Wetin dey happen for West Asia don reach another level as US and Israel joint airstrikes for Iraq don kill one senior commander of di Shi’ite Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) plus 14 oda fighters. Di attack wey happen for Anbar province na part of di ongoing war wey don dey for more dan three weeks now. According to reports from Reuters, di PMF confirm say dia Anbar operations commander, Saad al-Baiji, na im be among di six wey die for di attack, with 15 oda fighters wound.
Dis latest development come as di war between Iran, Israel and America don enter 25th day with serious military escalation and economic wahala for global market. Global oil prices don dey dance up and down like yoyo, with 10% reversal today after President Donald Trump announce say e go delay planned strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure for five days. But Iranian leadership don call Trump claims “worn-out psychological operations” wey dem say na just to manipulate energy market.
For di same time, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu don vow say Israeli attacks on Iran go continue even as Trump dey think about ceasefire. Netanyahu talk say e don speak with Trump on Monday and di US President believe say “dere be opportunity to leverage di tremendous achievements we don reach alongside US military to realise di goals of di war.” Dis one mean say fighting no go stop soon.
Iran new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, don agree to negotiate with US according to report from Al Arabiya wey quote Israeli media. But Iran government don deny say any talks dey happen with America, calling Trump statements “fake news” and attempt to influence financial markets. One member of Iran Parliament, Esmail Kowsari, warn say Iran must “think wisely” about Trump comments about talks.
Backchannel diplomacy dey gain traction through Pakistan, Egypt and Gulf states as indirect communication channels emerge as key conduits between US and Iran. Reports suggest say Islamabad fit host direct talks soon, even as both sides dey deny negotiations publicly. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty don discuss “potential negotiations” between US and Iran with US envoy Steve Witkoff.
For military side, Iran continue to launch retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and UAE energy infrastructure, raising global fears of severe supply shock. Saudi Arabia Defence Ministry say dia air defence systems intercept and destroy at least 19 drones over di kingdom oil-rich Eastern Province. Kuwait energy ministry say seven high-voltage power lines damage by shrapnel from air defence operations.
Israel don intensify offensive, conduct unprecedented air raids across Tehran wey strike residential areas and government facilities. Israeli strike near Beirut kill two people and hit residential building in Bchamoun. Israel military say dem capture two members of Hezbollah for southern Lebanon. Iran ballistic missile launch by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) impact Tel Aviv according to Israeli media reports.
For maritime front, Iran claim say dem get “full control” over Persian Gulf, Oman territorial waters, and Strait of Hormuz. But two Indian-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, don safely navigate through war-hit Strait of Hormuz and dey expected to reach India over next two to three days. Indian Navy don activate high-alert posture, deploy warships and maritime patrol aircraft across strategic locations.
Global air travel don suffer serious disruption with key Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi shut, stranding thousands of passengers. Air India Group say dem go operate 24 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West region today. Amazon Web Services region for Bahrain don disrupt amid ongoing conflict, with company spokesperson tell Reuters say outage link to drone activity for di area.
US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby dey India to engage with senior officials, with visit assume importance because of West Asia crisis. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi address Rajya Sabha on escalating conflict, say “war don create serious issues for entire world.” Modi talk say India dey ensure safety and welfare of its citizens for Gulf region and Indian crew members dey stranded for Strait of Hormuz.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh don convene key meeting to review evolving West Asia situation, with top military leadership including Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs gather at Kartavya Bhawan 2 to assess risks. Focus remain on protecting national interests, particularly energy security and maritime stability.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen call for immediate end to hostilities for West Asia, describe “critical” situation for energy supply chains globally. Thousands of United States Marine Corps troops dey expected to arrive for West Asia on Friday according to report by The Wall Street Journal as US strengthen military presence for region.
US don temporarily relax sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil already at sea to ease supply shortages. International Energy Agency dey consult governments on potential strategic reserve releases. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates dey signal major shift for dia stance, edge closer to direct involvement in war against Iran. Riyadh don allow US forces access to key bases.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky say e get evidence say Russia dey provide intelligence to Iran for di war, with aid help Iran stay afloat and prolong di war. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten condemn Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia during phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
As war enter fourth week, di situation remain volatile with no clear end in sight. Di killing of PMF commander for Iraq show say conflict don spread beyond immediate Iran-Israel-US theatre, with potential to draw in more regional actors. World leaders dey watch closely as energy markets and global stability hang in balance.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng

