Israel Strikes Key Iranian Bank in Tehran, Disrupting Regime Payroll
Overnight missile strike hits Bank Sepah’s digital security center in Tehran, Iran’s largest state-run bank and primary payer of salaries to military and IRGC forces.
The targeted facility on Haghani Street was destroyed while processing payments for regime troops, causing widespread disruption to online banking services at Sepah and Melli banks.
Bank Sepah, long sanctioned by the U.S. for funding Iran’s military and nuclear programs, is a critical financial lifeline for the regime’s security apparatus.
In response, Iran’s IRGC and Khatam al-Anbiya command vowed retaliation, threatening U.S. and Israeli-linked banks and economic targets across the region. Officials warned civilians to stay at least one kilometer from such sites, signaling potential escalation against Western financial interests.
The precision strike comes amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli operations that have degraded Iran’s missile and command infrastructure, hitting the regime where it hurts most: its ability to pay fighters.
Romania Grants U.S. Access to Key NATO Base for Middle East Operations
Romania has approved a U.S. request for temporary use of Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Europe’s largest NATO facility on the Black Sea coast.
The Supreme Council of National Defense gave the green light, allowing American refueling aircraft, fighter jet deployments, surveillance gear, and up to 500 personnel to support ongoing operations in the Middle East, including against Iran.
President Nicusor Dan described the move as strictly defensive, with no munitions storage involved. Parliament backed the decision with a strong majority vote despite opposition from far-right parties. The base, already home to around 1,000 U.S. troops, provides critical logistics close to conflict zones while enhancing NATO’s eastern flank posture.
This step reinforces strong U.S.-Romanian alliance ties and ensures reliable forward support for American forces facing threats from Tehran, even as risks of escalation remain real near Russia’s sphere of influence.
Iran Ships Over 11 Million Barrels of Oil to China Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing War
Since the U.S.-Israel war with Iran kicked off on February 28, 2026, Iran has quietly moved more than 11 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz—all headed straight to China, according to CNBC reporting.
While the strait remains largely choked off, with traffic plummeting and multiple vessels attacked (including at least 10 hit, resulting in seven seafarer deaths), Iran selectively clears passage for its key ally.
Post-war flows average around 1.22 million barrels per day, down from a February high of 2.16 million, as Tehran leans on less efficient export routes like the Jask terminal to keep supplies moving.
The favoritism fuels China’s strategic stockpiles, now sitting at roughly 1.2 billion barrels, even as the broader disruption spikes global oil prices to a four-year peak near $120 per barrel before easing slightly.
In response, the IEA is preparing to tap 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to calm markets.
In the middle of escalating conflict, one lane stays open—for the right buyer.
LETHAL IRANIAN ELITES: ‘BLACK CLADS’ DEPLOYED TO PROTECT NEW SUPREME LEADER.
An elite counterterrorism unit has been deployed to protect Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei report shows.
The force, known as NOPO Iran’s black-clad Counterterrorism Special Force was assigned to safeguard the leader after a U.S.-Israel strike on a Tehran compound on Feb. 28 killed the elder Khamenei amid the start of Operation Epic Fury .
“With Khamenei gone, NOPO will now be protecting Mojtaba Khamenei,” Ali Safavi, an official with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI said.
“With Khamenei gone, NOPO will now be protecting Mojtaba Khamenei,” Ali Safavi, an official with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI said.
The force, formed in 1991, was initially the “nucleus” of the IRGC’s 28th Ruhollah (Khomeini’s first name) Division, according to Safavi, and typically handles hostage rescue operations .
The history of the unit also includes deployments against internal security threats, and it has often been called on to suppress protests.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei on March 8, 2026, elevating him as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
His succession comes amid ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel, but so far, Mojtaba Khamenei has not been heard from since the start of the conflict.
“NOPO is the Farsi acronym for Nirouyeh Vijeh Pasdaran Velayat, which translates into the Special Force to Protect the Supreme Leader,” Safavi further explained.
Over time, NOPO has evolved into a highly specialized unit distinct from the broader Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military branch established in 1979 to defend the Islamic Republic and its leadership from internal and external threats.
“The NOPO is composed of six brigades only. Four are stationed in Tehran, one in Mashhad and one in Isfahan,” Safavi said.
“They are far more lethal, ruthless and well-trained than the IRGC,” he claimed before describing how the brigade’s loyalty was exclusively to the Supreme Leader.
“This force was only used for the protection of Khamenei,” Safavi continued. “They are very well equipped . Khamenei did not trust any other security force for his protection.”
Safavi also said some members of the unit were killed in Ali Khamenei’s assassination but that the force remains fully operational.
“Some of the NOPO were killed when Khamenei was killed, but the fact is that they are now involved in the suppressive and security measures the regime has also undertaken in recent days to prevent any outbreak of protests,” Safavi said.
The elite force’s activities extend beyond personal protection in times of crisis, Safavi added.
“But in times of crisis, such as what happened during the January uprising, they were heavily involved in opening fire on the protesters ,” he said.
This comes amid reports that hundreds of NOPO members have also been widely deployed around prisons in Iran that are holding political detainees .
“Hundreds of suppressive forces are widely deployed around the prison. In Ghezel Hesar Prison,” the NCRI said in a statement. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the bombing of a military center near Mahabad Prison, prisoners whose ward doors had been locked protested and set fire to their blankets, demanding their release under wartime conditions.
“Suppressive forces responded by firing tear gas into the ward,” the NCRI reported.
Reports also indicated NOPO had taken control of Evin Prison in Tehran following the flight of regular prison officials amid intensified conflict.
In 2021, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on NOPO for its part in committing “serious human rights abuses against persons in Iran or Iranian citizens or residents, or the family members of the foregoing.”
Iran Eyes California in Retaliatory Drone Plot, FBI Warns
The FBI has alerted California law enforcement to a credible Iranian plan to launch surprise drone attacks on unspecified West Coast targets from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast.
According to an end-of-February bulletin reviewed by ABC News, intelligence from early February 2026 indicates Iran intended to strike California in direct response to anticipated American military action against the regime.
The alert states: “We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”
Officials noted no further details on timing, exact methods, specific targets, or responsible parties.
This warning surfaces amid ongoing U.S. and allied strikes on Iranian military assets, now entering their third week, following Tehran’s aggressive actions in the region.
Adding to the threat display, Iran’s state-affiliated Fars News Agency recently released footage touring an extensive underground “missile city” stocked with rows of drones and missiles ready for launch, walls lined with Iranian flags—a clear propaganda effort to project strength and deter further attacks.
America faces a determined enemy willing to bring the fight to our homeland. Border security and coastal defenses must be strengthened immediately to counter this escalating danger from a regime that has already shown its readiness to target U.S. interests.
Iranian Kurdish leader Abdullah Mohtadi says Kurdish forces are preparing to move into Iran once the regime weakens, revealing long-standing coordination with the United States.
Mohtadi stated that his party has maintained contact with Washington for years and even has a registered representative in the U.S. capital. He said Kurdish forces worked closely with the United States during the fight against ISIS and were trained by American forces more than a decade ago.
