Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Trump threatens more strikes on Iran as Tehran warns of 'fearless' response
ANKARA, Turkey
United States President, Donald Trump has said the ceasefire agreement with Iran is "over", blasting the country's leadership as "scum" and "cuckoo" after fresh exchanges of fire overnight.
Speaking later to reporters at a Nato summit in Turkey, the American president said the US "hit them very hard last night" and will "probably hit them hard again tonight".
He accused Tehran of violating an interim deal signed by both countries in June that called for an end to the conflict, adding that they "lie" and "cheat".
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded in a post on X: "We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valour."
Tuesday night into Wednesday saw the worst exchange of strikes between the US and Iran since the deal - known as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) - was signed on 17 June.
It included 14 points, among them a 60-day period for a ceasefire during which negotiations should continue, the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the US lifting sanctions on Iran.
When asked about the deal at the Nato summit on Wednesday, Trump said: "I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them any more, they're scum... they're led by sick people and they're vicious, violent people."
"We make a deal... They [Iran] go outside, talk to the press, they say 'we never even talked about it'. There's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned, it's over."
Speaking ahead of the summit, the president said US negotiators could continue talks "if they want" but said he saw it as "a waste of time".
However in a later news conference, Trump told reporters he didn't think the Iran war would start again and said "anything that happens will be over quickly".
His comments have prompted responses from several Iranian officials. A senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Akbar Velayati, warned new strikes from the US would be met with an "immediate response".
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also said Trump's comments "are not a sign of strength, but rather an admission of the failure of a policy built on brute force, sanctions, and threats for years, which could not bring the Iranian nation to its knees".
US Central Command (Centcom) said on Tuesday it had launched "powerful" strikes in response to attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said eight members of the country's army had been killed in US strikes in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, southern Iran.
The US also said it had revoked its temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.
On Wednesday, Iran said it targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation.
Oil prices jumped after Trump's comments, although they are still well below the highs seen during the full closure of the strait.
Centcom said on Wednesday more than 20 US Navy warships were continuing to patrol waters across the Middle East.
Egypt want FIFA officials kicked out of World Cup
CAIRO, Egypt
The Egyptian Football Association says it has asked Fifa to kick the officials in charge of their World Cup last-16 defeat by Argentina out of the tournament.
The EFA said it had lodged a complaint with football's world governing body and wants an investigation into "double standards" of officiating in the game in Atlanta.
With Egypt leading 1-0 in the second half, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out a goal by Mostafa Zico after Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martinez's foot at the start of the move.
Egypt also thought Mohamed Salah was fouled in the Argentina penalty area, seconds before the reigning champions broke for the stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory.
An EFA statement read: "Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian football federation, filed a complaint with Fifa, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup."
The EFA has called for an investigation of the team of referees and video technology referees after what it said were "blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage".
It "demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes" and alleged "the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team".
Egypt have never reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who could be playing in his final World Cup, set up their first goal in the 79th minute and scored an 83rd-minute equaliser.
After the game manager Hossam Hassan said Egypt had been "treated unfairly" and "suffered injustice".
"Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running," he said.
Zico said: "The referee was really unfair. The injustice was clear. There's been an unfairness right from the start of the match.
"It is clear that this tournament has been fixed."
Argentina play Switzerland in Kansas City next Saturday.
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Dangote to fund proposed Kenya refinery with cash, bonds and an IPO
By Isaac Anyaogu, LAGOS Nigeria
Nigeria's Dangote Group plans to finance a proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Kenya through internal cash flow, bonds and an initial public offering, a senior company executive disclosed.
The refinery, East Africa's largest refining project, is expected to take up to three years to build and would supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring countries, helping to reduce East Africa's dependence on imported fuels.
It would also fulfil Dangote's ambition to expand fuel-processing capacity across Africa following the start-up of its 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lagos.
"The site has been selected, soil tests are under way, and design and engineering work has commenced.
Kenya was the choice from the beginning," Edwin Devakumar, Dangote Industries' vice president for oil and gas, told our reporter.
The refinery, which would be built on the island of Lamu, off the coast of Kenya, would mark Dangote Group's biggest refining investment outside Nigeria.
Devakumar said the refinery would be financed through a mix of internally generated cash, bonds and proceeds from a planned initial public offering.
