He made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV while noting that the U.S. response is being reviewed.
He stressed that Iran’s plan is exclusively focused on ending the war, and “nothing pertaining to the nuclear field’s details exists in it.”
“At present, we are focused on the parameters related to ending the war in the region, including Lebanon,” Baghaei added, stressing “we have no nuclear negotiation at this stage.”
Also on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed his Omani and German counterparts on Iran’s latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to end the war.
In separate phone calls, Araghchi exchanged views with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the latest regional and international developments, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations in Islamabad that failed to produce a deal.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.
The announcement was made by President Paul Kagame during a joint press briefing in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, following high-level talks with his host President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Rwanda, President Kagame said, will soon publicly honour Tanzanians whose actions during that time demonstrated exceptional heroism and compassion.
“Rwanda is currently in the period of commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi of 1994, and we shall soon have the opportunity to publicly recognise some Tanzanian citizens whose actions during that time demonstrated exceptional heroism and compassion,” he stated.
Tanzania was among the countries that hosted Rwandan refugees during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Previously, particularly during the 30th commemoration in 2024, President Kagame highlighted Tanzania’s role in supporting Rwanda during that period, especially in facilitating the Arusha Peace Process, and paid tribute to the late former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere for his contribution to laying the foundation for that process.
Speaking on Sunday, the Head of State also thanked Tanzania for its longstanding partnership, noting that the two countries share historic ties rooted in friendship, culture, and decades of cooperation.
President Kagame said discussions with President Samia were constructive and focused on strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“Today, the President and I had a very constructive discussion building on the long-standing relationship between our two countries,” he said, adding that Tanzania remains a key partner for Rwanda across multiple sectors, particularly trade and logistics.
On her part, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said bilateral trade between the two countries has continued to grow steadily, reaching significant levels in recent years.
“Trade between our two countries has grown strongly, reaching about 644 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately Rwf 360 billion) last year,” she said, noting that this reflects deepening economic cooperation and increased private sector engagement on both sides.
She added that Tanzania remains committed to further strengthening trade and investment ties with Rwanda through improved infrastructure and removal of trade barriers.
Kagame highlighted progress in trade and logistics cooperation, noting that discussions focused on strengthening systems to manage the growing volume of business between the two countries and advancing joint development projects.
He also underscored the importance of regional integration, citing collaboration within the East African Community and the African Union as key frameworks supporting bilateral relations.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the full implementation of agreed projects, amid what they described as a period of global geopolitical uncertainty that calls for regional unity and shared purpose.
On economic cooperation, both sides agreed to deepen trade and investment ties, improve transport and logistics systems, and enhance infrastructure connectivity, including road and rail networks such as the Isaka–Kigali railway project.
Energy cooperation also featured in the discussions, including the Rusumo Hydropower Project involving Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi, as well as plans to expand electricity trade between TANESCO and the Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
The leaders also discussed telecommunications infrastructure, including strengthening cross-border fibre optic connectivity to improve digital services.
Kagame said Rwanda remains committed to working closely with Tanzania for the benefit of citizens in both countries and expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.
President Kagame said Rwanda will soon recognise Tanzanian citizens for their acts of courage and compassion during the 1994 period of the Genocide against the Tutsi.President Kagame arrived in Tanzania on Sunday for a one-day working visit.
President Kagame is in Tanzania for a one-day working visit, where he held talks with President Suluhu before addressing a joint press conference on Sunday afternoon.
Welcoming the Rwandan leader, President Samia described Tanzania and Rwanda as long-standing partners and historic friends whose relations are anchored in shared culture, close people-to-people ties, and decades of cooperation dating back to pre-colonial times.
“Tanzania and Rwanda are not only neighbours, but also brothers and friends. Our brotherhood and friendship is historic and rooted in shared history and values,” President Samia said.
She noted that the two countries continue to work closely at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels, including within the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations.
The leaders highlighted the role of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPC), established in 1976, which remains the main framework guiding collaboration across sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, energy, petroleum, transport infrastructure, defence, security, and immigration. The 16th session of the commission was held in Kigali last July.
Trade and investment featured prominently in the discussions, with President Samia noting that bilateral trade reached 644 billion Tanzanian shillings last year (approximately Rwf 360 billion).
“We are encouraged by the steady growth in trade between our two countries, which reflects the strength of our partnership,” she said.
She also pointed to growing investment flows, including 42 projects from Rwanda worth 325.5 million US dollars registered since March, which have created more than 2,200 jobs in Tanzania.
