Iran has demanded the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as part of any future peace agreement with the United States, according to a senior Iranian official who also warned that renewed military action could escalate tensions across several strategic waterways.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN in Tehran on Friday, June 5, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said negotiations between both countries have stalled and that the next move must come from Washington.

“The negotiations are at a deadlock and (US President Donald) Trump must break this deadlock,” Rezaei said. “The ball is in Trump’s court.”

According to Rezaei, Iran wants the United States to release $12 billion in frozen funds immediately after an interim agreement is reached, with an additional $12 billion to be released at a later stage.

He described the proposed release of the funds as a crucial trust-building measure between both nations.

“If he (Trump) wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump – this is a test that America must pass and the path will be opened,” he said. “This is our own money, not America’s money.”

However, the proposal may face resistance in Washington. US officials reportedly fear that unfreezing Iranian assets at this stage could weaken America’s negotiating position. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that any new agreement with Iran must be significantly stronger than the 2015 nuclear deal and has criticized previous financial settlements made with Tehran.

During the interview, Rezaei also issued a warning about the possibility of renewed military conflict. He said Iran would expand its response beyond the Persian Gulf if the United States resumed hostilities.

“We will drag the war” beyond the region, he warned, suggesting that military operations could extend from the Strait of Hormuz to the Indian Ocean, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and even the Mediterranean Sea.

“We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases that we have been attacking so far,” he said, although he added that “the possibility of war is low.”

Rezaei also dismissed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader.

“This will not happen, right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill. This will not happen.”

His remarks came shortly after Trump said that he and Khamenei “seem to be getting along well” and that he would be “honored” to meet him.

Addressing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Rezaei reiterated Iran’s position that the country shares authority over the vital shipping route with Oman. The waterway remains one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors, carrying a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Rezaei stated that Iran and Oman would jointly manage the strait and argued that Tehran should not shoulder the financial burden of maintaining it alone. He suggested that Iran would seek maintenance fees for its role in managing the route.

A veteran figure within Iran’s political and military establishment, Rezaei served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 to 1997 after fighting in the Iran-Iraq War. He later became a member of the Expediency Council, which advises the Supreme Leader, and also served as vice president under former President Ebrahim Raisi. Despite running for president four times, he was never elected.

Reflecting on the recent 40-day conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Rezaei said Iran carried out retaliatory strikes against targets in 12 countries across the region, including military facilities, energy infrastructure and civilian locations.

He also questioned whether any future nuclear agreement with Trump would be sustainable, citing the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and what he described as Trump’s strategy of maintaining ambiguity during negotiations.

Looking ahead, Rezaei insisted that Iran is prepared for the possibility of a direct military confrontation should diplomatic efforts collapse.

“Then the world will understand Iran’s true capabilities, because our land power is many times greater than our missiles.”

A Nigerian lady has taken to social media to cry out for help after her friend reportedly went missing while travelling from Akure to Ilorin.

According to her post, the victim had been missing since Monday, with no calls or messages received from her since she was last heard from.

She explained that efforts to reach the young woman had been unsuccessful, raising growing concern among friends and family members.

She wrote: “My friend as been missing since Monday, she left for Ilorin from Akure on Monday and ever since then we are unable to reach her. Pls help repost perhaps anyone might entered the bus with her🙏🏼🙏🏼😭😭😭😭😭 behind her is a mother crying to see her daughter and her siblings doing everything possible to find there sister friends and family aren’t left out either. Help repost please 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼”

In a later update, she revealed that the family of the missing lady was contacted by alleged abductors, who demanded a ransom of ₦40 million for her release.

See below……..

Several soldiers have reportedly been killed following an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military formation in Mandara-Girau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to sources cited by Daily Trust, the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 5, when heavily armed insurgents allegedly stormed the military base amid heavy rainfall.

A source familiar with the incident claimed that the attackers arrived in large numbers and caught the troops off guard, resulting in significant casualties.

“The terrorists arrived in very large numbers and took the troops by surprise, causing heavy casualties,” the source said.

Another source alleged that at least nine soldiers were killed during the assault, while several others sustained injuries.

The source said: “They killed nine soldiers and injured several others.”

Reports also indicate that part of the military formation was overrun during the attack.

A video reportedly obtained by journalists showed the bodies of several soldiers covered with blankets at the scene. However, the authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian military has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by popular social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO.

