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FHC Judgement: ADC Will Be On the Ballot In 2027 – Chairman, David Mark

By
Ayodele Oni
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David Mark - ADC Chairman
David Mark

By Ayodele Oni

 

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed the hope that the Federal High Court judgement which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others cannot stand, as it does not pass the test of law and due process.

 

Mark appealed to party members, supporters, and candidates on the platform of the party not to despair over the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

 

Senator Mark, in a swift reaction, while receiving a delegation of the party’s candidates who paid him a visit in Abuja on Monday, described the judgment as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy,” assuring party faithful that the decision would be overturned by superior courts.

 

He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a stay of proceedings in the matter and adjourned further hearing to October 27, 2027.

 

He therefore questioned how a judgment could validly be delivered while the subsisting order of the appellate court remained in force.

 

“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process.

 

“Our democracy must be protected from actions that seek to undermine the constitutional rights of political parties and the choices available to Nigerians,” Senator Mark stated.

 

He urged ADC candidates and supporters across the country to remain calm, focused, and committed to the party’s mission, stressing that there was no cause for alarm.

 

“The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027. I assure all our candidates, members, and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process. We remain resolute and confident in the rule of law,” he added.

 

Senator Mark further reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections

Kwara Monarch Dies In Kidnappers’ Den After Payment Of N21 Million Ransom

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda

By Ayodele Oni

 

Coming few days after a retired top military officer died in captivity, the traditional ruler of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has been confirmed dead while being held by bandits.

 

His death is coming after his abductors reportedly received ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles, and a jerry can of petrol as conditions for his release.

 

The Monarch’s death was confirmed in an emotional voice message obtained by the media from a member of a committee involved in efforts to secure his freedom

 

In the message, the committee member announced the tragic development to members of the Olayinka community, describing the monarch’s death as an act of God’s will, despite extensive efforts by residents, family members, community leaders, and religious figures to secure his safe return.

 

Quoting from the message, the committee member said: “Allah in His mercy said in the Holy Qur’an that we all human beings on earth belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether when we expect it or when we do not expect it.

 

“This is to inform the Olayinka community, both male and female, young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.

 

“All the rumours everyone has been hearing from different angles, and all the efforts that have been made by family members, residents, committees and Islamic clerics, have now led to this moment.

 

“The will of God has happened. Whether one likes it or not, every soul will return to its Creator, and nobody knows the means through which that return will come.

 

“Oh Allah, we accept our fate. All the indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God.

 

“Since last week, committees have carried out investigations and made efforts while praying that God would return him home safely. But man proposes and God disposes.

 

“God has taken the monarch from the people of Olayinka. Please let us accept our fate. On behalf of all Muslims and Christians in the Olayinka community, this is to announce to you that Oba Salman of Olayinka has died and returned to his Creator. May God forgive his shortcomings.

 

“As required by Islamic rites, all members of the Olayinka Muslim community in Lagos are requested to gather by 8 a.m. to perform prayers and Janazah for him.

 

“Although we have not been able to locate his body, Islam teaches that funeral rites can still be performed even when the deceased is not physically present,” he said.

 

“May God forgive him and be with the people of Olayinka. May God reward all our efforts regarding Oba Salman. We are meeting at the Epe Muslim community.”

 

Despite desperate efforts by community members and stakeholders to secure his freedom, the traditional ruler was ultimately killed in captivity, plunging Olayinka into mourning.

 

According to report, the ruler was abducted about a month ago by suspected kidnappers, who later opened negotiations with community representatives.

 

The captors reportedly received the ransom package, ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol, before the tragic outcome was revealed.

 

“The traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area was killed by his abductors despite the ransom payment made by the community.”

Court Orders INEC To Deregister ADC, Four Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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African Democratic Congress - ADC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Hope of participating in some bye and general elections by five registered political parties is being threatened, following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should deregister them.

 

Those affected are African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

 

The court order followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.

 

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, prayed the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to remove political parties that fail to meet the electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations.

