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President Donald Trump Welcomes Lionel Messi and MLS Champion Inter Miami to the White House

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President Donald Trump Welcomes Lionel Messi and MLS Champion Inter Miami to the White House

President Donald Trump welcomed global soccer icon Lionel Messi and the MLS Cup–winning Inter Miami squad to the White House on Thursday, celebrating the club’s historic championship and the growing prominence of professional soccer in the United States.

The event, held in the East Room, marked the first White House appearance for Messi since he joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and one of the most high-profile visits by a Major League Soccer team in recent years.

Messi entered the ceremony alongside President Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas as teammates assembled behind them on a stage arranged for the celebration.

The Argentine superstar presented Trump with a pink Inter Miami soccer ball bearing his signature, while Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano offered additional gifts that included a pink team jersey and a limited-edition watch engraved with the president’s name.

Standing beside Messi and Mas, Trump praised the team’s success while acknowledging the unprecedented moment.

“We’re honoring truly talented people,” Trump said during the ceremony. “It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.”

Trump also referenced his son Barron’s admiration for the soccer legend.

“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I’ve got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi,’” Trump told attendees. “He’s a big fan of yours. He thinks you’re a great person.”

Messi stood nearby and smiled as Trump spoke about his influence on young fans in the United States and around the world.

Celebrating an MLS milestone

Inter Miami earned the White House invitation after winning the 2025 MLS Cup, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 on Dec. 6 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The victory marked the first championship in the club’s brief history, capping a rapid ascent since Inter Miami began play in Major League Soccer in 2020.

Co-owner Jorge Mas used the ceremony to reflect on the club’s journey.

“This championship was very well deserved,” Mas said. “You’re looking at one of the best teams on the face of the earth standing behind us. This became possible because we dared to dream.”

Mas described Inter Miami’s ambition to expand the reach of Major League Soccer globally while strengthening the league’s competitive stature.

“It’s our aspiration to continue breaking barriers and ensuring Major League Soccer and Inter Miami are considered among the elite in global football,” he said.

Following the ceremony, Trump invited Messi and the team into the Oval Office, describing it as “the center of the world.”

Part of a long American tradition

The White House event follows a longstanding tradition in American sports in which championship teams visit the president to commemorate their victory.

Major League Soccer clubs have occasionally participated in these ceremonies since the league’s early years.

D.C. United became the first MLS team to attend a White House celebration in 1998 after winning the league title. The LA Galaxy later visited multiple times following championships in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

More recently, the Columbus Crew traveled to Washington in 2024 to celebrate their 2023 MLS Cup victory with then-President Joe Biden.

Thursday’s ceremony represented the first MLS champion visit during Trump’s current presidency.

Messi’s first White House appearance

Despite his long and decorated career, Messi had never previously attended a White House event.

Earlier in 2025, the Argentine forward was invited by the Biden administration to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts during Inter Miami’s offseason.

In a statement released at the time, Inter Miami said Messi conveyed appreciation for the recognition.

“Messi communicated to the White House ahead of the event that he is deeply honored, and it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition,” the club said. “However, due to a scheduling conflict and prior commitments, he was unable to attend.”

Thursday’s ceremony therefore marked Messi’s first time inside the White House.

A moment before the next match

Inter Miami traveled to Washington early Thursday morning, taking advantage of a break in their schedule before facing D.C. United in Baltimore on Saturday.

Midfielder Telasco Segovia said earlier in the week that the team viewed the visit as an important milestone.

“We are going because we are champions from last season,” Segovia said. “I don’t get involved with politics, but I know it’s an important occasion.”

Players, staff members and club officials gathered in the East Room as guests mingled before the ceremony began.

Among those seen at the event were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. MLS Commissioner Don Garber also attended.

Former baseball star Alex Rodriguez joined a small group of officials in conversation before the ceremony, while Attorney General Pam Bondi and other cabinet members later posed for photographs with the team.

Trump jokes with players during ceremony

During his remarks, Trump shared lighthearted comments about several Inter Miami players who played key roles in the championship season.

At one point he referenced midfielder Rodrigo De Paul’s performance during the MLS Cup final.

“Where the hell is Rodrigo?” Trump joked, prompting laughter as De Paul shook the president’s hand.

Trump also teased the team about their celebratory style following victories.

“What a group of people. We could have a lot of fun with these guys,” he said. “You can imagine how they celebrate.”

The president also briefly revisited a longstanding soccer debate involving Brazilian legend Pelé and Messi.

“I don’t know — you may be better,” Trump said as he turned toward the team. “I think he is.”

The White House appearance comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

The tournament is expected to draw unprecedented global attention to soccer in North America.

Trump has recently hosted several prominent figures from the international soccer community, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Cristiano Ronaldo — widely regarded as Messi’s longtime rival — also attended a White House dinner last November when Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

If Messi competes in the 2026 tournament with Argentina, it would likely be his final World Cup appearance.

Messi’s visit highlights soccer’s growing influence in the U.S.

Messi’s presence at the White House underscores how dramatically the profile of Major League Soccer has risen in recent years.

For decades, soccer occupied a secondary place in the American sports landscape behind leagues such as the NFL, NBA and MLB. However, Messi’s arrival in Miami in 2023 transformed that dynamic almost immediately.

Ticket demand surged, television audiences expanded and global media attention followed the Argentine star’s performances in MLS.

Inter Miami’s championship run further amplified that momentum, offering the league its most recognizable international figure leading a title-winning team.

From a political standpoint, the White House ceremony also reflects how soccer has become an increasingly valuable cultural bridge. Leaders frequently leverage high-profile athletes and teams to highlight American engagement with global sports audiences.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, such symbolism carries strategic importance. The United States will soon host the world’s most-watched sporting event, making soccer diplomacy — whether through athletes, league officials or international federations — a growing feature of American public life.

