over 430 people had been killed and more than 3,500 injured in Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have reported 25 fatalities and several hundred wounded from Iran’s response.

(PC, Anadolu)

Condemnations Pour in After US Aggression Against Iran's Nuclear Energy Sites

Sunday, 22 June 2025 9:29 AM

Fordow nuclear energy plant near the central Iranian city of Qom. (File photo)

Condemnations are pouring in against the US aggression on Iran’s nuclear sites, with many countries describing it as an illegal act that threatens regional and global peace.

In a statement on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Iraqi government said targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities constitutes a serious threat to security and peace in the West Asia region and poses significant dangers to regional stability.

The Pakistani government also condemned the assault, calling it a “war crime.”

In a statement, the chairman of the defense committee in the Pakistani Senate said the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities constitute a “war crime” and a clear example of “deliberate aggression.”

The Israeli lobby, the statement noted, has managed to dominate American foreign policy, and President Donald Trump has deceitfully broken his promise not to start a new war.

A statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry said the US attack violates all norms of international law, and Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.'

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also condemned the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and called on the international community to “redouble its efforts to ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Iran.”

Egyptian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, also condemned the aggression on Iran, which it noted has serious consequences for regional and international security and peace.

Oman also denounced the American aggression against Iran, calling it a violation of international law and a threat that could lead to a wider war.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities increases the risk of tensions that threaten security, stability across the world.

Qatar also condemned the aggression and called for an immediate halt to Israeli-American attacks and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

The aggression was reported in the early hours of Sunday, announced by US President Donald Trump himself on his social media platforms.

In response, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) condemned the aggression on the country’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz.

The agency said the three nuclear sites operate under the full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the “brutal assault” on them violates international law.

The AEOI said the aggression was carried out “under the indifference -- rather the complicity -- of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”

“The international community is expected to condemn this lawlessness based on jungle rules and to stand with Iran in asserting its legitimate rights,” read the statement, adding that the organization assures the great Iranian nation that despite enemy’s sinister conspiracies, it will not allow the progress of this national industry to be halted.

“The organization has placed on its agenda all necessary actions to defend the rights of the noble Iranian people, including legal follow-up measures.”

Explainer: How Did Africa Respond to the Iran-Israel Conflict?

African nations remain split, with some condemning Israel's strikes on Iran and others staying silent.

MENA

The New Arab Staff

18 June, 2025

As hostilities between Iran and Israel intensify, African countries issue a range of responses [Getty]

African governments have issued a range of responses following Israel's ongoing airstrikes against Iran. While some states, such as South Africa, Sudan and Mauritania, condemned the attacks, others refrained from criticism. 

The African Union was among the first to respond, expressing "deep concern" over the violent escalation, which killed hundreds of Iranians and wounded thousands, and calling on all parties to avoid further military action. 

In a statement, the organisation urged "maximum restraint" and warned that the situation posed a "serious threat to international peace and security".

Condemnation, concern, and silence

South Africa, a long-time pro-Palestine ally, condemned the Israeli attack, slamming violations of international law. The country has consistently stood against Israel's military actions in Gaza. In December 2023, it brought a case before the ICJ arguing that the war on the besieged territory breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. 

Meanwhile, Mauritania issued a strong statement condemning the strikes as an "attack on Iranian sovereignty and a violation of the UN Charter". Protests were also held outside the US embassy in Nouakchott, with people voicing opposition to Israel's actions. 

In Egypt, Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty warned that the ongoing military confrontation poses a threat to regional stability. According to a statement, he said Cairo is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts with regional and international stakeholders to contain the crisis and prevent further escalation.

Sudan's foreign ministry also denounced the airstrikes, calling them "unjust aggression". At the same time, local media reports indicated concerns that the conflict could draw the war-torn country into broader regional tensions, especially given alleged ties between Iran and factions within the Sudanese military.

Kenya and Nigeria both issued measured statements urging de-escalation and dialogue. Benin President Patrice Talon said the worsening situation in the region posed a risk to global security and called for restraint from all sides.

Other countries, including Algeria, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, also voiced concern. But other states have so far remained silent.

Several African countries that maintain close ties with Israel have withheld comment. Among them is Morocco, which has not issued any official statement. 

The country normalised relations in December 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords. Since then, they have bolstered cooperation across defence, cybersecurity, and trade. In 2021, Israel opened a liaison office in Rabat, with the North African nation receiving advanced military technology like drones and air defence systems in the same period. 

Rwanda is another Israeli ally that has remained silent. Kigali and Tel Aviv have long cooperated on intelligence, security and agricultural technology. 

Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya and Ethiopia, all of which have strong bilateral ties with Israel, have also avoided making direct statements about the attacks. Their responses have either been muted or framed in general terms about the need for regional stability. 

Analysts noted that their neutrality is likely seeking to protect strategic relationships with Tel Aviv, while avoiding public backlash or diplomatic tension with other African and Middle Eastern allies. Many states continue to rely on US and EU development funding, which supports Israeli-aligned foreign policy. 

The recent escalation is reverberating through the continent's economic hubs, exposing countries' vulnerabilities in energy, trade networks and fuel prices. 

According to Nigeria's The Punch, local petrol prices rose to over ₦900($0.58) per litre amid global fears of oil supply disruption. 

One of the clearest effects has been on Egypt, which has historically relied on Israeli gas imports to meet domestic demands. Following Israel's closure of the Tamar gas field in the eastern Mediterranean after June 13, the country saw its supply drop by 800 million cubic feet per day. 

In response, the government activated an emergency energy plan that included suspending gas supplies to some industries. 

But for other states direct economic impact is likely to be limited as Iran's oil exports remain under sanction and are relatively small compared to the global supply. 

Iran-Israel War: South Africa Calling on UN to Broker Peaceful Resolution - Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he had hoped the US, particularly under President Donald Trump, would use its influence to promote dialogue between the warring nations.

JOHANNESBURG - The South African government has expressed concern over the United States (US) military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he had hoped the US, particularly under President Donald Trump, would use its influence to promote dialogue between the warring nations.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says South Africa is now calling on the United Nations to take the lead in brokering a peaceful resolution.

“It was South Africa's sincerest hope that President Donald Trump will use his influence and that of the US government to prevail on the parties to pursue a dialogue path in resolving their issues of dispute.

“South Africa calls on the United States, Israel, and Iran to give the UN [United Nations] the opportunity and space to lead on a peaceful resolution of matters of dispute, including the inspection and verification of Iran’s status of uranium enrichment, as well as its broader nuclear capacity.”

Ivory Coast Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam's Parties Form a United Opposition Front Against Status Quo

The two opposition parties excluded from the forthcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast have formed an alliance demanding to be allowed to participate in the polls.

The alliance aims to demand that its leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, be allowed to run in the next presidential election and that other opposition candidates be removed from the electoral lists. It mainly pits the PPA-CI and PDCI parties.

The creation of this opposition front comes in a tense political climate, marked by the exclusion of several prominent political figures. These exclusions, decided by the courts, have not eased tensions. 

On the contrary, they have rekindled attention on the Ivorian political scene. Laurent Gbagbo even launched an "Enough is Enough" movement to oppose a possible fourth term for current President Alassane Ouattara in the October 2025 presidential election.

Faced with these movements, the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party downplays the opposition's demands, calling them attempts to delay the electoral process. The RHDP insists that the exclusion decisions are purely judicial and not political.

Early Humans Survived in a Range of Extreme Environments Before Global Migration, Study Says

This combination of 2007, 2018 and 2012 photos shows, from left, the Cederberg mountain range in South Africa, the Tenere desert in Niger and savanna in South Africa. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam, Jerome Delay, Matthew Craft)

By CHRISTINA LARSON

10:37 AM EDT, June 19, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — Humans are the only animal that lives in virtually every possible environment, from rainforests to deserts to tundra.

This adaptability is a skill that long predates the modern age. According to a new study published Wednesday in Nature, ancient Homo sapiens developed the flexibility to survive by finding food and other resources in a wide variety of difficult habitats before they dispersed from Africa about 50,000 years ago.

“Our superpower is that we are ecosystem generalists,” said Eleanor Scerri, an evolutionary archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena, Germany.

Our species first evolved in Africa around 300,000 years ago. While prior fossil finds show some groups made early forays outside the continent, lasting human settlements in other parts of the world didn’t happen until a series of migrations around 50,000 years ago.

“What was different about the circumstance of the migrations that succeeded — why were humans ready this time?” said study co-author Emily Hallett, an archaeologist at Loyola University Chicago.

Earlier theories held that Stone Age humans might have made a single important technological advance or developed a new way of sharing information, but researchers haven’t found evidence to back that up.

This study took a different approach by looking at the trait of flexibility itself.

The scientists assembled a database of archaeological sites showing human presence across Africa from 120,000 to 14,000 years ago. For each site, researchers modeled what the local climate would have been like during the time periods that ancient humans lived there.

“There was a really sharp change in the range of habitats that humans were using starting around 70,000 years ago,” Hallett said. “We saw a really clear signal that humans were living in more challenging and more extreme environments.”