According to Mohtadi, Kurdish groups have repeatedly proven to be “good, reliable allies” of the United States.
He also claimed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and security forces in Iranian Kurdistan are currently under constant U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, forcing many of them to abandon their barracks and military bases. He alleged that some units have moved into civilian areas, including sports facilities, mosques, schools, and residential zones.
Mohtadi said Kurdish forces are waiting for the Iranian regime’s security forces to weaken enough for a popular uprising to occur. At that point, he says Peshmerga fighters are ready to move in to protect Kurdish civilians, secure the region, and ensure basic services continue to operate.
He also accused the Iranian government of carrying out a mass killing of its own people last month, claiming more than 30,000 people were killed within 48 hours, and said Kurdish forces must be prepared to prevent further massacres.
“We have to protect our people and provide security for them,” Mohtadi said. “And that’s exactly what we are going to do.”
Court hears Mugabe’s son and co-accused are in South Africa illegally
By: Kaya 959
The son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has appeared in court in South Africa, where it emerged that he and his co-accused are in the country illegally.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhdze, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where they abandoned their bail application and indicated that they would like to negotiate a plea deal with the state.
The decision follows the state’s completion of its verification process regarding Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe’s legal status in South Africa.
It has since been confirmed that both accused are in the country illegally.
Their attorney, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, says this development could negatively affect their prospects of applying for bail.
The pair face several charges linked to last month’s shooting of a gardener at Mugabe’s residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, north of Johannesburg.
The charges include attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, defeating the ends of justice, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
BREAKING: Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly FLEES to military base as threats — and Epstein outrage — mount.
Donald Trump’s attorney general is now living behind the walls of a military base — and the reasons say a lot about the chaos swirling around this administration.
According to a new report, Attorney General Pam Bondi quietly moved out of her Washington, D.C. apartment and into heavily guarded military housing after federal officials flagged growing threats against her.
The threats reportedly come from multiple directions.
Some are linked to international tensions after the Trump administration’s dramatic move to capture Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro earlier this year — a decision that reportedly triggered threats from drug cartels.
But that’s not the only source of anger.
Bondi has also faced fierce backlash from Americans furious over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Critics say the Justice Department’s document release was botched — exposing victims’ information while still leaving key details about Epstein’s powerful associates hidden from the public.
Now Bondi has joined a growing list of Trump administration officials who have relocated to secure military housing in or near Washington. Among them: Trump immigration architect Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former homeland security chief Kristi Noem, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — all reportedly living in fortified government facilities.
The arrangement is raising eyebrows because political appointees with no direct military role are suddenly taking advantage of taxpayer-funded base housing on a large scale — something critics say is highly unusual.
Think about that for a moment.
An administration that built its brand on projecting strength now has some of its most powerful officials retreating behind military security perimeters in the nation’s capital.
And the backlash fueling it is coming from all directions — foreign adversaries, furious critics, and Americans still demanding answers about one of the darkest scandals in modern history.
When the attorney general has to relocate to a military base amid mounting outrage and threats, it’s a pretty clear sign that something in Washington is very, very wrong. It makes you wonder what the Trump administration has up its sleeves next that they’ll need to be so protected.
BREAKING: Trump’s “persecuted” White South African refugees are heading home — saying life in America is worse.
Donald Trump spent months claiming that white South Africans were victims of persecution and needed refuge in the United States — all while barring refugees from every other country, particularly Muslim and non-white asylum seekers.
Now, many of these Afrikaner “refugees” are packing up and going back.
According to new reporting, some of the very people Trump’s administration welcomed under its controversial refugee program for white South Africans are deciding they’d rather live in South Africa — saying the United States has become too expensive, too chaotic, and too dangerous.
One of them, Andrew Veitch, moved to California in 2003 after being robbed at gunpoint in South Africa. But after two decades in America, he says the situation here feels worse.
“People are being shot in broad daylight,” Veitch said. “American citizens are being shot and killed. I don’t want to live in a place like this.”
Thousands of white South Africans are now exploring a return home. The South African government says about 1,000 people have already reclaimed citizenship under a new program designed to help former citizens come back.
Their reasons? Lower living costs, being closer to family — and growing political turmoil abroad.
In other words, the reality is clashing hard with the narrative.
Trump and his allies have repeatedly pushed the conspiracy theory that white South Africans are victims of a so-called “white genocide.” But South African officials say there is no evidence of systematic persecution against white citizens, and crime statistics show violence affects people of all races — often hitting Black South Africans even harder.
Even so, the Trump administration launched a refugee resettlement program heavily focused on Afrikaners, the descendants of Dutch settlers.
But now the irony is becoming impossible to ignore.
The same country Trump portrayed as a safe haven for supposedly persecuted white South Africans is, for some of them, simply not worth staying in.
When the people your policy was supposedly rescuing decide they’d rather go back where they came from, it raises a pretty uncomfortable question: Was the crisis ever real in the first place — or was it just another political talking point? We’re pretty sure it’s the latter.
THREE SHIPS HIT IN ONE DAY — THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS NO LONGER SAFE FOR ANYONE ON EARTH
They hit one. Then another. Then a third. In a single night, three cargo vessels were struck by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz the narrow waterway that carries 20% of the world’s entire oil supply.
The attacks were reported within hours of each other, stretching from 93 kilometres northwest of Dubai to waters north of Oman and off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed all three incidents. Crews were evacuated. Search operations launched. The ocean that feeds the world’s energy supply is now a live firing range. This is no longer a war between two nations. This is a war on global trade itself.
AFRICA, COUNT THE COST :
➡️ Three ships attacked in one night alone
➡️ The UAE coastline is now inside the conflict zone
➡️ Dubai — Africa’s biggest trading hub — is 93km from the attacks
➡️ Every shipping company on earth is now rerouting away from Hormuz
➡️ Longer routes mean higher costs — and Africa pays that price at the pump The world’s most powerful navies are circling.
Insurance companies are pulling out. Shipping giants are pausing operations. And at the end of that chain, ordinary Africans will pay more for fuel, food and goods imported through these very waters.
Three ships in one day. Tomorrow the number could be higher.
How many ships need to burn before the world calls this World War III? Drop your thoughts below.
Trump Refuses to Tip His Hand on Iran: “We’re Not Finished Yet”
President Trump shut down a reporter’s attempt to pry into U.S. military strategy against the Iranian regime, delivering a sharp, no-nonsense response that underscores strong leadership in wartime.
Asked if the United States would withdraw from Iran even if uranium stockpiles remain unseized, Trump fired back: “I’m NOT gonna answer that! We have hit them harder than virtually any country in history’s been hit — and we’re not finished yet.”
This comes as U.S. forces, in coordination with Israel, continue devastating strikes that have crippled Iran’s military capabilities, sunk vessels, and cleared threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The president has made clear the operation is advancing rapidly, with little left to target and victory within reach on America’s terms.
Trump’s refusal to detail plans protects operational security, keeps the enemy guessing, and avoids handing propaganda wins to the mullahs or the fake news media. Smart presidents don’t telegraph moves to reporters—especially not when American strength is delivering decisive blows.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Watches Another Missile Launch as World Looks Elsewhere
Pyongyang flexed its naval muscle again Tuesday, firing strategic cruise missiles from its 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon for the second time in a week. State media reported the projectiles flew nearly three hours over the Yellow Sea before hitting island targets.
