Sunday, June 28, 2026

Middle East

April 24, 2026

U.S. revitalises key credit guarantee programme to boost agricultural trade with Nigeria

The United States has expanded support for agricultural trade through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Export Credit Guarantee Program, known as GSM-102.

United States Consul General Rick Swart delivering opening remarks at the GSM-102 Revitalization event in Lagos.
April 21, 2026

U.S. convenes counterterrorism forum, sets measures to quell Iran-linked terrorism 

The forum was chaired by the Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Counterterrorism, Monica Jacobsen.

U.S. and Iranian flags.
April 16, 2026

Nigerian Breweries expresses concern over proposed tax stamp regime

NB expressed concern over a proposed tax stamp regime for excise verification and product tracking.

Beers
April 15, 2026

Iran threatens fresh attacks amid U.S. naval blockade

The warning underscores growing concern over the safety of maritime trade routes in the region.

Iran's Military
April 15, 2026

UN chief Guterres urges U.S.–Iran talks, warns against eroding international law

António Guterres has called for serious negotiations between the United States and Iran, warning that respect for international law is being trampled.

António Guterres addressing UN assembly
April 15, 2026

U.S. says Iran port blockade fully enforced, trade halted

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after failed talks in Islamabad between Washington and Tehran over the weekend.

Strait of Hormuz
April 15, 2026

IMF lowers global growth forecasts amid Middle East war

“Once again, the global economy is threatened with being thrown off course—this time by the outbreak of war in the Middle East,” the IMF said.

IMF spring meeting
April 13, 2026

Australia appoints first female army chief in 125 years

The Australian government has appointed Susan Coyle as the country’s first female army chief since its independence 125 years ago.

Susan Coyle
April 10, 2026

Iran’s War: UN Women raises alarm over plight of women, girls

UN Women has expressed concern over the devastating impacts of the recent military escalation in the Middle East on women and girls.

UN Women
April 9, 2026

French foreign minister decries Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Jean-Noel Barrot described Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon as “intolerable”, condemning the attacks for undermining the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

France's foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot (Credit: BBC)