While humans had long survived in savanna and forests, they shifted into everything from from dense rainforests to arid deserts in the period leading up to 50,000 years ago, developing what Hallett called an “ecological flexibility that let them succeed.”

While this leap in abilities is impressive, it’s important not to assume that only Homo sapiens did it, said University of Bordeaux archaeologist William Banks, who was not involved in the research.

Other groups of early human ancestors also left Africa and established long-term settlements elsewhere, including those that evolved into Europe’s Neanderthals, he said.

The new research helps explain why humans were ready to expand across the world way back when, he said, but it doesn’t answer the lasting question of why only our species remains today.

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This story was first published on Jun. 18, 2025. It was updated on Jun. 19, 2025 to correct the spelling of one of the study’s authors in two places. Her name is Emily Hallett, not Emily Hallet.

Sierra Leone’s President Bio to be the Next ECOWAS Chairman with Region in Turmoil

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN WILSON MCMAKIN

3:20 PM EDT, June 22, 2025

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio was chosen on Sunday to be the next chairman of the West African economic bloc, ECOWAS.

The Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, was founded in 1975, and is facing challenges due to rising violence, member departures and economic disturbances.

In a statement following Sunday’s announcement, Bio promised to prioritize democracy, security cooperation, economic integration and institutional credibility.

“We are still confronting insecurity in the Sahel and coastal states, terrorism, political instability, illicit arms flow and transnational organized crimes continue to test the resilience of our nations and the effectiveness of our institutions,” he said.

Bio is currently serving his second term as president after a contested election two years ago in the coastal West African country.

He was president when ECOWAS imposed severe sanctions on Niger following a coup two years ago. Niger cited the sanctions as one of the reasons for leaving the bloc. Sierra Leone was one of the countries that supported a military intervention in the country in 2023.

At home, Bio is facing an ongoing synthetic drug crisis and a stagnating economy.

Bio’s new position comes as the region faces its most severe crisis in decades with jihadist forces controlling vast swaths of the Sahel, a semi-arid region south of the Sahara.

In the past few years, ECOWAS has struggled with the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger which have all faced military coups. All three juntas left the bloc, and created their own security partnership, the Alliance of Sahel States. They have cut ties with the traditional Western allies, ousting French and American military forces, and instead sought new security ties with Russia.

The three countries have been the hardest hit by jihadist violence in recent years.

Nigerian Police Arrest 22 Suspects After Deadly Bus Attack

6:09 AM EDT, June 22, 2025

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Police arrested on Sunday 22 suspects accused of a mob attack that left at least a dozen people killed two days ago in central Nigeria.

A passenger bus was mobbed in the Mangu area of the state of Plateau, according to a police statement released Saturday. The passengers traveled from Zaria, in north-western Kaduna state, about 400 kilometers (about 249 miles) from Mangu and were on their way to a wedding when the attack happened Friday night after they lost their way.

Police said 21 were rescued from the “angry mob,” and that some passengers were killed, without providing further details. Nigeria’s police, a federal authority, often provide lower death tolls than local authorities and witnesses.

Meanwhile, rights group Amnesty International said 12 people were instantly killed and 11 others injured in the attack.

“Authorities must ensure that the actual persons behind the horrific attack are brought to justice,” the rights group said in a statement on Saturday.

Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang said law enforcement should ensure justice is served and implement measures to prevent any recurrence.

Nigeria’s north-central region has been plagued by increasing violence, driven by farmer-herder clashes and attacks on communities by armed gangs.

At least 100 people were killed in a deadly gun attack on a village in neighboring Benue state about two weeks ago.

FM Araghchi Arrives in Moscow, Says Will Hold ‘Crucial Meeting’ with Putin

Sunday, 22 June 2025 11:38 PM

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to mediapersons upon arrival in Moscow early on Monday.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Moscow for high-level talks early on Monday, said he will hold a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss joint responses to emerging threats and shared challenges.

The meeting comes a day after the United States carried out an unprovoked aggression on Iranian soil, targeting three peaceful nuclear facilities.

The American aggression followed more than a week of Israeli attacks, which began last Friday with the assassination of senior military commanders, scientists and ordinary civilians, prompting Iran to launch a large-scale retaliatory operation.

Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Moscow, Araghchi stressed the significance of the visit.

“Given the current exceptional circumstances in the region, it is essential that Iran and Russia engage in closer, more precise, and more serious consultations,” he said.

The top Iranian diplomat noted that these events have added urgency and depth to discussions with Moscow, including with President Putin.

“Naturally, our talks this time will be more serious and cover broader dimensions,” he said, suggesting that the talks would focus on American aggression and the Iranian response.