She further highlighted Tanzanian investments in Rwanda, including companies such as Bakhresa, Magodoro Dodoma, Discount Centre, Jambo Plastics, Sagar Enterprises, Buffalo Travel & Tours, Maxcom Africa, Gasabo Grain Milling Company, LCM Delta Company, and Matrix Integrated Consultancy, underscoring expanding private sector participation in both economies.
A central focus of the talks was transport and logistics, particularly the role of Tanzanian ports in facilitating regional trade. President Samia noted that about 70 percent of Rwanda’s cargo passes through Tanzanian ports, amounting to approximately 1.6 million tonnes annually.
“It is our responsibility, as we are the ones with ports in this region, to ensure efficient and reliable services to our neighbours who are land-linked,” she said.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen port operations through special logistics arrangements to improve the efficiency of cargo handling for Rwanda. They also reaffirmed commitment to advancing road and rail connectivity, with particular attention to the Isaka–Kigali railway project, which is expected to significantly improve the speed and cost of transporting goods between the two countries.
Energy cooperation was another key area of discussion, with both leaders reaffirming commitment to the Rusumo Hydropower Project, a regional initiative involving Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi that generates 80 megawatts of electricity.
“We are committed to ensuring that regional energy projects like Rusumo deliver shared benefits to our people,” President Samia said.
They also agreed to strengthen electricity trade between TANESCO and the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) to support industrial growth and regional energy integration.
President Kagame welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation, noting that Tanzania remains a key partner for Rwanda in trade and logistics.
“Tanzania has been a key partner for Rwanda. Over the years, we have strengthened our cooperation across many sectors, particularly trade and logistics, which has helped connect Rwanda to global markets,” he said.
He emphasized the need to further improve systems that can efficiently manage growing trade volumes and ensure full implementation of joint development projects.
“Our discussions focused on how to build further on this foundation and ensure our systems are well equipped to handle the growing volume of business between our two countries,” he added.
In the communications sector, the leaders discussed expanding telecommunications infrastructure, including enhanced use of Tanzania’s fibre optic network in Rwanda to improve digital connectivity and service delivery.
Beyond economic cooperation, President Samia and President Kagame also exchanged views on peace, security, and regional stability, reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration within international frameworks.
Additionally, President Kagame noted that Rwanda, currently in the commemoration period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, would soon recognise Tanzanian citizens who demonstrated exceptional courage and humanity during the time.
President Kagame is in Tanzania for a one-day working visit,President Kagame held bilateral talks with his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu, before addressing a joint press conference on Sunday afternoon.
The visit follows that of Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahamoud Thabit Kombo, who visited Rwanda at the end of March 2026, with the aim of advancing cooperation between the two nations.
Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, President Kagame was received by Minister Kombo and other senior officials.
He is expected to hold talks with his counterpart, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening existing partnerships, which will be followed by a joint press conference.
Rwanda has consistently highlighted the strong and long-standing relations with Tanzania, particularly appreciating access to the Port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean, through which about 70% of its imports are routed.
Citizens of both countries have also established two friendship associations aimed at fostering closer ties: RWATAFA (Rwanda–Tanzania Friendship Association) and TARAFA (Tanzania–Rwanda Friendship Association).
The two countries have signed multiple cooperation agreements in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, security, technology, transport, and industrial development, concluded over different periods.
In July 2025, Rwanda and Tanzania agreed to establish a Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) office in Kigali, a move expected to enhance and accelerate trade facilitation between the two countries.
As members of the East African Community (EAC), Rwanda and Tanzania also continue to collaborate on major regional infrastructure projects, including the planned railway line linking Isaka and Kigali, aimed at improving the movement of goods and boosting regional integration.
President Paul Kagame arrived in Tanzania on May 3, 2026, for a one-day working visit.The visit follows that of Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahamoud Thabit Kombo.President Kagame and his host, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania, are scheduled to hold a tête-à-tête meeting, which will be followed by a joint press conference.The talks will be focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening existing partnerships.
“The U.S. president escalates his threats of military aggression against Cuba to a dangerous and unprecedented scale,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X.
Diaz-Canel called on the international community and the American people to decide whether they would allow “such a drastic criminal act” to serve the interests of a small but wealthy and influential group seeking revenge and domination.
He said that no aggressor, “no matter how powerful,” would find surrender in Cuba, but rather “a people determined to defend sovereignty and independence.”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also said on X the same day that Trump’s “clear and direct” threat of a military attack had raised aggression against Cuba to dangerous levels.
Rodriguez said popular support for the Cuban Revolution was demonstrated “massively” during May Day celebrations on Friday.
Speaking at an event in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said the United States would take control of Cuba “almost immediately” after “finishing a job,” referring to the conflict with Iran in the Middle East.
He added that he “could” send the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Caribbean and have it stop about 100 yards off Cuba’s coast “on the way back from Iran.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday denounced the escalation of Washington’s military threats against the country by US President Donald Trump.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Niyonzima explained that the FDLR was built on a deep-rooted ideology that viewed Tutsis as enemies everywhere, insisting that no country should be governed by a Tutsi.
“What we were mainly taught was the evil nature of the Tutsi, just as we had been taught while still in Rwanda,” he said.
In 2000, he underwent training in intelligence work, a field he later led within the FDLR leadership structure prior to his return to Rwanda.
He described the FDLR leadership system as being organized into commissions similar to ministries, each with its own leadership and operational staff.
His responsibilities included gathering intelligence related to the group, assessing operational risks, recruiting new fighters, and managing relations with other armed groups such as Nyatura, FARDC and Congolese communities more broadly.
Deep-rooted ideology and ethnic targeting
Niyonzima revealed that due to genocidal ideology and anti-Tutsi hatred, anyone perceived to resemble a Tutsi could be targeted, accused of collaboration, or even placed on the front lines.
He emphasized that the FDLR ideology was built on the belief that Tutsis were enemies everywhere.
“We considered every Tutsi an enemy, whether in Uganda, Burundi, Congo, or Rwanda,” he said.
He further noted that the group opposed any possibility of a Tutsi leading a country, viewing them as perpetual adversaries.
False prophecies and ideological indoctrination
As a pastor within the group, Niyonzima said he used the Bible alongside what he described as false prophecies claiming divine support for their cause, including the belief that they would eventually conquer Rwanda.
He explained that each commander had a group of so-called prayer leaders who played a role in mobilization and decision-making, including leadership changes.
“When they wanted to replace a leader, they would use a so-called prophet who would fall down and ‘prophesy’ while covered. This was used to justify decisions,” he said.
Niyonzima also revealed that the group gradually shifted toward promoting ethnic identity over language, deciding to emphasize “Hutu” identity instead of Kinyarwanda.
“We said we should no longer speak Kinyarwanda but Hutu language. We were told we were Hutu and our enemy was the Tutsi,” he said.
He added that the group justified its actions by linking their narrative to grievances about regional conflicts involving Hutus in neighboring countries.
He further stated that intelligence structures within the FDLR monitored individuals planning to leave the group or communicating with people in Rwanda. Such individuals could be targeted and killed under suspicion of betrayal.
“When you believe you are fighting an enemy, everything you do feels justified. We would say: if this person leaves, they will one day become a threat. So we eliminate them early.”
Recruitment of youth and Congolese civilians
Niyonzima rejected claims that the FDLR is composed only of elderly fighters, explaining that the group actively recruited children, including those as young as 14, as well as young Congolese civilians.
He said the recruits were indoctrinated with hatred narratives, teaching them that the Tutsi was their enemy.
He also revealed that recruitment networks existed in neighboring countries, including Burundi and Uganda, and within Congolese communities.
Regret and reflection
Looking back, Niyonzima expressed deep regret for the years he spent in the Congolese forests, saying he lost valuable time that could have been used for personal development.
“My biggest regret is the time I wasted living in fear of nothing. I was afraid to return, but when I eventually did, I found people I left behind doing well. I have nothing to show for those years,” he said.
Niyonzima also expressed remorse for having spread extremist ideology. “What pains me most is that I taught people false ideas that Tutsis are evil, enemies, and cruel. But when I returned, I saw how people live together peacefully. I ask for forgiveness because I acted in ignorance,” he added.
Niyonzima called on former comrades still in eastern Congo forests to return home, urging them not to continue wasting their lives.
He also encouraged cooperation between regional actors, including the Congolese leadership, stressing that confrontation with Rwanda is not a viable path forward.
Niyonzima explained that the FDLR was built on a deep-rooted ideology that viewed Tutsis as enemies everywhere
Officials said the decision comes amid a diplomatic rift between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders over the ongoing war with Iran and the perceived level of allied support for American military operations.
Germany, home to roughly 35,000 U.S. troops, has been a central base for operational training and logistical support for U.S. forces in Europe.
The planned withdrawal will reduce the American footprint in Germany to levels seen before 2022, prior to an expansion of forces following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A senior Pentagon official speaking on condition of anonymity described recent comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as “inappropriate and unhelpful,” saying they contributed to Washington’s decision to pull back forces.
