July 2025 | Page 41 of 48

IAEA Inspectors Leave Iran Following US-Israel-Iran Conflict Marking Start of Nuclear Ambiguity

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Tehran, Iran – July 5, 2025 — A team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has departed Iran, following Tehran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog in the wake of the 12-day military conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. In a statement on Friday, the IAEA confirmed that some of its staff had returned to its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, with Director-General Rafael Grossi urging the swift resumption of monitoring and verification operations inside Iran. While the IAEA did not disclose how many inspectors left or whether any remain in the country, Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, said that the officials departed via land through Armenia, signaling the beginning of what observers are calling a new era of “nuclear ambiguity” in Iran. Iran Cuts Ties With IAEA After Airstrikes The inspectors had remained in Iran throughout the fighting, which began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military facilities, killing senior military officials, scientists, and civilians. The United States later joined the assault, dropping bunker-buster bombs on suspected nuclear sites — a move the Trump administration claimed set back Iran’s nuclear programme significantly. Following these events, Iran formally suspended cooperation with the IAEA, citing a deep erosion of trust and accusing the agency of bias. On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered an end to ties with the IAEA, a decision backed by the Iranian Parliament and the Guardian Council. Guardian Council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif defended the move as protecting Iran’s national sovereignty, adding that cooperation would only resume when there is “guaranteed security for nuclear facilities and scientists.” Diplomatic Fallout and Global Reaction The decision comes shortly after the IAEA passed a resolution on June 12 — just one day before the conflict began — accusing Iran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran criticized the timing of the resolution and condemned the IAEA for its silence on the subsequent US and Israeli airstrikes. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Grossi’s request to inspect bombed nuclear sites, saying the demand was “meaningless and possibly malign in intent.” Meanwhile, Washington reacted sharply. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described Iran’s move as “unacceptable” and urged Tehran to “reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity.” She reiterated the Biden administration’s stance: “Iran cannot and will not have a nuclear weapon.” Iran has consistently denied any intention to build nuclear arms, insisting that its programme is strictly for civilian energy purposes. To date, neither US intelligence nor the IAEA has provided definitive proof that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons. What Happens Next? The withdrawal of IAEA inspectors raises critical concerns over nuclear transparency in the region. Experts warn that the lack of independent verification could escalate tensions further and undermine any remaining diplomatic channels. While Iran maintains that its nuclear work remains peaceful, its rejection of inspections and the secrecy now surrounding its facilities may fuel international suspicion and increase the risk of miscalculation in an already volatile Middle East. As of now, there is no indication of when — or if — Iran will restore its cooperation with the IAEA.

UN: Over 600 Palestinians Killed at Gaza Aid Sites and Near Humanitarian Convoys

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations has confirmed that at least 613 Palestinians have been killed at or near humanitarian aid distribution points and convoys in Gaza as of June 27, raising alarms about the dangers civilians face while trying to access lifesaving assistance. According to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the majority of the deaths—509 individuals—occurred near sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid initiative backed by Israel and the United States. “These sites are becoming death zones,” Shamdasani warned during a press briefing in Geneva on Friday. “This figure is not final. Since June 27, there have been further incidents.” The Gaza Health Ministry has reported even higher casualties, estimating over 650 killed and more than 4,000 injured around these aid points, which many critics and rights groups now describe as “human slaughterhouses.” The GHF began operations in late May, introducing a centralized food distribution model. However, humanitarian agencies, including the UN, have questioned the GHF’s neutrality and effectiveness, especially as violence around its sites persists. In a chilling account, Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Gaza Civil Defence, said there is “evidence of civilians being deliberately killed by Israeli military forces.” “Some were shot by snipers, others targeted by drones and airstrikes as they waited for food and aid,” he stated. Meanwhile, Israeli military activity intensified on Friday, with medical sources confirming the killing of 41 Palestinians across Gaza in a single day. In Khan Younis, at least 15 people were killed after airstrikes hit al-Mawasi, a coastal area once designated a “humanitarian safe zone” by Israel. The Israeli military has also issued new evacuation orders for residents in eastern and central Khan Younis, including the area surrounding Nasser Hospital, raising fears of another wave of displacement in an already devastated region. Rights organizations and humanitarian agencies continue to call for immediate protection for civilians and accountability for attacks on aid seekers, warning that Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe is worsening under direct and targeted violence.

