Trump unveils plan for US control of Strait of Hormuz, seeks payment for security

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for the United States to assume control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, declaring that Washington should be compensated for protecting one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Trump said the US would become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and ensure that the critical shipping lane remains open for international commerce.

“We’re going to keep the strait, and we’ll probably run it. We’ll become the guardian of the strait. Maybe we’ll call it the guardian angel of the strait. And we should be reimbursed for that,” Trump said.

The US president argued that countries benefiting from the security of the waterway should contribute financially to its protection.

“We’re going to guard it. We’re going to get paid for guarding it—a lot of money. We’re going to be reimbursed because the other nations are very wealthy. They’re on our side, and we can’t be expected to do that for nothing,” he added.

Trump later expanded on the proposal, suggesting that commercial cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz could be subject to a 20 per cent transit charge to offset the cost of US security operations in the region.

His remarks came amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Washington and Tehran, following renewed military exchanges that have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.

Iran recently announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing security concerns after a series of missile and drone strikes involving Iranian and US forces.

Tehran said commercial shipping through the strategic waterway would remain suspended until what it described as the restoration of “stability and calm.”

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Trump accused Iran of reneging on previous agreements designed to keep the waterway open for international navigation.

“We had a deal. It was a done deal, and then they broke it. They always break it. We’ve had 10 deals with these people, and so we’re just going to hit them very hard,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) insisted that the only way to restore normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is for the United States to halt its military operations in the Gulf.

The Iranian military warned that continued US intervention could further destabilise the region and disrupt global oil and gas supplies.

The latest confrontation follows several days of missile and drone attacks between the two countries, with Iran claiming responsibility for strikes on US military installations in the Gulf, while Washington launched retaliatory attacks on Iranian military targets.

The renewed hostilities have effectively undermined a temporary understanding reportedly reached between the two countries last month to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce military tensions while diplomatic negotiations continued.

The Strait of Hormuz is regarded as one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

An estimated 20 per cent of global seaborne crude oil and a substantial share of the world’s liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway every day, making it indispensable to global energy markets.

Major oil-exporting countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, rely heavily on the route to transport crude oil and natural gas to international markets.

The renewed tensions have already sent global oil prices higher as investors worry that prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could tighten energy supplies, increase transportation costs and fuel inflation worldwide.

Trump’s proposal has also generated international legal debate, with maritime law experts questioning whether any nation can unilaterally assume control of or impose transit charges on an international waterway governed by international maritime law.

Diplomatic observers warn that any attempt to enforce such a policy could further complicate already fragile relations in the Middle East and heighten geopolitical risks in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

Governments, energy companies and international shipping operators are expected to closely monitor developments as the security situation in the Gulf continues to evolve.

Trump unveils plan for US control of Strait of Hormuz, seeks payment for security

Bangkok bar fire kills at least 27, leaves 25 critically injured

At least 27 people have been killed and 25 others remain in critical condition after a devastating fire engulfed Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok, Thailand, triggering one of the country’s deadliest nightlife disasters in recent years.

The tragic incident occurred late on Sunday in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, where the blaze reportedly started near the stage of the crowded entertainment venue before spreading rapidly through the building, cutting off electricity and filling the premises with thick smoke.

Eyewitnesses said panic erupted as customers and staff scrambled for safety, with many forced to flee through the building’s main entrance while flames spread across the venue.

Videos shared on social media captured horrifying scenes of terrified patrons screaming for help, while some escaped with their clothes on fire.

Emergency responders were alerted by a passing motorist shortly after midnight, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene. The fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes, but not before causing extensive destruction.

Rescue teams later discovered the bodies of many victims inside one of the bar’s bathrooms, where they had reportedly taken shelter in a desperate attempt to escape the smoke and flames.

According to Thai authorities, nine men and 18 women were among those killed, while 73 people sustained injuries, including 25 victims who remain in critical condition in hospitals across Bangkok.

Officials from Bangkok’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said preliminary findings indicate that most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, while others suffered severe burns during the fire.

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One survivor, Kaew-udon Poungppany, a 24-year-old citizen of Laos, recounted his unsuccessful attempt to rescue his younger brother, Phonepaseut Poungppany, who died in the tragedy.

