Iran Ready To Support Nigeria Against Terrorism, Rejects Israeli Allegations Of Sponsorship

Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has affirmed Tehran’s willingness to assist Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, responding to claims by Israel that Iran sponsors extremist groups in the region. In an interview with Arise Television, Raja clarified that Islamic groups in Nigeria maintain only spiritual and cultural ties with Iran, not political affiliations. His remarks came after Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, alleged on Friday that Iran supports Islamic movements in Nigeria and West Africa as part of a broader effort to spread terror. Freeman cited Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and claimed that Nigeria had been affected by the country’s actions. The comments followed recent protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, in several states mourning the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, during US-Israeli strikes in Tehran. Reacting to Freeman’s claims, the IMN Media Forum dismissed the allegations as “possible false-flag terrorism by the Israelis.” Chairman Ammar Rajab described the accusations as “inappropriate and unacceptable,” pointing out Israel’s own record of human rights violations. Raja emphasized that the Shi’ite rallies in Nigeria were peaceful demonstrations of grief and reflected a shared spiritual bond among Muslims. “This does not mean that Iran is defending those groups. It is a moral and spiritual connection because they are Muslims, and we are Muslims,” he said. The ambassador also highlighted Iran’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts. “We are ready to lend a helping hand. We know that Nigeria faces threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other groups. We are prepared to share our experience in combating terrorism,” Raja said. He further noted that Iran itself has suffered from terrorism and has consistently condemned attacks worldwide. “We are victims, and we are ready to cooperate with African countries to combat terrorism, drawing from our experience. We condemn terrorist attacks in Nigeria and across Africa,” he added.

Read More

Israeli Ambassador Accuses Iran Of Sponsoring Shi’ite Groups And Terrorism In Nigeria

Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has claimed that Iran is actively supporting Shi’ite organisations and promoting terrorism in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa in a bid to undermine stability in the region. Freeman made the allegation during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he discussed what he described as Iran’s long-standing pattern of backing militant groups in different parts of the world. He pointed to organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah as examples of groups that Tehran has allegedly supported over the years, adding that similar influence is also being extended to Africa. Speaking about Nigeria, the envoy alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is among the groups receiving backing from the Iranian government, stating that the relationship between the movement and Tehran has been publicly documented. “I think that it is well documented. We know that certain movements, for example, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime. This is not just me saying this; we’ve seen it documented by the Iranian regime. “The Supreme Leader posted on X his support and his backing there, so that’s very open. There are also other areas where Iran is working to destabilise not only Nigeria but all of West Africa. “We’ve seen over 47 years that they’ve taken all the actions they can in order for that to happen. We’ve seen them sponsor terror organisations. They were behind the October 7 massacre by Hamas. We’ve seen them sponsoring Hezbollah. We’ve seen them acting in Europe, Australia, and Nigeria. “We’ve seen these people acting all across the world to spread disturbance as they pursue their aim of destroying Israel. Israel will not allow another country to have nuclear weapons when they have expressly stated they want those weapons to destroy Israel,” he said. Freeman further argued that Iran has spent decades financing militant groups globally as part of its confrontation with Israel and broader efforts to spread instability. “The issue here is about Iran. Iran is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, who expressly desires to wipe another country off the face of the earth. Iran has stated its very policy is to destroy Israel — to wipe Israel off the map and ensure every single person is killed. No regime or country that has an express desire to destroy Israel should be allowed to pursue such ambitions.”

Read More

Oluwo of Iwo Tells Donald Trump to Apologise to Iran, Criticises US Support for Israel

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has urged United States President Donald Trump to apologise to Iran for America’s support of Israel in the ongoing Middle East conflict. In a statement shared with journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, the monarch criticised Trump for taking sides instead of acting as a neutral mediator, describing the US approach as reckless and damaging to global peace. Oba Akanbi described the conflict between Iran and the US/Israel as unnecessary and condemned the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it provocative and “a sin against humanity.” He said the bombing of Iranian students reflected “cowardice” and highlighted Iran’s resolve, noting that not all nations can be intimidated. “America has lost some of its global influence. A true world power doesn’t take sides when two parties are at war. US involvement without calling for a ceasefire was needless and avoidable, and I doubt it will end well for America,” he said. The traditional ruler called on Trump to rethink his leadership approach, stressing that diplomacy and respect for all nations are essential to preserving international stability and peace.

Read More

Iran’s New Defence Minister Reportedly Killed Following US‑Israel Strikes

Just days after Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh was reportedly killed in joint US‑Israel airstrikes, reports now indicate that the country’s newly appointed Defence Minister, Seyed Majid Eb Al‑Reza, may have also been killed in further Israeli attacks, according to The Spectator Index. Earlier reports had suggested that both Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour were among the casualties of Saturday’s strikes. The attacks are part of what officials are calling one of the most extensive military operations against Iran in decades, targeting military installations and strategic sites across the country. Some of the damage reportedly occurred near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whose death has been confirmed by Iranian state media and widely reported internationally. US President Donald Trump described the campaign, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, as a move to counter what Washington and its allies consider imminent threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Trump urged Iranian citizens to “take control of your destiny” and challenge their leadership, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was intended to give Iranians an opportunity to shape their own future.

