Category: Foreign

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Iran and Russia are ‘brothers in hatred’, Zelensky tells MPs

The Iranian and Russian regimes are “brothers in hatred”, Volodymyr Zelensky has told MPs and peers, as he warned about the dangers of drone warfare.

Addressing around 120 parliamentarians in a Westminster committee room, the Ukrainian president highlighted how Tehran was selling Shahed ‘kamikaze’ drones to Moscow, which had been used in Ukraine.

He also warned against easing sanctions on Russian oil, saying it was “crucial” to keep up the pressure against Moscow.

The US has temporarily eased sanctions on some Russian oil in an attempt to tackle surging prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

Among those in the audience in a packed committee room were Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary John Healey and leaders of opposition parties.

In his speech, Zelensky sought to link the headline-generating war in the Middle East with the long-running conflict in Ukraine.

He argued that Ukrainians were now pioneers in modern warfare and schooled in techniques they could share with allies.

In its fight against Russia, Ukraine has been using cheap, mass-produced interceptor drones to defend its skies.

Zelensky said there were now 201 Ukrainian military experts in the Middle East, with another 44 ready to deploy, who were sharing their knowledge on how to defend against Iranian drones.

He added that Ukraine was “ready to offer similar deals to all our reliable partners”.

On a TV screen, Zelensky demonstrated how Ukraine was mapping Russian strikes and defensive action against them in real time.

He explained how using technology as simple as an iPad allowed Ukrainian commanders to control the country’s security.

Zelensky added that during a meeting earlier at Buckingham Palace, he gave the King the iPad “as a sign of respect and gratitude”, to “strengthen our cooperation with the United Kingdom”.

Earlier, Sir Keir said “the focus must remain on Ukraine” despite the Iran war, ahead of a meeting with Zelensky.

Welcoming the Ukrainian leader to No 10, the prime minister said: “Putin can’t be the one who benefits from a conflict in Iran, whether that’s oil prices or the dropping of sanctions.”

During their meeting, the leaders agreed a new defence partnership aimed at tackling cheap attack drones.

Downing Street said the deal would bring together “Ukrainian expertise and the UK’s industrial base” to manufacture and supply drones and other capabilities.

Under the partnership between the UK and Ukraine, closer co-operation in the defence industries will also be sought with third countries as part of efforts to bolster international security.

Britain will also give £500,000 to fund an AI centre of excellence in Kyiv.

It comes as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters a third week, while US President Donald Trump continues to criticise the UK and other countries over the extent of their response to the conflict.

Rising oil prices are fuelling Russia’s war machine, while Ukraine’s allies are distracted and divided over the Middle East.

Zelensky is currently on a tour of European capitals to shore up support and keep his conflict at the forefront of allies’ minds. (BBC)

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‘I found safety here,’ Tinubu recounts UK’s protection during pro-democracy struggle

President Bola Tinubu has recalled how he found refuge in the United Kingdom during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, stating that British authorities once placed his residence under police protection amid threats from agents of the military regime.

Tinubu made the remarks on Wednesday during a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

In his address, the Nigerian leader expressed gratitude to the UK for its support during the years of military rule.

“Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship.

“Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta,” he said.

He added that such solidarity remains significant, noting it was “deeply humbling” to return as President of a democratic Nigeria.

igeria’s pro-democracy struggle reached its peak in the 1990s following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Abiola under the regime of Ibrahim Babangida. The decision triggered widespread protests and resistance.

Repression intensified during the rule of Sani Abacha, marked by arrests, assassinations, and the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, drawing international condemnation.

Sustained pressure from pro-democracy groups, including civil society organisations and the media, eventually paved the way for a transition to civilian rule under Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1999, ushering in the Fourth Republic with Olusegun Obasanjo as President.

The legacy of the struggle endures, notably through the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day and ongoing efforts to honour its key figures.

Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s current security challenges, particularly terrorism linked to instability in the Sahel, stressing the importance of continued cooperation with the UK.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.