He did not disclose the project's exact cost, but said it would be comparable to that of the Lagos refinery.
Built by Aliko Dangote, ranked as Africa's richest man by Forbes, the Lagos refinery had cost more than $20 billion by the time it began operating in 2024.
The initial estimate had been about $9 billion in 2013, but the cost was driven up by a site relocation, engineering challenges, currency weakness, the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflation.
Dangote has for months expressed interest in building a major refinery in East Africa.
The company previously considered Tanzania's port city of Tanga before switching to Kenya, citing infrastructure, logistics and market considerations.
Argentina stage stunning late comeback to see off Egypt 3-2
ATLANTA, United States
Egypt's historic World Cup run came to an end Tuesday after the Pharaohs fell to tournament favorites Argentina 3-2 in the Round of 16.
Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a header before Mostafa Ziko doubled Egypt’s lead in the 67th minute with a finish off a cross.
Argentina had a chance to respond in the 21st minute after fullback Nicolas Tagliafico drew a penalty, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir saved Lionel Messi’s penalty attempt.
Argentina pulled one back in the 79th minute through Cristian Romero before Messi scored less than five minutes later to level the match in the 83rd minute. In the third minute of stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez scored a header to put Argentina ahead 3-2.
Argentina entered Tuesday's match having won all four of its previous matches in the tournament. The team is led by Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old global soccer icon who could be playing in his final World Cup.
Argentina will face the winner of Tuesday's Switzerland-Colombia match in the quarterfinals on July 11.
Despite the loss, Egypt recorded its deepest-ever run at a World Cup after advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history.
Egypt marked its first-ever World Cup victory with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in the group stage. The Pharaohs had previously qualified for the tournament in 1934, 1990 and 2018 but had never won a match or advanced beyond the group stage.
Led by Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs advanced through the group stage unbeaten, finishing second behind Belgium with five points after defeating New Zealand and drawing with Belgium and Iran.
Egypt then defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties in the Round of 32 after the sides remained level through extra time to book its first appearance in the knockout rounds.
Coach Hossam Hassan, one of Egypt's greatest former players, has received widespread praise for guiding the country to its best-ever World Cup finish.
Although Egypt's tournament ended in Atlanta, the team's run represented a breakthrough for a national side that had spent decades struggling to make an impact on the world's biggest stage.
With Egypt eliminated, Morocco remains the only team from the Middle East and Africa still alive at the World Cup. The Atlas Lions will face France in the quarterfinals on Thursday after advancing past Canada in the Round of 16.
Kenya, Tanzania shut down protest anniversaries
NAIROBI, Kenya
Kenya and Tanzania both deployed a massive police presence on Tuesday to prevent protests as the East African nations increasingly take a zero-tolerance approach to demonstrations.
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| Kenya police officers seal off access to Parliament |
The two countries have both faced major bouts of public unrest in the last two years and have responded with brutal police repression.
In Tanzania, rights groups and the opposition say thousands were killed by security forces during election unrest in October last year over alleged rigging and attacks on critics.
And at least 127 Kenyans were killed during protests over economic hardship, corruption and police brutality in June-July 2024 and the same period in 2025, according to a police watchdog.
Activists called for peaceful demonstrations on July 7 -- known as "Saba Saba" ("seven seven") -- which happens to mark historic protests in both countries.
But massive security deployments have deterred any action, with Tanzania recently banning all political gatherings, and Kenyan police refusing to accept any notifications of protests from rights groups.
Meanwhile, citizens are increasingly scared of raising their voices.
"I'm not ready to risk my life," Hussein Matimbwa, 33, a resident of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, told our correspondent.
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| Tanzania police officers patrolling one of the busiest streets in Mwanza City |
"The deaths that occurred last October are scary. Demonstrating is legal, but here in Tanzania you can be eliminated simply for participating," he added.
Police and military were stationed across Dar es Salaam, our correspondent saw, and the busy trading area of Kariakoo was largely deserted, with most of stalls closed.
The same was in the cities of Mwanza, Dodoma, Arusha and Mbeya.
One man said he had hoped to protest but could not find support.
"Many people are afraid to die. Police and soldiers are everywhere with guns," he said.
In Kenya's capital Nairobi, police shut down roads and swarmed on a tiny group of protesters that had managed to gather in the city centre.
Our Correspondent in the city saw at least three bundled into an unmarked car and police wagon.
