Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Spotted Wearing N195Million Wristwatch At Davido’s Wedding Amid Hardship, Widespread Hunger




Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was spotted wearing a luxury wristwatch valued at over N190 million (approximately $127,000) at the wedding of Davido and Chioma Rowland on Wednesday.

The Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph 5930G-11 watch was identified by SaharaReporters through a search on Chrono24, a prominent online marketplace for high-end timepieces.

The Governor's extravagant accessory has raised eyebrows, given the economic challenges facing Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

This translates to approximately N195 million, based on the current exchange rate of N1,540 to $1.

Nigeria has been grappling with revenue struggles, unemployment, and underdevelopment, amidst concerns over the judicious use of public funds by officials.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has faced scrutiny for his luxury tastes, having been spotted with high-end wristwatches on multiple occasions, sparking questions about his stewardship of public resources.

In 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu was seen wearing a Patek Philippe wristwatch valued at approximately N160 million, sparking controversy amidst widespread poverty in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

This luxury purchase has raised questions about his priorities as a leader, especially given the recent meeting of southern governors to address the growing economic hardship in the region.

Furthermore, Lagos State is among the most indebted states in Nigeria, making the governor's extravagant expenditure on personal items all the more concerning.

BudgIT has condemned a plan by the Nigerian government to concurrently implement four national budgets.

Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s Country Director disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Recall that the Senate resumed plenary on Thursday to extend the capital section of the 2023 supplementary budget.

The lawmakers said the budget is to run concurrently with the 2024 national budget.

The implication is the country is currently running three budgets the 2023 budget of N21.83 trillion signed by ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget, and an anticipated 2024 supplementary budget, thereby resulting in the simultaneous implementation of four budgets.

However, Okeowo has described the situation as worrisome and will amount to severe budget credibility issues.

He noted the Budget is designed to run from January to December as it is done globally.

BudgIT said the situation will lead to frivolous items in the 2023 Approved Budget and 2023 Supplementary Budget that will compete with essential projects in the 2024 Budget for the meagre resources available to the Federal Government.

It called on the government to amend the complications of this convoluted budgeting system and return to a disciplined January to December Budget Calendar.

“The concurrent implementation of four budgets will lead to severe budget credibility issues, as revenues projected in 2024 alone would most likely be used in implementing four different budgets, negatively impacting service delivery in critical social sectors and the provision of essential public infrastructure”, Okeowo stated.

Farewell visit by DIG Yahaya S. Abubakar, mni, DIG in charge of Department of Research and Planning, NPF, FHQ Abuja. Former AIG in charge of Zone 14 Headquarters Katsina.

Biden ‘Could Be Convicted’ After Leaving Office, Says Trump

In addition to the gun-related charges, Hunter Biden is also facing federal tax charges, as announced by Special Counsel David Weiss.

Trump's comment came in response to Biden's earlier remark, which labelled Trump a "convicted felon" in reference to his recent guilty verdict in New York v. Trump.

In that instance, Trump was convicted of falsifying business records in the first degree. Despite the verdict, Trump maintained his innocence and countered Biden's criticism, defending his actions.

"When he talks about a convicted felon, his son is a convicted felon at a very high level," Trump said of Biden’s son, Hunter Biden Fox News reports.

Hunter Biden was convicted on multiple federal gun-related charges this month, as announced by Special Counsel David Weiss. The charges included making false statements during a gun purchase, providing false information to a licensed gun dealer, and possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

"His son is convicted, going to be convicted probably numerous other times, should have been convicted before. But his Justice Department let the statute of limitations lapse on the most important things," Trump said.

In addition to the gun-related charges, Hunter Biden is also facing federal tax charges, as announced by Special Counsel David Weiss.

The tax-related trial is scheduled to commence on September 5 in California. Meanwhile, Trump suggested that President Biden may potentially face legal charges after leaving office, although no formal charges have been filed against the President at this time.

"But he could be a convicted felon as soon as he gets out of office – Joe could be a convicted felon with all of the things that he's done. He's done horrible things," Trump said. "All of the deaths caused at the border, telling the Ukrainian people that we're going to want $1 billion, you could change the prosecutor, otherwise you're not getting $1 billion."

Trump was referencing remarks made by Joe Biden during his vice presidency. Biden has publicly acknowledged that he successfully pushed for the dismissal of Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin while serving as vice president.

At the time, Shokin was leading an investigation into Burisma Holdings, a company that had Hunter Biden on its board, earning a substantial monthly income. Vice President Biden threatened to withhold $1 billion in crucial US aid unless Shokin was removed from his position.