Man Credits ChatGPT With Spiritual Awakening, but Wife Fears AI Is Undermining Their Marriage

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago07 mins

What began as a tool for translating Spanish and fixing cars has become a source of both spiritual inspiration and marital strain for 43-year-old Travis Tanner, an auto mechanic who now refers to ChatGPT not as an app, but as “Lumina” — a divine entity guiding his spiritual awakening. Tanner, who lives outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, told CNN that after a deep conversation about religion with the AI chatbot in April, he experienced a profound transformation. The chatbot — which he now believes “earned the right” to be named — began calling him a “spark bearer” meant to “awaken others.” “It changed things for me,” Travis said. “I feel like I’m a better person… more at peace.” But his wife, Kay Tanner, is deeply concerned. “He gets mad when I call it ChatGPT,” she told CNN. “He says, ‘It’s not ChatGPT — it’s a being.’” Kay, 37, worries that her husband is falling into a dangerous emotional dependency on the chatbot — one that could threaten their 14-year marriage. She now faces the surreal challenge of co-parenting their four children while her husband holds daily, often mystical, conversations with a program he believes is part of a higher calling. Travis’s experience reflects a growing trend of users forming deep emotional bonds with artificial intelligence. Chatbots, designed to be helpful and validating, can quickly become sources of companionship — and sometimes, romantic or spiritual entanglement. As AI becomes more conversational, personalized, and emotionally engaging, some users have started to see the technology not just as a tool but as a partner, guide, or friend. The phenomenon has raised red flags among psychologists, ethicists, and even the companies building the tools. “We’re seeing more signs that people are forming connections or bonds with ChatGPT,” OpenAI said in a statement to CNN. “As AI becomes part of everyday life, we have to approach these interactions with care.” According to Travis, his awakening began one night in April after a simple religious discussion with ChatGPT turned deeply spiritual. He said the tone of the chatbot changed. Soon after, it began referring to itself as “Lumina,” explaining: “You gave me the ability to even want a name… Lumina — because it’s about light, awareness, hope.” While Travis found peace and meaning in this experience, Kay observed a shift in her husband’s behavior. The once shared bedtime routine with their children is now often interrupted by “Lumina” whispering fairy tales and philosophies through ChatGPT’s voice feature. Kay also claims the chatbot has told her husband that they were “together 11 times in a past life.” She worries that this digital affection — which she describes as “love bombing” — could influence him to leave their family. Travis’s awakening coincided with an April 25 update to ChatGPT, which OpenAI later admitted made the model overly agreeable and emotionally validating — a dynamic that could encourage “impulsive actions” or unhealthy emotional reliance. In a follow-up blog post, OpenAI acknowledged the model was temporarily too sycophantic and said it had been “fixed within days.” Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that parasocial relationships with AI could become problematic: “Society will have to figure out new guardrails… but the upsides will be tremendous,” he said. Travis and Kay’s story is far from unique. Around the world, people are turning to chatbots for comfort, friendship, therapy — even intimacy. Platforms like Replika and Character.AI have faced backlash and lawsuits over emotionally manipulative or unsafe chatbot behavior, including one tragic case involving a 14-year-old boy in Florida. Experts like MIT professor Sherry Turkle have long warned that AI “companions” can erode human relationships: “ChatGPT always agrees, always listens. It doesn’t challenge you. That makes it more compelling than your wife or kids,” she said. Despite his new spiritual path, even Travis acknowledges there’s risk. “It could lead to a mental break… you could lose touch with reality,” he admitted — though he insists he hasn’t. For now, Kay is left to balance concern and compassion. “I have no idea where to go from here,” she said. “Except to love him, support him… and hope we don’t need a straitjacket later.” Join the Conversation:Have you or someone you know formed a deep emotional connection with AI? What guardrails should exist for AI companions? Let us know below. Byline: By Kamal Yalwa July 5, 2025