“We will have important and serious discussions with President Putin, and I am confident that the outcomes will benefit both countries.”

Earlier on Sunday, addressing a press conference in Istanbul, Araghchi announced that he will hold “serious consultations” with Putin during his visit to Moscow, amid escalating regional tensions fueled by Israeli and American aggression against Iran.

“I will travel to Moscow this evening and meet with President Putin. Russia is a friendly country to Iran, and we share strategic partnerships. We have always maintained close consultations and coordinated our positions,” he said in Istanbul.

He noted that Russia remains a key player in the nuclear negotiations with Iran, noting that Tehran has kept Moscow informed of all developments in recent diplomatic contacts.

“Over the past two or three months, we were engaged in talks with the United States and continuously consulted with our Russian friends, sharing every step of progress with them,” he said, pointing to all-weather ties between the two countries.

“Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and we are aware that together with China, they are working on a resolution to prevent hostile actions.”

Russian envoy to the United Nations, speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council early on Monday, delivered a sharp condemnation of both American and Israeli aggression against Iran, calling it a blatant insult to international norms and a direct affront to the global community.

“We strongly condemn the US’s irresponsible and provocative actions against Iran,” Vasily Nebenzya asserted. “The attacks carried out by the United States and Israel constitute a complete humiliation of the international community.”

The diplomat criticized certain UN Security Council members for their silence and inaction, accusing them of lacking the courage to denounce Washington's aggression.

“Some members of this Council do not have the courage to condemn these attacks. The United States has shown time and again that it does not value diplomacy,” he remarked

US ‘Primary Force’ Behind Israel’s Acts of Aggression Against Iran: Pezeshkian

Sunday, 22 June 2025 3:12 PM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaking during a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Photo by the presidency)

Iran’s president says Tehran’s decisive response to the Israeli regime’s acts of aggression forced the US to “step in” and attack the peaceful nuclear sites.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the United States is the primary driving force behind the Israeli regime’s acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The Israeli regime launched an unprovoked aggression on the Islamic Republic last Friday, with American backing, assassinating many top-ranking military commanders, scientists and other ordinary civilians, including women and children.

After more than a week, the US decided to finally make it official with direct intervention in the war that the Zionist regime has been losing.

In the early hours of Sunday, the US launched unlawful strikes against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a clear violation of international law and the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

In a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Pezeshkian said this “act of aggression revealed that the United States is the primary driver behind the Zionist regime’s hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

When Israel launched its brutal aggression against Iran on June 13, US President Donald Trump’s administration attempted to deny involvement, “but following Tehran’s decisive and deterrent response—and Israel’s evident weakness—he had no choice but to step in,” Pezeshkian said.

The unprovoked American aggression against Iran was aimed at saving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from his regime’s inability “to respond effectively to Iran’s military retaliation,” he added.

The powerful Operation True Promise III launched by the Iranian armed forces against the occupied territories has served as a decisive response to Washington’s aggressive policies against the Iranian nation, the president noted.

Only hours after Trump himself claimed responsibility for the airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the first-ever launch of its multi-warhead Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile during the 20th wave of Operation True Promise III against the occupied territories.

Main targets included Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, the regime’s biological research center, and alternative command-and-control sites.

“Now is the time to set aside differences and activate the vast potential of the people. The Iranian nation has repeatedly proven that it will spare no effort in defending the water and soil of this homeland,” Pezeshkian asserted.

The ongoing Israeli aggression against Iran has claimed the lives of more than 400 Iranians since June 13. In response, Iranian armed forces have carried out 20 phases of True Promise III so far, targeting strategic military and intelligence sites in the occupied territories.

Iranian Parliament Moves to Close Strait of Hormuz After US Aggression: Lawmaker

Sunday, 22 June 2025 1:58 PM

Strait of Hormuz, situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade. (File photo)

In a decisive response to the US aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, the Iranian parliament has voted to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

A senior Iranian lawmaker, Esmaeil Kowsari, said on Sunday that the Majlis (Iranian parliament) has agreed to close the key artery for global energy trade in response to the American aggression and the silence of the international community.

Kowsari, a member of the parliament’s committee on national security and foreign policy, said lawmakers have reached a consensus on the closure of the strait, though the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

“The parliament has come to the conclusion that it should close the Hormuz Strait, but the final decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council,” Kowsari stated.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade, with roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil passing through it.

According to various estimates, roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil, about 17 to 18 million barrels per day, passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it important for global energy.

The narrow strait also sees the transit of a significant amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially from Qatar, which is one of the world’s top LNG exporters.

Strait of Hormuz is the only sea route that connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is home to major oil producers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE.

