Qatar has reported extensive damage at the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas hub after Iranian missile and drone strikes, raising fresh fears for global energy supplies .
Tehran said it attacked the giant LNG facility in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, which forms part of the world’s largest natural gas reservoir shared with Qatar .
Oil prices jumped about five percent and European gas prices surged roughly 35 percent as markets reacted to the risk of prolonged disruption to gas exports from the Gulf .
US President Donald Trump warned Iran to stop attacking Qatar, threatening that the United States would massively blow up the entire South Pars gas field if Tehran continued its strikes .
In a social media post, Trump said Washington knew nothing about Israel’s earlier attack on South Pars, describing it as an angry response, and added that Israel would not hit the field again unless Iran kept targeting Qatar .
Qatar, one of the world’s top LNG exporters alongside the United States, Australia and Russia, said through state energy firm QatarEnergy that two waves of Iranian strikes caused sizeable fires and extensive further damage to several facilities at Ras Laffan .
The hub has already been repeatedly targeted since the war began, compounding earlier disruption to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries around one fifth of global oil and LNG shipments .
Analysts said the latest attack, which directly hit production infrastructure rather than just storage or shipping, marks a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict and warned that the economic fallout could last for years .
Gulf states had earlier condemned Israel’s strike on South Pars, with Qatar calling it dangerous and irresponsible and the United Arab Emirates describing it as a dangerous escalation that threatened global energy security .
After the Ras Laffan strikes, Qatar ordered Iran’s military and security attaches and their staff to leave the country, signalling a sharp deterioration in relations between the two gas producers .
Elsewhere in the region, Kuwait reported drone attacks on two oil refineries, while Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted drones aimed at energy infrastructure in the east and reserved the right to take military action in response .
The wider war began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and setting off a wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and US allies and interests across the Gulf and Iraq .
Israel has since claimed responsibility for killing several senior Iranian officials, including national security chief Ali Larijani and intelligence chief Esmail Khatib, prompting new vows of retaliation from Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba Khamenei .
China condemned Larijani’s killing, calling the assassination of Iranian state leaders and attacks on civilian targets unacceptable, while a US based rights group has reported more than 3,000 people killed in Iran since the war began, a figure that has not been independently verified .
Iranian missiles have also struck Israel, killing a Thai worker and bringing the death toll there to 15, while debris from attacks has killed three Palestinian women in the occupied West Bank, according to aid groups .
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut killed at least 12 people, as fighting intensified with Iran backed Hezbollah following the group’s rocket attacks after Khamenei’s death .
US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard told Congress that Iran’s government remains intact but largely degraded, and noted that Tehran has not resumed nuclear enrichment despite the escalating conflict .
About the author
No life lost as fire guts makeshift structures in Lagos
The blaze, which affected temporary buildings in a Lagos community, prompted a rapid response from emergency services who managed to stop it from spreading to neighbouring properties. According to reports, the fire broke out among clusters of makeshift structures, forcing residents and traders to flee as flames spread through the area. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said its teams, working alongside firefighters, contained the blaze and confirmed that there were no casualties. Officials noted that while the incident led to significant property damage, nearby buildings were protected and there were no injuries or deaths reported. The cause of the fire is being investigated, with authorities urging residents in high‑risk areas to observe safety guidelines and report emergencies promptly
US hopeful Hormuz Strait deal will be done ‘today or tomorrow’ after ship hit
Washington is expressing optimism that talks involving Iran and Oman will soon restore safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil supplies. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC there is “a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict,” saying any agreement would ensure freedom of movement rather than allow Iran to charge tolls. His comments echoed President Donald Trump, who said progress in talks had led him to hold off on further military strikes while negotiators work on a framework to reopen the waterway. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is “involved” in negotiations between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing safe traffic through the strait, noting that around 20 per cent of global […]
Salah arrives in Turkey for Trabzonspor talks
The 34‑year‑old Egyptian forward landed at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on Wednesday, greeted by excited Trabzonspor fans as the club confirmed ongoing transfer talks.rte+2 Trabzonspor shared photos of Salah on social media, showing him aboard a private jet and wearing the club’s blue and maroon shirt, captioned “Salah mode: ON.” The club had earlier announced that negotiations to sign the former Liverpool star were under way, with the player expected to travel on to Trabzon after completing his medical in Istanbul.bbc+4 According to Turkish media reports, Salah is set to sign a two‑year contract with an option for a third, worth around €17 million a year. The winger scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions and 193 Premier League goals—191 of them for the Reds—making him one of the club’s all‑time greats and one of Africa’s most […]
Breaking: WAEC releases 2026 results; 1.2m candidates pass English, Maths
The West African Examinations Council on Wednesday announced the release of the 2026 Computer‑Based WASSCE for school candidates, revealing that over 1.2 million students met the minimum requirement for admission into tertiary institutions. WAEC said 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54%, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, slightly lower than the 62.96% recorded in 2025. Overall, 1,687,378 candidates (86.50%) earned credits in a minimum of five subjects with or without English and Maths The Council withheld the results of 167,486 candidates (8.59%) over various examination malpractice cases, while about 94.05% of results have been fully processed and released. WAEC added that candidates can check their results online via the WAEC Direct portal and generate e‑PINs themselves, with digital certificates available within 48 hours and hard copies within 90 days
BBNaija: ‘You are the Gambit’ — Big Brother reveals secret to Aikou
During his diary session on Wednesday, Big Brother told Aikou that he is one of two Gambits this season and warned him that his true role must remain a closely guarded secret inside the house. Aikou appeared stunned by the revelation but accepted the assignment, acknowledging the responsibility before leaving the diary room. The twist builds on Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi‑Uchendu announced that viewers had voted Aikou and Flora as Season 11’s Gambits, guaranteeing them spots in the house until the finale. Under the Gambit rule, Aikou and Flora are now barred from competing for the ₦160 million grand prize but remain full housemates tasked with carrying out confidential missions designed to influence events from behind the scenes. With Big Brother insisting that Aikou’s identity “must remain a secret,” fans will be watching to see how he […]
Tottenham get green light to open bid for Osimhen
Tottenham are pushing to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray as new manager Roberto De Zerbi makes him a key summer target. Reports say Spurs have been given sporting approval to open talks for the 27-year-old, and personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle once a fee is agreed. The London club’s opening approach is believed to be in the £50 million to £55 million bracket, but Galatasaray are holding out for about £65 million. Osimhen remains contracted to Galatasaray until 2029, and the Turkish club are said to value him much higher because of his goal-scoring record and importance to the squad. Earlier reports also indicated that Osimhen would be open to a Premier League move, strengthening speculation around Tottenham’s interest.