Messi’s appearance at the White House therefore represented more than a championship celebration. It served as a reminder that global soccer has firmly established itself within the American sports and cultural mainstream.

USAToday/ESPN

26 MSF Medical Workers Missing in South Sudan After Attacks on Clinics

Simeon Bateren
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26 MSF Medical Workers Missing in South Sudan After Attacks on Clinics

JUBA, South Sudan (BN24) —Twenty-six staff members of Doctors Without Borders, widely known by its French acronym MSF, remain unaccounted for nearly a month after armed attacks struck two of its medical facilities in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, the organization announced Monday.

The violence erupted Feb. 3 in the northeastern region, where intensified fighting has uprooted an estimated 280,000 people since December. MSF said one of its hospitals in the town of Lankien was hit by aerial bombardment carried out by government forces. In contrast, a separate clinic in the town of Pieri was overrun by unidentified gunmen. Both locations are situated in areas previously controlled by opposition fighters.

In a written update issued Monday, MSF indicated that 26 out of 291 personnel assigned to its Lankien and Pieri projects have not been located.

“We have lost contact with them amid ongoing insecurity,” the organization said, underscoring that communication networks in Jonglei remain unreliable and may be hindering efforts to reach the missing staff.

Employees who have managed to reconnect with MSF described scenes of widespread destruction and persistent violence. They also recounted severe shortages of food, water, and basic services as communities fled deeper into remote rural terrain to escape clashes and airstrikes.

The Feb. 3 attacks unfolded against a backdrop of escalating hostilities in Jonglei State. Armed confrontations intensified in December when opposition fighters seized a series of government outposts across north-central parts of the state. In January, government troops mounted a counteroffensive and regained most of the lost ground, further destabilizing the region.

Civilians have borne the brunt of the renewed conflict. In Akobo, an opposition-held town near the Ethiopian border, displaced residents described episodes of extreme violence attributed to government-aligned forces. Several civilians said they walked for days in search of safety, often without reliable access to food or clean drinking water.

MSF’s facilities in Lankien and Pieri had been among the few operational health centers in the region, providing emergency care, maternal health services,s and treatment for common diseases. The temporary closure or disruption of these facilities has compounded humanitarian needs in a state already struggling with limited infrastructure.

Yashovardhan, MSF’s head of mission in South Sudan, said the impact of repeated attacks on medical infrastructure has been devastating.

“This violence has taken an unbearable toll not only on health care services, but on the very people who kept them running,” Yashovardhan said in a statement. He added that medical personnel must be protected under international humanitarian law. “Medical workers must never be targets. We are deeply concerned about what has happened to our colleagues and the communities we serve.”

Aid groups operating in South Sudan say assaults on humanitarian workers and assets have risen over the past year. MSF indicated that its facilities in the country have been struck or forcibly entered 10 times within the last 12 months. Such incidents have disrupted vaccination campaigns, emergency surgeries, and disease-control programs in one of the world’s most fragile states.

International humanitarian law prohibits deliberate attacks on medical facilities and staff during armed conflict. However, enforcement mechanisms are often limited in areas where government authority is contested, and armed groups operate with relative impunity.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has faced recurrent bouts of violence since gaining independence in 2011. Although a 2018 peace agreement formally ended a brutal civil war, sporadic clashes between rival factions have persisted, particularly in remote states like Jonglei, where political rivalries intersect with ethnic tensions and competition over resources.

Humanitarian organizations warn that displacement on the current scale risks triggering secondary crises, including malnutrition and disease outbreaks. Seasonal flooding in parts of Jonglei further complicates aid delivery, cutting off road access and forcing relief agencies to rely on air transport or river routes.

MSF has not specified whether negotiations are underway to secure safe passage or updated information about the missing workers. The organization said its immediate priority is reestablishing contact with staff and assessing whether it is safe to resume operations in the affected areas.

The disappearance of 26 MSF staff members highlights the increasingly precarious environment for humanitarian actors in South Sudan. While aid groups have long operated amid instability, the frequency and severity of attacks on health facilities suggest a troubling erosion of respect for neutral medical services.

The targeting or collateral damage of clinics in Lankien and Pieri may reflect the strategic importance of infrastructure in contested zones. In conflicts where territorial control shifts rapidly, hospitals can be perceived as symbols of authority or logistical hubs, making them vulnerable despite their protected status under international law.

The broader humanitarian implications are significant. With more than a quarter-million people displaced in Jonglei since December, the loss of functioning medical centers amplifies risks of untreated injuries, maternal deaths, and preventable diseases. In fragile settings, even short disruptions to health services can have cascading effects, particularly for children and pregnant women.

Repeated incidents involving aid organizations may also deter international groups from maintaining a presence in volatile areas. If security guarantees cannot be ensured, agencies could scale back operations, leaving already-isolated populations without lifesaving assistance.

For South Sudan’s transitional government, the situation presents both a political and reputational challenge. Ensuring accountability for attacks on medical facilities would signal a commitment to international norms. Failure to do so may strain relations with donors whose funding underpins much of the country’s humanitarian response.

As search efforts continue and sporadic communications emerge, the fate of the missing MSF workers remains uncertain. Their disappearance underscores the human cost of a conflict that, despite periodic peace agreements, continues to destabilize communities across Jonglei and beyond.

For families awaiting news and communities deprived of care, the impact of the Feb. 3 attacks extends far beyond damaged buildings — reaching into the fragile lifelines that sustain one of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

South Africa Signals Readiness to Mediate Middle East Conflict if Formally Invited

Simeon Bateren
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South Africa Signals Readiness to Mediate Middle East Conflict if Formally Invited

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) —South Africa has signaled its readiness to help broker dialogue in the intensifying Middle East conflict, with President Cyril Ramaphosa indicating that Pretoria would consider a mediation role if formally invited by the parties involved.

Ramaphosa made the remarks while attending an energy conference in Cape Town, where he addressed questions from local journalists about the escalating violence in the region. His comments were broadcast by Newzroom Afrika.

South Africa is “always ready to play a contributing role, either in mediation or whatever,” Ramaphosa said, emphasizing that any involvement would depend on a request from the relevant actors.

He underscored the urgency of halting hostilities, arguing that a ceasefire and sustained dialogue remain the most viable path toward resolving the crisis. “If the opportunity were to open, we would talk and say: there must be a ceasefire. Dialogue is always the best way of ending conflict and then ending the war,” he said during the exchange.

The president did not specify which governments or factions Pretoria might engage, nor did he indicate whether any preliminary diplomatic contacts had taken place. His remarks, however, place South Africa among a growing number of states expressing willingness to support de-escalation efforts as violence intensifies in parts of the Middle East.

Ramaphosa also pointed to the immediate impact of the unrest on South African nationals abroad. He said his administration is working to facilitate the return of citizens stranded in affected areas, though he did not provide figures on how many people are seeking assistance or detail the logistical steps underway.

The latest offer reflects South Africa’s longstanding diplomatic posture, which prioritizes negotiated settlements and multilateral engagement in global conflicts. Since the end of apartheid, Pretoria has frequently positioned itself as an advocate for peaceful resolution, drawing on its own transition from institutionalized racial segregation to constitutional democracy as a reference point in international forums.

The Middle East conflict has intensified in recent weeks following major military actions that have drawn global attention and renewed appeals for restraint. International organizations and several governments have urged immediate steps to prevent further civilian casualties and regional spillover.

South Africa’s willingness to mediate aligns with broader calls for non-aligned or Global South nations to assume a more visible diplomatic role in crises traditionally dominated by Western or regional powers. While Pretoria does not wield the same geopolitical influence as some major powers, it retains credibility among certain blocs due to its history of anti-colonial solidarity and participation in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union.

Ramaphosa’s statement stopped short of committing to a formal initiative, making clear that South Africa would act only if invited. In diplomatic practice, mediation typically requires the consent of the primary belligerents, along with assurances of neutrality and security for facilitators.

South Africa’s offer comes at a delicate moment in international diplomacy. The Middle East crisis has deepened existing geopolitical divisions, with major powers backing different sides and regional actors pursuing strategic interests. In such an environment, smaller or mid-sized nations sometimes position themselves as neutral intermediaries capable of fostering dialogue.

Pretoria’s track record could bolster its credentials. South Africa has participated in peacebuilding missions across Africa and has often championed negotiated outcomes in conflicts from Burundi to South Sudan. However, mediation in the Middle East would present a far more complex challenge, involving entrenched rivalries, external alliances, and long-standing grievances.

There are also domestic considerations. Ramaphosa’s government faces economic pressures at home, including energy shortages and unemployment, issues that dominated the Cape Town conference where he made his remarks. Offering diplomatic engagement abroad may reinforce South Africa’s global standing but would require careful allocation of resources and political capital.

The reference to repatriating citizens underscores the tangible domestic dimension of foreign conflicts. Evacuation operations can test a government’s logistical capabilities and coordination with foreign counterparts. Successful repatriation efforts often carry political significance, demonstrating responsiveness to citizens in crisis.

If an invitation to mediate were to materialize, South Africa would need to balance its historical advocacy positions with a pragmatic approach acceptable to all sides. Mediation efforts can falter without clear mandates, sustained leverage, or broad international backing.

For now, Ramaphosa’s comments serve primarily as a diplomatic signal, a declaration of readiness rather than a formal proposal. Whether that signal translates into an active role will depend largely on the willingness of conflict parties to seek external facilitation and on the evolving trajectory of violence in the region.

As global leaders weigh responses to the escalating hostilities, South Africa’s stance reinforces a recurring theme in its foreign policy: that dialogue, however difficult, remains preferable to prolonged warfare.

Many Soldiers, Civilians Feared Dead As Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Military Base, IDP Camp In Borno

Simeon Bateren
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Many Soldiers, Civilians Feared Dead As Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Military Base, IDP Camp In Borno

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (BN24) — Suspected fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province launched a coordinated predawn assault on a military installation and a nearby camp for displaced civilians in northeastern Nigeria, leaving an undetermined number of soldiers and residents feared dead, security officials said Wednesday.

The attack targeted Ngoshe, a town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state, a region that has endured more than a decade of insurgent violence. Military sources familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the assailants struck at about 4 a.m., operating in multiple groups and sustaining their offensive until first light.

According to accounts relayed to SaharaReporters by security personnel, the militants overran the 82 Division Task Force Battalion under the 26 Brigade. During the raid, they set fire to military structures, armored vehicles, and other equipment before advancing on a camp housing internally displaced persons located near the base.

One military official described the attack as highly organized, with fighters arriving in large numbers. The source indicated that the attackers torched buildings within the displacement camp and combed through homes in the surrounding community, claiming they were searching for soldiers who might have sought refuge among civilians.

The same source conveyed that an unspecified number of troops and civilians were killed in the violence, while others fled into nearby bushland to escape the onslaught. Casualty figures remain unclear, as recovery efforts were still underway and additional bodies were being discovered hours after the assault, the official said.

The attackers were also said to have seized ammunition and other military hardware. The scale of materiel losses could not immediately be verified.

The militant faction involved is widely known as ISWAP, an Islamic State-backed offshoot of Boko Haram, formally called Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād. The group has intensified operations in parts of Borno in recent months, frequently targeting military outposts and convoys.

