US warplane disables Iranian tankers as Gulf peace talks continue
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A US warplane disabled two Iranian tankers on Friday to enforce a port blockade, as Washington awaited Tehran鈥檚 response to a proposed deal to end the Gulf conflict. US Central Command reported an F/A-18 Super Hornet used precision munitions to prevent the ships from reaching Iran, while Iranian media cited "sporadic clashes" with US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. These incidents followed an overnight exchange of fire that raised concerns about the Gulf ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in Rome that Washington expected Tehran's answer to the US proposal later that day, emphasizing that Iran must not control the Strait of Hormuz. The US, through Pakistani mediators, has proposed extending the Gulf truce to facilitate talks on a final settlement of the conflict, which began 10 weeks ago with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Iran鈥檚 foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the proposal was "under review." Meanwhile, two Saudi sources informed AFP that the kingdom declined to allow the US military to use its airspace or bases for an operation to reopen the strait for commercial shipping. US Central Command also reported that its forces are preventing 70 tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports. World markets and oil prices had initially reacted positively to hopes for a prolonged ceasefire and a negotiated accord, but stock markets declined again on Friday after the exchange in Hormuz, fueling fears that renewed fighting could delay or derail the
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Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of its citizens are internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises. Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced this during the 2026 World Refugee Day commemoration in Abuja. He stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is dedicated to the protection, welfare, and empowerment of these populations, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Government's strategy focuses on protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. Akume emphasized a shift from temporary relief to long-term development, integrating humanitarian aid with opportunities for displaced persons to rebuild their lives through access to livelihoods, agribusiness, education, and social protection programs. He also highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement, insecurity, and protracted conflicts. Efforts are underway to expand the National Social Register to include more vulnerable persons, ensuring data-driven and transparent humanitarian assistance. Dr. Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to international humanitarian principles. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NCFRMI, call
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Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has stated he is spiritually targeting England captain Harry Kane to aid the Black Stars in their upcoming FIFA World Cup encounter. Bonsam, known for similar past claims, said his actions would be "just enough to stop him against my country" but not cause serious injury. This claim, shared by TouchlineX, has generated widespread online reactions. Bonsam previously asserted involvement in Cristiano Ronaldo's 2014 World Cup knee injury when Portugal played Ghana. The England-Ghana fixture is a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match. Ghana began its campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, while England also started strong, with Harry Kane scoring. Social media users have reacted to Bonsam's comments, with some questioning his strategy, others dismissing it as attention-seeking, and some referencing his past claims, noting Ronaldo scored against Ghana despite the priest's alleged intervention. The development has sparked mixed reactions across African football communities on X, with some viewing it as mind games or entertainment, and others emphasizing focus on on-pitch performance. England and Ghana are scheduled to play their second Group L match on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.