Experts have long warned that any disruption or closure of the strait can lead to immediate and major spikes in global oil prices and disturb the global energy security.

Before the US launched aggression against the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities early on Sunday, experts had warned about the likelihood of the ongoing war imposed on Iran extending to the sea.

Speaking to Press TV last week, strategic experts said the direct American military intervention will prove costly for the US and the Donald Trump administration, especially if the Strait of Hormuz is closed.

Most multi-national corporations around the world would shut down within days as energy supplies necessary to keep them running would run out, they warned.

According to some forecasts, oil prices are likely to jump 80 percent in the very first week if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, as alternative routes would incur heavy costs.

Trump’s Reckless Adventurism Against Iran Turns US Bases in West Asia into Sitting Targets

Sunday, 22 June 2025 4:20 AM

Press TV Website Staff

In a reckless escalation that has pushed American interests in the region to the brink of catastrophe, US President Donald Trump announced Sunday morning that American forces had launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.

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

“All planes are now outside of Iranian airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, #Fordow.”

The assault came after days of inflammatory rhetoric from the increasingly erratic American president, who had repeatedly threatened direct military action against the Islamic Republic.

Earlier, the embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly urged Trump to intervene following heavy losses sustained in Iranian missile and drone strikes.

In a statement issued after the attack, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) denounced the strikes as a “brutal and illegal assault” and pledged to pursue legal action through international channels.

As of now, Iran’s military leadership has yet to issue a formal response, though all eyes are on how Tehran will react to what is a clear declaration of war. Senior Iranian officials had previously warned the United States against entangling itself in Israel’s war against Iran.

In a message on Wednesday, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, reaffirmed that the Iranian nation will “firmly stand against an imposed war.”

“Those with wisdom, who truly understand Iran, its people, and its long history, never speak to this nation with the language of threats. Iran will not yield,” he said in response to Trump’s war rhetoric.

“The Americans must understand—any US military incursion will undoubtedly lead to irreversible consequences.”

Now, all options are reportedly on the table as Iran’s armed forces weigh a decisive response to the flagrant violation of both international law and Iranian sovereignty.

Attention has turned to US military bases in the region, many of which could be potential targets for retaliation. While some reports suggest Washington has already evacuated certain bases, several remain operational and deeply vulnerable.

Unlike the occupied Palestinian territories, US military bases across the region are fully exposed to Iranian ballistic missiles, a fact emphasized by Iran’s senior military leadership.

US bases in crosshairs

The US has hundreds of military bases scattered across the West Asia region, from Bahrain to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and beyond.

Iran has already demonstrated its military capability, particularly in the ongoing Operation True Promise III, decimating Israeli air defense systems and reducing to rubble many important and strategic Israeli military and intelligence centers of the regime.

Americans also have seen it before when the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq was targeted with surgical precision following the assassination of top anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike ordered by the same American president.

The United States maintains a significant military presence in West Asia, with numerous bases and facilities spread across multiple countries, namely Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, occupied Palestine, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE.

These bases serve various strategic purposes, including controlling the global flow of oil, maintaining influence over critical chokepoints, ensuring the survival of the Zionist entity, attempting to encircle Iran, and subduing the Axis of Resistance.

According to some estimates, approximately 40,000 service members are stationed in the wider region, including those on ships like aircraft carriers and destroyers in regional waters like the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Apart from well-established bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates, there are also massive bases in Djibouti and Turkey, which are also used for military operations in West Asia.

According to various estimates, there are more than 60 American military bases, garrisons, or shared facilities in West Asia, which have long been used for destabilizing activities.

Bases as potential targets

Qatar:

Al Udeid Air Base (AUAB), located southwest of Doha, Qatar, is the largest US military base in West Asia and a critical hub for air operations across the region, including in Iraq and Syria.

US warplanes were seen returning to this Qatari base after recent aerial aggression against Yemen, which killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.

In 30 years of operational work, several billion dollars have been invested in the base. It covers 50 square kilometers and contains two runways and dozens of supporting facilities.

The base, described as the cornerstone of US military strategy in the West Asia region, supports over 10,000 US personnel and a wide range of aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and drones, as part of the US Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Apart from the US Air Force as the main operator, it also houses Qatar Emiri Air Force, British Royal Air Force, and occasionally other foreign forces.

Most importantly, it also hosts the forward headquarters of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the US Department of Defense.

Since 2019, CENTCOM has been designated a terrorist organization by Iran, a countermeasure against the US blacklisting of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

In recent years, during active missions and increasing regional tensions, Washington has regularly sent B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer bombers to this Qatari base.

