Iran Launches New Satellites Ahead of Netanyahu–Trump Meeting Iran has launched three locally developed satellites into space in a fresh show of defiance, coming just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss Iran and wider Middle East concerns. The satellites — Paya, Zafar-2, and a second prototype of Kowsar — were successfully placed into Low Earth Orbit on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from a Russian space facility. Before the June war, Tehran had carried out several satellite launches in recent years, some independently and others in partnership with Moscow. Iranian officials say the newly launched satellites include the country’s most advanced imaging technology, further highlighting Iran’s growing space and missile-linked capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The timing of the launch is widely seen as symbolic, coinciding with high-level talks between Israel and the United States focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. #Iran #MiddleEast #SpaceTechnology #GlobalPolitics

Nigeria Risks Energy, Trade Instability in Russia-Ukraine War – Prof Akinyemi Former External Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has warned that Nigeria could face energy and trade disruptions if it gets entangled in the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking on Channels Television, Akinyemi said global power play between the US, Russia, and Europe will affect oil markets, tariffs, and trade flows, with direct consequences for Nigeria’s economy. He advised African nations to avoid being pawns in conflicts between global powers, stressing that Nigeria must narrowly define its national interests to safeguard stability. According to him, while Russia seeks to reassert Soviet-era influence, Nigeria should focus on energy security, trade resilience, and non-alignment in global rivalries. #NigeriaEconomy #RussiaUkraineWar #EnergySecurity #GlobalPolitics