The Ngoshe assault follows a string of recent attacks in the region. A few days earlier, gunmen believed to be Boko Haram fighters struck a Forward Base at Banki junction along the Bama-Gwoza Road, resulting in the death of an Army major identified as Ibrahim Mairiga and several other soldiers. A senior source had told SaharaReporters that the bodies were being transported to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri.

In February, insurgents attacked another military position in Jakana, Kaga Local Government Area, along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road. Security sources cited by SaharaReporters at the time said armored vehicles were destroyed and ammunition taken during that assault.

Earlier still, on Jan. 26, 2025, seven military personnel, including a recently promoted lieutenant colonel, identified as Mohammed, were killed when their convoy was ambushed en route from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area. Military sources told SaharaReporters that explosives and sustained gunfire were used in that ambush, and that several soldiers were wounded or declared missing.

Nigerian authorities have not publicly issued a comprehensive casualty count for the Ngoshe attack as of Wednesday evening. Efforts to reach defense officials for independent confirmation were not immediately successful.

Borno state, which borders Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s long-running conflict with jihadist groups. Although the military has reclaimed significant territory from insurgents since the peak of Boko Haram’s territorial control in 2014 and 2015, militants continue to stage deadly raids on isolated bases and rural communities.

Security analysts say the pattern of coordinated early-morning assaults reflects evolving insurgent tactics designed to exploit gaps in surveillance and response. By targeting both military positions and displacement camps, the attackers may be aiming to undermine public confidence in state protection and to disrupt fragile stabilization efforts in areas previously declared secure.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that camps for internally displaced persons in Borno face chronic security vulnerabilities. The destruction of shelters and infrastructure in Ngoshe could compound an already dire humanitarian situation, particularly if residents are forced to flee again.

The renewed spate of violence also raises questions about force deployment and resource allocation in remote communities. Military bases in rural corridors often serve as the primary line of defense for nearby civilians. When such installations are overrun, residents are left exposed to reprisals, lootings,g and further displacement.

Regional cooperation remains central to counterinsurgency efforts. Nigeria participates in the Multinational Joint Task Force alongside neighboring countries to combat ISWAP and other extremist factions operating across porous borders. However, the persistence of cross-border supply lines and recruitment networks continues to challenge security operations.

While official figures are pending, the psychological toll of repeated attacks is evident. Communities such as Ngoshe, Ban, ki and Jakana have endured cycles of destruction, rebuilding, and renewed violence. Each incident strains already limited medical and humanitarian resources, including facilities in Maiduguri that receive casualties from across the state.

For residents of Borno, the latest assault underscores the enduring volatility of a conflict that has displaced millions and claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past decade. As recovery teams continue to assess the damage in Ngoshe, questions linger over how insurgents were able to mount another large-scale operation despite ongoing military campaigns aimed at degrading their capabilities.

Authorities have yet to announce whether reinforcements have been deployed to the affected area or whether a broader review of base security will follow. Until casualty counts are finalized and an official briefing is issued, the full impact of the Ngoshe attack may not be known.

What remains clear is that northeastern Nigeria continues to confront a resilient insurgency, with civilians and security forces alike bearing the brunt of its violence.

EPL: 10-Man Newcastle Stun Manchester United with Late Goal in 2-1 Premier League Thriller

Simeon Bateren
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EPL: 10-Man Newcastle Stun Manchester United with Late Goal in 2-1 Premier League Thriller

NEWCASTLE, England (BN24) — Ten-man Newcastle United struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

The hosts, reduced to 10 players before halftime, withstood sustained pressure in the second half before snatching the decisive goal in the 90th minute to claim all three points.

Newcastle opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time after being awarded a penalty. Anthony Gordon stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 45+6th minute, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Manchester United responded moments later. From a free kick delivered by Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro rose highest to head home the equalizer, drawing the visitors level at 1-1 before the interval.

The first half had swung dramatically in its closing stages. Newcastle’s Jacob Ramsey was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for simulation as goalkeeper Senne Lammens advanced off his line. The decision left the home side a man down for the entirety of the second half.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Newcastle maintained their composure after the break. Manchester United enjoyed extended spells of possession and sought to exploit the extra space, but clear-cut opportunities proved limited.

As the match appeared to be heading toward a draw, Newcastle found a breakthrough. In the 90th minute, Osula capitalized on a late attacking move, firing home to restore the hosts’ lead and seal a memorable victory.

The result ended Manchester United’s lengthy unbeaten run under interim manager Michael Carrick. Carrick, a former United midfielder, had overseen a strong sequence of results since taking charge but saw that streak halted against the same opponent his side faced on Boxing Day when their run began.

In its post-match account, Manchester United’s official website acknowledged the setback, noting that the club’s “long unbeaten run” had come to an end. The report added that Carrick experienced his first defeat as manager, describing it as a setback in United’s pursuit of a UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

The club’s summary detailed how Newcastle controlled much of the early exchanges before the game intensified late in the first half. It highlighted Bryan Mbeumo’s missed opportunity to open the scoring, Ramsey’s sending-off for attempting to draw a penalty, and Gordon’s successful spot kick.

The account also referenced Casemiro’s headed goal, pointing out the Brazilian midfielder had previously scored in a similar fashion against Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.

For Newcastle, the victory reinforces their resilience at home. Playing an entire half with 10 men against one of England’s biggest clubs typically demands defensive discipline and mental fortitude. The Magpies demonstrated both absorbing pressure and waiting for a decisive moment.

From a broader perspective, the result could carry significant implications in the race for European qualification. Manchester United’s ambitions of securing a Champions League place suffered a blow, particularly given their inability to capitalize on the man advantage.

Newcastle’s tactical approach in the second half reflected a calculated risk. Rather than retreat entirely into a defensive shell, the hosts continued to commit players forward selectively. That balance between caution and ambition ultimately paid dividends with Osula’s late strike.

