Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. and Iranian leaders traded threats on Saturday as the interim deal to end the war buckled under crossfire in the Middle East and efforts continued to keep talks going.

President Donald Trump overnight made threats on social media of further missile attacks against Iran, after the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saw open calls for the U.S. leader’s killing. Senior U.S. officials demanded that Iran make a public statement saying the Strait of Hormuz is open and ships won’t be attacked.

Later, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed that Iranians would continue to avenge his father’s death. Such revenge “is the will of our nation and must certainly be carried out,” he said in remarks carried by state television. He still has not been seen publicly since the war began on Feb. 28 with strikes that killed his father.

Tehran has insisted that the strait remain under its control and that it be allowed to charge ships moving through it, a stance it took after the war began.

The exchange of threats followed days of U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran, sparked by Iran’s attacks on three ships in the strait, and Iranian retaliatory fire targeting Arab nations in the region. Trump has declared the ceasefire over but said the U.S. would continue negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said he met with his counterpart in Oman, located on the other side of the strait, to discuss the waterway and “appropriate mechanisms for ensuring the safe passage of ships.”

Trump says he responded to threats to kill him

A thousand “missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat,” Trump wrote on his website.

He said he was responding to threats “to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate” him. During Khamenei’s funeral, mourners held posters or banners calling for Trump to be killed along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran buried Khamenei, 86, this week.

Trump added that the U.S. military would “completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran — PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!”

Trump has repeatedly invoked the name of God in Arabic, and threatened to destroy Iran’s very civilization. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group, has criticized Trump’s “deranged mocking of Islam.”

Iran accuses Washington of violating the interim deal

Iran’s foreign minister accused the U.S. of violating the interim deal by ending waivers allowing Iran to sell crude oil on the open market in U.S. dollars. Washington ended them in response to the attacks on ships in the strait.

“Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance,” Araghchi wrote on X.

He was scheduled to meet with his counterpart in Oman. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his country’s state broadcaster, TRT, that he believed “a solution can be reached” this weekend between Iran and Oman.

The U.S. urges mariners to travel through the strait on a southern route, through Oman’s territorial waters. Iran has said the strait must be under its sole control and that vessels should begin paying fees to Tehran. The world for decades has considered it an international waterway.

About a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed through it before the war began. Iran’s grip on the strait during the war led to a global energy crisis, though oil prices have sharply dropped since wartime highs of $120 a barrel.

Tehran’s diplomat at the United Nations said on Friday that any activity in the strait, including its opening or demining operations, “rests exclusively with Iran.”

US officials accuse hard-liners of trying to sabotage the deal

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity about the current situation with Iran, said the resumption of strikes this week came after what they described as a rogue faction of Iranian hard-liners tried to sabotage the ceasefire.

However, Iran has insisted its theocracy is unified under the new supreme leader.

After the U.S. wrapped up its latest strikes on Thursday, more attacks reportedly hit Iran, raising questions about who else may be targeting the Islamic Republic.

Israel didn’t claim them, meaning the Gulf Arab states may have launched them, likely as a means to deter Iran from attacking them again. Iran on Thursday retaliated for U.S. strikes by targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.

The strikes in Iran over two days killed at least 17 people and wounded 115 others, Iranian Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said.

Source: AP

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JOHANNESBURG — South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, has died. He was 25.

His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Saturday.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters.”

Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

Further details of his death were not given.

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. “I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”

Adams started South Africa’s first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime. McKenzie said he played that game only hours after learning that his grandmother had died.

Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.

“Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,” the South African Football Players Union posted on X. “We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.

Source: AP

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JOHANNESBURG – French media and entertainment group Canal+ has completed its US$3 billion (R55 billion) acquisition of MultiChoice Group, marking the end of a multi-year takeover process that brings Africa’s largest pay-television operator fully under its ownership.

The transaction transforms MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, GOtv and streaming platform Showmax, into a wholly owned subsidiary of Canal+, strengthening the French broadcaster’s footprint across the African media and entertainment industry.

The acquisition was completed through a mandatory buyout offer of R125 per share, valuing MultiChoice at approximately R55.3 billion. Canal+ had gradually built a significant stake in the Johannesburg-listed broadcaster before moving to acquire the remaining shares following the necessary regulatory approvals.

With the deal now concluded, Canal+ has completed the integration of one of Africa’s most recognised media companies into its international portfolio, which spans operations in 70 countries and serves millions of subscribers worldwide.

David Mignot, Chief Executive Officer of Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice, said the transaction positions the business for its next phase of growth under a global media platform with an extensive international presence.

The acquisition comes as Africa’s pay-TV industry faces mounting competition from global streaming platforms and changing consumer spending patterns. Rising inflation and the rapid expansion of on-demand services have intensified pressure on traditional subscription television operators across the continent.

Industry analysts say Canal+’s financial strength and global scale could enhance MultiChoice’s ability to compete by improving its purchasing power for premium sports and entertainment rights while accelerating investment in digital streaming technologies.

The integration is also expected to bolster Showmax, MultiChoice’s streaming platform, through increased investment in technology, content development and product innovation as the company seeks to strengthen its position against international streaming rivals.

A key pillar of Canal+’s long-term strategy is expected to be increased investment in African-produced content, including films, television series and live sports programming. The company believes expanding local-language productions and original African content will remain central to attracting and retaining subscribers across the continent.

