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Full Text Of US President Donald Trump On War Against Iran

Published

1 month ago

February 28, 2026

United States President, Donald Trump, has announced a major attack against Iran on Saturday.

Speaking in a video address after the United States and Israel started bombing Iran, Trump vowed to annihilate” the country’s navy and missile sites, and urged Iranians to overthrow their government.

Trump made it clear that the goal was the destruction of the Islamic Republic’s military and the toppling of the authorities in power since the 1979 revolution.

Here is the full text:

A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.

Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world. For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries.

Among the regime’s very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the US embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.

In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Coal. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as US naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes.

It’s been mass terror. And we’re not going to put up with it any longer. From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts.

And it was Iran’s proxy Hamas that launched the monstrous October 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal. Something like the world has never seen before.

Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again. They can never have a nuclear weapon.

That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons. And we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it, they didn’t want to do it again. They wanted to do it, they didn’t want to do it, they didn’t know what was happening. They just wanted to practise evil.

But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions. And we can’t take it any more. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear programme and to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland.

Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.

For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy. We are going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilise the region or the world and attack our forces and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs, as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans.

And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon. This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration.

And there is no military on Earth even close to its power. Strength or sophistication. My administration has taken every possible step to minimise the risk to US personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement likely, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission.

We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm’s way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail.

We have the greatest in the world. And they will prevail.

To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or, in the alternative, face certain death. So lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death.

Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.

For many years you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach.

This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.

May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you

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News

Borno / Yobe border airstrike: Military reveals why they struck

Published

33 minutes ago

April 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Sunday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

According to the statement, the successful strike, executed on Saturday, 11 April 2026, followed sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis, an area long identified as a major terrorist movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and their collaborators.

The statement recalled that in January 2026, troops moving from Gubio towards Damasak came under a major Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack along the road at Bindul, resulting in the tragic loss of eight soldiers, while several others were wounded in action.

It further explained that more recently, on April 9, coordinated attacks were recorded in Ngamdu and Benisheik, supported by the same terrorist logistics network. This consequently prompted the Theatre to intensify overhead surveillance and intelligence gathering across the area in response to persistent reports of terrorist movement and logistics activity.

It added that on 11 April 2026, multiple reports were received of ISWAP gun trucks (GT) and motorcycles (MC) moving along the axis. Consequently, ISR coverage over the area was immediately intensified.

According to the statement, during the surveillance mission, a contingent of motorcycles was observed moving in the direction of Jilli, followed shortly by several additional vehicles, all converging on the same location.

The statement reads: “These suspicious movements were subsequently corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, confirming that the converging elements were terrorists, their collaborators, and logistics handlers.

“In line with established operational procedures, a rigorous and professional targeting process was undertaken. Target fidelity was confirmed through multiple credible human intelligence sources, supported by persistent aerial surveillance.

“Upon final validation, the air component executed a series of precision strikes on the objective, while surveillance platforms maintained continuous overwatch for real-time battle damage assessment.”

It further explained that post-strike assessment confirmed that the target area was struck with high accuracy, resulting in the destruction of the identified terrorist logistics enclave.

It pointed out that scores of terrorists were neutralised in the strike, with their vehicles and technicals destroyed, while surviving elements were observed fleeing in multiple directions.

Intelligence further indicated that the neutralised elements were in the final stages of receiving logistics from couriers for coordinated attacks on troop locations within the Gubio axis.

The statement further added: “Instructively, on 12 April 2026, a terrorist logistics courier identified as ‘Turja Bulu’ was arrested in Ngamdu town and, upon preliminary investigation, confessed to taking part in the attack at the 29 Brigade location on 9 April 2026 in Benisheik. He had been dispatched by ISWAP from Jilli, where most of his fellow terrorists were hibernating, to provide food items for another group of terrorists currently hibernating around the Magumeri–Gubio general area.

“This successful strike is yet another demonstration of the resolve and operational capability of OPHK to sustain relentless pressure on terrorist elements, disrupt their logistics networks, and deny them freedom of movement within the Theatre.”

It added that the Theatre Command also reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains strictly prohibited across the North-East operational theatre, particularly in Borno and Yobe states, due to their continued use by terrorist elements for movement, logistics, and attack operations.