"Why should they deploy security like this? We have a right to protest," said one of the group, Collins Otieno.
A police spokesman later said that he was unaware of the details but it may have been "an arrest by our undercover teams".
It was a similar pattern used to prevent unrest on June 25, marking the anniversary of Kenyans storming parliament to oppose unpopular new taxes in 2024.
A group called the Economic Justice Movement had announced a march on Tuesday to draw attention to "extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and police brutality, but also an escalating economic crisis... and declining opportunities for millions of young people and families".
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| Deserted street in Mwanza |
But many are too afraid to join in.
"There's a general sense of exhaustion," local rights group organiser Wanjira Wanjiru, of the Mathare Social Justice Centre said.
President William Ruto has grown increasingly combative towards critics, recently lashing out online at The Standard newspaper for its negative coverage.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists called for an investigation on Monday after saying a senior journalist with The Standard narrowly escaped an abduction by armed men three days after Ruto criticised the paper.
Ghana rejects Ramaphosa visit over xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians
ACCRA, Ghana
Ghana has turned down a state visit request from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as tensions rise over a wave of xenophobic violence that has targeted Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa.
Diplomatic sources in Accra and Pretoria told the Daily Graphic that the decision comes amid a sharp escalation in anti-foreigner attacks across parts of South Africa. The violence has already forced around 1,000 Ghanaians to return home, with another 900 said to be in the process of registering for repatriation.
The situation turned deadly on June 30, when a Ghanaian national was killed during a wave of demonstrations by xenophobic groups targeting African migrants.
A South African source said Accra was "deeply concerned about the safety and dignity of its citizens" and could not justify hosting a high-profile visit "under the current circumstances."
On the Ghanaian side, officials pointed to a second worry: the president's own safety. With anti-migrant sentiment running high, there were fears that Ramaphosa's presence could provoke a hostile public reaction, a risk Accra was not willing to take.
"The government's position on the protection of Ghanaians abroad is non-negotiable," one source said, adding that a visit in the current climate could do more harm than good for both leaders.
Ghana has reportedly told South Africa exactly what needs to happen before any state visit can go ahead: concrete action to stop the attacks and firm guarantees for the safety of Ghanaian nationals living there.
Despite the diplomatic freeze on the visit itself, sources on the Ghanaian side insist the broader relationship between the two nations remains intact. This is being framed as a pause driven by security concerns, not a rupture in ties.
Monday, July 6, 2026
Faye moves to launch new party as split with Sonko deepens
DAKAR, Senegal
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is preparing to launch his own political party, signalling a decisive break with former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as the country's leadership rift widens ahead of key local elections and constitutional reforms.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has begun preparations to establish his own political party, according to a coalition supporting the president.
The coalition said in a statement issued late on Friday that Faye had instructed senior adviser Aminata Touré to lead a task force responsible for creating the new political movement.
The move marks the clearest sign yet of a lasting split between Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko.
Faye has remained a member of the ruling Pastef party since taking office, but relations with Sonko deteriorated over several months before the president dismissed him as prime minister in May.
Sonko has since become Speaker of the National Assembly, where he is championing constitutional reforms aimed at reshaping Senegal's political landscape.
Among the proposed changes is a provision preventing a sitting president from serving simultaneously as leader of a political party.
Lawmakers approved the constitutional amendments last week, but President Faye has opted to submit them to a national referendum instead of signing them into law.
Authorities have not yet announced a date for the vote.
The referendum is expected to become a key test of political support for both Faye and Sonko as their rivalry intensifies.
The growing political divide comes as Senegal grapples with an economic crisis triggered by revelations that the previous administration misreported public debt levels.
The dispute also unfolds ahead of 2027 local elections, which are expected to provide the first major indication of the electoral strength of both camps.
The planned creation of a new presidential party could significantly reshape Senegal's political landscape and redefine alliances within the country's ruling establishment.
Tanzanian authorities arrest dozens ahead of anti-government protests
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania
Tanzanian authorities arrested dozens of people ahead of planned anti-government protests, part of a crackdown on calls demanding democratic reforms and the release of a key opposition figure.
Sylvester Mangure, the army spokesperson, warned Sunday against any demonstrations, following last week’s government ban on political rallies. He also accused “some people,” whom he didn’t identify, of “recruiting youth” to join the protests as they claimed the country’s army supported the planned demonstrations.