Related
US hopeful Hormuz Strait deal will be done ‘today or tomorrow’ after ship hit
Washington is expressing optimism that talks involving Iran and Oman will soon restore safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil supplies. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC there is “a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict,” saying any agreement would ensure freedom of movement rather than allow Iran to charge tolls. His comments echoed President Donald Trump, who said progress in talks had led him to hold off on further military strikes while negotiators work on a framework to reopen the waterway. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is “involved” in negotiations between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing safe traffic through the strait, noting that around 20 per cent of global […]
Iran denies negotiating with US after Trump announces talks
Tehran rejected Trump’s claim that talks were set to begin as part of efforts to end the conflict, saying no negotiations are currently taking place with Washington. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the country is “not currently negotiating with the United States,” adding that Iran’s talks are instead with Oman over passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The denial came after Trump said he had postponed further strikes to allow diplomacy to continue and claimed new discussions would start Monday. The exchange came amid a war that Reuters described as being in its sixth month, with tensions also affecting oil markets after Trump’s remarks. Iran’s response suggests there is still a gap between Washington’s public claims and Tehran’s position on the status of talks.
US introduces $20,000 visa bond for Nigerians, others over overstay concerns
The United States says the new rule is aimed at curbing visa overstays and improving compliance among visitors from countries flagged for high overstay rates and weak identity or document verification systems. Under the policy, consular officers will decide whether an applicant must post a refundable bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, depending on factors such as travel purpose, employment, income and ties to the home country. The bond will be refunded without interest if the visitor leaves the US within the approved period and complies with visa conditions, but it will be forfeited if the holder overstays or violates the terms of the visa. The policy formalises and expands a pilot programme launched in August 2025, which the US State Department says showed a sharp drop in overstays among affected applicants. It also said the pilot reduced demand significantly, […]
Hamas agrees to disarm under Trump plan, but no word from Israel
The Palestinian Islamist movement says it accepts a ceasefire roadmap that includes handing over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee and a staged Israeli pullout from Gaza, while Israel remains unconvinced the proposal meets its security demands. Hamas announced on Friday that it had agreed to a deal unveiled by President Trump, under which its weapons would be placed under the control of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a Palestinian body backed by Trump’s Board of Peace. The agreement is tied to a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force alongside a new Palestinian police force to secure the territory. A senior Israeli political source told AFP that the draft did not “satisfactorily” address Israel’s demand for full demilitarisation of Gaza, insisting on the “complete disarmament of Hamas, including […]
Thousands cross from Morocco into Spain in new migrant crisis
Thousands of migrants have crossed overnight from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, overwhelming local authorities and prompting Madrid to deploy troops to the border. A police source said on July 31 that it was impossible to give an exact total, but in recent days around 40,000 migrants have entered the territory, which has a population of about 80,000. At least 18 people have died while attempting the dangerous crossing, many drowning as they swam around the Tarajal beach breakwater or tried to breach coastal barriers. The sudden mass influx has triggered what security forces describe as “absolute chaos,” with men, women and children arriving by land and sea, discarding flotation rings and clothes as they stream into Ceuta. Local authorities have declared an emergency, warning that reception facilities are overwhelmed and that thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied […]
Thousands cross from Morocco into Spain in new migrant crisis
Thousands of migrants have crossed overnight from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, overwhelming local authorities and prompting Madrid to deploy troops to the border. A police source said on July 31 that it was impossible to give an exact total, but in recent days around 40,000 migrants have entered the territory, which has a population of about 80,000. At least 18 people have died while attempting the dangerous crossing, many drowning as they swam around the Tarajal beach breakwater or tried to breach coastal barriers.france24+2 The sudden mass influx has triggered what security forces describe as “absolute chaos,” with men, women and children arriving by land and sea, discarding flotation rings and clothes as they stream into Ceuta. Local authorities have declared an emergency, warning that reception facilities are overwhelmed and that thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied […]