Trump calls for Netanyahu’s trial to be canceled

Reuters,

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or halt his ongoing corruption trial, claiming the United States would once again save him as it did Israel. Netanyahu, indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has pleaded not guilty. Trump’s remarks, posted on Truth Social, emphasized that “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero.” He also praised Netanyahu as a “warrior” and reiterated that the U.S. had previously “saved Israel” and would now rescue Netanyahu.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid swiftly rebuked the call, stating that Trump has no place intervening in Israel’s independent judicial process. Lapid further speculated that Trump’s ultimatum may be tied to leveraging Netanyahu into a Gaza-related hostage negotiation. Trump’s endorsement contrasts with his more measured response to Israel’s post-ceasefire strikes on Iran.

Iran may turn to North Korea to help build nuke at ‘secret facility’, warns expert

Mirror,

Academic Azriel Bermant from the Institute of International Relations Prague cautioned that Iran might seek clandestine cooperation with North Korea to develop nuclear weapons at undisclosed sites hidden from U.S. or Israeli intelligence. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant regarding potential “undeclared” facilities and undisclosed stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, suggesting that roughly 400 kilograms of such material might be hidden.

Although Bermuda noted that Russia and China are unlikely to assist Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, he said North Korean collaboration cannot be dismissed outright. He emphasized that even if Iran has lost capacity at known sites like Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, these setbacks are delays—not eliminations—of its nuclear capabilities.

Nigeria and Brazil forge $1 billion deal for agricultural and energy advancements

Ground News,

Nigeria and Brazil have signed a landmark US $1 billion bilateral agreement aimed at significant advancements in agriculture and energy. Nigerian Vice President Kasim Shettima outlined plans to introduce mechanized farming equipment, establish training programs, and set up service centres across Nigeria to bolster food production.

The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambition to transform into a US $1 trillion economy by 2030, focusing on modernizing agriculture, boosting energy infrastructure, and reforming public finances. It signals a strategic shift from subsistence farming toward large-scale, technology-driven agricultural systems.

Trump’s spy chiefs say new intel shows Iran’s nuclear facilities were destroyed

Politico,

CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released coordinated statements confirming that fresh U.S. intelligence indicates Iran’s nuclear facilities were “destroyed” in recent American airstrikes. Gabbard stated via X that the findings “confirm” President Trump’s assertion, while Ratcliffe cited remarkably reliable sources showing the damage would require years to rebuild.

Their statements aimed to counter a prior Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) report suggesting only moderate delays to Iran’s nuclear programme. The DIA later clarified its assessment was preliminary and low-confidence. Trump’s administration, along with Secretary Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth, denounced media coverage as propaganda, and an Israeli commission corroborated that Iran’s nuclear progress had been set back by “many years.” Analysts, though supportive of the claims, urged further validation.