The official added that the U.S. expects Europe to play a more decisive role in its own security and regional defence policy.
The announcement highlighted cracks in the once‑steady transatlantic alliance, as leaders in Washington and Berlin spar over strategy and burden‑sharing.
Chancellor Merz has been publicly critical of aspects of U.S. policy, suggesting that Europe was not consulted before American and allied strikes began in the Persian Gulf region earlier this year.
This exchange has further strained relations with NATO’s most influential European partner.
While the troop withdrawal does not represent a full exit by the United States from Germany or NATO, it sends a strong message about shifting priorities.
U.S. officials say the move is part of a broader defence posture review and reflects changing military needs on the ground. However, analysts warn that it could deepen divisions between the United States and Europe, potentially encouraging European countries to accelerate efforts to build up their own defence capabilities independent of U.S. leadership.
Critics of the decision within the United States argue that reducing troop numbers amid rising geopolitical challenges including Russia’s continued aggression in Eastern Europe could weaken NATO’s deterrence posture.
Supporters of the pullback, however, claim it will allow the United States to realign its defence focus toward other global priorities and encourage NATO members to assume greater responsibility for their collective security.
The planned drawdown also affects specific units of the U.S. Army in Germany, including a brigade combat team and a long‑range artillery battalion, with planned deployments canceled as part of the reorganization.
As the withdrawal moves forward, U.S. and European officials are expected to engage in further discussions about defence cooperation and the future role of NATO in ensuring regional stability.
U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid rising rift with European allies.
The British Royal Navy, citing monitoring results from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) it leads, said that since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, reports of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters have gone “through the roof,” in the strait especially.
Between March 1 and April 27, a total of 41 security incidents were recorded.
The UKMTO said that around 850 to 870 large merchant vessels, including oil tankers, liquefied natural gas carriers and container ships, are currently stranded in the Gulf waters.
Meanwhile, about 20,000 seafarers are trapped in the region. Crew changes have been severely disrupted.
Although supplies continue to reach ships, they have been reduced, and prolonged stranding could affect the mental health of seafarers.
The agency noted that as international attention focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, there is a warning of resurgent piracy off the coast of Somalia.
The photo released on July 21, 2019 shows the British oil tanker “Stena Impero” surrounded by Iranian Revolutionary Guard near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.
The soldiers were at a security checkpoint in Big Babanki in the Tubah subdivision when they were attacked, a military official in the region confirmed.
“The separatist terrorists took them by surprise. The sad incident occurred by midday this Friday. We have deployed additional forces to pursue the terrorists and capture them,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua.
Local media reported an increase in attacks on civilians and security forces in the region in recent weeks.
Cameroon has been experiencing an armed separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017, as separatists seek to create a new nation in the regions.
Two Cameroonian soldiers were killed on Friday in an ambush by separatist fighters in the country’s English-speaking Northwest region, security sources said.
He made the remarks on April 30, 2026, at the Kanombe training centre in Rutshuru Territory during the closing of the second phase of training for local administrative leaders operating in areas under AFC/M23 control.
Maj. Gen. Makenga said the DRC has long suffered from mismanagement, blaming successive governments in Kinshasa for what he described as governance failures, corruption, and divisions that have displaced communities.
“Our country has been destroyed for a long time by the government in Kinshasa and politicians who put their own interests first, driven by divisionism, and who have ruined our country. You fled because of these people in Kinshasa,” he said.
He added that the situation necessitates continued resistance, insisting that AFC/M23 will not withdraw from its objectives.
“The journey to liberate our country will not go backwards. As leaders of this movement, we assure you that we will not retreat; we will continue moving forward,” he said. “You, local leaders, should go and tell the population to remain calm, to farm, to raise livestock, to trade, and not to worry.”
Makenga also called on those collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to abandon the group, saying they should instead reconcile and return to their communities.
“Those Interahamwe should go back home. Congolese should return home and work with others to build the country. They are brothers, they are your children, they are your companions. Go and tell them to come back. Those who want to join the army should be trained and integrated; those who want to return home should do so,” he said.
He further stated that President Félix Tshisekedi’s government relies on force rather than dialogue, saying AFC/M23 will continue its armed struggle until it achieves its stated objectives in the DRC.
Maj. Gen. Makenga said the DRC has long suffered from mismanagement, blaming successive governments in Kinshasa for what he described as governance failures, corruption, and divisions that have displaced communities.