“In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential,” he said, adding that he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The President further expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations, noting that both countries share a commitment to progress, mutual respect, and common values.


He also pointed to Nigeria’s role within the Commonwealth of Nations as a platform for strengthening ties.

Reflecting on historical and institutional links, Tinubu acknowledged the influence of British legal and political traditions on Nigeria’s governance system, including its courts, parliamentary structures, and civil service.

He also praised the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, describing them as the “strongest bridge” between both nations, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, business, technology, and the arts. (Channels)

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State Visit: Tinubu meets UK PM Keir Starmer

President Bola Tinubu has met Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

They met on the steps of 10 Downing Street in central London on Thursday.

The president’s historic state visit to the UK is the first state visit by a Nigerian president in 37 years (since the last one before the return to democracy in 1999).

Tinubu arrived in the UK on Tuesday, where he was received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

The visit included royal engagements, a state banquet, and discussions on various bilateral issues. It involved closed-door bilateral talks.

The president is expected to sign a £746 million financing deal related to port infrastructure, along with other agreements/MoUs on trade, defence, and culture.

Today also marks the final day of the visit, after a farewell from the royal family. (Channels)

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King Charles hosts Tinubu to state banquet, hails UK–Nigeria partnership

King Charles III on Wednesday praised what he described as a “partnership of equals” between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, as he hosted Bola Tinubu at a state banquet marking the first visit by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades.

he banquet, held at Windsor Castle, brought together senior officials, business leaders, and cultural figures from both countries, underscoring deepening diplomatic and economic ties.

In his opening remarks, King Charles described the relationship between both nations as built on mutual respect and shared progress.

“Britain and the former British colony have a deep bond and a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits,” he said.

The monarch also highlighted Nigeria’s growing economic influence.

“Nigeria is an economic powerhouse. It has not merely changed, it has arrived,” he said, adding that “Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s.”

King Charles paid glowing tribute to Nigerians living in Britain, describing them as central to the country’s development.

“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage… are now at the heart of British life,” he said.T

The King noted their contributions across sectors, including business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts.

“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service, and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last 50 years,” he said.

He added with humour, “Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them to a jollof and tea party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best — Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember.”

The monarch also acknowledged Nigeria’s cultural footprint in Britain, referencing Afrobeats, Nollywood, and Nigerian excellence across professions.

“From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens… so much of Britain’s culture is in truth profoundly enriched by Nigerians,” he said, before concluding: “Naija no dey carry last.”

Acknowledging history, King Charles noted that while the relationship has evolved, it is not without its challenges.

“There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left painful marks… no words can dissolve these,” he said.

The King also thanked Tinubu for visiting during Ramadan, describing it as “no small sacrifice,” and wished him “Ramadan Mubarak.” The banquet—adjusted to accommodate fasting—featured an iftar and provisions such as a prayer room.

Tinubu, while responding, echoed the sentiment.

“Our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” he said, pointing to their impact in healthcare, sports, and beyond.

“Our two nations share a vision of progress based on mutual respect and common values,” President Tinubu added, noting he was the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle.

Also in attendance were the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu; Queen Camilla, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribad; and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

The attendees include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.); Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, among other cabinet members.

Governors in attendance were Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), among others.

Other prominent guests at the banquet included Maro Itoje, Christine Ohuruogu, Eniola Aluko, Ben Okri, and Tiwa Savage—figures the King described as a “living bridge” between both nations.

Earlier, President Tinubu was received with full state pageantry, including a guard of honour and a ceremonial gun salute, as artillery rang out across Windsor.

Nigerian and British flags lined the streets while the President and the King inspected troops in traditional regalia.

The visit, part of a two-day state engagement, is aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, security, and education, while also recognising the role of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

It is the first visit by a Nigerian president in 37 years.

President Tinubu is scheduled to meet Keir Starmer and engage with members of the Nigerian diaspora as part of the visit.

The trip builds on longstanding ties between both countries, with London hosting a large Nigerian community that continues to play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations. (Channels)

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Nigeria’s President Tinubu meets royals in UK state visit

The UK’s King Charles III has welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at Windsor Castle in the first state visit by the leader of Africa’s most populous nation in nearly four decades.

