US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a preliminary framework for a 60-day ceasefire extension in the Middle East conflict, but the deal remains subject to final approval from US President Donald Trump, according to American sources.

The development follows renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran after both sides accused each other of violating an existing truce, raising fears of further escalation in the already volatile region.

According to reports cited by US officials and international media, the proposed framework is based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening structured negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security issues. A key component of the deal includes the restoration of normal commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil shipping routes.

Under the proposed arrangement, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be free of tolls, restrictions, or harassment. Iran would also be required to remove naval mines within 30 days, while the United States would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports once safe maritime movement is restored. However, despite reported progress, the agreement has not yet been finalized or officially signed off by President Trump.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Deepfake: Presidency Alleges Coordinated Plot to Divide Nigerians
• What I Discussed With Amaechi During Abuja Visit — Atiku
• Ondo Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Kidnap of Two Schoolchildren, Recover N251,000 Ransom

Iranian authorities have pushed back on claims that a final deal has been reached. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing a source close to Tehran’s negotiation team, said the draft text is still under review and has not been concluded. Iranian officials also stressed that any ceasefire agreement would only be considered valid once formally announced by Tehran, not through external declarations.

The diplomatic developments come after a fresh spike in violence following strikes linked to US forces on the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran. Iranian state media claimed the Revolutionary Guards targeted an American-linked airbase in response, while US allies in the region, including Kuwait, reported intercepting incoming projectiles.

Kuwait later condemned what it described as Iranian attacks on its territory, calling them a “dangerous escalation.” The US Central Command described Iran’s response as an “egregious ceasefire violation,” while Iranian officials insisted the US strikes were themselves breaches of the truce.

A major sticking point in the negotiations remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route through which a large portion of the world’s energy supply flows. Reports indicate Iran has restricted access to the waterway since the conflict began on February 28, significantly affecting global oil shipments and energy prices.

US forces said they intercepted multiple Iranian drones and prevented further attacks near the strait, highlighting the continued military volatility in the area. Global oil prices reportedly fluctuated following news of both renewed clashes and the potential ceasefire framework, with traders reacting to uncertainty over supply disruptions in the Gulf region.

President Donald Trump’s approval is now seen as the decisive factor in whether the proposed framework progresses into a formal agreement or collapses amid ongoing hostilities. US officials have indicated that any final deal must align with Washington’s security conditions and regional red lines.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to spill into Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah forces remain engaged despite a separate ceasefire arrangement. Israeli airstrikes near Beirut and southern Lebanon reportedly killed multiple civilians and military personnel, while cross-border attacks continue between both sides. Analysts warn that without a sustained diplomatic breakthrough, the Middle East risks further escalation across multiple fronts.

US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead

At least 82 people have been confirmed dead and two others remain missing following a devastating coal mine explosion in China, officials said, after rescue authorities revised an earlier higher death toll in the chaotic aftermath of the disaster.

The blast occurred on Friday at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province, one of China’s major coal-producing regions, and is now being described as the country’s worst mining disaster since 2009.

According to state media reports and officials, about 247 workers were on duty at the time of the explosion, which struck at around 19:29 local time (11:29 GMT). More than 100 workers were rescued from the site as hundreds of emergency responders were deployed to the scene.

Authorities initially reported a higher death toll of around 90 before later revising the figure down to 82, citing confusion in the early stages of the rescue operation.

Officials explained that the situation at the mine was chaotic immediately after the explosion, which led to an unclear headcount and inconsistent reporting of casualties.

A total of 128 injured miners are currently receiving hospital treatment, with at least two reported to be in critical condition. Many of the victims are believed to have suffered from inhaling toxic gases released during the explosion, though the exact substance has not yet been officially confirmed.

READ ALSO:

• Celebrity Divorce Is More Visible, Not More Common — Temi Kosoko
• Troops Kill 12 Terrorists, Foil Attack on Military Base in Borno
• APC Primaries Fallout: Over 70 Federal Lawmakers Lose Return Tickets for 2027 Elections (Full List)

One injured miner, identified as Wang Yong, recounted the terrifying moment the blast occurred, describing a sudden plume of smoke and a strong sulphur-like smell spreading through the mine.

“I smelled sulphur, the same smell you get from blasting. I shouted at people to run. As we were running I could see people collapsing from the fumes. Then I blacked out too,” he said, adding that he later regained consciousness and helped another worker escape.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered that “no effort must be spared” in rescue and treatment operations, while also calling for urgent medical care for the injured.

China’s State Council has also announced a full investigation into the incident, promising that those found responsible for any safety violations or negligence will face strict punishment.

The Liushenyu explosion has renewed concerns over coal mine safety in China, where industrial accidents have historically been linked to safety lapses despite repeated government crackdowns.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the missing workers and assess the full extent of the disaster.

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead

Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House

A White House security shooting on Saturday evening left a 21-year-old armed suspect dead after he allegedly opened fire at a Secret Service security checkpoint just outside the presidential complex in Washington, D.C.

The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, reportedly approached the checkpoint near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest shortly after 6 p.m. local time before pulling a firearm from a bag and firing at officers.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, officers immediately returned fire, striking the suspect during the exchange. He was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident triggered an immediate White House lockdown, forcing journalists and staff members on the North Lawn to shelter in place as armed agents secured the area.

Witnesses described hearing between 15 and 30 gunshots during the brief but intense confrontation, which caused panic around the heavily guarded perimeter of the White House.

READ ALSO:

• Sallah Rush: NRC Adds Extra Lagos-Ibadan Train Trips, Osun Sponsors Free Rail Service 
• NRC Cries Out as Vandals Strip Railway Tracks in Plateau, Bauchi
• Odunlade Adekola Surprises Mother With Brand New Car On Her Birthday

Authorities also confirmed that one bystander was injured during the shooting and taken to hospital for treatment. However, investigators have yet to determine whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from Secret Service officers.

Importantly, no Secret Service personnel were injured in the attack.

At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House but was not harmed or directly affected, according to officials.

The lockdown was lifted less than an hour later after law enforcement confirmed that the threat had been neutralised.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary reports from U.S. media indicate that the suspect may have had previous encounters with law enforcement and the Secret Service. Some reports suggest he had attempted to access restricted areas around the White House in the past.

Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the attack, while federal authorities continue to examine the suspect’s background and possible intentions.

The Washington shooting near the White House has renewed concerns about security threats targeting high-profile U.S. political institutions, despite the extensive protective measures already in place around the presidential residence.

Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House