Kim observed the test remotely via video feed, seated beside his daughter, and praised the results as proof of reliable command systems and combat readiness.
The timing aligns with ongoing U.S.-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises, a familiar trigger for North Korean provocations. Pyongyang routinely uses such drills to justify missile activity and underscore its nuclear deterrent.
While global attention fixates on Middle East conflicts and other crises, Rocket Man ensures no one forgets he remains in the game.
These launches from the regime’s largest warship signal steady progress in long-range strike capability, nuclear-capable by North Korean definition. The message is clear: Pyongyang refuses to be sidelined.
JAPAN DRAINS EMERGENCY OIL STOCKS AS STRAIT OF HORMUZ BLOCKADE BITES
Japan just triggered its first emergency oil reserve release in half a century. Starting March 16, 2026, the country begins drawing down private stocks equivalent to 15 days of supply and will tap full state reserves to cover roughly a month.
With total stockpiles at 254 days—one of the largest cushions on the planet—Japan is still staring down a brutal reality: 95% of its crude imports normally flow through the now-blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The narrow chokepoint carries 21% of global oil trade.
The move buys time and prevents immediate shortages, but the clock is ticking hard.
If the Iran–US conflict keeps the strait closed for weeks, elevated global crude prices and supply stress across Asia become almost certain. Markets are already pricing in the risk
President Trump Slams Spain: “We May Cut Off Trade” Over NATO Freeloading and Base Denial
President Donald Trump didn’t hold back today on the South Lawn, blasting Spain for failing to pull its weight in NATO and refusing U.S. forces access to bases for critical operations against Iran.
In a fiery statement captured on Fox News, Trump laid it out plain and simple:
“We may cut off trade with Spain!”
“I don’t know what Spain’s doing, they’ve been VERY bad to NATO. They get protected, they don’t want to pay their fair share, and they’ve been that way for many years.”
“They’re not cooperating at all! Spain? I think they’ve been very BAD. Very bad. Not good at all.”
This comes after Spain’s socialist government blocked American use of key bases like Rota and Morón for missions tied to recent strikes on Iran, forcing the U.S. to relocate aircraft. Spain remains one of the lowest defense spenders in NATO, stubbornly resisting calls to step up to fair levels while enjoying American protection.
THE MAN WHO THOUGHT HE BORROWED, BUT ACTUALLY SOLD HIS HOUSE
Picture this:
A man walks into what he believes is a loan office. He needs money, pledges his property as security, and walks out thinking he has simply borrowed cash that he will later repay. The paperwork, however, tells a different story.
According to the documents he signed, he did not borrow money at all. He sold his property, with the privilege, note not the right, to buy it back later. As you might imagine, this difference is not the sort lawyers quibble over for sport. It is the difference between owning your house and watching someone else claim it.
Time passes. The man pays some money back and insists he has fully repaid what he calls the loan. The company, meanwhile, says, “Loan? What loan? You sold us the property. If you wanted it back, you had to pay the agreed price within the agreed time, and you didn’t.”
So off they go to court.
The man argues that the “sale agreement” was merely a clever disguise for a loan. Courts, he reminds us, are supposed to look at the substance of a deal rather than the fancy labels printed on the paper. A fair point. Courts do not wear blinders.
But here is where the case ran aground. The man tried to prove that interest and other charges had been secretly deducted from the money he received. His key piece of evidence was a lonely handwritten note floating in the record like a message in a bottle, unsigned, undated, and with no clear author. The court quite sensibly said nice story, but proof requires more than mysterious scribbles.
Without proof of those deductions, the documents spoke for themselves. And those documents said “sale,” not “loan.” The man also stayed on the property after the agreed time expired, which the court said justified compensation for the inconvenience.
So, the appeal was dismissed.
The moral of the story? When you sign documents, read them carefully because courts enforce what is written, not what you hoped the deal meant. And if you plan to challenge a contract later, bring better evidence than a scrap of paper that looks like it escaped from someone’s pocket notebook.
Disclaimer: My commentary on this decision is no more a legal critique than a campfire tale is a treatise on thermodynamics. It is, rather, a dramatized retelling, a lively reenactment if you will, of the judicial clash, unburdened by the solemn drudgery of analysis and delivered with the unapologetic zest of a storyteller who knows a good duel when he sees one.
Bangladesh Scores Rare Passage Through Iran’s Hormuz Blockade
Amid escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict that has shut the Strait of Hormuz to most global shipping since early March 2026, Iran has granted Bangladeshi oil and LNG tankers safe transit.
The deal requires advance notification to Iranian authorities before vessels enter the strategic chokepoint. It follows direct talks between Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Iran’s ambassador in Dhaka, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi.
The exception comes as Iran restricts traffic tied to the US and Israel, while the strait closure has spiked oil prices, halted routine transits, and forced many nations into energy rationing or scramble for alternatives.
Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported fuel, secured the waiver to keep supplies flowing—one shipment of 27,000 tonnes of diesel already reached Chattogram port, with four more vessels en route.
Social media buzzes with gratitude from Bangladeshis toward Iran, with many framing it as a sign of growing brotherhood between the two nations in a polarized region.
Meanwhile, selective access highlights how Tehran is now deciding who gets through in the world’s most vital oil artery.
ISRAEL ACCUSES MOJTABA KHAMANEI OF CARRYING HIS FATHER’S LEGACY OF VIOLENCE.
Israel has strongly criticized Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, claiming that he is continuing the violent legacy associated with his late father’s rule.
In a post shared on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry reacted to Mojtaba Khamenei’s emergence as Iran’s third Supreme Leader, stating that his leadership reflects the saying that “the apple does not fall far from the tree.” According to a report published by The Times of Israel on March 9, 2026, Israeli officials accused Mojtaba of being deeply connected to the bloodshed that characterized the decades-long leadership of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Israeli Foreign Minister declared, “Mojtaba Khamenei’s hands are already stained with the bloodshed that defined his father’s rule.” He further suggested that Iran now faces the rise of another authoritarian leader who may continue what Israel describes as a long-standing pattern of repression by the Iranian government.
Shortly after his father’s death, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late cleric, assumed the country’s highest political and religious position. His appointment has been described by observers as a major turning point in Iran’s political history.
The joint US-Israeli military actions were said to have targeted Iran’s strategic command centers in an attempt to weaken the Islamic Republic’s leadership structure and limit its regional influence.
For decades, the elder Khamenei maintained tight control over Iran while facing accusations from Western countries of overseeing political repression, supporting armed proxy groups across the Middle East, and advancing Iran’s nuclear program despite international pressure.
Before becoming Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei was widely known as a powerful but largely behind-the-scenes figure within his father’s inner circle. According to insiders, Iran’s Assembly of Experts approved his elevation to the position under significant influence from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
His rise to power is also notable because it marks the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that leadership of the Islamic Republic has effectively passed directly from father to son.