More than 1,000 soldiers were out in force on Wednesday for the diplomatic show of soft power by the royal family.

With trade between the two countries at a record high, Charles is using the two-day visit to highlight the pair’s deep cultural and commercial links.

Tinubu has made less formal visits to the United Kingdom several times during his tenure, and the two countries remain major partners in trade, aid and defence. London is also home to a large Nigerian diaspora of about 300,000 people.

Nigeria’s presidency said the visit signalled a “renewed chapter” and reflected a shared commitment to “advancing trade and strengthening diplomatic ties”.

King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted the president and his wife in Windsor, west of London, as artillery fired salutes.

Both Nigerian flags and Union Jacks fluttered amid the procession.

The Nigerian president and his wife earlier chatted with heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife Catherine, at a hotel in the town.

Calling the visit “historic”, London announced Nigerian companies, including banks, are expanding operations and creating hundreds of jobs in the UK, strengthening it as a global hub for African business.

The party then rode in carriages to the historic Windsor Castle.

Later, the king and queen showed the president and first lady items from the UK’s colonial rule of Nigeria, which existed until 1960. (AlJazeera)

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Blast outside Jewish School in Amsterdam, no injuries − Mayor

An overnight blast against an exterior wall of a Jewish school in Amsterdam did not cause any injuries, Mayor Femke Halsema said Saturday, denouncing “a cowardly act of aggression”.

An investigation has been opened and the incident comes after nighttime attacks this week in front of synagogues in the Belgian city of Liege and the Dutch port city of Rotterdam.

Haslema condemned the attack in a statement, noting that Amsterdam’s Jewish community has been “increasingly often confronted with antisemitism and this is unacceptable.”

“A school must be a place where children can attend classes in complete safety. Amsterdam must be a place where Jews can live in safety,” she said.

The police and fire departments quickly arrived at the scene of the blast in Buitenveldert district in the south of Amsterdam, the statement said.

“The material damage is limited,” the mayor said.

The police have CCTV footage of a person placing the explosive device, Halsema said.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called the incident “terrible” on X and said “Antisemitism has no place in the Netherlands.”

“I understand the anger and fear this provokes, and I will quickly meet with the Jewish community. It must always feel safe in our country,” he added.

Israel’s foreign ministry also weighed in on X, saying: “In the Netherlands, an antisemitism epidemic is raging.”

“Where will the next attack be? The Dutch government needs to do much more to fight antisemitism,” the ministry wrote.

Following a similar attack Friday on a synagogue in Rotterdam, Jetten had condemned any act of violence or intimidation against the Jewish community or any other religious minority.

Four men suspected of being involved in the Rotterdam attack have been arrested, Dutch authorities announced Friday.

The series of attacks on synagogues comes after the launch of the US-Israeli war on Iran, a conflict that has since broadened across the Middle East.

On Monday, an explosion shook a synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege before dawn, causing some damage but no injuries.

It was strongly condemned by Belgian politicians and European Union officials.

On Thursday, a man rammed his car into a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, sparking a blaze.

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, died Friday from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” an FBI official told reporters.

Media reports have indicated his relatives were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon in recent days.

Amid increasing violence and threats against the Jewish community in the United States, there has been a boost in demand for security services specifically protecting Jews, with officers stationed at schools, campuses and other buildings. (Channels)

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Trump urges other nations to send ships to secure Hormuz


US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged other nations to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil supplies disrupted by the Mideast war.

Trump, who has said the United States will soon start escorting tankers through the strait, posted on Truth Social that “Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.”

The US president added: “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area.”

Iranian strikes have all but halted maritime traffic in the strait, through which a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally pass. It is just 54 kilometers (34 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

With oil prices spiking, Trump was asked Friday when the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. “It’ll happen soon, very soon,” he said.

In his post on Saturday, Trump asserted that Iran’s military capability had been eliminated but he conceded that it was still able to attack the strait.