“Any such movements in restricted areas are therefore treated with the utmost seriousness in line with existing operational directives,” it added.

The statement reaffirmed that the Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK assured the people of the North East, and indeed all law-abiding Nigerians, that ongoing operations will continue with renewed intensity until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored to the region.

NAF probes alleged civilian casualties

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has launched an investigation into alleged civilian casualties following an air strike in Jilli, Borno State.

In a statement on Sunday, spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said reports suggested that the strike might have hit a local market in Jilli, raising concerns about civilian casualties.

He said the Chief of the Air Staff had ordered the immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell.

According to him, the cell has been deployed to the location on a fact-finding mission into the allegations.

“The Nigerian Air Force treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy.

“The protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations,” he said.

Ejodame said the service remained committed to professionalism, accountability and transparency in its missions.

He added that the force would work with authorities and community representatives to establish the facts.

While the investigation continues, he urged the public and media to avoid speculation and allow due process.

Zulum warns residents against aiding Boko Haram insurgents

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has warned residents against harbouring or providing logistical support to Boko Haram insurgents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the warning followed a recent operation conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, in the Jilli general area of Gubio Local Government Area on Saturday.

Zulum, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr Dauda Iliya, described Jilli market as a notorious hub, allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe.

“Let me state categorically that the Borno State government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago.

“I am in close consultation with the government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The governor said that the state government had maintained close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling any community or reopening markets, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing military operations.

Military action inevitable, says Buratai

In a related development, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Buratai, has described Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states, as a notorious terrorist hub, saying military action is inevitable.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, which he personally signed, the retired army general said, “I must state clearly that I commend the Nigerian Air Force and the intelligence community for the courage and professionalism displayed in this operation.

“The strike was a targeted military action based on credible intelligence that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were using the weekly market at Jilli to collect illegal levies, procure supplies, and plan further attacks.

“The public should understand the history of Jilli Market. It has long been a notorious terrorist logistics hub.

“The Nigerian Army repeatedly raided and shut it down. In 2018, during Operation LAST HOLD, our troops occupied the area and engaged in multiple clashes with insurgents.

“Despite several closures, the terrorists continued to operate the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.

“It is deeply regrettable that innocent lives may have been caught in the strike, but the sole responsibility rests with the terrorists who deliberately embed themselves within civilian spaces as human shields.

“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when a market is dominated by terrorist logistics and warnings have been ignored for years, the military has a duty to act.

“I appeal to the people of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu to cooperate with the military. Stop patronising or supplying goods to any market where terrorists establish or frequent. Communities that continue to trade with insurgents will inevitably find themselves in harm’s way.

“The armed forces deserve our support. They acted on solid intelligence and struck a legitimate target. While we mourn innocent lives lost, we must not weaken our resolve against an enemy that shows no mercy.”

CISLAC, TI condemn strikes, seek immediate probe

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).and Transparency International (TI) in Nigeria on Sunday expressed grave concerns over reports of Nigerian Air Force airstrike that struck a civilian market along the Borno–Yobe boundary, leaving dozens feared dead and many injured.

CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafisanjani, in a statement, while extending condolences to the victims, called for urgent, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack.

He said: “We find it disturbing that evidence from similar cases shows recurring structural gaps such as weak intelligence verification, lack of precision targeting capacity; pressure for rapid results.

“Airstrikes often rely on single-source or outdated intelligence, especially in environments where insurgents mix with civilians. Just as military units under constant pressure to neutralize insurgents quickly, lowering verification thresholds.

“As a matter of urgency, we demand an independent investigation and accountability with an established credible civilian-led investigative panel comprising the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Civil Society, and international observers where necessary; public disclosure of findings and accountability for errors or negligence; and adequate compensation and support to victims and families.”

They also recommended immediate adoption of what it called Civilian Protection Framework to institutionalise Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response used by modern militaries; mandatory civilian risk assessments before strikes; formulation and implementation of comprehensive policy on No-strike lists (markets, hospitals, religious sites); real-time abort protocols when civilian presence is detected.

The statement reads in part: “We call for the review and adoption of best practices from Global Counterterrorism Operations such Multi-Layered Intelligence Verification; Persistent Surveillance Before Engagement; Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs); Civil-Military Coordination through Civilian Joint Task Force, round verification; Early Warning signals and local intelligence validation; and Post-Strike Civilian Harm Assessment.