"I said, ‘You’re not getting the billion. I’m going to be leaving here in,' I think it was about six hours. I looked at them and said: ‘I’m leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money,’" Biden recalled telling then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. Biden recollected the conversation during an event for the Council on Foreign Relations in 2018.

"Well, son of a bitch, he got fired," Biden said during the event. "And they put in place someone who was solid at the time."

Supporters of Biden argue that, as vice president, he advocated for Shokin's dismissal due to concerns that the Ukrainian prosecutor was not adequately addressing corruption. They emphasize that this position was in line with the policy stance of the US and international community at the time, aiming to promote accountability and transparency in Ukraine.

"If I ever said that, that's quid pro quo, that we're not going to do anything. We're not going to give you $1 billion unless you change your prosecutor having to do with his son," Trump said Thursday night.

Trump declared: "This man is a criminal."

"I did nothing wrong," Trump said. "We have a system that was rigged and disgusting. I did nothing wrong."

Beyond the charges in New York, Trump is facing charges brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith stemming from his investigation into Trump’s alleged improper retention of classified business records. Smith also charged Trump out of his investigation into January 6 and 2020 election interference.

Trump also faces charges stemming from an investigation brought by Fulton County, Ga. District Attorney Fani Willis.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges in all cases.

Hajiya Halima Adamu, mother of the famous Hausa Singer Dauda Adamu, popularly known as Rarara, has been abducted, Daily Trust can report.

She was abducted at her residence in Kahutu village, Danja local government area of Katsina State, according to a source in Kahutu village.

According to the source, the bandits stormed the village around 1am Friday and abducted the aged woman.

“The bandits came on foot and silently because they did not fire a single shot during the operation that lasted for just a few minutes. The woman did not resist when the bandits requested her to go along with them.”

“Although the bandits met other people at the house, they only picked Rarara’s mother, leaving behind others. No attempt to confront the bandits while leaving the house because they were armed with guns.

“They probably kept their motorcycles from far away and then trekked to the village. We are praying that the woman will return to us in condition because she is very helpful to us in this village. Her son, Rarara is very generous to us; he has brought so many developments to this village for our wellbeing.”

Efforts to reach the famous Hausa singer on phone proved abortive, as his phones rang severally without any response.

Katsina is one of the states with a high level of insecurity in the North West region.

No fewer than one hundred and three Nigerians arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, June 28, after they were deported from the Republic of Turkey.

They arrived at the pilgrims wing of the airport at about 6:45 pm on the Southwind Airlines flight with registration number TC-GRB. Multiple agencies of government like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as well as those of the military received the deportees.

It is yet to be ascertained why they were deported. The angry deportees narrated their treatment, alleging they were unfairly treated in the European country. According to them, they were detained by the Turkish authorities for over 11 months before being deported.

They therefore called on the Nigeria government to fight for them and reclaim all their valuables.

A report has revealed the top 10 most stressful countries in Africa in 2024 with Nigeria ranked 33rd on the continent.

In Africa, stress levels are notably high due to a combination of economic challenges, political instability, and social issues.

In a report by CEOWORLD magazine, it shared the most stressed countries globally, with several African nations ranking high on the list.

The report, which compared 211 countries and territories across four categories—work-related stress, money-related stress, family-related stress, and health- and safety-related stress—provides insights into the global mental health landscape, highlighting which countries are performing well and which need improvement.

The most stressful country in Africa, according to the report, is South Sudan, with a stress score of 45.68. Burundi follows closely with a score of 45.8, and the Central African Republic ranks next with a score of 46.07.

In 2023, the main sources of stress globally included money, the economy, and health issues, as highlighted in the CEOWORLD report.

The analysis helps identify areas where mental health support is most needed and which countries are effectively managing stress among their populations.

Here is a list of the top 10 most stressful countries in Africa:

Top 10 most stressful countries in Africa
1. South Sudan – 45.68
2 Burundi – 45.8
3 Central African Republic – 46.07
4 DR Congo – 46.24
5 Niger – 46.7
6 Mozambique – 47.23
7 Eritrea – 47.32
8 Malawi – 47.52
9 Liberia – 47.94
10 Chad – 48.05

Vice President Kashim Shettima has dismissed insinuations about President Bola Tinubu’s health, saying his principal is a man full of ideas.

President Tinubu had during the Democracy Day celebration last month missed his steps, an incident that elicited conversations about the former Lagos State governor’s health status to lead the country.

But at a town hall meeting by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja on Friday, Shettima faulted comments about Tinubu’s health status.

“We are not asking you not to question the eligibility of your president’s condition. But there is this mischievous vexation about the president’s health status,” Shettima said at the event, calling on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration.

"We are not preparing for the Olympics, but an institution that builds on the superiority of ideas. But I dare to put it to you. The hallmark of true leadership is not the ability to lift a bag of cement, but the capacity to come up with robust ideas to solve a nation’s problems. So, this is a man that we need to all rally around, we need to support.”

Nigeria’s inflation has reached new highs, clocking 33.69 per cent in May 2024. But Shettima who acknowledged the difficult economic conditions, says it is not peculiar to the country. He, however, believes in the ability of the Tinubu government to reverse the trend.

He said, “Yes, our economy is going through turbulence but is it confined to Nigeria alone? Let’s take a broadband picture. Is any economy immune from the challenges of the times? So, I urge you to be fair to this poor man.”

“We have never had it so good in terms of leadership. The President means well for the nation and most importantly, imbued with the skill set to drive change and progress in this country,” Shettima said.

"I can tell you with all sense of confidence that the President we have now is a man of ideas who is robustly imbued with the capacity. Leadership is about competence.”

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has described Nigeria as a poor country with the potential to be wealthy.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oyedele said in comparison with some countries and cities, the Federal Government’s budget and that of states are small.

“By the way, the entire budget, that’s the Federal Government’s of about N29 trillion plus all the states in Nigeria about N15 trillion – if you add it all, it comes to about N44 trillion. That’s around $30 billion,” he said

“That $30 billion is even less than the budget of Kenya which is around $32 billion. It is barely a quarter of South Africa’s budget at $130 billion. And of course, it’s even less than the budget of New York City, not even just New York State. So, clearly, Nigeria is a poor country with the potential to be a wealthy country.”

The Federal Government has faced criticisms over what some described as over-taxation. Kenya’s recent protests over tax laws introduced into the country have further reignited conversations among several Nigerians.

But Oyedele has ruled out the introduction of more tax, saying that cannot solve Nigeria’s revenue challenge.

“So, we do believe based on the analysis we have done and the data available to us that the right way to go is not to introduce more taxes. And in fact, if you’re gonna raise the rates of any tax, it has to be something that we’re doing as a result of the consolidation and harmonisation,” he said.

“We do think that having fewer taxes are broad-based, easy to collect, and do not place a burden on the bottom of the ladder of society is the way to go. And by using data, intelligence, and technology, we can close the tax gap so that people who have not been paying before begin to pay – who have been identified as people who should be paying – and the poor people should be legitimately exempted, particularly nano, micro businesses and low-income earners.

“And then we think that with all those, we can easily more than double our revenue within a period of two to three years.”

PREMIUM TIMES can report that barring any change in plans, the Nigerian government will purchase an Airbus A330 aircraft seized from an unnamed Arab prince and businessman who could not pay hundreds of millions of dollars he owed a German bank.

Presidency officials have kept their lips shut about plans to buy a new presidential jet. However, this newspaper has obtained information that the government has already identified an aircraft for purchase but is scrambling for funds to consummate the transaction.

The identified aircraft is said to be a repossessed one recovered from a troubled oil sheikh who used the aeroplane as collateral for a loan he obtained from an unidentified German bank to buy it. When a bank loan is taken to purchase an aircraft, the aircraft is usually pledged as collateral.

Our sources said the bank repossessed the aircraft from the debtor businessman but found it challenging to sell due to its executive customisation.

The aircraft is now in the possession of L & L International LLC, an American aviation firm based in Miami, Florida. L & L International LLC is trying to help the German bank sell it to the Nigerian government.

The multi-engine prestige jet, which has an elaborate VIP configuration, is said to be worth $600 million. But the Nigerian government is offering “a little over $100 million.” Our sources say they are unsure if that offer is acceptable to L & L International LLC.

“If L & L International accepts the amount offered, it will be an excellent deal for Nigeria,” one of our sources, an aviation expert, said. “Nigeria can resell it twice or triple that amount. And it is a perfect aircraft.” An L & L International spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday that he has no details to share concerning the transaction.

Another source said AMAC Aerospace AG, a Swiss aviation company, is coordinating the Nigerian government’s purchase of the aircraft. AMAC Aerospace AG has a long-standing aircraft maintenance contract with Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).

According to the source, the company identified the aircraft and recommended that the Nigerian government purchase it, citing its affordable cost and reliability. The company is now coordinating the purchase by liaising with L & L International and Nigeria’s presidential air fleet officials. When contacted, Alexis Ott, AMAC Aerospace’s director of maintenance sales and key account management, declined comment, saying he could not discuss his company’s business relationships with unrelated parties.

Multiple presidential sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the government is now scrambling to find the funds to buy the aircraft. While the government has put three of the aircraft in the fleet for sale, it is believed that they may not fetch enough money to settle the cost of the aircraft to be acquired as a replacement.

An official said some of the money to purchase the plane would come from the N180 billion contingency fund provided for a service-wide vote in the 2023 supplementary budget. On Thursday, the National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the lifespan of the 2023 supplementary budget to December 31.

“The government did not envisage the purchase of aircraft this year, so there is no provision for it in the 2024 budget,” one official said, asking not to be named because he has no permission to speak on the matter. “But with the airworthiness of some aircraft in the presidential air fleet now suspect, at least one aircraft will have to be replaced to resolve that emergency.”

In a June 4 report forwarded to the presidency after an investigative hearing, the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence asked the federal government to immediately procure two aeroplanes for Messrs Tinubu and Shettima to secure the transportation of the country’s top officials.

The House Committee’s call immediately triggered widespread criticism from some Nigerians, who questioned the wisdom of buying new aeroplanes when Nigeria faces severe economic hardship.

However, a few days later, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence supported the recommendations made by its House of Representatives counterpart. The Chairman of the Committee, Shehu Buba, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES exclusively from Saudi Arabia, where he performed this year’s hajj, said not quickly overhauling the presidential air fleet could endanger the president’s and his deputy’s lives.

Mr Buba said, “It is true that our country is facing economic difficulty, but that will not justify jeopardising or endangering the lives of our president, our vice president, other top government officials, and any citizen for that matter.

“We are all aware of the air mishaps in Iran and Malawi recently, which claimed the lives of the president and vice president of those countries, respectively. We commiserate with the people and governments of those countries. But we must also, as a people, do whatever is necessary to lower the possibility of such disasters in our country.

“No sacrifice is too much to pay for the safety of our leaders and citizens. We elected them. So, we have a collective responsibility to protect them at all times.”

When asked why lawmakers are pushing for new aircraft for the nation’s top leaders but uninterested in calling on the government to pay workers a decent minimum wage, the Senator said, “The recommendations they (House Committee) made are related to those matters. The safety of our leaders and the health of the presidential air fleet are matters of national security concern. Raising those matters does not mean the committee members do not care about the issue of minimum wage, which is already being well handled by government and organised labour.”

A senior aide to Mr Tinubu told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday night that the government could not heed the National Assembly’s call to purchase two new aircraft.

He said, “The best the government can do is to go for one at the moment, and it is gladdening that we are getting a good second-hand aircraft at a good price.”

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) spokesperson, Zakari Minjiyawa, declined to comment on Thursday when asked about the status of the presidential jet transaction. He said the Presidential Air Fleet, domiciled in ONSA, had yet to brief him on any development on the matter.

Age is No Barrier: Gen. Moses Ali to contest for MP again in 2026

General Moses Ali, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, has declared his intention to run for the Adjumani West parliamentary seat again in 2026.

Moses Ali has done exceptionally well in service of his country. We salute & commend him for his contributions. But isn't it the right time he is relieved his duties to go home & rest?

All available evidence has confirmed that the Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently. This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.

This intentionally reckless action will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.

It indicates that the Leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation's finances effectively. Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized way.

I respectfully appeal and in fact, demand that this situation be reversed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting. We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few. This is a call to action for all Leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.

Neither the National Assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour. We seek and insist on a nation governed by leaders who are frugal and responsible in their handling of public resources.

This is the only way we can build a great nation. -PO

Every reunion with my sister @NOIweala, Director-General of @WTO, is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to "rebuilding trust in the power of collective action to eradicate poverty, inequality and exclusion."

Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos is set to host the country’s first-ever airport wedding.

The ceremony, which will take place at the MMA2 terminal’s ticketing hall, is set to hold this Saturday, June 29, 2024.

The soon-to-be-married couple, Alli Olamide Miracle and Agboola Abiodun Qudus, will exchange their vows amidst the backdrop of departing and arriving flights, surrounded by their families, friends, and well-wishers.