“We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are,” he wrote.

As he urged nations to send ships to the strait, he added that “the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” (Channels)

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Trump discourages Iranian soccer team from attending World Cup, citing safety concerns

President Donald Trump said he did not think it would be “appropriate” for the Iranian soccer team to attend this year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, and cited safety concerns as a reason on Thursday while the countries remained embroiled in a war.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup,” Trump wrote on his social media site, “but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Iranian leaders said earlier this week that it’s “not possible” for the country to participate in the World Cup.

Trump’s message appears to depart somewhat from what the Republican president relayed Tuesday at the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who later publicly said that Trump assured him the Iranian players and coaches would be welcome.

A White House official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations, had confirmed Trump’s message to Infantino about Iran’s participation.

On Thursday, the White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant by “their own life and safety,” such as whether he anticipated threats against them while in the United States after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began Feb 28.

Iran, one of 48 teams in the tournament, is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play in Seattle against Egypt on June 26. The U.S. is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Iran’s soccer federation has planned to take the team in June to a tournament base camp in Arizona, at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson.

Since June, Iran has been subject to a travel ban into the U.S. as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. But athletes and coaches from the target nations are exempt, which means the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the U.S.

But there are also likely fears from Iranian soccer players about playing in a tournament abroad where they could be feted by an anti-regime diaspora while their families face threats back home.

The Iranian women’s soccer team, which arrived in Australia to play at its Asian Cup tournament before the U.S. and Israeli bombing attacks on Iran started, did not sing the Iranian national anthem before its first game. That was widely interpreted as a gesture of protest or an act of mourning. Several members of the team stayed in Australia on humanitarian visas afterward.

At the 2022 men’s World Cup, played in Qatar, the Iranian team did not sing the anthem before a game against England and did not celebrate the two goals scored in a 6-2 loss. At that time, Iran was in turmoil several weeks after the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained for allegedly violating a strict Islamic dress code.

FIFA’s own evaluation was “low risk” for World Cup safety and security plans proposed by the U.S., Canada and Mexico soccer federations, which are guaranteed by their governments. Trump has often taken credit for “winning” the World Cup hosting rights in 2018, when the three neighbors easily beat Morocco in a vote by FIFA member federations.

“All parties have experience of hosting major sports events on a regular basis and established arrangements are in place for managing security and safety at stadiums and for high-profile individuals,” FIFA’s in-house inspection team wrote eight years ago.

Iranian athletes who previously defied the Islamic regime have left the country to continue their careers.

Iran’s first female athlete to win an Olympic medal, Kimia Alizadeh, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games in taekwondo, criticized wearing the mandatory hijab headscarf. She competed for the Olympic refugee team at Tokyo in 2021 and for Bulgaria at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Judoka Saeid Mollaei went into hiding in Germany after a dispute with Iranian team officials at the 2019 world championships. Mollaei, the defending champion, said he was ordered to lose a bout to avoid a potential gold medal match against an Israeli opponent. He got Mongolian citizenship and took silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (JapanToday)

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Iran names Khamenei’s hardline son Mojtaba as new supreme leader

Iran on Monday named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader, signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge in Tehran a ‌week into its conflict with the United States and Israel.

Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric with influence inside Iran’s security forces and vast business networks under his father, had been seen as a frontrunner in the lead up to the vote by the assembly, a ‌body of 88 clerics charged with choosing the new leader after Ali Khamenei.

“By ⁠a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts, appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as ⁠the third Leader of ⁠the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the assembly said in a statement issued just ‌after midnight Tehran time.

The position gives Mojtaba the final say in all matters of state in the Islamic Republic.

Mojtaba’s ⁠appointment will likely draw the ire of U.S. President ⁠Donald Trump, who said on Sunday that Washington should have a say in the selection. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” he told ABC News. Israel, ahead of the announcement, threatened to target whoever was chosen.

Mojtaba’s father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed in ⁠one of the first strikes launched against Iran more than a week ago.

