Trump says Iran war objectives nearing completion.
Donald Trump, the United States president, has said key military objectives in the ongoing war with Iran are “nearing completion”, signalling a possible end to the conflict within weeks, even as he warned of an intensified final phase of operations.
In a prime-time televised address, Trump told Americans that Washington was “on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly”, framing the campaign as strategically successful after weeks of sustained strikes on Iranian military and energy infrastructure.
“And tonight I’m pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion,” he said, adding that the US would deliver a decisive final blow in the coming weeks.
The president indicated that the next phase of the war would be particularly forceful, warning that US forces would “hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks”. He did not provide a precise timeline for a full withdrawal but suggested the conflict could end “pretty quickly” once those final operations are concluded.
Iran’s president tells Americans ‘no enmity’ amid war tensions
Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, has sought to soften rhetoric towards the United States, stating in a letter that Tehran harbours no hostility towards ordinary Americans.
The message, reported by Press TV, pushes back against portrayals of Iran as a global threat, even as the conflict with the US and Israel intensifies.
The outreach reflects ongoing indirect diplomatic signalling, despite hardened positions on both sides over ceasefire conditions and regional security demands.
UK pivots toward EU ties as Iran war strains alliances
The United Kingdom is seeking closer economic and security cooperation with the European Union, as the Iran war reshapes global alliances.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain would deepen its engagement with Europe at an upcoming summit, while maintaining a cautious stance on direct involvement in the conflict.
The war has heightened concerns over energy costs and economic growth, with the UK among the most exposed major economies. Domestic pressure is mounting on the government to cushion households from rising fuel and energy prices.
NASA launches first crewed lunar mission in decades
NASA has launched its Artemis II mission, sending four astronauts on humanity’s first crewed journey around the Moon in more than 50 years.
The mission lifted off from the Kennedy Space Centre, carrying three American astronauts and one Canadian on a 10-day voyage designed to pave the way for a future lunar landing.
The flight marks a major step in the US-led effort to return humans to the Moon, amid intensifying competition with China in space exploration.
US eases sanctions on Venezuela’s interim leader.
The United States has lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez, recognising her as Venezuela’s acting leader and opening the door for renewed diplomatic and economic engagement.
The move follows the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year and signals Washington’s support for a transitional government in Caracas.
US officials say the shift could allow Venezuela to regain control of overseas assets and revive its oil sector, while Rodríguez described the decision as a step toward normalising relations.
Russian military plane crash kills 29 in Crimea.
A Russian An-26 military aircraft has crashed in Crimea, killing all 29 people on board, according to Russian authorities.
The plane reportedly lost contact during a routine flight, with officials attributing the incident to a technical failure. An investigation has been launched into potential flight safety violations.
The incident adds to a history of crashes involving the ageing Soviet-era aircraft, widely used for military transport across the region.
AFRICA
Ghana inflation slows for 15th consecutive month.
Ghana’s inflation rate has eased for the 15th straight month, signalling a gradual recovery from one of its worst economic crises in decades.
Government statistician Alhassan Iddrisu said inflation fell to 3.2 per cent in March, driven largely by moderating food prices, though energy costs remain a concern.
Officials warned that the Iran war could still push prices higher, particularly for fuel-importing economies across Africa.
Kenya tea exports disrupted as Iran war hits shipping routes
The Iran conflict is disrupting Kenya’s tea industry, with millions of kilograms of stockpile stranded at the port of Mombasa.
Industry officials say losses are mounting at around $8m per week, as key export routes through the Middle East remain blocked and buyers reduce orders.
The disruption highlights the broader impact of the war on global trade, particularly for countries reliant on maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Explosions at a Burundi ammunition depot kill civilians
A series of explosions at a military ammunition depot in Bujumbura has killed several civilians and caused widespread destruction.
Authorities say the blasts were likely triggered by an electrical fault, sending debris across surrounding neighbourhoods and damaging homes and infrastructure.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye has expressed condolences, while officials continue to assess the full scale of casualties and damage.
South African farmers face a fuel crisis ahead of harvest
Farmers in South Africa are grappling with soaring diesel costs as the Iran war disrupts global energy supplies.
With fuel prices rising sharply, many producers fear they may struggle to secure enough diesel for the upcoming harvest season, threatening agricultural output.
This underscores how geopolitical shocks are filtering into food production systems, raising concerns about inflation and food security across the region.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