For Carrick, the defeat presents a test of response. Interim managers often benefit from short-term momentum, but sustaining consistency across a congested fixture list can be challenging. The loss underscores the fine margins in Premier League competition, especially in high-stakes matches where a single lapse can determine the outcome.

Manchester United will not feature in the FA Cup this weekend and next return to league action a week on Sunday, when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford. The pause may offer Carrick an opportunity to regroup and address defensive lapses that proved costly in Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s triumph could serve as a springboard in their campaign, particularly given the adversity they overcame. Winning with 10 men against a direct rival adds both points and psychological advantage in a tightly contested league table.

As the final whistle sounded at St James’ Park, the home supporters celebrated not just three points but a statement performance, one defined by resilience, late drama, and a reminder that in the Premier League, momentum can shift in an instant.

Israel vows to assassinate Iran’s new leader

Simeon Bateren
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Israel vows to assassinate Iran’s new leader

JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israel’s defense minister declared Wednesday that any successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader who pursues policies hostile to Israel would be considered a target, escalating rhetoric following reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued the warning in a statement posted on the social media platform X, saying that no potential leader would be immune if they continued what he described as efforts to threaten Israel and its allies.

“Any leader selected by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan for Israel’s destruction, threatening the United States, the free world, and countries in the region, and suppressing the Iranian people, will be a certain target for assassination, no matter his name or where he hides,” Katz wrote.

The statement came amid mounting speculation over who will succeed Khamenei, Iran’s most powerful political and religious authority. Iranian opposition outlet Iran International has indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s 56-year-old son, is viewed as a leading contender.

According to Iran International, Mojtaba Khamenei was favored by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the clerical body constitutionally tasked with appointing and overseeing the Supreme Leader, under pressure from elements within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. The claims could not be independently verified.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the second-oldest son of the late supreme leader, is not a senior-ranking cleric and has never held elected office or an official government post. However, he maintains longstanding ties to the IRGC and is widely believed by analysts to exert significant influence behind the scenes. He served in Iran’s armed forces during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.

For years, Mojtaba Khamenei has been mentioned in political circles as a possible successor to his father, though his potential candidacy has been controversial. Critics inside and outside Iran have argued that his elevation would resemble dynastic succession, drawing comparisons to the hereditary rule of the U.S.-backed Shah, who was toppled during the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Reports have previously suggested that Ali Khamenei had identified three senior clerics as possible successors in the event of his death. Mojtaba’s name was not publicly associated with the reported shortlist. Some accounts indicated that the elder Khamenei had reservations about promoting his son, concerned it could undermine the Islamic Republic’s foundational rejection of monarchy.

Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed details surrounding the reported strikes on Tehran or the status of succession deliberations. The absence of official statements has fueled uncertainty within Iran and across the region.

Israel has long viewed Iran as its primary regional adversary, citing Tehran’s support for armed groups hostile to Israel and its rhetoric regarding the Jewish state. Iranian leaders, in turn, have accused Israel of aggression and covert operations inside Iranian territory. Tensions have frequently manifested in proxy conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

Katz’s remarks signal a potential hardening of Israel’s posture during a moment of leadership transition in Tehran. Public threats directed at a future Iranian leader represent an escalation in tone, even within the context of longstanding hostilities.

Security analysts say that leadership uncertainty in Iran could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability. A succession process perceived as opaque or influenced heavily by the IRGC may deepen internal divisions, particularly at a time when Iran faces economic strain and domestic discontent.

At the same time, overt Israeli threats may bolster hardline factions within Iran who argue that confrontation with Israel and the United States is inevitable. Historically, external pressure has sometimes strengthened the position of security institutions such as the IRGC, which portray themselves as guardians of national sovereignty.

The Assembly of Experts, composed of senior clerics elected by popular vote but vetted by state bodies, is responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader. While its deliberations are typically conducted behind closed doors, the selection carries immense weight. The Supreme Leader controls the armed forces, appoints key judicial and media officials, and has the final say on major state policies.

Any move to elevate Mojtaba Khamenei could test the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic’s political framework. The 1979 revolution was rooted in opposition to hereditary monarchy, and critics argue that transferring power within the same family risks eroding ideological credibility.

International observers are closely watching developments, particularly given Iran’s role in regional security dynamics and its nuclear program. A new leader’s stance on negotiations, military posture, and relations with neighboring countries could reshape diplomatic calculations.

For now, Israel’s warning underscores the fragility of an already volatile situation. Whether Katz’s statement is intended as deterrence or as a signal of future operational intent remains unclear. What is evident is that the leadership transition in Tehran — combined with direct rhetoric from Jerusalem — has introduced a new layer of unpredictability into Middle Eastern geopolitics.

As regional actors await confirmation from Iranian authorities, the prospect of further escalation looms, with succession politics in Tehran intersecting sharply with Israel’s security doctrine.

U.S. Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka, 87 Dead in Escalation of Regional Conflict

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U.S. Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka, 87 Dead in Escalation of Regional Conflict

A U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian naval vessel in international waters south of Sri Lanka, leaving at least 87 sailors dead and widening the geographic scope of the intensifying conflict between Washington and Tehran, Sri Lankan authorities and U.S. officials said.

Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister identified the vessel as the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, stating that the warship had been returning to Iran after visiting an eastern Indian port. The strike occurred hundreds of miles from the Persian Gulf, where U.S. and Israeli forces have been carrying out operations against Iranian targets and Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation during remarks at the Pentagon, asserting that an American submarine had targeted the Iranian vessel while it was operating in what he described as international waters.

“An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that believed it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was struck by a torpedo and went down.”

Hospital officials in Galle, a southern Sri Lankan port city, stated that military rescue teams transported 87 bodies to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital following an early morning distress call. Medical staff reported that an additional 32 survivors were admitted for treatment. Sri Lankan authorities indicated that approximately 60 individuals remained unaccounted for from an estimated crew of 180.

