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A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024.

The court convicted the 65-year-old of leading an insurrection and undermining the constitution.

The ruling by the Seoul Central District Court marked a major milestone in one of the most significant political trials in the country’s recent history.

Yoon’s actions plunged the nation into a severe constitutional crisis.

He can appeal the verdict.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, the maximum sentence available under South Korean law for insurrection.

In his ruling, Judge Jee Kui Youn found the charge of leading an insurrection to be fulfilled but rejected the special prosecutor’s claim that Yoon had prepared the martial law decree to establish “permanent dictatorship.”

Thousands of supporters of the conservative politician gathered outside the courthouse, calling for his release.

Some demonstrators waved U.S. flags, expressing hope that U.S. President Donald Trump could exert political pressure on South Korea’s judiciary.

Supporters are now looking to the possibility of a presidential pardon.

On the evening of Dec. 3, 2024, Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law, triggering the most serious constitutional crisis in decades.

In a televised address, he said he sought to protect the country’s liberal order from an opposition he claimed was infiltrated by communists and sympathisers of North Korea.

He did not provide evidence.

Armed soldiers were dispatched to seal off the National Assembly, with some smashing windows and entering the building.

Minor scuffles broke out with lawmakers. The decree was overturned within hours in an emergency parliamentary vote, and Yoon was later removed from office, arrested and charged.

Prosecutors argued that Yoon had long planned the imposition of martial law to dismantle the constitutional order, accusing him of causing “enormous damage and great suffering.”

They also said he had not shown remorse.

South Korea has maintained an unofficial moratorium on executions since the late 1990s, meaning the death penalty, though still on the books, is not carried out.

In a separate case, Yoon was previously sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice, after the court found he destroyed evidence and misused the presidential security service to resist arrest.

Since June 2025, South Korea has been governed by center-left President Lee Jae Myung, Yoon’s long-time political rival and the former opposition leader during the crisis. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/19/court-sentences-s-korean-ex-president-to-life-imprisonment/

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has described a 10-year prison sentence handed down in Iran to a British couple as “totally unjustifiable.”

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip and were later charged with espionage.

They are being held in Tehran’s Evin prison and deny the allegations.

“This sentence is completely appalling and totally unjustifiable,” Cooper said, adding that the UK government would pursue the case ‘relentlessly’ until the couple are safely returned.

Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, told ITV News that the family had been informed of the sentence last week and was deeply concerned about the couple’s welfare.

He described it as a lack of transparency in the judicial process.

“My parents have now been sentenced to 10 years following a trial that lasted just three hours and in which they were not allowed to present a defence,” he said.

Ahead of the sentencing, Craig Foreman told ITV News his message to the UK government was: “Help. Full stop.” He described harsh detention conditions, including 57 days in solitary confinement.

The couple were due to appear before a court in Tehran in the coming days. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Buhari Bolaji

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/19/uk-condemns-irans-10-year-sentence-for-british-couple/

U.S. President Donald Trump has met with top White House advisers to assess recent developments involving Iran, and consider potential next steps, including diplomatic negotiations and military options, Axios news agency reports.

Citing two U.S. officials, the outlet said the gathering on Wednesday included Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, senior adviser Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other high-ranking officials.

Trump was briefed on this week’s nuclear discussions held with Iranian representatives in Geneva and reviewed possible options moving forward.

Officials reportedly cautioned that any U.S. military action targeting Iran could escalate beyond a limited strike and potentially evolve into a broader and prolonged conflict.

The assessment contrasts with a more contained operation conducted in Venezuela in January.

Separately, CNN also reported that U.S. forces are prepared for a potential strike against Iran in the coming days, though Trump has not yet made a final decision.

Officials have told the White House that U.S. forces could be in position to launch a strike as early as this weekend, following a notable increase in air and naval deployments to the Middle East in recent days.

One source told CNN that Trump has privately expressed mixed views about military action and has sought input from advisers and allies on the most appropriate path forward.

The president also received updates on negotiations related to the Russia-Ukraine war and a Gaza peace board meeting scheduled to hold in Washington DC.(NAN/AA)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/19/u-s-president-convenes-senior-advisors-to-review-iran-strategy/

Russia on Thursday urged Iran and all regional partners to “exercise restraint and caution” amid escalating tensions, which the Kremlin described as “unprecedented.”

“Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, and in doing so, we call on our Iranian friends and all parties in the region to exercise restraint and caution.

“We call on them to adopt political and diplomatic means as an absolute priority in resolving any given issue,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing in Moscow.

Expressing that Russia currently sees an “unprecedented” escalation of tensions in the region, Peskov said Moscow still expects political and diplomatic means will “prevail in the search for a settlement.”

Peskov’s remarks come as the U.S. and Iran concluded a second round of indirect negotiations mediated by Oman on Tuesday.

Both sides have acknowledged progress amid the growing American military buildup in the region.

Shortly after the Geneva-based talks concluded, U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the negotiations as productive “in some ways,” but said Tehran was “not yet willing” to engage on some of Trump’s “red lines.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks showed progress, describing the atmosphere as “more constructive.”

Washington has significantly stepped up its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier on its way to the region, along with additional fighter jets.

The Geneva meeting was the second round of negotiations since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last June.

The first round was held in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 6.

In his remarks, Peskov also commented on a naval drill involving Russia and Iran, which the latter announced would take place in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean on Thursday.

Iran claimed that  the exercise was planned and agreed upon in advance.(NAN/AA)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/19/u-s-armada-russia-urges-iran-regional-parties-to-exercise-restraint-caution/

Türkiye is ready to contribute to Gaza “in every way possible,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in the U.S. capital, Washington, DC., on Thursday.

Fidan made the remarks right after attending the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, which was presided over by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Our message is this: whether it’s humanitarian aid, the administration of Gaza, infrastructure and superstructure services, or contributing to the (International) Stabilisation Force, we are ready to provide all kinds of support in all these areas,” Fidan told Anadolu and TRT.

The meeting brought together representatives from more than 45 countries to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction and broader international stabilisation efforts.

Fidan said the meeting, held at the level of heads of state and government, carried symbolic importance as its first session but also produced tangible commitments.

The minister stressed that member states, especially those contributing financially and potentially militarily to the International Stabilisation Force, declared their commitments.

“In that sense, it was important in delivering concrete outcomes,” he added.

He described the gathering as a key milestone as Trump’s Gaza plan enters its second phase, which focuses on reconstruction and restoring local governance structures.

Fidan emphasised that rebuilding Gaza requires not only physical reconstruction but also restoring functional local administrative bodies.

“The crucial point here is that as Gaza rebuilds, local government bodies need a serious renewal and capacity building in the essential services they provide to the people,” he said, noting that much of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

He highlighted ongoing coordination with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 15-member technocratic body chaired by Ali Shaath, a Palestinian technocrat with extensive expertise in infrastructure, planning and public administration.

The minister said that Turkish President Recep Erdogan recently discussed governance and reconstruction plans with Shaath.

Türkiye, he added, stands ready to assist in health, education and other capacity-building services inside Gaza beyond immediate humanitarian relief, including police training and possible military role.

The minister said Türkiye has maintained uninterrupted humanitarian efforts since the beginning of the crisis, mobilising state institutions and civil society organisations.

He said a Turkish aid ship carrying supplies arrived at an Egyptian port en route to Gaza on Thursday.

Ankara is also seeking to send an initial 20,000 housing containers, he added.

In addition, Türkiye is continuing medical evacuations and operating field hospital services through its Health Ministry, he stressed.

As part of Gaza’s stabilisation, Fidan said efforts are underway to establish a local police force capable of providing security and public services for the more than two million residents.

“We have a commitment to provide training to the police force for this purpose.

“Our president also has the will to send troops to the stabilisation force if the parties agree,” Fidan added.

Türkiye, he said, will continue its efforts with “a strong sense of responsibility” to help secure lasting peace and stability in the region.(NAN/AA)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/19/turkiye-ready-to-contribute-to-gaza-in-every-way-possible-foreign-minister/

Turkish President Recep Erdogan says Türkiye takes all necessary steps beyond its borders for its security, neutralising threats at their source without seeking permission from anyone.

Speaking at an iftar programme with families of martyrs at Cankaya Mansion in the capital Ankara on Thursday, Erdogan said that significant progress has been made in efforts toward a “terror-free Türkiye.”

“Today, Türkiye takes all necessary steps not only within its borders but also beyond its borders for its security.

Wherever there is a threat or danger, we neutralise it at its source without seeking permission from anyone,” Erdogan stressed.

“There has been a serious decrease in security risks directed at our country, both within and beyond our borders,” he said.

“In the terror-free Türkiye initiative we launched 16 months ago, we have made notable progress in a short time,” he added, noting a marked reduction in security risks targeting the country.

“We are determined to rid Türkiye forever of this scourge (terrorism) that has burned the hearts of our nation for nearly half a century.

“For nearly half a century, this calamity has wounded our nation’s heart. God willing, we are determined to free Türkiye from it permanently,” he said.

He noted that thanks to operations by the armed forces and other security units, “we have significantly restricted the mobility of terrorist organisations.”

Erdogan said that in the defense industry, the country has reached a domestic production rate of around 80 per cent, compared to a previous dependence of about 80 per cent on foreign sources.

“Today, we can meet almost all our needs ourselves in nearly every field, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), armed UAVs, missiles, rockets, ships, helicopters and tanks,” he said.

“God willing, next in line will be fighter jets and aircraft carriers,” he added.

“Positive developments are also taking place in our neighbor Syria.

An agreement was reached last month to resolve the issue in northern Syria without bloodshed, and the process toward full integration has begun,” Erdogan added.(NAN/AA)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/20/turkiye-neutralises-threats-at-source-beyond-its-borders-erdogan/

U.S. President Donald Trump is prepared to consider an Iranian proposal allowing “token” nuclear enrichment provided it leaves no possible path to a nuclear weapon, U.S. media reported on Friday, citing senior U.S. officials.

The news comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is finalising a proposal expected to be shared with Washington within days.

He said the plan would include political commitments and technical measures to ensure the programme is exclusively civilian.

According to a report by website Axios, Washington’s official position remains “zero enrichment” on Iranian soil.

However, a senior official said the administration would review a proposal that includes small, symbolic, or “token” enrichment if Iran offers detailed guarantees.

“President Trump will be ready to accept a deal that would be substantive and that he can sell politically at home.

“Any proposal must be detailed and demonstrate that Iran’s nuclear program would be peaceful, ,” the official said.

Axios also reported that Trump has been presented with military options, including scenarios targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba, who is seen as a potential successor, and other senior clerics.

A second source confirmed that a plan to kill Khamenei and his son was presented to Trump several weeks ago.

Sources told the outlet that no final decision has been made.

A senior White House official said any Iranian proposal must be “very detailed” and prove the nuclear programme would be “benign.”

The official added that Washington would evaluate the offer once it is submitted in writing.

The news follows warnings by Trump that U.S. military action against Iran might be imminent, amid a buildup of U.S. forces in the region.(NAN/AA)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/21/trump-open-to-token-iran-enrichment-deal-military-options-still-on-table/

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday dismissed U.S. claims that 32,000 civilians were killed during protests in Iran.

He said that Tehran has already released official figures and called for evidence to substantiate higher estimates.

“You know, the people of Iran are a lot different than the leaders of Iran, and it’s very, very, very sad situation,” U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday.

Trump had added that 32,000 people were killed there over a “relatively short period of time.”

In remarks through U.S. social media company X, Araghchi said Tehran had already fulfilled its “pledge of full transparency” by publishing an official list documenting 3,117 victims of what he described as “recent terrorist operations,” including around 200 security personnel.

He added that “if anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence.”

Earlier on Friday, Trump said he was “considering” a limited military strike to pressure Iran into a deal, without providing further details.

The latest wave of arrests comes weeks after protests in Iran that began peacefully over economic grievances but later turned violent, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths, according to official figures.

Iranian authorities accused the U.S. and Israel of backing what they described as “rioting” and “terrorism.”

Iran and the U.S. resumed nuclear negotiations earlier this month in the Omani capital Muscat, followed by another round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday under Oman’s mediation.

