After nearly two weeks of rising clashes between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he called a “complete and total” ceasefire between both countries. He made the declaration on Monday evening, saying the agreement would officially take effect within 24 hours. This announcement follows a chaotic period that saw the U.S. launching heavy airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a location used by U.S. forces.

While Trump shows his confidence in the ceasefire deal, things on the ground suggest otherwise. Iranian officials quickly denied agreeing to any formal truce. Their foreign ministry did hint, however, that they might reduce military action; but only if Israel also holds back.

Israel, on the other hand, claimed they picked up fresh missile launches from Iranian territory shortly after the ceasefire was announced. In response, Israel reportedly prepared new airstrikes, though Iran denied any fresh attacks from their side.

International observers say the situation remains very fragile. There’s still no clear written agreement detailing how both sides will back down, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear activities, which was the cause of the dispute.

The news of the ceasefire brought quick reactions from the global economy. Oil prices dropped sharply, sliding more than 3% as traders relaxed over possible disruptions in the Middle East, especially around the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. Stock markets also rallied. U.S. futures climbed nearly 1%, while Gulf country’s financial markets bounced back by up to 3%. European and Asian stocks posted gains as well, as investors bet on lower risks in the region. Meanwhile, gold prices and U.S. treasury yields dropped, and the dollar weakened, signaling that traders are betting central banks

The tension between the United States and Iran has taken a serious turn after both countries exchanged military strikes in the past few days, putting the entire Gulf region on edge. It all started on Friday, June 21, when the U.S. military carried out a heavy airstrike operation called Operation Midnight Hammer. Using stealth bombers, submarines, and precision-guided missiles, the U.S. hit three of Iran’s major nuclear sites located deep underground in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to U.S. officials, those sites were targeted to weaken Iran’s nuclear program and stop any further development.

The U.S. government later said the mission was successful, claiming significant damage was done to Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Trump also warned that America was ready to strike again if Iran pushed back.

Not long after, Iran responded.

In the early hours of Sunday, June 23, Iran launched several missiles toward U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, calling their counterattack Operation Tidings of Victory. Reports from Qatar confirmed that most of the missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were recorded, but Iran described the strike as a strong warning to Washington.

Additionally, Iran’s parliament passed a controversial bill threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route where almost a quarter of the world’s oil passes through daily. If Iran follows through with this threat, it could disrupt global oil supply and send fuel prices soaring.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is not taking chances.

Thousands of American troops have been deployed to the Gulf region, alongside warships, submarines, fighter jets, and missile defense systems. Two major aircraft carriers; the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Nimitz; are already stationed in nearby waters, ready for action if needed. The situation has left countries in the region on high alert. Leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and other Gulf states are calling for calm while strengthening their own security. There are also concerns that Iran might use allied groups like Hezbollah or militias in Iraq to launch attacks indirectly.

Globally, Russia and China have openly criticized the U.S. strikes, describing them as dangerous. The United Nations held emergency talks, urging both sides to avoid further violence. However, oil prices surprisingly dipped slightly, as many traders believe the situation might cool down through diplomacy before it disrupts oil supplies.

In the U.S., political debates have broken out. Some lawmakers, including Republicans and Democrats, have raised questions about whether the President had the authority to carry out the strikes without full approval from Congress. Others argue the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program. For now, both sides appear to be watching each other closely. The U.S. has made it clear they are ready for further military action, while Iran has promised more retaliation if provoked.

Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has once again stirred the controversy of Nigerian activism, this time he brings the fight straight to the doorstep of the FCT Minister in Abuja.

Earlier today, June 23, 2025, VDM showed up at the gate of the Minister’s office, not alone, but with a group of school children all dressed in their uniforms. But it wasn’t a regular school outing. Right there, in front of security officials and onlookers, VDM turned the space into a makeshift classroom, teaching the kids in broad daylight.

This wasn’t just about reading and writing. It was a protest calling attention to a crisis that has kept public primary schools shut for nearly three months. Teachers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been on strike since March 24, 2025, insisting on the full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage promised to them. But with Area Council Chairmen dragging their feet, classrooms have stayed empty, and pupils have been left stranded at home.

In typical VDM style, the protest was loud.

The children chanted the alphabet with an interesting twist; throwing subtle shots at Nigeria’s leaders. From “S for Suegbe” to “T for Tinubu” and “W for Wike”. During the protest, VDM didn’t just stop at the theatrics. He issued a clear warning to the FCT authorities. They have seven days to find a solution and get the children back into classrooms. If they fail, he promised to mobilize an even larger crowd, bringing students from different parts of the FCT to the same spot for another round of protest.

Additionally, VDM hinted that if action isn’t taken soon, healthcare workers will be the next focus. Many of them are also demanding the ₦70,000 minimum wage but, like the teachers, have been ignored for months. On the government’s side, Mandate Secretary of FCT Area Councils, Bitrus Garki, confirmed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the crisis. He explained that the FCT administration has been supporting the Area Councils with infrastructure and negotiations but couldn’t say exactly when the issue would be resolved.