NATO’S ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE STRATEGY AND WHY IT’S NOT APPLICABLE IN IRAN WAR.
NATO, the top military alliance of the West led by the US, is not helping Washington’s military interests in its ongoing joint operations with Israel against Iran. This is a sharp contrast with how the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was eager to help Ukraine against Russia, even though Kyiv is not even a member of the military alliance. What explains the dichotomy? Here is what you should know.
So far, NATO appears to have limited its role to defensive measures, rhetorical backing and possible logistical support. Forces of the 32-member alliance are not directly participating in airstrikes on Iran.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said many European leaders ‘support the goals’ of the operation.
“I feel widespread support in Europe,” Rutte said, while expressing backing for taking out Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
But Rutte spoke mainly about defending Nato territory, not about direct military help. He described Iran as “an exporter of chaos that posed far-reaching danger” and warned the alliance would protect its members if needed. Noting that Iran is ‘an exporter of chaos that posed far-reaching danger’, he stressed that NATO’s focus remains defensive, and vowed to defend ‘every inch of NATO territory if needed.’
“NATO is well-postured to defend Allied populations against ballistic threats,” he added.
Interestingly, when it comes to ‘NATO territory’, one must remember that Turkey, which borders the Middle East, is also a NATO member.
Some ballistic missiles launched from Iran entered Turkish airspace and were intercepted by NATO defence systems. However, most of the incidents are being viewed as unintended spillover, even as Turkish officials warned Iran against violating their airspace.
Debris from intercepted missiles fell in southern Turkey. It is unclear whether Iran was directly targeting Turkey to provoke a NATO response. Some analysts believe the ballistic missiles were intended for the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey or targets near Gaziantep.
Iran officially denied targeting Turkey. NATO condemned the actions, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned Tehran that violations of Turkish sovereignty would not be tolerated.
“Turkey does not want to be dragged into this war,” Erdoğan said.
Rutte has made it clear that “nobody’s talking about Article 5.” Article 5 is Nato’s collective defence clause, under which an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
One reason it has not been invoked so far in the Iran war is that Article 5 requires a direct armed attack on a NATO member in Europe or North America.
One could stretch that argument to Turkey, but missile interceptions over Turkish airspace did not trigger collective defence discussions. Most Iranian strikes so far have targeted US facilities in the Middle East, not NATO territory.
Some analysts and officials say invoking Article 5 would require a ‘large-scale attack or invasion of a NATO member,’ which has not happened.
The UK, Italy and France have reportedly allowed the use of some bases and equipment. The UK also deployed four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar for regional defence.
However, this support came after initial hesitation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at first restricted US access to some bases, including facilities linked to Cyprus. He called for diplomacy and questioned the legality of the conflict.
“The conflict could continue for some time… the best way forward for Iran would be a negotiated settlement,” Starmer said earlier.
Later, the UK allowed limited use of its facilities by American forces.
US President Donald Trump criticised the delay. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “We don’t need your help if you’re going to hesitate and then claim credit later.”
What also stood out like a sore thumb on the presumed NATO unity was Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s refusal to allow the US access to Spanish bases. Calling the US actions in Iran illegal under international law, he reiterated Spain’s position of “No to war.”
Another NATO member Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned about the lack of a clear exit strategy.
“Some traditional US allies are hemming and hawing about the use of force,” he said. He also said he was unhappy with Starmer, saying the British leader “took far too much time to reverse course” on base access.
Trump also attacked Spain’s position. “Spain has been terrible… cut off all dealings with Spain,” he said.
NATO member countries strongly supported Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022, even though Kyiv is not a member of the alliance. The alliance helped arm Ukraine heavily despite its military asymmetry with Russia. NATO countries including the US, mainly under President Joe Biden supplied Ukraine with billions of dollars and euros in weapons, training, intelligence and air-defence systems. The power acquired through military and financial aid helped Ukraine prolong its resistance to the Russian invasion for more than four years.
The argument is that Ukraine had the right to self-defence against what the alliance called Russia’s “brutal and unprovoked war of aggression.”
NATO also sees Russia as the most significant and direct threat to Allied security. The Russian invasion was viewed by many European NATO members as a direct and potentially existential threat, making Ukraine’s defence central to European stability.
The cautious NATO stance in the Iran war, by contrast, stems partly from the fact that the US-Israel campaign is viewed by many allies as an offensive operation launched outside NATO territory.
That distinction limits NATO’s legal mandate under Article 5. There has also been no formal request from the US for NATO military intervention. Trump has occasionally said the US can finish the job in Iran on its own.
Rutte described the situation as an “and-and” approach: enabling US actions in the Middle East while ensuring Ukraine “has what it needs to stay strong in the fight.”
The difference reflects NATO’s doctrine: strong support for defensive wars that directly affect European security, but far greater caution about joining offensive conflicts abroad. NATO nations in Europe are already worn out by the Russia-Ukraine war. They just cannot afford to get drawn into another conflict, happening away from its core area of operation.
BREAKING NEWS: The Given Lubinda Led Patriotic Front PF has launched a New Alliance Named,”PF PAMODZI ALLIANCE. Acting Alliance President Given Lubinda has announced the Official exit from Tonse Alliance.
…It would be a sin, Munir says as he eyes Haimbe’s seat
By Charles Musonda
I CAN never work with Mr[President] Hakainde Hichilema, says former Lumezi member of Parliament Munir Zulu.
And Zulu says he is eyeing Lusaka Central seat and has warned incumbent member of Parliament (MP) and foreign affairs minister Mulambo Haimbe to be worried.
“It is too soon for me to share my ugly prison experience. I will share the story with you at the right time. My story will not be shared now for so many reasons. I have got to engage the family. I have to settle down,” he said.
“The only decision I made while in prison is very simple; which I don’t need to consult even God. I will never>>read more>> https://mastmediazm.com/2026/03/i-can-never-work-with-hh/
MILES SAMPA OBJECTS TO NG’ONA’S APPLICATION FOR A STAY OF JUDGMENT
Lusaka-11th March 2026
Patriotic Front President Miles Sampa has objected to an urgent and exparte application to stay the high court judgment that has confirmed the dismissal of Morgan Ng’ona as Secretary General.
In his application to the Lusaka high court as a defendant, Sampa has stated that since Ng’ona sued him on 3rd July 2024, he has never filed any statements to support his legal suit despite the passage of considerable time.
He stated that Ng’ona’s application for a stay is merely intended to frustrate and delay the final resolution of the case.
He stated that the application to stay the judgment was an abuse of the court process as the appeal has no discernible prospect of succeeding.
He urged the court to dismiss the application for lack of merit.
On 3rd March, Judge Hon. Mrs. Justice Conceptor Chinyanwa Zulu dismissed Ng’ona’s legal action against Sampa for failing to prosecute it.
Sampa had fired Ng’ona and removed expelled Mafinga MP, Robert Chabinga as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Ng’ona sued Sampa for what he claimed was erong dismissal.
