Iran maintains Strait of Hormuz closure amid US blockade, seizes two ships
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Iran has reiterated its stance that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as a US naval blockade is in effect, despite a ceasefire extension. This declaration followed Iran's announcement of the seizure of two ships attempting to traverse the strategic waterway. US Central Command CENTCOM reported that it had directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of its own blockade against Iran. US President Donald Trump had previously stated his intention to maintain the truce to facilitate Pakistani-brokered peace talks, a move Iran welcomed but did not elaborate on. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that a complete ceasefire is meaningless if violated by a naval blockade, asserting that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible under such conditions. Oil prices initially rose by four percent before easing after Iran's announcement. The seized vessels were identified by Iran's Revolutionary Guards as the Panama-flagged container ship MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas. Panama's foreign ministry confirmed the seizure of the MSC Francesca, calling it a serious attack on maritime security and an unnecessary escalation. UK-based maritime security monitors also reported incidents involving gunboats in the strait, including a container ship being fired upon by a Revolutionary Guards boat. The US Navy, under Trump's orders, is attempting to block vessels from Iranian ports to pressure the Iranian economy. Amidst the
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The contest for the Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives has intensified as acting minority leader George Ozodinobi rejected Ikenga Ugochinyere's aspiration, calling it "a joke taken too far." This follows reports that 61 lawmakers endorsed Ugochinyere for the position after Kingsley Chinda resigned to pursue the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket for Rivers State in 2027. Ozodinobi, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, argued that parliamentary tradition does not support a first-term lawmaker holding a principal office. Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, disowned his signature on Ugochinyere's nomination documents, stating it was used without his authorization for a purpose different from what he agreed to. Agbese claimed he signed a document related to equitable distribution of principal offices among minority parties, not an endorsement for Ugochinyere. He described the use of his signature as a "gross misrepresentation and a clear case of forgery" and has reported the matter to authorities for investigation. This dispute highlights growing divisions within the minority caucus regarding the selection of a new Minority Leader.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, national teams have showcased creative preparations, including unique photoshoots and dramatic departures. Norway marked its return with a Viking-themed photoshoot featuring Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Brazil's team aircraft received a traditional water cannon blessing at Galeão International Airport. Turkey's team journeyed to the airport in Istanbul with a convoy of over 100 vehicles. Japan was welcomed in Mexico with cowboy hats from fans. Senegal held a farewell dinner at Stade Abdoulaye Wade. Argentina's plane, carrying Lionel Messi, featured his number 10 and three gold stars. South Africa's Bafana Bafana received the national flag from President Cyril Ramaphosa at a send-off dinner. Co-host Mexico released a traditional squad portrait. France's President Emmanuel Macron met with Kylian Mbappé and the Les Bleus squad before their departure. England, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, arrived in Florida for their pre-tournament camp.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has criticized Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH for suspending students involved in a peaceful protest. The protest concerned the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. NANS, in a statement signed by Public Relations Officer Olugbemi Timothy, General Secretary Ojetola Babatunde, and Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, stated that while it does not condone law and order breakdown, it finds it unfair that students raising legitimate concerns are being punished instead of engaged constructively. The association lamented that the institution chose a punitive path rather than addressing the underlying issues. NANS views the four-semester suspensions as excessive and inconsistent with fair hearing principles. The association also highlighted the prolonged suspension of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH, which it believes has widened the communication gap between management and students. NANS demands an immediate review and reversal of the suspensions, open dialogue between the university management and students, and a clear roadmap for restoring the Students' Union Government. To demonstrate its commitment, NANS South-West plans to lead a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, for a peaceful protest and to engage with university management and stakeholders.