U.S. President, Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to launch a strike on Iranian nuclear sites, The New York Times reported on Wednesday, as efforts intensify to revive negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The United States and Iran, which have not maintained diplomatic relations for over four decades, are currently engaged in talks to establish a new nuclear agreement, following Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal during his first term in office.

According to the report, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are scheduled to meet in Rome on Saturday, marking the highest-level nuclear negotiations between both nations since the collapse of the original accord.

In March, Trump reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing direct talks but warning of potential military action if diplomatic efforts failed to yield results.

Senior Trump administration officials told The New York Times that Israel had approached Washington for support in carrying out an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the plan under review for several months.

However, during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the White House, Trump informed Israeli officials that he would not endorse the strike. Instead, he publicly announced the resumption of direct negotiations with Tehran.

Iran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons, though it has ramped up its nuclear activities following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 deal.

The latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed “serious concern” over Iran’s nuclear stockpile, revealing that the country possesses approximately 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — a level approaching weapons-grade.

Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, leader of the Nigerian Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra State, has raised concerns over the alarmingly low number of applicants from the South-East in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.

Speaking during a sensitisation meeting with youth leaders and President-Generals (P-Gs) of various communities in the state, Ekeator disclosed that only 200 youths from the entire South-East region had registered, compared to over 4,000 applicants from other regions. “This sensitisation is essential because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other regions, no fewer than 4,000 individuals have applied,” he said. “We are calling on youth leaders and community heads to return to their communities and mobilise young people to take advantage of this opportunity.”Ekeator stressed the importance of increased participation from the region to ensure it fully utilises its recruitment quota and strengthens South-East representation within the Nigerian Army.

Representing the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the initiative. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilise at least 10 youths from each community to participate in the recruitment processAlso speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, encouraged eligible youths between the ages of 18 and 22 to seize the opportunity and enlist in the Nigerian Army..

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Wednesday evening, paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of former Nigerian international and coach, Christian Chukwu, in Enugu, assuring them that they were not standing alone.

Mbah, who was out of the country attending the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London at the time of Chukwu’s death, also assured that the deceased would be immortalised.

He described the late footballer, popularly known as Chairman, as a legend, who served his country unreservedly and inspired millions of youths. He said the Government and people of Enugu, his home State, were thoroughly devastated by the death.

Speaking to newsmen after consoling the family and also signing a condolence register, Mbah said, “We have come here to commiserate with the family and also to express our devastation. We are just as devastated by his death; and his death is not just a loss to the family alone, it is a loss to all of us, particularly the government and the people of Enugu State.

“As you know, our beloved brother and legend, Chairman Christian Chukwu is a household name that inspired a lot of young people. He represents a lot of values when it comes to sport globally not just even in Nigeria.

“So, we are so devastated by his death, but we have also come here to assure the family that this loss is not just theirs, this is our collective loss; that we are going to be with them all through this period of grief, and that we are also going to ensure that his name is immortalised.”

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Chukwu’s soul and for fortitude on the part of his family to bear the irreparable loss.

Also with the governor at the round leather maestro’s residence were the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.