Sri Lanka’s navy initiated search-and-rescue operations after receiving the distress signal. Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath told reporters that responding vessels encountered an oil slick at the scene.

“We located individuals floating in the water and brought them aboard,” Sampath said. “Subsequent inquiries confirmed they were crew members of the Iranian ship.”

Although the incident occurred outside Sri Lankan territorial waters, Sampath emphasized that Colombo had provided humanitarian assistance. Rescue teams later transported bodies covered in white sheets by truck to the Galle hospital morgue.

Two Sri Lankan sources with knowledge of the rescue operation told Reuters that the warship’s commanding officer and several senior officers survived the attack. According to those sources, the officers informed Sri Lankan authorities that the vessel had been struck by a submarine-launched torpedo.

The Pentagon released video footage it said depicted the strike. The recording shows a large explosion erupting from the rear section of a warship, lifting part of the vessel from the water before it begins sinking from the stern. The date of the recording and the specific vessel shown could not be independently verified. However, the ship’s deck configuration and mast structure appear consistent with file imagery of the IRIS Dena.

The frigate had recently participated in the “Milan” multilateral naval exercise hosted by India in the Bay of Bengal from Feb. 18 to 25, according to the exercise’s official website. The vessel was listed as “IRINS Dena,” an alternate prefix sometimes used for ships of the Iranian navy. IRIS, or Islamic Republic of Iran Ship, is the more commonly used designation.

On Feb. 17, the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command posted on X that it welcomed the IRIS Dena to Visakhapatnam, describing the visit as a reflection of longstanding ties between India and Iran. The post included photographs of the vessel and its officers. An Indian Navy spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment following news of the sinking.

The strike marks a notable expansion of hostilities into the Indian Ocean, far beyond the Gulf region that has traditionally been the focal point of U.S.-Iran naval tensions. Analysts say the geographic spread could complicate regional security calculations for countries such as India and Sri Lanka, both of which maintain strategic maritime interests and diplomatic ties with Washington and Tehran.

While U.S. officials framed the action as a military engagement against an adversarial naval asset, Tehran had not publicly commented at the time of publication. The incident raises questions about maritime security in major shipping lanes that carry significant portions of global energy and trade flows.

Regional observers note that naval operations in the Indian Ocean could heighten risks for commercial shipping and increase pressure on neutral states to clarify their positions. Sri Lanka’s swift rescue response underscores the challenges coastal nations face when major powers extend military operations into shared waterways.

The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents one of the deadliest naval incidents involving Iranian forces in recent years and signals a sharp escalation in the broader confrontation between the United States and Iran. Whether the incident prompts further retaliation or diplomatic intervention remains uncertain, but security experts warn that expanding the conflict zone increases the potential for miscalculation in already volatile waters.

Reuters

Iranian Navy Vessel Sinks Near Sri Lanka; About 140 Feared Missing as Rescue Effort Intensifies

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Iranian Navy Vessel Sinks Near Sri Lanka; About 140 Feared Missing as Rescue Effort Intensifies

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (BN24) —An Iranian navy vessel sank off the coast of Sri Lanka early Tuesday, leaving about 140 people unaccounted for after search teams pulled 32 survivors from the water, Sri Lankan naval authorities said.

The ship, identified as the Iranian navy vessel IRIS Dena, issued a distress signal before disappearing beneath the surface in waters that fall within Sri Lanka’s designated search-and-rescue zone, naval officials in Colombo said.

Sri Lanka’s navy indicated that approximately 180 people had been aboard the vessel, citing documentation linked to the ship. While 32 individuals were rescued, the fate of the remaining passengers and crew remained uncertain as of Tuesday evening.

Budhika Sampath, a spokesman for the Sri Lanka Navy, said the alert was received during the early hours of March 4. Although the vessel went down outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, it was still within the country’s internationally recognized maritime rescue region.

“Even though the location was beyond our territorial sea, it lies within our search and rescue area of responsibility,” Sampath told the BBC. “Under international maritime obligations, we were required to respond.”

Rescue crews arriving at the coordinates reported spotting oil slicks and floating life rafts, but did not immediately locate the vessel itself. Survivors were found adrift in the water and were brought aboard Sri Lankan naval ships for medical attention and questioning.

“When our teams reached the scene, the ship was not visible,” Sampath said in remarks carried by the BBC. “We observed patches of oil and lifeboats. We then located individuals in the water and brought them to safety. Subsequent checks confirmed they were from an Iranian naval vessel.”

Sri Lankan authorities said they were working to determine the exact number of those missing. Although ship records indicated 180 people were on board, officials cautioned that final figures could shift as verification continues.

The cause of the sinking has not been established. Sampath dismissed speculation that a submarine strike may have brought down the vessel, describing such claims as unsubstantiated.

“There is no evidence at this stage to support assertions of a submarine attack,” he told the BBC. “The circumstances leading to the sinking remain under investigation.”

Sri Lanka’s military has not offered further details on possible mechanical failure, collision, weather conditions, or other contributing factors. Maritime tracking data and communication logs are expected to form part of the inquiry.

The incident unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has launched a new wave of strikes across parts of the region. In Lebanon, several fatalities were recorded in attacks that the Israel Defense Forces said were aimed at Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure.

While no immediate connection between the naval sinking and regional hostilities has been established, the broader security climate has drawn attention to naval movements and military deployments in international waters.

Iran has not publicly disclosed additional information about the mission or purpose of the IRIS Dena at the time of the incident. Tehran’s naval operations frequently include patrols, training exercises, and long-distance deployments intended to project maritime presence beyond the Persian Gulf.

International maritime law obligates coastal states to respond to distress calls within designated search-and-rescue zones, regardless of a vessel’s nationality. Sri Lanka’s swift mobilization reflects those conventions, maritime analysts say.