Although the acquisition values MultiChoice at approximately US$3 billion, Canal+ did not pay the full amount upon completion, having accumulated a substantial shareholding over several years before launching its final offer for the outstanding shares.

The takeover represents one of the largest media transactions in Africa in recent years and signals continued international investor interest in the continent’s rapidly evolving digital entertainment sector. The combined business is expected to leverage Canal+’s global distribution network alongside MultiChoice’s established presence in more than 45 African markets to drive future growth.

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Mikel Merino is Spain’s World Cup hero once again, and even he finds it hard to believe.

A mere four days after Merino scored a clutch goal as a substitute in injury time to beat Portugal, he found himself in the right spot again in the quarterfinals when Belgium’s backup goalkeeper spilled the ball into his path.

Merino booted it home in the 88th minute, sending Spain to a 2-1 victory Friday and into a titanic semifinal showdown with tournament favorite France.

“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists,” a smiling Merino said. “If you’re ready and you try, I guess it can happen for you.”

Already a versatile contributor in any role he can get as a depth player for his country or English club Arsenal, the multi-positional Merino has transformed into the ultimate super-sub while providing exactly what Spain needed to survive two knockout matches against top opponents.

Merino has scored two goals in his first World Cup — and they’re both historic.

“Honestly, it’s crazy to be able to help the team once again,” he said. “This time in a different way, but at the same time to believe and trust that the opposing goalkeeper could make a mistake and to stay alert. … I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming.”

Merino is the first to admit he also needed luck, and Belgium keeper Senne Lammens provided it after he was forced into his first World Cup match in the 71st minute by an injury to starter Thibaut Courtois.

Merino came on in the 86th minute and scored on his second touch of the match, charging into the box and pouncing after Lammens lost control of Pau Cubarsí’s long shot.

Fabián Ruiz scored a rebound goal in the 30th minute for Spain, but Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere evened it with the first goal allowed by the Spanish team in the entire World Cup in the 41st minute.

Merino’s clutch goal against an upset-minded Belgium sent La Roja to the semifinals for the first time since they won the World Cup in 2010. A powerhouse matchup with France has been anticipated since the draw was announced late last year, and Spain was grateful to secure its spot.

“We came here for this, to play against the best teams in the world,” Merino said. “We are confident in our possibilities, at the same time respecting the opposition. This is one of those games that you dream of when you’re a kid, and now we have the chance to compete against a massive rival. Hopefully we’ll get the win.”

Spain and France will meet Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, in a matchup anticipated for years. Neither team has lost at this year’s World Cup.

“It will be a clash of giants,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said through a translator. “We are capable of winning this game — and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well. They are a great giant of football, but I trust our team.”

Courtois made four saves, but the Real Madrid keeper went down to the grass in the second half after a long kick. He received treatment during the hydration break, but broke down in tears when coach Rudi Garcia removed him moments later.

Only Germany’s Manuel Neuer has played more World Cup matches than Courtois’ 21. Lammens, the capable Manchester United keeper, was forced to become the first goalkeeper other than Courtois to play for Belgium in the last four World Cup tournaments — and he wasn’t able to make the play that would have kept it level.

“We were on equal footing with Spain, and we have nothing to feel bad about,” Garcia said. “In the first half, they only had one chance, but they were very efficient. Unfortunately, to beat a team of this caliber, you need luck on your side as well, and it was too much for us to get into the semifinals.”

Belgium desperately pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes with substitute forward Romelu Lukaku leading the effort, but Aymeric Laporte acrobatically volleyed the best chance out of the box in the second minute of injury time.

“We knew how we could hurt them, and I think we did this today,” Belgium defender Brandon Mechele said. “It’s a pity that it ended like this, but I think we can be proud of the tournament we played.”

Spain remained unbeaten in 37 straight competitive matches since March 2023, while Belgium’s streak of 18 consecutive unbeaten matches across all competitions ended.

Spain didn’t allow a goal in its first five matches at this year’s tournament, and goalkeeper Unai Simón hadn’t conceded in a World Cup-record 650 minutes dating to Qatar.

The streaks abruptly ended when De Ketelaere muscled past Cubarsí and headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne for Belgium’s tying goal.

Belgium hadn’t generated anything close to a strong scoring chance before the latest big moment for De Ketelaere, the Atalanta forward who scored two goals in Belgium’s 4-1 rout of the co-host U.S. on Monday.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was removed from the starting lineup after getting injured during warmups. He joined injured defender Amadou Onana on the sidelines.

Source: AP

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LOS ANGELES – A U.S. federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed a US$27 million defamation lawsuit filed against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, bringing an end to a high-profile legal dispute stemming from one of his comedy routines.

The lawsuit was brought by South African music producer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake, who alleged that comments made by Jonasi during a performance—specifically a joke referencing The Lion King—were defamatory.

In dismissing the case, the court ruled that the claims did not proceed to trial, handing a significant legal victory to Jonasi.

The dismissal also opens the possibility for Jonasi to seek recovery of attorney’s fees and legal costs, subject to applicable U.S. law and any further proceedings before the court.

The case attracted attention in entertainment and legal circles, highlighting the legal protections afforded to satire, parody and comedic expression under U.S. free speech principles, while underscoring the high threshold plaintiffs face when pursuing defamation claims against performers.

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