Young people have called for protests on Tuesday, coinciding with the 72nd anniversary of the ruling party’s establishment, to demand democratic changes and the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was arrested on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms ahead of last year’s general election.
President Samia Hassan won the disputed October election with 97% of the vote despite a widespread boycott and the absence of contestants from the two main opposition parties, Chadema, headed by Lissu, and ACT Wazalendo.
According to the government, more than 500 people were killed during three days of violent demonstrations challenging the electoral process, according to a government-appointed committee. Human rights groups and opposition leaders say the death toll was much higher.
On Sunday, Mangure asked the public to report anyone recruiting or organizing protesters, while promising that the army would safeguard the country’s peace.
“The army encourages citizens to continue engaging in nation-building activities without fear, and it will not hesitate to take action against those disrupting peace as provided for under the constitution,” he said.
Security has been significantly tightened in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, with soldiers and police officers patrolling major roads and public spaces. Critics say the heightened security presence is intended to deter demonstrators. However, authorities have not stated it was connected to the planned protests.
The city will also host on Tuesday its 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, locally known as SabaSaba, one of the country’s largest annual commercial events.
Police spokesperson David Misime said on Saturday that law enforcement agencies had intensified operations and cracked down on groups allegedly mobilizing people to participate in what authorities describe as illegal demonstrations.
“Strong action will be taken against anyone who participates in the unlawful riots being mobilized through social media,” Misime said.
Last week, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said people had been arrested for recruiting youth to take part in Tuesday’s protests. He did not reveal the exact number of those arrested.
Belgium cruise past United States to book Spain quarter-final
SEATTLE, United States
Belgium produced an outstanding display to defeat co-hosts United States 4-1 in Seattle and secure their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
A first-half brace from Charles De Ketelaere laid the foundation for victory before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added further goals to send the Red Devils into a last-eight meeting with Spain.
The United States briefly threatened a comeback when Malik Tillman equalised with a deflected free-kick, but Belgium quickly regained control and never looked back.
Rudi Garcia's side made the perfect start, taking the lead after just nine minutes when Nicolas Raskin's cross found De Ketelaere, who finished from close range after the American defence failed to deal with the delivery.
The hosts responded midway through the first half. Tillman's free-kick took a deflection off the Belgian wall before looping beyond the goalkeeper to bring the United States level and ignite the Seattle crowd.
Belgium restored their advantage almost immediately, however. Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross into the box and De Ketelaere rose highest to head home his second goal of the evening.
The decisive moment arrived shortly after the restart. Goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated while attempting to play out from the back, allowing De Ketelaere to dispossess him before squaring for Hans Vanaken, who calmly finished into an empty net.
The United States pushed forward in search of a route back into the contest, but Belgium remained composed defensively and continued to threaten on the break.
Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory in stoppage time after Chris Richards surrendered possession in his own half, allowing the veteran striker to drive home Belgium's fourth goal.
The result ends the United States' World Cup campaign on home soil, while Belgium advance to a quarter-final showdown with European champions Spain.
Spain edge Portugal to reach World Cup quarter-finals
ARLINGTON, United States
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, as substitute Mikel Merino struck in stoppage time to settle a tense Round of 16 contest in Arlington.
Merino's winner in the first minute of added time finally separated the two Iberian rivals after a tightly contested encounter, sending the European champions into a quarter-final meeting with either the United States or Belgium.
Luis de la Fuente's side enjoyed the better of the early chances, with Mikel Oyarzabal dragging a clear opportunity wide before Diogo Costa produced excellent saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena.
Portugal gradually settled into the contest and came closest before the interval when Nuno Mendes' powerful effort deflected onto the crossbar via Pedro Porro, while Cristiano Ronaldo forced Unai Simon into a save from a tight angle.
Spain continued to dominate possession after the restart, but clear-cut openings remained scarce as Portugal defended resolutely and looked to threaten on the counter-attack.
With extra time appearing inevitable, Spain found the breakthrough in stoppage time. Ferran Torres picked out Merino inside the penalty area, and the midfielder kept his composure to steer a low finish beyond Costa and send La Roja into the last eight.
The victory extends Spain's unbeaten run at the tournament and maintains their remarkable defensive record, with De la Fuente's side yet to concede a goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain will now turn their attention to a quarter-final showdown as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.
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