Search operations were ongoing Tuesday, with Sri Lankan naval units combing the area for additional survivors. Weather and sea conditions were not immediately detailed by authorities, though oil sheens and scattered debris complicated visibility at the scene.

The sinking of a foreign naval vessel in the Indian Ocean carries geopolitical as well as humanitarian implications. Iran has,s in recent years, rs expanded its naval reach, deploying ships to distant waters in a demonstration of strategic capability. The IRIS Dena’s presence near Sri Lanka underscores Tehran’s broader maritime ambitions.

If mechanical failure or navigational error is ultimately determined to be the cause, the incident could prompt scrutiny of maintenance standards and operational readiness within Iran’s navy. A catastrophic systems breakdown at sea would likely intensify domestic and international questions about fleet sustainability.

Should evidence suggest external involvement, though none has been presented, the ramifications could extend far beyond maritime safety. The Middle East is already experiencing heightened volatility, with Israel conducting strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, as acknowledged by the Israel Defense Forces. Any perception of interconnected military events would amplify regional tensions.

At present, however, there is no official indication linking the naval loss to hostilities elsewhere.

For Sri Lanka, the episode highlights the strategic importance of its maritime zone. Positioned along major shipping routes in the Indian Ocean, the country plays a critical role in global trade corridors. Its response also reflects adherence to international maritime conventions, reinforcing its standing within global shipping networks.

Humanitarian concerns remain paramount. The survival window for individuals lost at sea narrows rapidly, depending on water temperature, weather patterns, and available flotation devices. The discovery of life rafts suggests that at least some evacuation procedures were initiated before the vessel sank, raising cautious hope that additional survivors could be located.

As search efforts continue, families in Iran and elsewhere await confirmation of the missing. Naval disasters are comparatively rare but often devastating, given the concentration of personnel on board and the inherent dangers of open-water operations.

Further updates are expected as Sri Lankan authorities complete survivor interviews and coordinate with Iranian officials. Until then, questions surrounding the sinking of the IRIS Dena from technical failure to operational context, remain unresolved.

The humanitarian toll, meanwhile, is already significant, with roughly 140 people feared missing in one of the most serious naval incidents in the region in recent years.

House Oversight Panel Votes to Subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi in Expanding Jeffrey Epstein Probe

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House Oversight Panel Votes to Subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi in Expanding Jeffrey Epstein Probe

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted Wednesday to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi for testimony as part of its continuing examination of the federal government’s handling of the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The panel adopted a motion introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., directing that Bondi appear before the committee. Five Republicans joined Democrats in backing the measure, signaling bipartisan frustration over lingering questions surrounding the Justice Department’s management and release of investigative materials tied to Epstein.

In addition to Mace, Republican Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Michael Cloud of Texas and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania supported the subpoena effort.

The Justice Department did not immediately provide comment when contacted about the vote.

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., who chairs the committee, said ahead of the vote that Bondi had offered to brief members at the Justice Department regarding the Epstein-related records and “anything else pertaining to that.” Lawmakers from both parties, however, indicated they preferred public testimony before the committee itself.

Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the panel’s top Democrat, said constituents continue to seek clarity about how the department handled the release of millions of pages of material.

“The attorney general has gone to speak, obviously, to other committees,” Garcia said. “I think it’s important that she is in front of our committee. She can directly answer questions about the release of the files, about transparency, about ensuring that victims and survivors are protected.”

Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee last month during a session focused on Justice Department oversight. During that appearance, Democratic lawmakers sharply questioned her about decisions surrounding the Epstein files. They contended that the department shielded certain prominent individuals whose names surfaced in the records while failing to sufficiently protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.

Bondi rejected allegations of a cover-up during that hearing.

The Oversight Committee’s action comes after a protracted dispute over the pace and scope of the Justice Department’s disclosure of materials from its Epstein investigation.

Last August, the committee issued a subpoena to the department seeking related documents. Congress subsequently passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act with bipartisan backing, and President Donald Trump signed the measure into law in November. The statute required the department to release all investigative material by Dec. 19, 2025.

The Justice Department ultimately disclosed millions of records in multiple installments, with the final tranche made public in late January. The staggered rollout drew criticism from some lawmakers who argued the law contemplated a more comprehensive release by the statutory deadline.

Early batches of documents drew attention for containing relatively few references to President Trump. Subsequent releases included records that mentioned the president. Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

A CBS News analysis determined that the Justice Department removed tens of thousands of files from the public archive. Some of those materials included explicit images or identifying details of survivors. The rationale for pulling other documents — including certain redacted call logs — has not been fully explained.

The investigation extends beyond the attorney general. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whose past associations with Epstein have drawn scrutiny, agreed to an interview with the Oversight Committee, Comer said Tuesday. A date for that session has not yet been announced.

Lutnick was among numerous prominent figures whose communications with Epstein surfaced following the Justice Department’s release of its investigative trove. Although Lutnick has said he severed ties with Epstein in 2005, documents indicated that contact continued after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida state court in 2008 to prostitution-related charges and before his death by suicide in 2019 while facing federal sex-trafficking charges.

As part of its broader inquiry, the committee has sought testimony from former officials and individuals connected to Epstein, as well as documents from his estate.

Investigators conducted closed-door depositions last month with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Video recordings of those sessions were released earlier this week. Bill Clinton told investigators, “There’s nothing that I saw when I was around him that made me realize he was trafficking women.” Hillary Clinton said she knew “nothing about him.”

The subpoena vote underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case years after his death. Lawmakers from both parties face sustained public pressure to demonstrate transparency in cases involving wealthy and politically connected figures.