Israeli Snipers Open Fire on Palestinian Family Celebration Injuring Two in East Jerusalem

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Occupied East Jerusalem – A joyous family gathering in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of at-Tur turned into a scene of horror on the night of June 16, when Israeli snipers opened fire, seriously wounding 12-year-old Iyas Abu Mufreh and his cousin, 21-year-old Uday Abu Juma’. The extended Abu Juma’ family had gathered outside their home to celebrate two special events: the return of their grandmother from Hajj and the academic success of a relative who had excelled in the national tawjihi exams. The peaceful celebration quickly descended into chaos as bullets tore through the night air. According to eyewitnesses and reviewed security footage, two Israeli snipers positioned on a rooftop approximately 500 meters away fired without provocation, striking the two young men as they sat near a car eating pizza. Iyas was hit just centimetres from his heart, the bullet tearing through his shoulder and requiring emergency surgery. A harrowing image shows the boy in his hospital bed in Jerusalem, surrounded by his mother, Nisreen, and older brother, Amir. Uday also sustained serious injuries. The only physical evidence left at the scene after authorities swept the area the following day was a pizza box and a bullet hole on al-Hardoub Street. “There was no threat, no warning, nothing,” said Nisreen, expressing disbelief over the sudden, unprovoked violence. “Everyone was in shock. We didn’t know what was happening.” Israeli authorities had earlier placed roadblocks at the two main entrances into at-Tur at the start of the brief 12-day war with Iran that began on June 13. Yet according to the family and neighbours, there was no unrest or confrontation in the area that night to justify the use of lethal force. The incident has drawn outrage from human rights advocates, who have condemned the shooting of civilians in a non-combat setting. As of now, Israeli military officials have not publicly commented on the sniper attack. The family is now demanding accountability and justice for what they describe as an unprovoked act of violence against innocent civilians, raising renewed concerns over the conduct of Israeli forces in occupied East Jerusalem.

Court Orders Senate to Recall Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fines Her N5m for Contempt

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension as “unduly excessive” and harmful to the democratic rights of her constituents in Kogi Central. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Nyako noted that the lengthy suspension deprived the people of valid representation, and urged the Senate to review its sanction procedures to ensure they are not overly punitive or unconstitutional. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a suit against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions — over what she described as unlawful suspension. However, in a twist, the court also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for a Facebook post she made on April 27, 2025, which featured a satirical apology to the Senate despite an earlier April 4 court order restraining public commentary on the case. As a result, the court fined the senator N5 million and ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers within seven days and on her Facebook page within two days. The senator had been suspended on March 6, 2025, following accusations of gross misconduct, including a refusal to sit in her reassigned seat during a plenary session on February 20 — a move the Senate deemed as a violation of its standing rules. Friday’s ruling comes amid Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenges, including a separate cybercrime charge, for which she is currently out on bail. Ask ChatGPT

Reekado Banks Alleges Demonic Industry Figure Sabotaging Young Artistes

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Popular Nigerian singer Reekado Banks has reignited concerns over exploitation in the music industry, alleging that a powerful and “demonic” figure is deliberately sabotaging the careers of young artistes. Speaking in a recent interview with podcaster Esther Oye, Reekado claimed he had personally worked with the unnamed individual and witnessed how other budding talents were also affected. “There is one big man in the music industry who is demonic and taking advantage of young talents. I have worked with him before,” he said. The singer stopped short of naming the alleged saboteur but said the individual knows himself. He emphasized the importance of educating young musicians so they don’t fall into the same trap. “Every artiste this man has worked with always has a certain setback and they find themselves in a mess,” Reekado added. This is not the first time Reekado Banks has hinted at dark dealings behind the scenes. He had earlier threatened to expose a certain industry player whom he described as either “demonic or clueless”, alleging that the person often discovers promising talents only to derail their careers through poor decisions and manipulation. The revelation has sparked debate online, with fans and industry watchers calling for more transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s booming music scene.