“I grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed it at the door, but I couldn’t go any further. I heard people screaming,” he told reporters.

Another eyewitness, Surin Jaiharn, said he helped several people escape by using pieces of clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies before emergency services arrived.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the fire.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit, although officials stressed that forensic experts are still examining the scene and no official cause has been confirmed.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said investigators are also examining whether highly flammable decorative materials installed on the ceiling contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

He disclosed that some victims were found unconscious close to the emergency exit, raising concerns that the escape route may have been blocked or difficult to access during the evacuation.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, visited the scene and said a musician who was performing when the fire broke out reported hearing what sounded like explosions before smoke and flames engulfed the building.

According to the minister, many customers ran toward the rear of the building and hid inside the toilets, where a large number of victims were later found.

Authorities have since sealed off the entertainment venue, while the Chatuchak District Office ordered the building closed for 30 days pending the outcome of investigations.

The Thai government also announced financial assistance for victims’ families. Relatives of those who died will receive 29,300 Thai baht in compensation, while injured survivors undergoing treatment will receive 4,000 baht in emergency assistance.

The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns over fire safety standards in Thailand’s entertainment industry.

In 2022, a nightclub fire in Chon Buri Province killed 22 people and injured dozens after flames rapidly engulfed the venue.

Earlier, the Santika Club fire in Bangkok on January 1, 2009, claimed 66 lives and left more than 200 people injured, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations.

In 2024, another electrical fire at Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak Weekend Market killed more than 1,000 animals, further highlighting ongoing concerns over electrical safety in public facilities.

Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation into the latest disaster, with investigators expected to determine whether negligence, electrical faults or violations of building safety regulations contributed to the deadly fire.

Bangkok bar fire kills at least 27, leaves 25 critically injured

UK reaffirms visa requirement for Nigerians, citizens of 32 other African countries

The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed that Nigerian citizens and nationals of 32 other African countries must continue to obtain a UK visa before travelling to or transiting through the country, despite recent updates to its immigration guidance.

The confirmation follows a revised UK Home Office guidance on visa requirements for visitors travelling to the UK for stays of up to six months. The updated rules maintain Nigeria and 32 other African countries on the list of nationalities that require entry clearance before travelling, unless they qualify for specific exemptions under UK immigration laws.

According to the Home Office, nationals of more than 100 countries and territories are still required to obtain a visa before entering the UK. The requirement applies to travellers visiting for tourism, business, family visits, short-term study and other temporary purposes.

The guidance also extends to certain passengers making connecting flights through British airports. Depending on their nationality, travel route and immigration status, some transit passengers may be required to obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or another form of transit permission before travelling.

The Home Office further clarified that stateless persons and individuals travelling with documents other than officially recognised national passports or accepted identity documents must also secure entry clearance before departure unless they fall within an exemption category.

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The latest update comes as the UK continues expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme for eligible visa-free countries. However, Nigeria is not among the countries currently eligible for the ETA, meaning Nigerian passport holders must continue applying for a visa before travelling to the UK.

The UK government advised intending travellers to verify their visa status before booking flights or making travel arrangements, warning that airlines may deny boarding to passengers who fail to present valid visas or the required travel authorisation.

Officials said the updated guidance forms part of the UK’s broader efforts to strengthen border security, improve immigration compliance and streamline entry procedures while maintaining national security.

The United Kingdom remains one of the leading destinations for Nigerian students, professionals, tourists and business travellers. Thousands of Nigerians travel to the UK annually for higher education, employment, healthcare, tourism and family visits, making the country one of Nigeria’s most popular international destinations.

Immigration experts have advised travellers to consult the latest Home Office guidance before travelling, noting that visa rules may differ depending on the purpose of travel, passport type, immigration status and whether the traveller qualifies for any exemptions.

The 33 African countries whose citizens continue to require a UK visa are:

• Algeria
• Angola
• Botswana
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Republic of the Congo
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Malawi
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

The Home Office encouraged prospective visitors to check the latest immigration requirements before departure, stressing that compliance with visa regulations will help prevent travel disruptions, delays and refusal of boarding at airports.

UK reaffirms visa requirement for Nigerians, citizens of 32 other African countries