International
BREAKING: US House of Representatives Begins Investigation Into Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria
The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hold a public hearing to examine President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.
The hearing, scheduled for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and to be streamed live, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-standing advocate for global religious liberty.
According to an invitation circulated to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the session will feature two panels. The first will include senior U.S. State Department officials—Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
A second panel will comprise representatives of religious and policy organisations, including Nina Shea of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
The review aims to assess the extent of religious persecution in Nigeria and consider potential U.S. responses, which could include sanctions, humanitarian support, or expanded collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
Trump’s Renewed Pressure
President Trump reignited tensions on October 31, 2025, when he restored Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that allows punitive measures against foreign officials accused of religious repression. In a statement the following day, he warned that Christians in Nigeria faced an “existential threat,” and threatened to suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria if the killings continued. He also suggested possible military action, directing the “Department of War” to prepare for intervention.
Tinubu Rejects Allegations
President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump’s claims, saying they do not reflect the realities of religious freedom in Nigeria. In a statement posted on X, Tinubu insisted that Nigeria upholds constitutional protections for all faiths and remains committed to religious tolerance.
Growing Scrutiny in Washington
Nigeria’s CPC redesignation has revived international attention on years of violent attacks in parts of the country, including killings, mass abductions, and the destruction of churches in northern and central regions. A companion bill backing the designation has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Ted Cruz.
One of the scheduled witnesses, Bishop Anagbe, has regularly highlighted the plight of Christian communities in Benue State, telling UK lawmakers in March 2025 that many families had fled to IDP camps following repeated assaults by extremists and armed groups.
Republican Lawmakers Apply Pressure
Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), in a recent Fox News interview, said congressional committees had already begun evaluating the situation, working with the State Department and the White House. He argued that Christians in Nigeria face severe persecution and criticised Tinubu’s rejection of the allegations. Moore also claimed that preliminary congressional findings indicate Christians are being killed at a rate higher than Muslims.
He added that the CPC designation provides the U.S. with a range of options—including sanctions, freezing funds, and even potential military action—if conditions do not improve.
International
Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz following two-week cease-fire agreement with Trump
Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, said that an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the US had taken effect.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks in coordination with Iran’s armed forces “and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
The development follows a two-week ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, the Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported early on Wednesday.
Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, said that an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the US had taken effect.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S., along with their allies, had agreed to an “immediate ceasefire everywhere,” including in Lebanon.“
Trump had made reopening the waterway a condition for the ceasefire and had threatened to target Iran’s energy sector and infrastructure, including bridges, if Tehran failed to comply, setting a deadline of 0000 GMT.
The Strait of Hormuz, crucial to global oil and gas trade, has been largely closed since the United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.
According to a senior U.S. official, Israel will also adhere to what Trump described as a “double sided CEASEFIRE.”
International
Oil Prices Rise, Stocks Fall as Trump’s Iran Deadline Looms
Oil prices climbed sharply while global stocks wavered and mostly declined on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s looming deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face escalated U.S. strikes heightened geopolitical tensions and investor anxiety.
Brent crude futures rose about 1% to trade near $111 per barrel, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also pushing higher amid fears that prolonged disruption to the critical waterway through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes could worsen energy shortages. Oil has surged more than 50% since the conflict intensified.
Meanwhile, major U.S. stock indexes showed mixed but largely cautious trading, with many shares slipping as investors weighed the risk of further military escalation, including potential strikes on Iranian power plants and infrastructure.
European and Asian markets were similarly tentative, reflecting broader concerns over inflation, energy costs, and economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Trump has set a firm deadline of 8 p.m. ET Tuesday (1 a.m. GMT Wednesday) for Iran to reach a deal and reopen the strait, warning of decisive action if unmet. He has threatened to “decimate” Iranian bridges and power plants, stating the country “could be taken out in one night.
”Iran has rejected recent ceasefire proposals, calling instead for a permanent end to hostilities, while markets remain on edge with no clear resolution in sight.
Analysts warn that sustained high oil prices could fuel global inflation and slow economic growth, though some investors still hope for a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough.
The developments come as the International Energy Agency has described the current oil and gas crisis linked to the Hormuz blockade as potentially more severe than previous major shocks combined.
International
Trump warns Entire Iran could be ‘taken out’ Tuesday night
” The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be Tuesday night,” he said.
US President Donald Trump says Iran could be “taken out” in one night as the deadline set for the country to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic approaches.
On Saturday, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to comply or risk facing “hell”.
He later threatened that the US would blow up Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran failed to adhere to his warning.
The US president said Iran had until Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (1 am WAT) to make a deal.
In a press conference on Monday, Trump reiterated and intensified his threats.
“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be Tuesday night,” he said.
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