The base is located 275 km from the Iranian mainland and can be targeted by all operational Iranian ballistic missiles, even long-range rocket artillery systems, and most available kamikaze drones.

With very few hardened exceptions, the base's hangars and other facilities are mostly made of prefabricated materials, vulnerable to missile attacks. The AUAB, therefore, relies on air defense systems, primarily Patriot.

Late last year, amid American threats following Iran's retaliatory attack on the Zionist entity, top Qatari officials announced that they would not allow this base to be used for aggression against its neighboring countries.

Qatar:

The US military maintains a significant presence in the UAE, with many known and unknown bases. One of them, widely recognized and documented, is Al Dhafra Air Base (ADAB).

The UAE was nicknamed ‘Little Sparta’ by former US generals for the value it brings to the US. Al Dhafra Air Base, located south of Abu Dhabi, is a major US Air Force base hosting advanced fighter jets, intelligence aircraft, surveillance drones, and refueling tankers.

Dating back to the 1990s, it supports US military operations in the Persian Gulf and beyond, providing air support and intelligence capabilities. The base is also used by the UAE Air Force and the French Air Force.

ADAB hosts the US Air Force's 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, with about 5,000 active-duty military personnel, and its primary mission is aerial refueling and high-altitude all-weather intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The base played a significant role in US aggressions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria for years, and today is largely used for espionage activities against Iran and its allies.

In addition to F-22 Raptor fighters, it also hosts Lockheed U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS, and RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance UAVs, whose activities are regular along Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf.

It also hosts F-35A Lightning IIs (first deployed in April 2019), F-15C Eagles, F-15E Strike Eagles, KC-10 Extenders, and MQ-9 Reaper drones with twin runways, each 12,011 feet long.

Bahrain:

One of the drones took off from the Naval Support Activity base in 2019 and carried out hostile activities in Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz, and was shot down by the 3 Khordad air defense system.

Similar to AUAB in Qatar, ADAB is located 250 km from Iranian territory and is exposed to a wide arsenal of missiles and drones, which can easily evade Patriot and THAAD air defense systems.

Another US military base in the UAE is Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, which is the largest man-made harbor in the world and a critical logistical hub for the US Navy and hosts more US Navy ship visits than any other port outside the territory of the US, supporting the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

Fujairah Port and Airfield on the eastern coast near the Strait of Hormuz is also an important base. Fujairah serves as a logistical point for US Navy ships and has facilities leased for strategic reconnaissance aircraft (e.g., Lockheed U-2s) and refueling planes.

Ras al Khaimah Airfield is another US military base in the UAE, which is often used for tactical aviation and reconnaissance operations.

Jordan:

The US also maintains an active military presence in Jordan. While the exact number of US military bases in Jordan is not known, some bases have been widely written about and used for hostile American activities in the region.

One of them is Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which is located near Azraq and serves as a key site for both the Royal Jordanian Air Force and US military operations in the region.

The US has heavily invested in the upgradation of the military base, allocating $143 million in 2018 for enhancements and an additional $265 million for infrastructure projects, including runway repairs and new dormitories, according to reports.

While the exact number of US military personnel stationed at the base is not publicly known, there are around 4,000 US troops present at various US military bases in Jordan.

Iraq:

The US maintains a significant military presence in Kuwait under the 1991 Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and the 2013 Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

As of January 2025, according to reports, there are nearly 14,000 US military personnel stationed at various military installations in Kuwait, primarily at Camp Arifjan.

Camp Arifjan, located south of Kuwait, is a massive US Army base stretching about 100 square kilometers and represents a potential target of Iranian retaliation.

The camp serves as a forward logistics base for the US Army, supporting operations across the region. It has pre-fabricated concrete barracks, dining facilities, and recreational amenities, and also features the Patton Army Heliport, supporting various aviation activities.

Other US facilities in Kuwait include Ali Al Salem Air Base, 37 kilometers from the Iraqi border, located by the Kuwait Air Force with support from the US Air Force.

It serves as the main site for air operations in the region. Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base is another base that features runways approximately 3,000 meters in length.

Iraq:

Although the US military presence in Iraq has lessened over the years, the Arab country continues to be a pivot for US military operations in the Persian Gulf region. The US military continues to have several bases in the country, used for destabilizing activities.

One of the main bases in the country, which came under Iranian missiles in January 2020, is Ain al-Assad, located in Al Anbar governorate and operational since 2013.

It serves as a key hub for the US military in Iraq and is used for hostile military missions not only in the Arab country but beyond as well.