Read More

Donald Trump Announces Major Combat Operations Against Iran In Joint Strike With Israel

Donald Trump has officially confirmed that the United States is now engaged in direct military action against Iran, announcing that American forces have commenced what he described as “major combat operations” in coordination with Israel. In an eight-minute video address posted early Saturday on Truth Social, Trump declared: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.” He accused Tehran of maintaining decades of aggression toward the United States, referencing 47 years of hostility, repeated chants of “Death to America,” and alleged campaigns of “bloodshed and mass murder” targeting American troops, military bases, allies, and civilians worldwide. Trump insisted the strikes were defensive and necessary, saying the action was aimed at neutralizing threats arising from Iran’s “menacing activities.” The announcement followed Israel’s earlier confirmation that it had carried out a “pre-emptive” strike “to remove threats to the State of Israel.” Shortly afterward, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency. Multiple explosions were reported across central Tehran, with verified footage showing heavy smoke rising from key government districts, including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media acknowledged missile impacts in the Republic district and other locations within the capital, though authorities have yet to release official figures on casualties or the extent of damage. US officials told several media outlets that American forces are actively participating in the coordinated operation, deploying air assets and possibly sea-based capabilities as tensions escalate across the region. In Israel, emergency preparations intensified. Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, and Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa transferred patients to fortified underground units, discharged non-critical cases, and prepared for potential mass casualty situations. The country’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, also moved into heightened coordination with military and health authorities. Iran closed its airspace immediately after the strikes, while reports indicate that Tehran is weighing retaliatory measures. An Iranian official signaled readiness for a “crushing” response, potentially involving missiles, drones, or allied forces operating across the region.

Read More

Israel Launches New Strikes On Iran As Explosions Rock Tehran

Israel has confirmed the commencement of new military operations targeting Iran, escalating tensions between the two countries. The announcement was made on Saturday, February 28, by Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, who explained that the action was taken to counter perceived threats emanating from Iran. Shortly after the disclosure, Iranian media outlets reported a series of explosions in several locations across Tehran, the country’s capital city. Visuals shared on social media showed thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, suggesting significant impact at the affected sites. In response to the unfolding situation, Israeli authorities also declared the immediate closure of the nation’s airspace. Details regarding casualties, the exact targets, or the extent of the damage have yet to be officially released. The development follows a previous Israeli strike on Iran in June, marking another chapter in the ongoing hostilities between both nations.

Read More

Israel to Support Nigerian Christians Through Intelligence Sharing, Ambassador Says

Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has clarified that the country’s proposed support for Christian communities in Nigeria will focus on intelligence-sharing collaboration with the Nigerian government. The remarks come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting with evangelical leaders in Florida last week, highlighted Nigeria as one of the countries where Christians face persecution and described Israel as uniquely capable of providing protection. Netanyahu’s comments prompted reactions from Nigerians, still reeling from the surprise U.S. airstrikes on Nigeria on Christmas Day. In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, Freeman stressed that Israel’s involvement would fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. “This is about working with Nigeria. This is not about working against Nigeria. It’s about partnering as allies to see what we can do together,” he said. Freeman added, “Netanyahu emphasised intelligence sharing as the main area for collaboration. We will work with the Nigerian government to help prevent attacks not just on Christians, but on Muslims and all Nigerians. Our goal is to work together to stop all violence in the country.” He also noted that Netanyahu’s comments were not limited to Nigeria but applied to other nations around the world where Christians face persecution.

Read More

Netanyahu Announces Israel’s Initiative To Protect Christian Communities In Nigeria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for Israel to launch a “new front” focused on protecting Christian communities in Africa and the Middle East, including Nigeria. The announcement was made during a speech on Wednesday, later shared on the official YouTube channel of the Israeli Prime Minister. Addressing Christian Zionists, Netanyahu said Israel’s engagement is expanding beyond military operations to counter what he described as global threats to Judeo-Christian values. He referenced Israel’s recent “seven-front war,” which he said the country had largely overcome, but noted that a new challenge had emerged. This initiative, he said, will target public opinion, particularly among young people, in a battle for “hearts and minds.” “I see the battle against us and the battle against our Judeo-Christian tradition basically being waged around the globe,” Netanyahu said. He identified “radical Shiite Islam and radical Sunni Islam” as the main forces behind the challenge, pointing to Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood as leading opposing axes. Netanyahu added that the threat extends beyond Israel, affecting allies such as the United States and the broader Western world. Noting the persecution of Christians in several countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Turkey, Netanyahu said Israel is uniquely positioned to protect these communities and support their growth. He further announced plans to form a coalition of countries, modeled on a United Nations framework, to support and safeguard Christian communities worldwide, especially those facing threats and persecution.

Read More