The court adjourned the matter and fixed Tuesday, June 9, 2026, for its decision on the bail request.

Blessing CEO is currently facing a two-count charge brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, the charges involve an alleged sum of N36 million.

The relationship therapist and social media personality was arraigned before the court on May 15, 2026, following allegations that she obtained the money from a petitioner under the pretext of securing a property lease in the Lekki area of Lagos.

The case was previously adjourned to June 5 for the hearing of her bail application.

During Friday’s proceedings, counsel for both the prosecution and the defence presented their arguments before the court.

After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Dipeolu reserved ruling on the application and scheduled June 9, 2026, for the court’s decision.

The case remains ongoing as the court prepares to determine whether the defendant will be granted bail pending further proceedings.

Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued a kidnapped mother and her six-month-old baby in Kogi State.

The victims were among five members of a family abducted when suspected terrorists attacked their residence near Solid Rock School in Ijalu, Egbe, located in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports, the incident occurred on June 3 when the attackers stormed the area and forcefully took the family members away.

Confirming the development, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, disclosed the details in a statement issued on June 4, 2026.

The statement read:

“Upon receiving the distress report, troops immediately mobilized in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launching a pursuit operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the security team forced the terrorists to abandon Mrs Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near Oro axis before fleeing into the surrounding area.

“The rescued victims were safely returned to their residence, while troops have continued aggressive search operations aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.”

The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the abduction of Mrs Busayo John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul.

According to reports, Busayo, 43, and her 12-year-old sons were kidnapped by armed men at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, while she was taking the children to school along Ring Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police had mobilized tactical teams to facilitate the safe rescue of the victims and track down those responsible for the crime.

He said:

“Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations.

“The command wishes to assure members of the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act.”

The police also appealed to residents and members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist with ongoing investigations.

Earlier, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on behalf of the family.

The statement read:

“The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul.

“Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs John-Paul and her children.”

A YouTuber who used a prerecorded livestream in an attempt to create a false livestream has been sentenced to 31yrs imprisonment for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend.

Stephen McCullagh, 36, was convicted at Belfast Crown Court in March 2026 for the killing of Natalie McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant with their child at the time of her death.

The attack occurred in December 2022 at McNally’s home in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. Prosecutors said McCullagh carried out a brutal assault that resulted in her death.

During sentencing on June 3, McCullagh reportedly showed no emotion as the court handed down its judgment.

Trial judge Mr Justice Kinney condemned the crime, describing it as a calculated and carefully planned act.

“You planned this murder in remorseless detail,” the judge said. “You attacked someone you profess to love in a frenzied assault, which was characterised by its excessive and gratuitous violence. Despite that frenzy, the killing was cold-blooded and calculated.”

The court heard that while the attack was taking place, a prerecorded video of McCullagh playing Grand Theft Auto was being broadcast on his YouTube channel to make it appear as though he was spending the evening at home, approximately 17 miles away.

Recorded several days earlier, the video showed him wearing a Santa hat, eating snacks, drinking Guinness, and interacting as though the broadcast were live.

“I am not leaving the house tonight,” he said in the recording.

Prosecutors described the deception as an elaborate attempt to mislead investigators.

Assistant Director of the Public Prosecution Service, Catherine Kierans, said: “I’ve never seen a case like this in terms of domestic murder with such a level of premeditation, planning, thinking of every possible aspect, the wearing of a disguise, the forensic awareness, the framing of the ex-partner.”

She described the fake livestream as an “elaborate charade.”

Following the discovery of McNally’s body, police initially arrested McCullagh but later released him after learning of the apparent livestream. He reportedly suggested that a former boyfriend may have been responsible for the crime.

The court heard that McCullagh attended McNally’s wake and was welcomed by her grieving family, who believed he was mourning her loss. He was even allowed private time beside her coffin.

However, investigators later determined that the supposed livestream had been prerecorded. McCullagh was subsequently rearrested and charged with murder.

Evidence presented during the five-week trial revealed that he allegedly wore a disguise and gloves while travelling to McNally’s home on the night of the attack.

The judge also concluded that McCullagh intended to kill both McNally and their unborn child.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge noted that McCullagh continued to present himself as a grieving partner in the days following the killing.

