Diplomatic sources say indirect negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions; regional allies watch developments closely

The United States and Iran have commenced indirect negotiations in Tehran aimed at ending years of hostilities between the two nations, diplomatic sources disclosed on Thursday. The talks, which began this week in the Iranian capital, are part of a renewed push to de-escalate tensions following a series of confrontations in the Gulf region.

According to officials familiar with the development, senior diplomats from both countries are engaging through mediators to discuss a potential roadmap for peace. The discussions are said to focus on issues such as nuclear enrichment limits, prisoner exchanges, and easing economic sanctions imposed on Iran by successive US administrations.

The latest move comes after several months of back-channel contacts between Washington and Tehran, prompted by concerns over regional instability and rising oil prices. Analysts note that the Gulf region has witnessed repeated flare-ups involving Iranian and US forces, raising fears of a wider conflict that could impact global energy supplies and security.

A Western diplomatic source involved in the process stated that while significant differences remain, both sides have expressed willingness to make concessions. “There is a window for progress if all parties remain committed,” the source said. Regional stakeholders including Saudi Arabia and Israel are reportedly monitoring the situation closely but have not issued official statements as at press time.

Observers believe that a successful deal could lead to gradual lifting of sanctions on Iran and improved security cooperation in the Middle East. However, experts caution that previous efforts at rapprochement have faltered due to mutual distrust and domestic opposition within both countries. Further rounds of talks are expected in the coming weeks as negotiators work towards a possible agreement.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888600-inside-iran-us-deal-to-end-the-war.html

President urges African collaboration against illegal fishing as Nigeria commits to mangrove restoration and coastal protection

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria aims to generate five million ocean-based jobs by 2035 under a new Blue Economy Action Plan, focusing on fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the opening of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, where Tinubu was represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s ocean and maritime resources are vital for economic growth, food security, trade and livelihoods. He noted that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in May 2023 elevated the sector as a national priority. “Our ocean resources are central to food security, trade, energy and the livelihood of Nigeria. For Nigeria, the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience,” he said during his address.

The President stated that Nigeria has launched a comprehensive action plan to expand fisheries, boost shipping operations, promote maritime tourism and invest in renewable energy industries. The initiative prioritises youth and women participation and aims to uplift coastal communities most vulnerable to economic shocks. Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position along an 853-kilometre coastline in the Gulf of Guinea—one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Tinubu called for greater cooperation among African countries to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which he described as a major threat to food security and economic stability across the continent. He stressed that fair access to financing, technology and investment is essential for Africa to unlock its maritime potential. As part of Nigeria’s environmental commitments, Tinubu announced plans to expand marine protected areas by 2030 and restore half of Nigeria’s degraded mangrove ecosystems.

On maritime security, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s participation in the Yaoundé Architecture—a regional framework designed to strengthen Gulf of Guinea security—and credited recent investments in surveillance technology and naval operations for reducing piracy incidents. “Maritime security is inseparable from food security, trade facilitation and peace-building,” Tinubu stated.

He further urged development partners, private investors and civil society groups to mobilise sustainable financing for ocean governance. Emphasising inclusive governance within the sector, Tinubu called for increased involvement of women and young people in decision-making processes. “Our ocean is our common heritage, and its future depends on the collective action we take today,” he concluded.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-plans-to-generate-5-million-jobs-through-its-blue-economy-heres-how-2026061807335417091

Rising gas prices force households in Enugu to abandon LPG, prompting concerns over health and environmental risks

Cooking gas sellers in Enugu State have reported a significant decline in patronage as more residents are now turning to charcoal for their household energy needs. This trend, observed across major markets in the state capital, became pronounced by mid-June 2026 as the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) continued to rise.

Dealers who spoke at various outlets in Enugu city said that many customers now buy only a fraction of what they used to purchase, while some have stopped coming altogether. The sellers attributed the situation to sharp increases in the price of cooking gas, which has pushed several families to seek cheaper alternatives such as charcoal and firewood. They warned that this shift could have negative implications for both public health and the environment.

The development comes amid persistent complaints about the high cost of living across Nigeria, with many households struggling to afford basic commodities. In Enugu, residents say their monthly expenses on cooking fuel have more than doubled within a year, making it difficult to rely solely on LPG. The move towards charcoal is raising concerns among experts about increased indoor air pollution and deforestation.

According to the sellers, their daily sales have dropped by over half compared to this time last year. One dealer said: “Before, people used to fill their cylinders every week but now they just buy two or three kilogrammes at a time or they don’t come at all.” Another added that unless government intervenes by reducing import duties or stabilising prices, more people will abandon LPG.

As at June 2026, there has been no official statement from Enugu State government on measures to address the rising cost of cooking gas or encourage clean energy use. Sellers and residents alike are calling for urgent steps to make LPG affordable again, warning that failure could worsen environmental degradation and public health challenges linked to alternative fuels.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888591-cooking-gas-sellers-decry-low-patronage-as-enugu-residents-turn-to-charcoal.html