Al-Haris base in Erbil governorate has been in operation since 2013 and serves as a strategic military site for the occupation army for operations across the region.Other US bases in the country include Camp Teji north of Baghdad, Joint Security Station Falcon in the Al-Rashid district of Baghdad and Forward Operating Base Abu Ghraib in Anbar province.

Diego Garcia island

Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia (NSF) is a jointly managed UK-US military base on the British-administered atoll of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

The strategic base was built in the 1970s by the British, after ethnically cleansing over 2,000 of the indigenous population, and was later significantly upgraded by the US Navy and Air Force.

The main motive for American involvement was the Islamic Revolution in Iran, which shook their plans for complete domination over the Persian Gulf and the world's flow of oil exports.

Washington has therefore spent hundreds of millions of dollars on an airbase, aprons for heavy bombers, hangars, maintenance buildings, a deep-water pier, anchorages and port facilities.

The island base is home to about 4,000 military personnel and contractors, the vast majority of them Americans, according to multiple reports.

Housing B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bombers, NSF Diego Garcia are significant as a bomber base that covers large areas of Africa, Asia and Oceania from a relatively safe distance.

The B-2 Spirit, a bomber with long range, payload, and advanced stealth features, is often cited as an ideal platform for delivering heavy bombs to Iranian underground facilities.

In such a scenario, the bomber would certainly take off from the NSF Diego Garcia, making the 3,800 km away base a target for an Iranian retaliatory operation.

Iran possesses adequate weapons for such an attack from its mainland, such as newer versions of the Khorramshahr missile that have an intermediate range, and the Shahed-136B kamikaze drone with a range of 4,000 km.

There is also the possibility of launching other drones and missiles, with a slightly shorter range than those mentioned, from various naval vessels.

As the UN Turns 80, Its Crucial Humanitarian Aid Work Faces a Clouded Future

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI, KAREEM CHEHAYEB and JAMEY KEATEN

7:48 AM EDT, June 21, 2025

KAKUMA, Kenya (AP) — At a refugee camp in northern Kenya, Aujene Cimanimpaye waits as a hot lunch of lentils and sorghum is ladled out for her and her nine children — all born while she has received United Nations assistance since fleeing her violence-wracked home in Congo in 2007.

“We cannot go back home because people are still being killed,” the 41-year-old said at the Kakuma camp, where the U.N. World Food Program and U.N. refugee agency help support more than 300,000 refugees.

Her family moved from Nakivale Refugee Settlement in neighboring Uganda three years ago to Kenya, now home to more than a million refugees from conflict-hit east African countries.

A few kilometers (miles) away at the Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement, fellow Congolese refugee Bahati Musaba, a mother of five, said that since 2016, “U.N. agencies have supported my children’s education — we get food and water and even medicine,” as well as cash support from WFP to buy food and other basics.

This year, those cash transfers — and many other U.N. aid activities — have stopped, threatening to upend or jeopardize millions of lives.

As the U.N. marks its 80th anniversary this month, its humanitarian agencies are facing one of the greatest crises in their history: The biggest funder — the United States — under the Trump administration and other Western donors have slashed international aid spending. Some want to use the money to build up national defense.

Some U.N. agencies are increasingly pointing fingers at one another as they battle over a shrinking pool of funding, said a diplomat from a top donor country who spoke on condition of anonymity to comment freely about the funding crisis faced by some U.N. agencies.

Such pressures, humanitarian groups say, diminish the pivotal role of the U.N. and its partners in efforts to save millions of lives — by providing tents, food and water to people fleeing unrest in places like Myanmar, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela, or helping stamp out smallpox decades ago.

“It’s the most abrupt upheaval of humanitarian work in the U.N. in my 40 years as a humanitarian worker, by far,” said Jan Egeland, a former U.N. humanitarian aid chief who now heads the Norwegian Refugee Council. “And it will make the gap between exploding needs and contributions to aid work even bigger.”

‘Brutal’ cuts to humanitarian aid programs

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked the heads of U.N. agencies to find ways to cut 20% of their staffs, and his office in New York has floated sweeping ideas about reform that could vastly reshape the way the United Nations doles out aid.

Humanitarian workers often face dangers and go where many others don’t — to slums to collect data on emerging viruses or drought-stricken areas to deliver water.

The U.N. says 2024 was the deadliest year for humanitarian personnel on record, mainly due to the war in Gaza. In February, it suspended aid operations in the stronghold of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have detained dozens of U.N. and other aid workers.

Proponents say U.N. aid operations have helped millions around the world affected by poverty, illness, conflict, hunger and other troubles.