🇿🇲 EXPLAINER | Ng’ona Appeals High Court Ruling in PF Leadership Dispute With Sampa
The legal contest over authority within the Patriotic Front has moved to the Court of Appeal after Morgan Ng’ona formally challenged a Lusaka High Court ruling that dismissed his case against Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa. Court records show that the appeal was filed on 10 March 2026 following the High Court decision delivered by Justice Conceptor Chinyanwa Zulu on 3 March 2026.
Ng’ona, who has been acting as Secretary General aligned to the Robert Chabinga faction of the Patriotic Front, had approached the High Court to challenge Sampa’s decision to remove him from the position of Secretary General. He also sought a declaration that Sampa’s move to dissolve the party’s Central Committee was illegal on grounds that the PF president did not possess such powers under the party’s governing structures.
However, the High Court dismissed the matter in its entirety after finding that the case had not been actively pursued over an extended period. Justice Chinyanwa Zulu struck out the application for want of prosecution, a procedural outcome that occurs when a party who files a matter fails to move it forward within a reasonable timeframe.
Ng’ona has now appealed that decision, arguing that the High Court erred in both law and fact. In the Notice of Appeal filed before the Court of Appeal, the appellant states:
“TAKE NOTICE that the Appellant herein being dissatisfied with the whole of the Ruling of Honourable Madam Justice C. Chinyanwa Zulu given in the Lusaka High Court on the 3rd March 2026 intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal.”
The Memorandum of Appeal further sets out the grounds on which the decision is being challenged. One of the key arguments advanced by Ng’ona is that the High Court failed to consider several procedural applications that had been filed by both parties since the case began. The appeal document states:
“The learned trial Judge in the Court below erred in law and fact when she dismissed the matter herein for want of prosecution without taking into account several interlocutory applications on the record that both parties made since the matter commenced.”
Ng’ona also argues that the court misdirected itself when it dismissed the matter based on an application made by Sampa without determining whether the delay in prosecution created a risk to the fairness of the trial. The appeal document states:
“The learned trial Judge in the Court below misdirected herself in law and fact when she dismissed the matter for want of prosecution on an application made by the Defendant herein without making a finding as to whether the Plaintiff’s delay in the prosecution of the matter would give rise to a substantial risk capable of endangering a fair trial.”
The dispute reflects the deeper political fragmentation that has defined the Patriotic Front since it lost power in the 2021 general election. After former president Edgar Lungu created a leadership hiatus by hesitation, competing centres of authority emerged within the party. Miles Sampa initially consolidated control of the PF secretariat during the dramatic events of 2023 and declared himself party president, a move that was at the time supported by several figures within the party, including Robert Chabinga.
This alliance did not last. Differences soon emerged between Sampa and Chabinga over control of the party structures and political direction. As the divisions deepened, Sampa’s authority within some PF circles weakened, leading to parallel structures and rival claims to legitimacy inside the party. Morgan Ng’ona’s legal action forms part of that broader contest over who legitimately controls the PF’s administrative machinery and constitutional structures.
The outcome of the appeal carries political implications beyond the courtroom. Zambia is moving toward the 13 August 2026 general election, and the continued fragmentation of the Patriotic Front has already reshaped the opposition landscape. Multiple political actors who once operated within PF structures are now positioning themselves independently, while the party itself continues to struggle with unresolved leadership disputes.
The Court of Appeal will now determine whether the High Court was correct in dismissing the case for want of prosecution. If the appellate court finds merit in Ng’ona’s arguments, the matter could be revived and returned to the High Court for full hearing.
If the appeal fails, the dismissal will stand, effectively closing this particular legal challenge against Miles Sampa’s actions within the party.
For now, the Patriotic Front’s internal struggle continues to play out not only in political meetings and press conferences, but also within Zambia’s judicial system, where competing factions are seeking legal confirmation of authority as the country moves steadily toward another election cycle.
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“I AM NOT CONTESTING FOR THE PRESIDENCY THIS YEAR; WE ARE SUPPORTING HH” – HAMUDUDU
Party for National Unity and Progress (PNUP President), Highvie Hamududu has announced that he will not contest the August 13 general elections, revealing that his party has resolved to unanimously support Hakainde Hichilema for the presidency.
Mr. Hamududu says the decision follows what the party describes as good leadership demonstrated by President Hichilema during his first term in office.
He cited economic achievements, including the appreciation of the Kwacha, a reduction in inflation, and lower fuel prices, as some of the factors that influenced the party’s decision.
Speaking in an interview with Sun FM TV News, Mr. Hamududu explained that as a UPND alliance partner, PNUP will instead focus on sharing parliamentary seats and wards with the ruling party, while working to ensure that President Hichilema wins the presidential race.
Mr. Hamududu further clarified that he has not formally withdrawn from the presidential race, noting that nominations have not yet been filed
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), faces a significant internal reckoning as internal timelines approach a critical juncture.
The reminder issued by party member Charles Longwe concerning the expiration of the tenures for President Hakainde Hichilema and the National Management Committee in February 2026 brings into sharp focus the necessity of adhering to constitutional mandates regarding internal democratic processes.
Specifically, the impending need to hold a National Convention to elect office bearers poses a crucial test for the UPND’s commitment to intra-party democracy, especially given the party’s historical tendency toward uncontested leadership selections.
This situation presents an opportunity for the UPND to solidify its democratic credentials or risk undermining the very principles it champions at the national level.
Chatunga Mugabe Abandons Bail As Lawyers Seek Plea Negotiation In South Africa: What It Means And Will They Go To Jail Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his cousin Tobias Matonhodze have abandoned their bail application at the Alexandra Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, with their lawyers now pursuing a plea negotiation that could determine the outcome of the case without a full trial. The development, which emerged on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, means the pair will remain in custody while negotiations with prosecutors take place, with jail time now a near-certainty.
The matter has been postponed to 17 March 2026 to allow the legal teams and the State to begin discussions under South African law. The move marks a major shift in the defence strategy after weeks of court delays and bail proceedings linked to the high-profile case.
According to posts shared by ZimLive on 11 March 2026, the accused opted to withdraw their bail bid in favour of negotiating a plea agreement.
“Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his cousin Tobias Matonhodze, accused of attempted murder and immigration offences, have abandoned their bail application at the Alexandra Magistrates Court in Johannesburg.”
“Their lawyers want a plea negotiation under which the pair will plead guilty in exchange for a negotiated sentence.”
The pair will remain behind bars until their next court appearance on 17 March.
Why The Bail Application Was Withdrawn And What It Means For Jail Time Abandoning a bail application does not end the case. Instead, it means the accused are choosing not to pursue release from custody while the matter is being negotiated. The most pressing question for observers is whether the pair will actually serve time behind bars.
Legal observers say the decision often indicates that the defence believes a negotiated outcome may be quicker or more favourable than a lengthy trial. However, under the Section 105A process, a negotiated sentence will almost certainly involve a period of imprisonment.
In this case, the process will take place under Section 105A of South Africa’s Criminal Procedure Act, which allows prosecutors and defence lawyers to reach a plea agreement before trial.
The court must still approve any plea agreement reached between the State and the defence. If the court accepts the plea deal, Chatunga and Matonhodze will be sentenced immediately and will begin serving their time.
If the court rejects the agreement, the matter will proceed to trial, with the pair remaining in custody unless they successfully apply for bail, which they have now abandoned.