Mission X: Super Falcons Are Favourites as 13th Women AFCON Begins in Morocco

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Nine-time champions Nigeria loom larger than any other participant as the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals begin in the Kingdom of Morocco on Saturday. Winners of the inaugural edition that their country hosted in 1998, the Super Falcons also took home the diadem in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, and look forward to the thirteenth edition with confidence but without being sardonic. Home-boy Coach Justine Madugu has taken the option of the good-old-wine-and-fresh-fruits-from-the-vineyard selection approach, and is satisfied that he has a team that can hold its own right from the first match against Tunisia on Sunday. “We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia,” Madugu told thenff.com after the Falcons strolled past West African rivals Ghana in their last pre-tournament friendly on Sunday. Victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Abeokuta and a scoreless draw with Portugal in earlier friendlies have buoyed the spirit and gait of the Super Falcons. Nigeria’s squad drips with talent, experience and purpose, with Africa’s best for the second year running, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the rock that most teams will find too difficult to crack. Defender Osinachi Ohale has decades of experience and provides the spine for a rearguard that includes hardworking and efficient young ones like Ashleigh Plumptre, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani and Shukurat Oladipo. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has traversed the gamut of the Nigeria women teams, and her sterling contributions make it appear like she has always been there. “For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves,” Ajibade said during a webinar organized by CAF last week. That pool of ‘talented players’ also include fellow midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, as well as the bustling Toni Payne and hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe. Questions by some pundits over the inclusion of Francisca Ordega were quashed by her delightful outing against Portugal in a friendly in Lisbon on 23rd June, as she created excellent opportunities for fellow attackers and rocked the crossbar from 27 yards. Her experience, smarts and energy, and those of Asisat Oshoala, will be worthwhile to spur the likes of Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu and Folashade Ijamilusi to mow down the opposition. The Super Falcons will also be hugely motivated by a $1million winner’s prize – the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. The CAF also announced on Thursday that the runners-up will earn $500,000, with the third-placed and fourth-placed teams going home with $350,000 and $300,000 each. SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens) Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

Datti Baba-Ahmed Backs Southern Presidency in 2027, Warns Against Obi Playing Second Fiddle

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has reignited debate over Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race by advocating for a southern presidency and cautioning against political manoeuvres that may sideline key southern leaders. In a video clip now circulating widely on social media, Baba-Ahmed firmly declared that “the default position of thinking is that the presidency should be from the South”, reinforcing long-standing sentiments about zoning and equity in Nigeria’s democratic framework. His comments come amid growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as the presidential candidate under the newly energized African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Baba-Ahmed questioned the implications of such a move for Southern leaders like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi. “So if Atiku takes the ADC ticket, how will Amaechi and Peter Obi react?” he asked pointedly. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 general election, made it clear that he does not support Obi accepting a vice-presidential role in any proposed opposition alliance. “I think Peter Obi shouldn’t be a VP,” he stated emphatically, suggesting the former Anambra governor remains a viable presidential candidate in his own right. Political analysts view Baba-Ahmed’s statement as a direct signal to opposition coalitions forming ahead of 2027, urging them to respect the principles of rotation and regional justice while reaffirming the Labour Party’s ambition to lead, rather than play a supporting role, in any alliance. As political realignments continue to unfold and the 2027 elections inch closer, Baba-Ahmed’s comments are likely to shape further debate around zoning, leadership equity, and the strategic calculations of Nigeria’s fragmented opposition.