 

It was the position of the plaintiffs that the five political parties listed as defendants in the matter had persistently failed to meet the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration.

 

The former legislators stressed that the requirements include winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.

 

They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly in both the 2023 general elections and by-elections conducted by INEC, thereby failing to win seats across key tiers of government.

 

The litigants insisted that the continued existence of the ADC and the other defendants as recognised political parties is unlawful and undermines the integrity of the country’s electoral system.

 

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff urged the court to declare that INEC is duty-bound to deregister such parties.

 

It further urged the court to compel the commission to deregister the five political parties before preparations for the 2027 elections advance further.

 

Beyond declaratory reliefs, the plaintiff prayed the court to restrain the five affected parties from participating in general elections or engaging in political activities such as campaigns, rallies, and primaries.

 

It also sought a court injunction restraining INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless and until they strictly comply with constitutional provisions.

Calls Mount For  Release Of Late Major General Rabe’s Widow From Captivity

By
The Source
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Hajiya Amina

By Ayodele Oni

 

Calls for immediate release of the Gen Abubakar Rabe’s widow Hajiya Amina, has been intensified as part of measures to pacify the aggrieved family members.

 

Rabe died in the custody of terrorists weeks after his abduction along with his wife and has once been buried, while the widow is still being held.

 

Major General Umar Mohammed, (RTD), a friend of Gen. Rabe, described the late former defence spokesman as a hardworking, disciplined and highly professional officer whose death in captivity should prompt serious national reflection.

 

Mohammed, who stated that he knew the late officer for 38 years, recalled meeting him when Rabe was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted to Maiduguri as Public Relations Officer of the 21 Armoured Brigade.

 

“Since then, I have known Rabe as an extraordinary person. He was highly professional, dedicated to duty and related well with people irrespective of rank, religion, tribe or gender,” he said.

 

The retired general said he was deeply saddened by the death of his longtime friend.

 

“I feel sad, traumatised and disturbed. I cried not only for Rabe, but for the nation and the system he served all his life. For him to die in such a dehumanising manner calls for sober reflection.

 

“We must ask ourselves whether this should have happened and what could have been done to prevent it,” he said.

 

Mohammed said he believed the military did its best to secure Rabe’s release but argued that stronger warnings should have been issued to his captors.

 

“I expected the military to make it clear that nothing must happen to him or his wife and that there would be serious consequences if any harm came to them,” he added.

 

He called on the bandits to release the late general’s wife unconditionally and urged the government to demonstrate its ability to protect citizens.

 

“We should tell these bandits to release her unconditionally, and if they don’t, whatever happened to her, they should know that they are within this country and the long arm of the law will catch up with them. And the government should be firm,” he said.

 

Mohammed maintained that the Nigerian Army remains a professional force but faces enormous security challenges due to the spread of bandit and insurgent camps across the country.

 

He was of the view that the military requires more manpower, drones, surveillance assets and modern weapons to effectively tackle insecurity.

 

Mohammed also blamed political interference in recruitment for weakening security institutions.

 

“When I joined the Army, recruitment was strictly merit-based. Today, some political actors influence the enlistment of people who are not fit for service.

 

“This affects discipline, professionalism and operational effectiveness,” he said.

He urged leaders to ensure only credible and trustworthy individuals are recruited into the armed forces and other security agencies.

 

“The government must show greater commitment to security through increased funding, recruitment and decisive action. It must demonstrate its ability to project force across the country and reclaim territories occupied by bandits and other criminal groups,” he added.

 

Also, a Security expert, Dr Yahuza Getso, advised the government to act swiftly to rescue the late general’s wife.

 

“If the state fails to rescue the widow promptly, it sends a dangerous message that criminal groups are stronger than the government,” he said.

 

Similarly, a former military intelligence officer, Abubakar Ibrahim, noted that anything short of decisive action could embolden criminal networks.

 

“The international community is watching. It is either we win this battle or face grave consequences,” he said.

 

Some residents in Katsina metropolis said the retired general’s death has deepened fears and reinforced a growing sense of vulnerability.