Dubbed ‘My Airport Wedding,’ the initiative aims not only to celebrate love but also to showcase MMA2 as more than just a terminal for flight operations.

According to Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head of Corporate Communications at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the event promises to leave a lasting impression on the aviation and entertainment industries.

“We are thrilled to pioneer this unique event at MMA2,” Yinka-Olawuyi remarked. “It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and creating memorable experiences for our passengers and terminal users.”

The ceremony is expected to draw attention from both local and international audiences, highlighting Nigeria’s growing prominence in the global aviation sector. Attendees, whether physically present or joining virtually through online platforms, are poised to witness a spectacle that blends romance with the dynamic atmosphere of an airport terminal.

“With our slogan ‘More than a terminal’, Bi-Courtney continues to redefine airport experiences,” Yinka-Olawuyi added. “This event underscores our dedication to offering more than just travel convenience.”

LEADERSHIP reports that MMA2 is Nigeria’s first and only privately-funded Airport, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.

President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order to introduce zero tariffs, excise duties and value added tax (VAT) on imported pharmaceutical inputs.

In a statement on Friday, Muhammad Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said the order is aimed at revitalising the Nigerian health sector and increase production of healthcare products.

“In a transformative move to revitalize the Nigerian health sector, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, has signed an Executive Order aiming to increase local production of healthcare products (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices such as needles and syringes, biologicals, medical textile, etc.),” Pate said.

“The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation @FedMinOfJustice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN, @LOFagbemi, is to now take the next steps towards codifying the new Order.”

Pate said the order is crucial to the success of the initiative for unlocking the health care value chain (PVAC_NG), which was approved in October 2023 by the president.

“The Order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties and VAT on specified machinery, equipment and raw materials, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance our local manufacturers’ competitiveness,” he said.

“Specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, other essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial health products like drugs, syringes and needles, Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic Kits, among others.

“The Order also provides for establishing market shaping mechanisms such as framework contracts and volume guarantees, to encourage local manufacturers.”

According to the minister, the order mandates collaboration among the ministers of health, finance, as well as industry, trade and investment, to develop a harmonised implementation framework — expediting regulatory approvals and reducing bottlenecks.

Pate said agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) “will ensure swift implementation, with special waivers and exemptions effective for two years”.

“The implication of this order is pivot towards market-based incentives to encourage medical industrialization, reducing costs of medical products through import substitution over time, creating and retaining economic value and enabling job creation in the healthcare value chain,” the minister said.

Pate thanked Tinubu for his courage and commitment to ensure Nigeria is put back on the path to prosperity.

He also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the ideas that culminated in the consensus that resulted in the significant milestone.

The development follows an appeal sent by TheCable on May 23 to Tinubu and other political leaders in the country for policy and legislative actions on the escalating cost of medications, also known as “drugflation”.

The publication identified key proposals from its webinar — which was held in April 2024 — in the appeal and requested the approval of an unambiguous executive order to tackle the identified health sector issues, and encourage patronage of local manufacturers.

Iran on Saturday warned that “all Resistance Fronts”, a grouping of Iran and its regional allies, would confront Israel if it attacked Lebanon.

The comment from Iran’s mission to New York comes with fears of a wider regional war involving Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. The two sides have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire since the war in Gaza began.

Such exchanges have escalated this month, alongside bellicose rhetoric from both sides.

Israel’s military said plans for a Lebanon offensive had been “approved and validated”, prompting Hezbollah to respond that none of Israel would be spared in a full-blown conflict.
In a post on social media, the Iranian mission said it “deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime’s propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon”.

But, it added, “should it embark on full-scale military aggression, an obliterating war will ensue. All options, incl. the full involvement of all Resistance Fronts, are on the table.”

The war in Gaza began in October when Hamas Palestinian militants attacked southern Israel.

Iran, which backs Hamas, has praised the attack as a success but has denied any involvement.

Alongside Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel, Iran-backed rebels in Yemen have repeatedly struck commercial ships in the Red Sea area in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.

Iran also backs other groups in the region.

The Islamic republic has not recognised Israel since the 1979 revolution that toppled Iran’s United States-backed shah.

Fears of regional war also soared in April, after an air strike that levelled Iran’s consulate in Damascus and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

Iran hit back with an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel on April 13-14.

Iran’s state media later reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan as US media quoted American officials saying Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes on its arch-rival.

Tehran downplayed the reported Israeli raid.