# Tags

FG FINALIZES EVACUATION PLANS FOR NIGERIANS IN ISRAEL AND IRAN AS CRISIS ESCALATES

The Federal Government of Nigeria has finalized plans to evacuate its citizens stranded in Israel and Iran amid escalating hostilities between the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this in a statement on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, urging affected Nigerians to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions. According to the statement, Nigerian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are actively identifying affected citizens and coordinating arrangements to facilitate their safe evacuation. The ministry commended the efforts of its diplomatic staff in both countries, reaffirming the government’s prioritization of citizen safety abroad. “We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas,” the ministry stated. The government also renewed its appeal for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran, advocating for dialogue and adherence to humanitarian principles. “In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians,” the ministry added. Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability. The government is working closely with international partners and local authorities to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.

ISRAEL CLAIMS TO HAVE KILLED IRAN’S MOST SENIOR MILITARY COMMANDER, MAJOR GENERAL ALI SHADEMANI

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that it has killed Major General Ali Shademani, Iran’s most senior military commander and closest aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Shademani was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Tehran, following precise intelligence. According to the IDF, Shademani’s new position as War-Time Chief of Staff made him Iran’s top military commander, and his role had a direct influence on Iran’s offensive plans targeting Israel. This marks the second time in five days that the IDF has eliminated Iran’s wartime chief of staff, after Shademani’s predecessor, Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, was killed in Israeli strikes on June 13. The IDF stated, “For the second time in 5 days, the IDF has eliminated Iran’s War-Time Chief of Staff, the regime’s top military commander. Ali Shadmani, Iran’s senior-most military official and Khamenei’s closest military advisor, was killed in an IAF strike in central Tehran, following precise intelligence.” Shademani’s appointment as Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces came after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly announced replacements for the heads of the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the killing of Major General Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, and other high-ranking officials and nuclear scientists. The swift removal of the Iranian army’s replacement suggests that Israel continues to have the upper hand in intelligence capabilities, despite the regime ordering top officials to ditch their mobile phones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue striking “every target of the regime,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that further attacks would trigger “a more severe and powerful response.” The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its fifth day, with both sides trading missile strikes and civilians in key areas facing waves of attacks. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since the hostilities started, while 24 people have been killed in Israel.

US PRESIDENT TRUMP SEEKS “REAL END” TO IRAN NUCLEAR DISPUTE AS ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT ESCALATES

US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for a “real end” to the nuclear dispute with Iran, hinting at potential diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with the Islamic Republic. Speaking to reporters after departing the Group of Seven nations summit in Canada, Trump suggested he might send senior American officials to meet with Iran. “I may,” Trump said, when asked about the possibility of sending US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iran. The comments come as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify, with both sides exchanging heavy strikes for a fifth straight day. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he could face the same fate as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led invasion and eventually hanged after a trial. “I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and fire missiles at Israeli citizens,” Katz told top Israeli military officials. Trump predicted that Israel would not be easing its attacks on Iran, saying, “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far.” He emphasized that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, stating, “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” The Israeli military has claimed control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate its campaign in the coming days. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have retaliated with missile strikes, including a “more powerful” new wave of missiles launched towards Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iranian officials reporting 224 deaths, mostly civilians, and Israel saying 24 civilians had been killed. World leaders meeting at the G7 summit have called for de-escalation, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself while emphasizing that Iran must never have nuclear weapons. French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that Trump had initiated a ceasefire proposal, but Trump disputed this, saying his departure from the summit had “nothing to do with” working on a ceasefire deal. “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Tehran reportedly asking Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Israel must halt its aggression for the conflict to cease, stating, “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.”