 

Malam Sama’ila Balarabe said, “This incident has shown us that insecurity respects no rank or status.

 

“If someone of his standing is not safe, then who is? People are afraid and are losing confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives.”

 

Another resident, Malam Bashir Usman Ruwangodiya, urged security agencies to take stronger action against criminal groups and warned against what he described as complacency among political leaders.

 

“It is high time the Federal Government took decisive action against insecurity. Anything short of that risks further loss of lives of serving and retired security personnel as well as innocent civilians,” he said.

ADC Names Rotimi Amaechi As Atiku Presidential Running Mate

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has officially declared  immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the presidential running mate to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State had, in May, participated in the ADC’s presidential primaries alongside Abubakar ,and renowned international banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

 

 Atiku was declared the winner to the objection of Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen who alleged manipulation and compromise of the exercise.

 

A couple of days ago, unconfirmed reports indicated that Amaechi, who had earlier not been keen to accept the Vice presidential candidate  slot, was widely perceived as the  front runner in the race for Abubakar’s running mate.

 

In a statement on Monday, June 15, 2026, from its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC informed that Amaechi’s emergence resulted from what it described as extensive consultations, in addition to due  considerations of his performance as runner-up during the party’s primaries.

 

The party emphasized that the Atiku/Amaechi presidential ticket is a practical testimonial to the party’s unity of purpose ,and commitment to the avowed task of national rescue.

 

The ADC expressed the confidence and optimism that the Abubakar/Amaechi ticket will accelerate national trust and support, as well as engander inclusiveness and economic prosperity.

 

Particularly, the party emphasized that the combined experience of the candidates will promote good governance and serve as a veritable catalyst for restoring public confidence in Government.

 

“The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar ,and Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance.

 

“It is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges, and reposition the country for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development.

 

“Few political leaders in Nigeria today posses such extensive and balanced experience across both legislative and executive arms of Government.

 

“This dept of experience will be invaluable in supporting the next ADC administration from day one.

 

“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket– one that bridges regions, generations, and political traditions.

 

“Their combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration, party organization, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible, and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in Government,and accelerating national development” the statement reads in part.”

 

This was as the party expressed the expectation that the ticket will further energize and accelerate the growth of the coalition, and inspire hope among Nigerians.

Oshiomhole’s Claims on Obi’s Security Record: Brazen Falsehoods, Revisionist Comedy

By
James Orji
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Victor Ogene

The Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has dismissed as a brazen falsehood and deliberate misinformation the claim by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, that his security record in Edo surpassed that of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Anambra State.

In a recent podcast interview, Senator Oshiomhole alleged that Mr. Obi’s performance on security in Anambra was abysmal, arguing he is unfit to lead Nigeria out of the prevailing insecurity crisis.

“Senator Oshiomhole’s revisionist attempt to rewrite history is both laughable and insulting to Nigerians who know the facts. The data on security under Obi’s tenure in Anambra remains public record, and no amount of political grandstanding can erase it,” Ogene declared.

Oshiomhole has now officially joined the growing league of self-appointed press secretaries to President Tinubu. His trademark loquaciousness routinely puts him at odds with his own colleagues in the Senate, and he invariably ends up issuing humiliating apologies.

In his latest desperate bid for ranking status among presidential attack dogs, Oshiomhole has again flown off tangent, mangling basic facts that even secondary school students know. What revisionist history would Oshiomhole teach Nigerian children when he can not accurately situate simple national events?

For the record: the Bakassi Boys operated under the four-year administration of the late Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Yet in his haste to smear Obi, Oshiomhole conveniently erased the three-year tenure of Dr. Chris Ngige before Obi’s assumption of office in 2006.

Not done with his comedy of fallacies, Oshiomhole went further to claim that the demolition of kidnappers’ dens began under former Governor Obiano. False. That deterrence policy was introduced and executed by Obi.