For Republicans, compelling Bondi’s testimony presents a complex dynamic. While some GOP members joined Democrats in seeking her appearance, the move also places scrutiny on an administration led by President Trump, who signed the transparency law and whose name appears in portions of the released records. Though no wrongdoing has been alleged against Trump, the political optics remain delicate.

For Democrats, pressing Bondi publicly allows them to frame the issue as one of institutional accountability and victim protection. Allegations that survivors’ identities were not adequately shielded may resonate beyond partisan lines, particularly given bipartisan passage of the transparency legislation.

The Justice Department, meanwhile, must balance competing obligations: safeguarding sensitive information while satisfying statutory disclosure requirements and congressional oversight demands. Decisions to redact or remove materials — even when justified by privacy or legal concerns — risk fueling speculation in a case already steeped in distrust.

The Oversight Committee’s next steps could shape broader debates about executive branch transparency. If Bondi appears and provides detailed explanations for the department’s actions, lawmakers may either quell concerns or intensify scrutiny depending on her testimony.

At stake is not only political accountability but public confidence in how the government handles investigations involving powerful individuals. The Epstein case, despite years of legal proceedings and document releases, continues to test the credibility of institutions tasked with delivering justice and transparency.

CBSNews

British Rapper Ghetts Jailed 12 Years For Killing Student In Drunken Hit-And-Run

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British Rapper Ghetts Jailed 12 Years For Killing Student In Drunken Hit-And-Run

LONDON (BN24) — British grime performer Ghetts has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving in a collision that killed a 20-year-old university student in northeast London.

The artist, whose legal name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, received the sentence at the Old Bailey, where Judge Mark Lucraft KC characterized the events leading up to the crash as a “shocking” course of reckless conduct.

The case, detailed by The Guardian, centered on a late-night incident on Oct. 18, 2025. Prosecutors outlined that Clarke-Samuel had spent the evening drinking at Omi Lounge in central London before getting behind the wheel of his BMW. Court proceedings established that he was approximately one-and-a-half times above the legal alcohol limit at the time he began driving.

According to evidence presented during the trial, CCTV footage captured what the court described as an “appalling litany of incidents” before the fatal collision. Prosecutors laid out that Clarke-Samuel allegedly drove at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour in several areas, ignored six red traffic signals, mounted pavements, and swerved into oncoming lanes. The vehicle also struck other road users, including a motorcyclist, before the fatal impact.

At approximately 11:33 p.m., Clarke-Samuel’s vehicle hit Yubin Tamang as the student crossed a road in Ilford, northeast London. Rather than stopping at the scene or contacting emergency responders, the court heard that Clarke-Samuel continued driving for nearly eight miles to his residence.

Tamang was transported to a hospital, where he died two days later from his injuries.

Officers who detained Clarke-Samuel hours after the crash testified that they detected alcohol on his breath at the time of arrest. Authorities also recovered his black BMW, which bore significant damage consistent with the collision.

In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, Tamang’s mother said her son had come to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education and build a better future. She told the court that his life was cut short by another person’s decisions. A roommate described Tamang as driven and hopeful, adding that the loss had irreversibly altered the lives of friends and family.

Clarke-Samuel maintained during proceedings that he drove erratically because he believed he was being followed. However, prosecutors told the court that surveillance footage did not substantiate claims of any pursuit. Defense counsel submitted that Clarke-Samuel’s fear was linked to a previous armed robbery incident involving the musician.

The court was informed that Clarke-Samuel had 12 prior convictions spanning 27 offenses dating back to his adolescence, including robbery and driving-related violations.

Although Judge Lucraft acknowledged written testimonials submitted on Clarke-Samuel’s behalf and recognized what he described as expressions of genuine remorse, the judge concluded that the seriousness and sustained nature of the conduct demanded a substantial custodial term. In addition to the 12-year prison sentence, Clarke-Samuel was banned from driving for 17 years.

Ghetts is widely known within the UK grime music scene and has collaborated with artists such as Skepta and Stormzy. He has also performed at major events, including Glastonbury Festival. In 2021, he secured the Best Male Act award at the MOBO Awards and later received the Pioneer Award at the same ceremony in 2024.

The sentencing marks a dramatic turn for an artist whose career had been defined by both critical acclaim and commercial recognition.

The case underscores the United Kingdom’s increasingly firm stance on dangerous driving offenses, particularly those involving alcohol. Courts in England and Wales have, in recent years, demonstrated a willingness to impose lengthy prison terms when fatalities result from reckless conduct behind the wheel. The 12-year sentence reflects judicial emphasis on deterrence, especially in high-profile cases where public scrutiny is intense.

The judge’s remarks regarding the “litany” of infractions captured on CCTV highlight the role of surveillance technology in modern prosecutions. Video evidence can provide a minute-by-minute reconstruction of events, reducing reliance on conflicting witness accounts and strengthening the prosecution’s narrative of sustained recklessness rather than a single lapse in judgment.

The case also raises broader questions about celebrity accountability. High-profile defendants often attract significant media attention, and courts must navigate public interest while adhering strictly to legal standards. In this instance, the sentencing appears aligned with established guidelines for causing death by dangerous driving, regardless of the defendant’s prominence.

From a road safety perspective, advocacy groups have consistently argued that alcohol-related crashes remain preventable tragedies. Data from UK transport authorities indicate that drink-driving continues to be a contributing factor in a notable proportion of fatal road incidents annually. The visibility of this case may reinforce public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging impaired driving.

For the music industry, the conviction represents another instance where personal conduct outside artistic performance has reshaped a public figure’s career trajectory. While accolades and collaborations elevated Ghetts’ standing in grime music, the criminal proceedings now define a pivotal chapter of his public identity.

Ultimately, the case centers not on celebrity but on the loss of a young life. Yubin Tamang’s death reverberates beyond courtrooms and headlines, reflecting the irreversible consequences that can arise from decisions made in moments of impaired judgment.

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