“When he first arrived at the house on Christmas Day, during Natalie’s wake, the family brought him in and comforted him. They allowed him to spend extensive time alone with Natalie, ostensibly to grieve for her.”

The court also heard that McCullagh later returned to the family home after leaving behind a mobile phone that had allegedly been recording conversations, apparently to determine whether family members suspected him.

Prosecutor Catherine Kierans described the act as particularly disturbing and paid tribute to McNally.

“She had everything to live for, a very intelligent woman, vibrant, full of life, full of excitement about her little baby coming,” she said.

Speaking outside court, McNally’s father, Noel McNally, thanked investigators and prosecutors for securing justice for his daughter.

He said: “Today is not a celebration of the sentence handed down, as Bernadette, my boys and myself are serving a life sentence since the murder of our beloved Natalie, but hopefully it will serve as a deterrent to help stop violence against women and girls in this country.”

The younger sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and her twin children have reportedly been abducted by unknown gunmen in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, June 3.

The victims were said to have been kidnapped in the Elewura area of Challenge while travelling out of the neighborhood.

Confirming the incident, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, disclosed that the victims were attacked and taken away by the suspected kidnappers while on their way to connect to the expressway.

Awogboro said:

“Adelabu’s younger sister, together with her twins (Peter and Paul), were kidnapped this morning (Wednesday) by unknown gunmen at Elewura, Challenge, Ibadan.

“The family members were going out this morning from Elewura to link the express when they were attacked and whisked away by the unknown kidnappers.”

See video below……..

Former Power Minister Bayo Adelabu’s Sister and Twin Children Reportedly Kidnapped in Ibadan pic.twitter.com/eDzYp4mOGL

— Iamelizabeth (@elizabethblogng) June 3, 2026

A pregnant woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after being convicted of the fatal shooting of another pregnant woman in Birmingham, Alabama.

Aaniyah Nowden was found guilty of capital murder in connection with the death of 38-year-old Justina Wallace, a mother of five, who was also pregnant at the time of the incident.

According to AOL reports, the shooting occurred on July 7, 2023. Both Nowden and Wallace were reportedly expecting children by the same man when the tragedy unfolded.

Nowden was convicted in a Jefferson County, Alabama court and received a life sentence without parole last week.

Authorities said Wallace’s unborn child did not survive the shooting.

Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, Nowden went to Wallace’s home, where an argument broke out involving Wallace, Nowden, and the children’s father.

During the trial, Nowden claimed she acted in self-defense. However, prosecutors argued that Wallace was unarmed and posed no threat at the time she was shot.

The court also heard that two of Wallace’s children were nearby when the shooting occurred.

According to reports, the incident was captured on cellphone video and later presented as evidence during the case.

Deputy District Attorney Jason Wilson said: “This defendant shot and killed a pregnant woman who was carrying nothing but her baby… in her arms.

“Justina had no weapon, no gun, she wasn’t attacking anybody.”

Nowden was initially charged with three counts of capital murder. However, the jury dismissed two of those charges before ultimately finding her guilty on one count of capital murder.

A heartbreaking tragedy has left a family shattered after a young mother, her two-week-old baby, and her mother were fatally stabbed in their home.

The victims were identified as Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, 23, her newborn son Mateo Gonzalez, and her mother, Nunez-Villalobos, 54.

According to reports, police officers responded to an emergency call at approximately 9:20 a.m. and discovered Gonzalez-Nunez suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Officers also found the infant and Nunez-Villalobos with serious stab injuries inside the residence, along with an unharmed three-year-old child.

Authorities said both Gonzalez-Nunez and Nunez-Villalobos were pronounced dead at the scene. Baby Mateo was rushed to a hospital for treatment but sadly died later that day on May 28.

The three-year-old child was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being placed in the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS).

Investigators believe the toddler is the child of Gonzalez-Nunez and the suspect, identified as Joaquin Escoto, who is also believed to be the father of baby Mateo.

According to Modesto Police, officers quickly located and arrested Escoto on the day of the incident. He was reportedly found hiding inside a nearby residence.

Escoto was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on three counts of murder, special-circumstance enhancements, and use of a deadly weapon. He also faces an outstanding warrant connected to a previous DUI case.

Police said investigators believe Escoto and the victims lived together in the home where the fatal stabbings occurred.

Authorities further stated that Escoto is believed to have been “involved in a relationship with Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, although the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation.”