The U.S. military on Sunday ⁠reported a seventh American has died from wounds ‌sustained during Iran’s initial counter-attack a week ago, a day after Trump presided over the return to the United States of the remains of the six others who died.

The U.S.-Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and wounded thousands, according to Iran’s U.N. ambassador.

As Trump pressed for an “unconditional surrender,” Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s ‌parliament speaker, said Tehran was not seeking a ceasefire to the war and would punish aggressors.

Israel continued to target senior Iranian figures, including Abolqasem Babaian, the recently appointed head of the military office of the supreme leader, saying he was killed in a Saturday strike. (JapanToday)

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Starmer defends Iran response as Badenoch calls for more action

Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government’s approach to the conflict in Iran, saying protecting British nationals is his “number one priority”.

It comes after President Trump criticised the prime minister for refusing to allow the use of UK bases in the initial US-Israel strikes on Saturday, saying he is “no Winston Churchill”.

During Prime Minister’s Questions Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of “asking our allies to do what we should be doing ourselves” by not taking “offensive action” after British bases in Bahrain and Cyprus were attacked.

But the PM said he was not prepared for the UK to join a war without “a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan”.

On Sunday the UK agreed to a US request to use British military bases but only for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites.

However, Trump has responded angrily to Sir Keir’s refusal to be involved in the initial strikes, describing the decision as “shocking” and saying the UK-US relationship was “not what it was”.

Dismissing suggestions the relationship between the two countries had been weakened, Sir Keir said US planes operating out of British bases was “the special relationship in action” not “hanging on to President Trump’s latest words”.

Sir Keir said: “We’re taking action to reduce the threat with planes in the sky in the region intercepting incoming strikes, deploying more capability to Cyprus, and allowing US planes to use UK bases to take out Iran’s capability to strike.

“What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan. That remains my position.”

The PM said the government had also been pre-deploying capabilities in the region for a number of weeks, including radar systems, ground-based air defence, counter-drone systems and F35 jets.

He added that wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities would be in Cyprus this week, with a Royal Navy warship, HMS Dragon, also deployed to the region.

However, Badenoch accused the PM of “catching arrows rather than stopping the archer” in his approach.

“I would say to Labour MPs, we are in this war whether they like it or not. What is the prime minister waiting for?” she added.

She pointed out HMS Dragon was still in Portsmouth and the government “should be doing more”.

The Conservative leader also criticised the government for not investing more in defence.

In response, Sir Keir accused the Conservatives of cutting the defence budget, missing Army recruitment targets and leaving forces “hollowed out” when they were in government.

Following PMQs, western officials said HMS Dragon was expected to sail from Portsmouth next week, with the warship currently being loaded with ammunition.

Two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, armed with Martlet missiles capable of shooting down drones, are expected to arrive in Cyprus separately and sooner.

A western official said that so far US bombers have not used the British bases of Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford – but said the UK was ready to accept them. The official said he expected them to arrive within the next few days.

Earlier, former Conservative Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he thought the prime minister had “made a big misjudgement” by not allowing the US to use British military bases for offensive strikes on Iran.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that international law was “not settled on this issue” and depended on whether there was an imminent risk of attack from Iran.

Hunt said the Americans had a significant role in defending Europe and in this situation, “to weaken our alliance with the United States was a big mistake”.

“President Trump is not interested in that rules-based order,” Hunt said.

“He’s said so absolutely explicitly. And we have to recognise the brute strength of the American military is something we depend on now in Europe and will depend on for at least a decade.”

Gen Sir Richard Shirreff, a retired British Army officer, said the UK “has got to focus on its interests” because “America has made it clear it’s not going to underwrite European security”.

Sir Richard, Nato’s former deputy supreme allied commander Europe, said it was in Britain’s interest to protect its military bases abroad.

“There is absolutely a case for getting involved,” Sir Richard said. “But I would not get involved in any way, shape or form in an operation where the end-stage is not clear.

“There is clearly no strategy and yet again we have an American president who has launched a war of choice with no clear understanding where this thing is going to end.”