It is pitiable that a man who governed Edo State during Obi’s tenure would be so consumed by envy that he deliberately forgets basic facts. This is the same Oshiomhole who, while Obi was bringing civility and due process to governance in Anambra, was busy demolishing the houses of political opponents in Edo.

In deed, for a man who pioneered the current attempt at evolving a state police structure, through the recruitment, training, kitting, and provision of security vehicles to each of Anambra’s 177 communities, it is uncharitable for Senator Oshiomhole to begin now to promote a contrary narrative.

Despite several security-related awards garnered by Obi as governor, Oshiomhole’s desperate revisionism collapses under the weight of verifiable testimony. Philemon Leha, who served as Commissioner of Police in Anambra State during Mr. Peter Obi’s tenure has put the record straight:

_“As I undertook my assignment in the state, I was greatly encouraged by the commitment and determined focus of Governor Obi. Security was on his priority list, and he always offered us logistics and other support on a scale I had not witnessed elsewhere.”_

This is firsthand evidence from the man who ran security operations on the ground. While Oshiomhole peddles fallacies from a podcast chair, those who actually secured Anambra credit Obi’s leadership, logistics, and political will. Facts always triumph propaganda.

“The unprovoked and coordinated attacks on Mr. Peter Obi’s person and political aspiration, by hirelings across both the ruling party and the opposition, are unprecedented. They point to only one thing: Obi is the real issue in the conversation for the 2027 general elections.

Yet, Obi has committed no crime by aspiring to lead. He has not barred anyone from contesting for the presidency. So it is both strange and uncharitable that many now want him muscled out of the race out of sheer jealousy and palpable fear of his rising popularity.

Like every other Nigerian, Obi is entitled to exercise his fundamental rights. Oshiomhole, and any one else, is free to run for the highest office if they so desire. No amount of sponsored smear campaigns,therefore, can deny Obi of that same democratic rights,” Ogene stated.

Signed:

Hon. Afam Victor Ogene
Leader, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus
House of Representatives
Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

Corps Members Deployed To Niger To Wait For Alternative Venue

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
NYSC - Corps Members

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is contemplating on an alternative venue for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course for prospective corps members deployed to Niger State.

 

To this end, it has announced the postponement of the orientation programme,  citing ongoing renovation works at its orientation camp in Paiko.

 

The announcement was contained in a statement issued  by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.

 

According to the statement, the decision became necessary due to the rehabilitation of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp, which is currently being undertaken by the Niger State Government, following damage caused by a recent windstorm.

 

NYSC Management said the temporary suspension of the exercise was to ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place for a safe and conducive environment for corps members.

 

“Consequently, NYSC Management is making urgent arrangements to secure an alternative venue for the Orientation Course. 

 

“A new commencement date and other relevant details will be communicated to affected Prospective Corps Members in due course,” the statement said.

 

The scheme expressed regret over the inconvenience the postponement may cause to prospective corps members and their families, while appreciating their understanding and cooperation during the period.

 

It assured that efforts were ongoing to finalise a new venue and reschedule the orientation programme without compromising standards or safety.

 

The NYSC reiterated its commitment to the welfare and safety of corps members as a priority in all its operations nationwide.

Kano Targets $5bn Foreign Investment

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1)
Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

The Kano state government has revealed that the state attracted over $150 foreign direct capital last year.

According to the state’s Director-General, Investment Promotion Agency, KANINVEST, Muhammad Nazir Halliru, the investment in local currency amounted to over N204 billion.

He also noted that the state target is to ensure that it received over $5 billion within the next five years.

Halliru who spoke during the 60th anniversary of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN held in the state’s capital at the weekend, disclosed that areas which attracted foreign investments include, renewable energy, comprising Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programmes, among others.

Apart from these areas, the state investment boss said the transportation and agricultural sector also got the attention of foreign investors, adding that there are many investment opportunties in the state capable of attracting foreign investors.

“Kano is a country within a country. Its GDP is more than what you can find in Liberia, Niger, Chad and other sub-African countries.

“We have big markets that run on millions of naira turn over in a day. We have markets like Dawanau grain market, Kwari textiles market and Sabongari market among others,” Halliru stated.