The renewed diplomacy comes amid heightened regional tensions, fueled by a significant U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf, as well as Iranian military drills.

Trump, speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC, on Thursday, warned that the U.S. would opt for military action against Iran “within 10 to 15 days” if negotiations fail.(NAN/AA)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/21/irans-fm-demands-trumps-evidence-of-alleged-32000-protest-deaths/

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said he does not expect Russia to approve a peace agreement in the near term, even as U.S.-brokered contacts between Moscow and Kyiv continue.

In an interview with TVP World, Stubb said his “base case” is that the war in Ukraine will persist through the summer, despite what he described as more structured U.S. diplomatic engagement in recent months.

When asked who is blocking a settlement, Stubb pointed directly to Moscow. “(President Vladimir) Putin and Russia.”

He added that he does not consider Ukraine or Western governments to be the primary obstacle.

Talks remain deadlocked over several complex issues, particularly territorial disputes and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, he said.

Stubb rejected proposals to turn Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine into a demilitarised economic zone, describing one such plan as “crazy.”

A more viable option, he suggested, would be a ceasefire along current front lines combined with a demilitarised buffer zone on both sides.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said diplomacy was “reinvigorated” following recent talks in Geneva, although major disagreements remain unresolved.

European intelligence officials have warned that Russia could be using negotiations to seek sanctions relief and economic concessions rather than pursuing a genuine peace deal, according to TVP World.

Stubb also addressed tensions surrounding Greenland, characterising the dispute as a test of Europe’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

He said the issue has evolved into a “process” focused on revisiting a longstanding U.S-Denmark defense agreement and bolstering Arctic security.

The president urged Europe to remain “cool, calm and collected.”(NAN/AA)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/21/finlands-president-doubts-russia-will-agree-to-peace-deal-soon/

Pakistani forces reportedly carried out airstrikes in several areas of eastern and southeastern Afghanistan on Sunday following suicide bombings in the area bordering Afghanistan, according to Afghan local media and Pakistani Ministry of Information.

“Sources told TOLOnews that following the airstrikes in Khogyani district, Nangarhar province, Pakistani forces also carried out strikes in the province’s Ghani Khel district, Nangarhar province and Behsud district, Nangarhar province,” the Afghan news channel wrote on US social media platform X.

It further said: “Sources add that in Behsud district, the home of a civilian identified as Shahabuddin was targeted. Pakistani forces also conducted airstrikes tonight in Barmal district, Paktika province and Urgun district, Paktika province.”

The outlet, citing security sources, reported that no casualties were recorded in the strikes on Barmal and Urgun districts.

In the channel’s Pashtu version it said that a religious sermon was struck in the Barmal district in Paktika.

In a separate post, TOLOnews said, “The Pakistani military has confirmed carrying out strikes on Afghan territory, claiming that seven hideouts belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were targeted.”

It cited Nangarhar Police spokesperson Sayed Tayyeb Hammad who said 23 members of a family were trapped under the rubble after a civilian home was hit in the Behsud district. Four people have been rescued, with search and rescue operations ongoing.

Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, wrote Sunday on X, “Certain Pakistani military circles have once again violated Afghan territory.”

“Last night, they bombed our civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, martyring and injuring dozens of people, including women and children,” he said.

“Pakistani generals are compensating for security weaknesses in their own country through such crimes.”

“Pakistan in a retributive response, has carried out intelligence based selective targeting of seven Terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of Fitna al Khwarij (FAK) and its affiliates and Islamic State of Khorsan Province (ISKP) at the border region,” Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on X early Sunday.

“The strikes came in the aftermath of recent suicide bombing incidents in Pakistan,@ it said.

“Pakistan expects and reiterates Interim Afghan Government to fulfil its obligations and deny use of its soil by Khwarij and terrorists against Pakistan as the safety and security of people of Pakistan comes first and foremost,” the ministry added.

Pakistan vowed to avenge the killing of two security personnel on Saturday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that it would not allow any attack launched from Afghanistan to go unanswered.

No confirmed information has been released so far regarding possible casualties.(NAN/AA)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen

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Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/22/terrorist-attacks-pakistani-military-launches-airstrikes-in-eastern-region/