General News
Iran’s Supreme Leader Killed in U.S.-Israeli Strike as Middle East Crisis Escalates …Tehran declares 40 days of mourning; retaliatory attacks hit Israel and Arab states
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, has been killed in a joint United States-Israeli military strike on Tehran, triggering one of the most volatile crises in the Middle East in decades.
The death of the 86-year-old cleric was announced Saturday by Donald Trump, who described the operation as part of a broader campaign to “restore peace and stability” to the region. Iranian state television later confirmed Khamenei’s death and declared 40 days of national mourning.
Israeli security officials said Khamenei was killed in an airstrike targeting his residential and administrative compound in Tehran. The coordinated assault reportedly involved precision-guided munitions aimed at high-ranking members of Iran’s political and military leadership.
Retaliatory Strikes Across the Region
Within hours of the announcement, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israeli military installations and what it described as “hostile assets” in neighboring Arab states believed to have supported the operation. Air raid sirens were activated in parts of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while unconfirmed reports indicated explosions near strategic sites in the Gulf.
The Israeli government confirmed that its missile defense systems intercepted several incoming projectiles but acknowledged that some strikes caused infrastructure damage. Casualty figures were still being assessed at the time of filing this report.
Regional governments, including those in the Gulf, placed their armed forces on high alert amid fears of a wider conflict. Oil markets reacted sharply, with crude prices spiking amid concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global energy corridor.
Trump Signals Continued Military Action
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said the military campaign would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.”
Sources familiar with the decision-making process said the strike followed weeks of diplomatic and security consultations between Washington, Israel and key Gulf allies. The operation reportedly aimed at weakening Iran’s command structure and curbing its regional influence.
The White House has yet to release full operational details, but senior U.S. officials described the strike as “targeted” and “strategic,” emphasizing that it was not directed at the Iranian population.
Leadership Vacuum in Tehran
Khamenei’s death creates a profound leadership vacuum in Iran. As Supreme Leader, he wielded ultimate authority over the armed forces, judiciary and major state institutions. Under Iran’s constitution, the Assembly of Experts is tasked with selecting a successor, but the process could prove contentious amid heightened tensions and internal political divisions.
The late leader had shaped Iran’s foreign and domestic policies for more than three decades, overseeing its nuclear program expansion, confrontations with Western powers, and support for allied groups across the Middle East.
Global Reaction
World leaders called for restraint to prevent a broader regional war. The United Nations Secretary-General urged all parties to “immediately de-escalate and return to diplomacy,” warning that further escalation could have “catastrophic consequences.”
Analysts say the killing of Iran’s supreme leader marks an unprecedented moment in modern Middle Eastern geopolitics, raising concerns of sustained military confrontation, proxy conflicts and global economic instability.
As tensions mount, the region braces for what could be a defining chapter in its modern history.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the National Assembly Christian Chapel, urging lawmakers to remain accountable to God while carrying out their legislative duties.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, the First Lady said the chapel serves as a reminder that although members of the National Assembly legislate for the people, they ultimately remain accountable to God.
“As we dedicate this Chapel today, may it inspire humility in leadership, courage in decision-making and compassion in service,” she said. “I believe the National Assembly is ready to pray Nigeria into greatness.”
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who initiated the chapel project during the 8th Assembly.
In his remarks, Gowon urged legislators to ensure that all their actions serve the best interests of the nation. He emphasized that the law of God is rooted in love for God and love for one’s neighbour.
“Love must be used to ensure the unity and continuity of this nation,” he said. “God loves us all, and we must love one another.”
Dogara described the chapel as a place for genuine repentance, national healing, and unity. He noted that national development and progress are tied to repentance and spiritual reflection.
“Let it be a centre for unity and let it be about Jesus. The only thing that can keep us here is unity,” he stated.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to receive support because of the quality of his leadership and reform agenda. He urged Nigerians to look beyond religious differences and focus on leadership competence.
“While men legislate for a season, God legislates for eternity,” Akpabio said. “Lawmaking must be guided in conscience, anchored in righteousness and established through prayers.”
Prayers were offered for the nation, the president, government officials, and members of the National Assembly. The commissioning ceremony was attended by serving and former lawmakers, as well as Christian and non-Christian members of the Assembly.
The Presidency has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that kitchen staff at the Presidential Villa were arrested over a purported plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The claim, which circulated widely over the weekend, suggested that a presidential chef had been detained following intelligence reports of suspicious activities linked to food preparation within restricted areas of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, categorically denied the allegation. In a post on his official X account on Sunday, Onanuga described the report as false and urged the public to disregard it.
The viral video accompanying the claim purportedly showed scenes from the presidential environment, with a voiceover alleging that security agencies had launched a discreet operation after receiving intelligence about a possible threat to the President’s safety. It further claimed that a member of the kitchen staff had been taken into custody for questioning.
According to the narration, specialised security personnel were said to have intervened swiftly to neutralise potential risks while preventing public panic, adding that investigations were ongoing.
However, the Presidency rejected the report outright.
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency’s response comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation on social media, with officials urging citizens to verify information from credible sources before sharing.
Hundreds of thousands of travellers have been left stranded after airspace closures across much of the Middle East followed coordinated strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.
Major aviation hubs in the Gulf; including airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, were shut down on Saturday, triggering widespread flight cancellations and travel disruptions Among them is Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Authorities also closed airspace over Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, while southern Syria restricted flights. Several international airlines announced temporary suspensions of routes to and through the region.
The shutdown has forced tourists and business travelers to crowd airports and hotels as they attempt to rebook flights or contact overwhelmed airline customer service lines. Governments in multiple countries have advised their citizens in affected areas to shelter in place until further notice.
The closures come amid escalating tensions following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes have significantly heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.
In Dhaka, passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport expressed frustration and uncertainty about their travel plans. Mohammad Abdul Mannan, who was scheduled to travel to the Middle East for work, said his primary concern was not the conflict itself but the impact on his livelihood.
“We have set out to go for work, and we must go,” he said. “My only concern is how to go abroad and how to earn an income.”
With no clear timeline for the reopening of key airports or the resumption of flights, aviation authorities warn that disruptions could continue as the security situation evolves.