“We recommend comprehensive upgrade in Defence critical hardware such as integration of ISR drones with real-time video feeds; facial recognition/pattern-of-life analytics; precision-guided weapons; secured communication systems linking pilots to ground intelligence units.

“We call for a comprehensive Civilian Protection Policy across all armed forces; adequate Civilian Oversight, particularly National Assembly, must enforce regular oversight hearings on military operations; and mandatory reporting of civilian casualty incidents.”

tribuneonlineng.com

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Trump says ‘not a big fan’ of Pope Leo after his anti-war message

Published

53 minutes ago

April 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

US President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday that he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV, after the global leader of Catholics made a plea for peace.

“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo. He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He accused the pontiff of “toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon.”

On Saturday, the 70-year-old American pope publicly implored leaders to end the violence, telling worshippers at St. Peter’s Basilica: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”

Trump reiterated his comments to reporters with a post on Truth Social saying: “I don’t want a Pope who think it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

Washington and the Vatican have recently denied reports of a rift.

On Friday, a Vatican official denied reports that a top Pentagon official gave the church’s envoy to the United States a “bitter lecture” over Pope Leo’s criticisms of the Trump administration.

The story in the Free Press — which the Pentagon had already dismissed as “distorted” — reported that Cardinal Christophe Pierre was summoned in January to the Pentagon, where he was given a dressing-down by US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby.

The military official reportedly told the cardinal that the United States “has the military power to do whatever it wants — and that the Church had better take its side.”

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement, “The account presented by certain media outlets regarding this meeting does not correspond to the truth in any way.”

While both parties insist the meeting was cordial, the Holy See and the White House have openly been at odds over the Trump administration’s hardline mass deportation campaign — which the pope called “inhuman” — and the use of military force in the Middle East and Venezuela.

When Trump made genocidal threats against Iran on Tuesday, saying “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again” — the pontiff slammed the “truly unacceptable” statement and urged parties to “come back to the table” for negotiations.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo hailed the news of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran as a “sign of real hope.”

But peace talks between the United States and Iran, held in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, ended abruptly Saturday with US Vice President JD Vance telling reporters after a marathon session of talks that Washington has delivered its “final and best offer.”

AFP

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Electricity generation rose to 4,300MW from 3,951MW — FG

Published

1 hour ago

April 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Government on Sunday announced that electricity generation increased from 3,951MW to 4,300MW between March 28 and April 10.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji.

Tunji said the gradual rise in generation output within the period aligns with the assurance earlier given by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group, where he pledged improved electricity supply within two weeks.

He explained that the improvement coincided with a steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same timeframe.

Tunji further stated that mechanical availability remained stable and even improved, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating enhanced efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.

“Despite minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” he said.

He added that the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output underscores the need for sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s reliance on thermal power plants.

“To consolidate the gains recorded so far, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.

“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country,” he said.

Tunji noted that the minister remains committed to sustaining and improving the gains recorded in the coming weeks.

He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would continue to yield measurable improvements in power generation and supply.

“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,” he said.

Tunji also said the minister urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Adelabu gave the charge during a visit by the newly appointed Managing Director of the agency, Mr Olusegun Adesayo, and the Chairman of the Board, Mr Ikechi Nwosu, to his office over the weekend.

The minister advised the agency to focus on boosting IGR while reducing dependence on government appropriation, particularly for operational costs.

He also urged the management to establish more meter testing centres across the country to enhance its operations.

Expressing confidence in the new leadership, Adelabu assured that the full board of the agency would be inaugurated soon.

“I have no doubt about your ability, and I can also say that with your appointment by the president, you will do well. The President knows what he is doing by appointing you, and any appointee of the president will have my full cooperation,” he said.

He further decried the shortage of manpower, particularly meter installers, and reiterated the need for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria and NEMSA to address the challenge.

“We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the meter gap in the country,” he said.

On meter testing stations, he said, plans should be made to establish them across all geopolitical zones.

He also urged the NEMSA Managing Director to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the agency to identify key challenges.

Earlier, Adesayo informed the minister of his engagement with other agencies to secure their support and highlighted areas where the ministry’s assistance would be required for effective service delivery.

NAN

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