Iranian authorities have detained a foreign-flagged tanker in the Gulf, accusing it of carrying more than two million liters of smuggled fuel. The vessel, named Phoenix, was intercepted in Iranian territorial waters by border police in Hormozgan province, local media reported on Monday.
Officials confirmed the arrest of 17 foreign crew members but did not disclose the ship’s country of registration.
Fuel smuggling remains a persistent problem in Iran, where government subsidies keep fuel prices among the lowest globally. The country frequently reports the capture of vessels engaged in illegal fuel transport.
In a similar case last month, Iranian forces seized another foreign tanker in the Sea of Oman, which was also reportedly carrying two million liters of smuggled fuel.
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
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Releases Findings on Revoked Public Service Appointments
The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has released the findings of a committee tasked with reviewing the revocation of recruitments, appointments, and promotions made into Ghana’s Public Service after the December 7 elections. In a Facebook post, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the committee was constituted by the Chief of Staff to examine the affected appointments and determine which cases complied with due process. Breakdown of the Review According to the Minister, a total of 2,080 individuals were affected by the initial directive that revoked the appointments. Following the review: 1,201 appointments were upheld after the committee found they complied with the required procedures. 541 appointments were revoked for failing to meet procedural standards. 338 appointments involving persons with disabilities were also upheld after further assessment. The findings aim to bring clarity to a process that sparked public […]
FULL LIST: Nigeria, 66 Other Countries Face Trump’s New Tariffs
Nigeria is among more than 60 countries hit with new or increased tariffs under a reciprocal trade programme launched by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to figures released by the White House, Nigeria will face a 15% tariff on its exports to the United States. The plan imposes a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with higher rates on selected products or countries. Some of the steepest duties include 50% on Brazilian goods, 41% on Syrian imports, 40% on products from Laos and Myanmar, and 39% on Swiss goods. China will face a 30% tariff, with additional levies on certain products, while India is subject to 25% with the threat of an additional 25% from August 28. Canada’s energy products will be taxed at 10%, while other non-USMCA goods face 35%. The European Union will see a 15% tariff on […]
Russia to Ban Foreign-Made Military Clothing from 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree prohibiting the purchase of foreign-made clothing and related gear for the country’s armed forces starting January 1, 2026. Under the new rules, all uniforms and other military apparel must be produced by Russian companies with manufacturing facilities located within the country. By 2027, the requirement will extend to fabrics and knitted materials used in production, which must also be domestically sourced. The decree aims to fully eliminate the use of imported clothing and materials for military needs. Items covered include uniforms, insignia, underwear, bedding, footwear, special clothing, equipment, and sanitary supplies, all procured through the state defence order system.