What Charges The Two Men Are Facing And Why Jail Is Likely The full list of charges against Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze is as follows:
1. Attempted murder – This is the primary charge relating to the shooting of the 23-year-old gardener at the Hyde Park residence on 19 February 2026. The victim remains in the hospital in a critical condition.
2. Possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition – Prosecutors allege the pair were in unlawful possession of the weapon used in the shooting. The firearm itself has reportedly not been recovered by police.
3. Defeating the ends of justice – This charge relates to the disappearance of the firearm allegedly used in the incident. Investigators deployed forensic specialists and sniffer dogs in an unsuccessful search for the weapon, and there are allegations that the crime scene may have been tampered with before officers arrived.
4. Pointing a firearm – This charge stems from a separate incident. According to reports, this case was originally opened at Bramley Police Station in 2023 but was later closed after authorities were unable to locate the suspect. It has now been revived and added to the current charges.
5. Theft – This charge has been included in the updated charge sheet, though specific details about the alleged theft have not been publicly detailed.
6. Contravening the Immigration Act – This charge relates to Mugabe’s legal status in South Africa. Prosecutors allege he is in the country illegally. The charge of violating the Immigration Act is understood to stem from a separate incident reported in February 2026.
Attempted murder carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment under South African law. The State has also indicated it will be opposing bail, and the firearm used in the shooting has reportedly not yet been recovered by police.
Immigration Status Also Raised In Court And Timeline Of Key Dates Another issue that emerged during the proceedings concerns the accused men’s immigration status in South Africa.
Attorney Sinenhlanhla Mnguni addressed journalists outside the court, according to video reports shared by Kaya News.
“The State has found Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze are in South Africa illegally.”
The immigration charge adds another layer of complexity to an already explosive case. The Department of Home Affairs is expected to provide clarity on the pair’s legal standing in the country when proceedings resume. If found guilty of contravening the Immigration Act, the pair could face fines or imprisonment, and may be declared undesirable persons, leading to deportation after serving any sentence.
Timeline Of Key Dates: 19 February 2026 – Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze are arrested following the shooting incident at the Hyde Park residence. The victim, a 23-year-old employee, is hospitalised in critical condition.
23 February 2026 – The pair appear in the Alexandra Magistrates Court. Prosecutors add charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and defeating the ends of justice. The court is initially mistakenly transported to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court instead of Alexandra, causing a delay.
3 March 2026 – Bail application scheduled but postponed due to outstanding documents required by the defence.
5 March 2026 – Bail application postponed again due to a complete power failure at the Alexandra Magistrates Court. Magistrate Ruth Mhlanga reschedules the matter to 11 March 2026.
11 March 2026 – Chatunga and Matonhodze abandon their bail application entirely. Their legal team informs the court they will pursue Section 105A plea negotiations. The matter is transferred to the regional court and postponed to 17 March 2026.
17 March 2026 – The pair will return to court for the plea negotiation process to begin. Their legal team and prosecutors will present a negotiated plea agreement to the regional court for approval.
For now, the two accused remain in custody while the legal teams explore the possibility of a plea agreement.
If a plea negotiation is successful, the case could conclude without a full trial. However, the court must still review and approve any agreement reached between prosecutors and the defence. That agreement will almost certainly include a period of imprisonment.
The next key date in the case is 17 March 2026, when the matter returns to court for plea negotiations.
Until then, Mugabe and Matonhodze will remain behind bars in South Africa.
The United States has flatly denied that it was seeking access to Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, insisting that a proposed health-aid agreement abandoned on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s instructions contained no provisions related to the country’s critical minerals.
A US official familiar with the negotiations said Zimbabwe walked away from weeks of intensive technical talks without offering any explanation, having never raised political or policy concerns throughout the entire process.
“No policy or political concerns were relayed to us,” the official said, speaking off the record. “The government then notified us it was ceasing negotiations without stating why.”
The official was emphatic that the memorandum of understanding under discussion was strictly limited to public-health cooperation.
“The MOU focused solely on health cooperation and did not contain any provisions related to critical minerals, neither explicitly nor implicitly,” the official said. “This MoU is, and has always been, about the health of the Zimbabwean people.”
Washington said the agreement would have preserved long-standing global health-data standards, including the sharing of anonymous, aggregated epidemiological data used since the launch of PEPFAR in 2006 to track disease trends and direct treatment resources.
The collapse of the deal was confirmed by the US Embassy in Harare last week. Ambassador Pamela Tremont warned that the breakdown would rob Zimbabwean communities of significant benefits, particularly the 1.2 million people currently receiving HIV treatment through US-supported programmes.
“We now face the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The draft MoU carried $367 million in funding over five years.
The termination order traces back to a letter dated December 23, signed by Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs, indicating that Mnangagwa had personally ordered talks halted.
“Zimbabwe must discontinue any negotiation with the USA on the clearly lopsided MoU that blatantly compromises and undermines the sovereignty and independence of Zimbabwe,” the letter said.
The breakdown comes against the backdrop of Washington’s push for a new wave of bilateral health agreements under its America First framework, introduced following the sweeping downsizing of USAID under the Trump administration.
At least 20 African countries including Kenya, the DRC and Uganda have signed the agreements with the United States.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine now has “cards” after the United States asked Kyiv to help protect American military bases in the Middle East from Iranian drone attacks.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine has developed significant expertise in countering Iranian-designed drones during the war, which has made its technology and specialists valuable to partners.
Kyiv recently sent drone specialists and interceptor drones to help defend U.S. bases in Jordan after Washington requested assistance. Zelensky said Ukraine responded immediately.
The Ukrainian leader also suggested that countries in the Middle East could exchange air-defense missiles for Ukrainian drone-interception expertise as Kyiv continues to face shortages of advanced air-defense ammunition.
Read the full story on our website: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71678
Zimbabwean Millionaire Lands at His Rural Home in Two Helicopters but Refuses to Modernise It, Saying He Is Preserving His Ancestors’ Heritage
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has sparked a heated debate online after a video surfaced showing him arriving at his rural homestead in Chivhu using two helicopters — one carrying him and the other transporting his security team.
Chivayo is widely known as a successful entrepreneur and is considered a millionaire in US dollars and a billionaire when his wealth is converted into South African rands.
Despite his enormous wealth, many people were surprised to see that his rural family home remains very modest, consisting mainly of traditional huts, farming equipment, tractors and other basic rural structures.
The businessman explained that he has no plans to modernise the homestead, even though he could easily afford to transform it.
According to him, the rural property represents the heritage and history of his ancestors, and he wants to preserve it exactly as it was so that future generations of his family will always remember where they come from.
The video has triggered mixed reactions on social media.
Some people praised him for honouring his roots and protecting his cultural heritage, while others questioned why someone with such wealth would not upgrade the property to include modern facilities like solar power, boreholes or modern housing.
Still, the image of helicopters landing at a traditional rural homestead has become a powerful reminder that success does not always mean abandoning your past.
Breaking News : Iran Claims “Heaviest Operation” Of The War As Hours-long Missile Barrage Targets U.s. And Israeli Assets
Iran’s Isl∆mic Revolution∆ry Gu∆rd Corps (I₹GC) has announced that it carried out what it described as its “most intense and heaviest operation” overnight, launching a sustained wave of missile strikes aimed at U.S. and Israeli targets.
According to Iranian state media, the operation lasted around three hours and involved multiple missile launches as part of Iran’s ongoing military campaign linked to the expanding regional conflict.
Iranian reports stated that the barrage included the launch of a Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missile, one of the most powerful missiles in Iran’s arsenal. The Khorramshahr missile is known for its long range and ability to carry very heavy warheads, making it a significant component of Iran’s strategic missile forces.
The Isl∆mic Revolution∆ry Gu∆rd Corps claimed the strikes were directed against targets associated with the United States and Israel, although independent confirmation regarding the exact targets struck or the level of damage caused has not yet been fully verified by outside sources.
The overnight missile wave comes amid rapidly escalating tensions in the region, with repeated exchanges of strikes between Iran and Israel and growing concerns about a broader regional confrontation involving U.S. forces.
Military analysts note that the reported use of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile would represent a significant escalation in Iran’s missile operations, as the system is capable of delivering large warheads over considerable distances.
Further details about the scale of the attack, interception rates, and battlefield impact are still emerging.
South Africans Call for Bafana Bafana Defender Ime Okon to Be Dropped From the National Team, With Some Fans Saying He Should Represent Nigeria Instead as Identity Debate Erupts Online
A heated debate has erupted among South African football supporters following the recent national team call-up of young defender Ime Okon.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who currently plays for Hannover 96 in Germany, was included in the squad of Bafana Bafana for upcoming international matches.
However, the decision has divided opinion across social media platforms. Some South Africans have welcomed the defender into the national setup, praising his talent and saying the team should focus on selecting the best players available regardless of background.
But others have strongly criticized the call-up and are demanding that national team coach Hugo Broos remove him from the squad. A number of critics claim that because of his surname and paternal roots, he should consider representing Nigeria instead.
Supporters defending Okon argue that he is a South African citizen who has previously represented the country at youth level and deserves the same support given to other players who represented the national team in the past.
The discussion has also reminded many fans of the debates that surrounded former Bafana Bafana captain Dean Furman during his playing days, when questions about identity and heritage were also raised by sections of the public.
For now, the conversation continues to trend online, with South Africans split between those who want Okon to remain part of the national team and those insisting he should be dropped.
⚽ Do you think Ime Okon should continue playing for Bafana Bafana or should he represent Nigeria instead?
Joint Chiefs Chairman Admits Iran Is Adapting and Fighting Hard in U.S. War
In a candid moment at today’s Pentagon briefing on Operation Epic Fury, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered a more measured assessment of Iran’s performance than the aggressive optimism coming from civilian leadership.
Caine stated: “They’re adapting, as are we, of course. We have very entrepreneurial warfighters out there. I’d rather not—for operational security reasons—tell them what’s working. So I’m going to not answer that question based on that, but we are watching what they’re doing and we are adapting faster than they are.”
When pressed directly if Iranian forces proved more formidable than anticipated, he replied: “I mean, I think they’re fighting, and I respect that, but I don’t think they’re more formidable than what we thought.”
The comments stand in sharp contrast to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s repeated claims that U.S. forces are “crushing” the enemy with overwhelming force and that today marks yet another “most intense” day of strikes inside Iran. While the administration projects total dominance and a swift, decisive end on America’s terms, the top uniformed officer quietly acknowledged the enemy’s resilience and tactical flexibility—without conceding any ground on ultimate U.S. superiority.
Day 11 of the conflict shows no signs of Iranian collapse, only continued adaptation and resistance. Caine’s words serve as a rare dose of realism amid the hawkish rhetoric: Iran is putting up a real fight, one worthy of professional respect, even if Washington insists the outcome remains inevitable.
Russia Supplying Drones and Missiles to Support Iran, Zelenskyy Warns of Deepening Military Alliance
Kyiv | March 11, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia has begun providing drones, missiles, and assistance in developing air defense systems to support Iran, signaling a growing military partnership between Moscow and Tehran amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Speaking during an interview published on March 11, Zelenskyy said that Russia’s support for the Iranian regime represents an early stage of deeper military cooperation between the two countries. According to him, the transfer of drones and missile technology could mark the beginning of broader strategic coordination between Moscow and Tehran..
Zelenskyy raised concerns about what the next phase of this cooperation might look like, warning that the situation could escalate beyond weapons assistance. He suggested that the possibility of troop deployments cannot be ruled out, drawing comparisons to North Korea’s decision to send around 10,000 soldiers to support Russia earlier in the Ukraine war.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that Russia may ultimately consider sending its own forces to Iran in order to strengthen the regime and stabilize allied governments in the region. Such a move would significantly deepen Moscow’s involvement in the rapidly expanding conflict in the Middle East.
At the same time, Russia has openly rejected neutrality in the crisis involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrei Kelin recently stated that Moscow supports Iran and views Western interpretations of the conflict as biased and unfair.
The remarks come as tensions continue to rise across the region, with Western officials warning Moscow against becoming directly involved in the conflict and urging restraint as the situation threatens to widen into a broader geopolitical confrontation.
EFF and Julius Malema Hit Back at US Ambassador Brent Bozell III, Accusing the United States of Double Standards and Demanding Answers Over Military Actions and Global Policies
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have released a strong statement responding to remarks made by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell III.
According to the party, the ambassador should focus on explaining several controversial actions linked to the United States rather than criticising South Africa’s politics.
The EFF raised questions about reported US military operations in the Middle East and Africa, as well as Washington’s foreign policy positions toward countries such as Iran, Nigeria, Cuba, and Venezuela. The party also criticised the United States for its continued support of Israel, which they claim has contributed to suffering among Palestinians.
EFF leaders argue that before making statements about South Africa’s internal affairs, the US ambassador should address concerns about global conflicts, sanctions, and allegations of human-rights violations linked to American foreign policy.
The statement has sparked intense debate online, with some South Africans supporting the EFF’s stance while others believe diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington should remain respectful and cooperative.
Do you think political parties in South Africa should challenge foreign diplomats publicly, or should these issues be handled through diplomacy?
Zelenskyy Declares Ukraine “Now Has the Cards” in War With Russia
Kyiv | March 11, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine now holds stronger strategic leverage in its ongoing war with Russia, crediting the country’s soldiers and a rapidly expanding domestic defense industry for changing the balance on the battlefield.
In an interview with Irish blogger Caolan Robertson, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has significantly strengthened its capabilities since the start of Russia’s full scale invasion. He emphasized that Ukrainian troops and increased weapons production have given Kyiv a much stronger position than before.
According to Zelenskyy, the United States recently approached Ukraine for cooperation rather than turning to traditional European partners such as France or Germany, and even declined the use of a British aircraft carrier in favor of Ukrainian support. The Ukrainian leader said he was proud that Ukraine is now able to assist its American partners.
Zelenskyy also suggested that Ukraine possesses strategic advantages that had not previously been publicly revealed. He said that these “cards” existed earlier but were deliberately kept hidden, while now the international community understands that Ukraine has significant capabilities.
The president stressed that the outcome of the war and prospects for peace will depend largely on how quickly Ukraine’s allies provide support and implement assistance measures. He warned that delays could be dangerous, comparing the situation to missile and drone attacks where rapid defensive action is essential to prevent destruction
Zelenskyy further stated that the world is not prepared for a potential global conflict. He said Europe remains insufficiently ready for the scale of challenges that a wider war could bring, although some countries such as Germany and Nordic nations are increasing their preparedness.
He also noted that Ukraine now has unique battlefield experience due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to Zelenskyy, modern warfare has evolved rapidly, combining drones, missiles, new technologies, and large scale ground operations, making any potential world war extremely destructive with massive c∆sualties.
The comments come amid ongoing debates about military aid, security guarantees for Ukraine, and the future of peace negotiations with Russia.
Spain Follows South Africa and Removes Its Ambassador from Israel as Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Spain has officially removed its ambassador to Israel, a move that comes amid worsening diplomatic tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Spanish government confirmed that Ana María Sálomon Pérez, who had served as Spain’s ambassador to Israel since 2021, has been dismissed from her position following a decision approved by the country’s Council of Ministers.
Although Spanish authorities did not publicly give a detailed explanation for the move, it follows months of strained relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv. The tension increased significantly after Spain recognized Palestine as an independent state in May 2024 and repeatedly criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Spain has also supported stronger measures within the European Union against Israel, including discussions about restricting arms exports and increasing diplomatic pressure.
The move now places Spain among countries taking tougher diplomatic positions regarding the Gaza conflict.
South Africa had already taken similar action earlier by removing Israeli diplomatic representation and recalling its ambassador, while also filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over allegations linked to the war in Gaza.
For now, Spain’s embassy operations in Israel will be handled by a lower-ranking diplomat, known as a chargé d’affaires, which usually signals that relations between the two countries remain tense and uncertain.
The decision is likely to fuel further international debate as more nations reconsider their diplomatic ties with Israel.
IRGC Missile Operator Waves White Flag in Drone Surrender Video
Drone footage circulating from the Iran conflict shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missile launcher operator raising a white flag in clear surrender.
Captured from above in a stark desert landscape, the image captures a regime fighter abandoning his post rather than fire on American or allied forces.
Skeptics have demanded proof of defections inside Iran’s military. Here it is. The cracks in loyalty were already there—buried under layers of forced propaganda and fear. Real pressure from U.S. strikes rips them wide open.
This operator is unlikely to be the only one. Many more probably keep a white cloth handy, waiting for the moment when regime threats lose their grip and self-preservation kicks in. Martyrdom sounds heroic until the drones arrive overhead.
The regime’s grip is slipping. When foot soldiers choose survival over suicide orders, the end comes faster than the mullahs ever imagined.
BREAKING: Thousands of White South Africans Reportedly Choosing to Return Home Despite Refugee Offers From the United States
A growing number of white South Africans living overseas are reportedly choosing to return to South Africa, even as the United States government under President Donald Trump previously signaled interest in offering fast-track refugee pathways to some Afrikaner families.
According to migration agencies and community organizations, inquiries about moving back to South Africa have increased significantly over the past months. Some reports suggest that thousands of people who previously emigrated are now exploring options to return, citing family connections, cultural ties, and the rising cost of living abroad.
For many South Africans living overseas, returning home also offers advantages such as remote work opportunities, a familiar lifestyle, and being closer to relatives. Some families say that despite concerns about crime, they prefer living in their home country where they feel a stronger sense of belonging.
The debate around farm attacks, racial tensions, and claims of persecution has been a major topic internationally. However, South Africa’s government has repeatedly rejected claims that white South Africans are being systematically persecuted, pointing instead to broader crime statistics that affect communities across all racial groups.
The discussion has sparked strong reactions both locally and abroad, with some arguing that the refugee narrative is exaggerated, while others believe more attention should be given to rural safety and farmer security.
As the conversation continues, one question remains:
If conditions were truly unbearable, why would thousands of South Africans choose to return home instead of leaving?
South Africa remains a complex nation — facing challenges, but also holding deep roots that many people still call home.
Lindsey Graham Urges Trump to Pull U.S. Bases from Spain and Relocate to Israel
Senator Lindsey Graham is calling on President Trump to act decisively after Spain’s socialist government refused to let American forces use key bases in Rota and Morón for strikes against Iran’s terrorist regime.
Madrid’s flat refusal to support the vital U.S.-Israel operation shows a dangerous lack of resolve from a NATO partner that benefits from American protection and taxpayer dollars. Graham made it clear: if Spain won’t stand with allies fighting the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, America should take its bases—and its commitment—elsewhere.
“We should move all our stuff to Israel,” Graham declared. “I will stand with Israel until our dying day.”
His stance cuts through the excuses. While Spain lectures about “international law” and refuses to help dismantle the ayatollahs’ terror network, Israel and the U.S. are doing the hard work to end threats that endanger the free world.
Relocating assets to a reliable ally like Israel makes strategic sense—strong partners deserve strong support, not fair-weather friends who hide behind sovereignty when the fight gets real.
BREAKING: Canada’s Carney declares nation will NEVER join Trump’s Iran war
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stood before Parliament on Tuesday and delivered an unambiguous declaration: Canada is not part of the American and Israeli military campaign against Iran, and it never will be.
Carney made the statement during Question Period after facing mounting criticism for skipping a parliamentary debate on the Iran conflict the day before. Opposition members from multiple parties had grown increasingly frustrated with what they described as a lack of transparency from the prime minister on one of the most consequential foreign policy moments in recent memory.
“Canada’s stance is clear,” Carney told the House of Commons. “Canada supports the necessity to prevent Iran’s nuclear program and the export of terrorism. Canada is not participating in the United States and Israeli offensive and will never participate in it.”
The declaration came after days of mixed signals from Carney’s office. While he had initially voiced support for the airstrikes as a measure to prevent Iranian nuclear advancement, he later acknowledged that backing “with regret,” citing violations of international law in how the U.S. and Israel launched the campaign. That inconsistency drew fire from across the political spectrum.
Carney confirmed he had spoken with G7 leaders, including President Trump, and said allied nations are working toward a shared position on de-escalation. He also noted a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both leaders emphasizing the need to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and addressing the economic ripple effects of rising energy costs tied to the conflict.
Despite his appearance Tuesday, opposition parties were not fully satisfied. Bloc Québécois House leader Christine Normandin accused Carney of showing a recurring “disinterest” in parliamentary accountability, while NDP Leader Don Davies called his absence from Monday’s debate flatly unacceptable.
GHANA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONFIRMS TWO GHANAIANS INJURED IN DUBAI
The Government of Ghana confirms that two of our citizens have been injured by a drone attack in Dubai today.
Our Ambassador in UAE has led a team from our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the victims as the Foreign Ministry coordinates emergency consular assistance.
Their families and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Government of Ghana condemns the attack and reiterates calls for a cessation in hostilities.
We are actively engaged with international partners on a UN resolution urging de-escalation