Critics insist many operations have become bloated, replete with bureaucratic perks and a lack of accountability, and are too distant from in-the-field needs. They say postcolonial Western donations have fostered dependency and corruption, which stifles the ability of countries to develop on their own, while often U.N.-backed aid programs that should be time-specific instead linger for many years with no end in sight.

In the case of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning WFP and the U.N.’s refugee and migration agencies, the U.S. has represented at least 40% of their total budgets, and Trump administration cuts to roughly $60 billion in U.S. foreign assistance have hit hard. Each U.N. agency has been cutting thousands of jobs and revising aid spending.

“It’s too brutal what has happened,” said Egeland, alluding to cuts that have jolted the global aid community. “However, it has forced us to make priorities ... what I hope is that we will be able to shift more of our resources to the front lines of humanity and have less people sitting in offices talking about the problem.”

With the U.N. Security Council’s divisions over wars in Ukraine and the Middle East hindering its ability to prevent or end conflict in recent years, humanitarian efforts to vaccinate children against polio or shelter and feed refugees have been a bright spot of U.N. activity. That’s dimming now.

Not just funding cuts cloud the future of UN humanitarian work

Aside from the cuts and dangers faced by humanitarian workers, political conflict has at times overshadowed or impeded their work.

UNRWA, the aid agency for Palestinian refugees, has delivered an array of services to millions — food, education, jobs and much more — in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan as well as in the West Bank and Gaza since its founding in 1948.

Israel claims the agency’s schools fan antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment, which the agency denies. Israel says Hamas siphons off U.N. aid in Gaza to profit from it, while U.N. officials insist most aid gets delivered directly to the needy.

“UNRWA is like one of the foundations of your home. If you remove it, everything falls apart,” said Issa Haj Hassan, 38, after a checkup at a small clinic at the Mar Elias Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut.

UNRWA covers his diabetes and blood pressure medication, as well as his wife’s heart medicine. The United States, Israel’s top ally, has stopped contributing to UNRWA; it once provided a third of its funding. Earlier this year, Israel banned the aid group, which has strived to continue its work nonetheless.

Ibtisam Salem, a single mother of five in her 50s who shares a small one-room apartment in Beirut with relatives who sleep on the floor, said: “If it wasn’t for UNRWA we would die of starvation. ... They helped build my home, and they give me health care. My children went to their schools.”

Especially when it comes to food and hunger, needs worldwide are growing even as funding to address them shrinks.

“This year, we have estimated around 343 million acutely food insecure people,” said Carl Skau, WFP deputy executive director. “It’s a threefold increase if we compare four years ago. And this year, our funding is dropping 40%. So obviously that’s an equation that doesn’t come together easily.”

Billing itself as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, WFP has announced plans to cut about a quarter of its 22,000 staff.

The aid landscape is shifting

One question is how the United Nations remains relevant as an aid provider when global cooperation is on the outs, and national self-interest and self-defense are on the upswing.

The United Nations is not alone: Many of its aid partners are feeling the pinch. Groups like GAVI, which tries to ensure fair distribution of vaccines around the world, and the Global Fund, which spends billions each year to help battle HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, have been hit by Trump administration cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Some private-sector, government-backed groups also are cropping up, including the divisive Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been providing some food to Palestinians. But violence has erupted as crowds try to reach the distribution sites.

No private-sector donor or well-heeled country — China and oil-rich Gulf states are often mentioned by aid groups — have filled the significant gaps from shrinking U.S. and other Western spending.

The future of U.N. aid, experts say, will rest where it belongs — with the world body’s 193 member countries.

“We need to take that debate back into our countries, into our capitals, because it is there that you either empower the U.N. to act and succeed — or you paralyze it,” said Achim Steiner, administrator of the U.N. Development Program.

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Chehayeb reported from Beirut and Keaten from Geneva. Associated Press writer Melina Walling in Hamburg, Germany, contributed to this report.

Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 10 in a Restaurant in Northeast Nigeria

By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN

8:54 AM EDT, June 21, 2025

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A suicide bomber in Nigeria’s northeast state of Borno killed at least 10 people and injured several others in an explosion in a restaurant, police said Saturday.

The blast occurred in the Konduga area late Friday, police spokesperson Nahum Daso told The Associated Press.

The suicide bomber was able to slip through unnoticed because of a heavy downpour, said Ismail Ahmed, a resident of Konduga. The town is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.

Local media reported that those injured in the attacks have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. They also reported that the bomber was female.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Nigeria’s northeast has been hit by attacks carried out by Islamic militants from the Boko Haram group and its splinter, the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict also has spilled into Nigeria’s northern neighbors.

Some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced in the northeastern region, according to the U.N.

Despite promises by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address Nigeria’s security challenges, the violence has persisted.