Kwankwaso Has No Plan To Leave NDC

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC has denied reports that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso is planning to leave the party over dispute relating candidates selection for the 2027 election in Kano state.

The denial came at the weekend from the party’s National Publicity Director, Osa Director, who said the suggestion is a “media conjectures” and speculations aimed at undermining the peace in the party.

According to the party’s spokesman, who spoke in an interview on Arise TV, the report is the handwork of mischiefmakers, trying to demarket the party for their own diabolical reasons, noting that the former Governor of Kano state had never threatened to leave the party because of the dispute regarding candidates who are to represent the National Democratic Congress, NDC in 2027 from the state.

The reports had claimed that the former Minister of Defence and the  2023 NNPP Presidential candidate is angry with the leadership of the party after his candidate list was dropped.

Director, however, said “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party” saying the report was the handwork of ADC detractors.

“Those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party, and we know where they are coming from,” he said.

The former governor was recently picked as the NDC vice persidential candidate, to run with Peter Obi, its presidential candidate.

Both had left the African Democratic Congress, ADC earlier to join the NDC in other to pursuse their presidentia; ambitions.

World: US-Iran War Ends After Months Of Hostilities

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Donald Trump

On Sunday, President Donald Trump Trump of the United States announced the cessation of hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The announcement effectively brought to end the over 100 days of war between US-Israel and Iran, which started on March 2, after the two allies launched deadly airstrikes against the Islamic Republic.

The first day of attack on Tehran led to the killing of the Supreme Leader of the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was hit in his bunker, alongside some of his family members and other political and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC military officials.

The government of Iran had reacted by targeting US bases in some Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Iran also in retaliation of US-Israel attack  blocked the strait of Hormuz, described by analysts as a  critical maritime choke-point connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

According to analysts, roughly 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 25 percent of global seaborne oil pass through it, during peace time serving as the sole sea outlet for several major Gulf countries.

In response to Iran’s blockade, President Trump, on April 30, ordered the blockade of Iranian major seaports by United State military, a situation that led to a deadlock for weeks, with global economic implications, including the astronomical rise in the price of crude oil from less than $80 in pre-war era to over $130 per barrel at the peak of the hostilities in May.

The deadlock was however broken on Sunday after the two feuding countries reached a Memorandum of Understanding in a peace deal brokered by Pakistan and Qatar.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump said noting that he achieved what his predecessors in office failed to do, saying the deal will lead to prosperity for the Islamic Republic.

“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” President Trump announced on his Truth social media platform.

The US leader later said in a separate post, “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region”, and hinted that a more comprehensive peace agreement with Iran would follow.

“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” he wrote.

According to sources in Pakistan and Qatar privy to the peace deal, it was supposed to be signed on Sunday but the ceremony was shifted after Iran threatened to end the deal following Israel’s deadly attack on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, which killed some Hezbollah leaders.

Iran had insisted that Lebanon be part of the deal with the US

Speaking, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, confirmed that an end to hostilities is expected to cover all “fronts’ including Lebanon.

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, which quoted him Gharibabadi said an “immediate and permanent end to the war and military operations on various fronts, including Lebanon”, would be announced starting Monday.

Reacting to the truce on Monday, the secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said  the deal with the US includes the immediate suspension of hostilities on all fronts.

“Based on the agreements reached, the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will end immediately and permanently as of tonight, and in addition, the naval blockade against Iran will end immediately and completely,” it said in a statement.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding will be officially held on Friday, June 19,” it added.

“Negotiations for a final agreement will be postponed until after the other party has fulfilled its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of Qatar. Peace be upon you, God’s mercy and blessing.”

Also speaking, US Vice President JD Vance said the newly announced ceasefire could usher in a “new era” for the Middle East. He credited Trump’s diplomacy with Gulf countries and other regional partners for helping bring about the deal.

“What the president has done is create the real space to transform that region,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News. “And now, hopefully, a new era with the Iranians.”

Vance also reiterated what he described as a central US objective, saying: “I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

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