Global News Today, 8 November 2026: New US strikes on Iran, Kyiv barrage before talks, ANC worst result
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Sunday 8 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Good morning. Overnight, the United States struck Iran again while mediators pushed a new deal, Russia hit Kyiv hard ahead of peace talks, and South Africa’s ANC recorded its weakest result ever. Closer to home, Ghana has a new entry rule that Nigerian travellers need to know. Here are the stories that matter, with what each means for Nigerians at home and abroad.
Today at a glance
- US strikes an Iranian air-defence site and launches a new task force; Qatar pushes a two-day bridge deal.
- Russia fires 36 ballistic missiles at Kyiv ahead of Tuesday’s Abu Dhabi talks.
- South Africa: ANC falls to about 31% in local elections; DA wins Cape Town outright.
- Ghana: online health declaration compulsory for all arrivals from 12 November.
- Israel: Gadi Eisenkot gets the first chance to form a government.
- Poland: six killed in a shooting in Krakow’s main square.
- US: Trump orders a Justice Department probe into Democrats’ impeachment threats.
1. Iran: new US strikes, new task force, and a bridge deal on the table
What happened
President Donald Trump said US forces carried out “minor strikes” on Friday on an Iranian air-defence system; Iranian media reported two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. On Saturday, US Central Command announced Task Force Iron Gate, a team of about 20 people in Tampa, Florida, to stop Iran moving weapons and sanctioned goods over land and across the Caspian Sea. CENTCOM also said US forces disabled a cargo ship that tried to breach the naval blockade. Meanwhile, Qatar has proposed a two-day trust-building plan: the US would lift the port blockade and release some frozen funds, Iran would admit UN nuclear inspectors and reopen Hormuz. Iran says it needs “practical measures” first, and warned of a “devastating response” if the war restarts. Qatar dismissed claims online that talks had failed.
Why it matters
Hormuz carries a large share of the world’s oil. A deal could cool crude prices, which affects Nigeria’s oil earnings, the naira and what we pay for petrol and aviation fuel. Escalation would push prices the other way.
Source: Los Angeles Times (AP); CNBC; Al Jazeera; Anadolu.
2. Ukraine: heavy Russian barrage before Abu Dhabi talks
What happened
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones at Kyiv and 12 regions overnight into Saturday, and only four missiles were shot down because Ukraine is short of Patriot interceptors. Officials reported at least nine people wounded, and power and water cuts in the capital as winter sets in. Zelensky said North Korean-made missiles were used against energy sites. Ukraine struck Russia’s Saratov oil refinery. Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators meet in Abu Dhabi from Tuesday, and Moscow is sending a more senior team than in earlier rounds, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Bloomberg reported.
Why it matters
The war affects world wheat, fertiliser and fuel prices, which feed straight into bread and farm costs in Nigeria. Real progress in Abu Dhabi would be good news for food prices.
3. South Africa: ANC records its worst result
What happened
With about 98% of votes counted in the 2-4 November municipal elections, the Electoral Commission put the ANC on about 31%, down from roughly 46% in 2021, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) on about 24.6%. The ANC lost its majority in six of eight metros. The DA won Cape Town outright and leads in Johannesburg, Pretoria (Tshwane) and Ekurhuleni, while Jacob Zuma’s MK party leads in Durban. In Mangaung, the ANC finished just 1,924 votes ahead of the DA. Official final results are due on Sunday.
Why it matters
Many Nigerians live and run businesses in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Coalition city governments will decide local policing, trading permits and services, and how city leaders talk about migrants. Nigerian firms such as banks and telecoms operators with South African links will also watch for stability.
Source: DW; News24; Ghana News Agency (dpa).
4. Ghana: health declaration compulsory from 12 November
What happened
From Thursday, 12 November, every traveller arriving in Ghana must complete an online Health Declaration Form on the Ghana Health Service portal (ehds.ghs.gov.gh/declaration) before departure, the GHS said in a statement dated 7 November. The form asks about travel to or through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days and any contact with cases. It adds to airport screening announced on 3 November in response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda. Ghana says it has no confirmed Ebola case and calls the measures precautionary.
Why it matters
Accra is one of the busiest routes for Nigerians by air and road. Fill in the form before you travel and keep the QR code it gives you, or expect delays on arrival.
Source: News Ghana; Vozia.
5. Israel: Eisenkot gets the first shot at government
What happened
President Isaac Herzog chose former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, to try to form a government after the 27 October election left no bloc with 61 of the 120 Knesset seats. Eisenkot was recommended by 67 lawmakers, including Arab-led parties, against 46 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He receives the mandate on Sunday and has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension. Netanyahu has proposed a national unity government instead.
Why it matters
A change of government in Israel could shift the wider Middle East picture, including Lebanon and the Iran talks, which matters for oil prices and for Nigerians working in the Gulf.
Source: IANS; Tempo (Al Jazeera); Anadolu.
6. Poland: six killed in Krakow shooting
What happened
A 25-year-old Polish man opened fire in Krakow’s Main Market Square on Saturday afternoon, killing six people, including a British national, and wounding 16, among them two police officers and five foreigners. Police shot and arrested him. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the suspect held far-right, ultranationalist views. Three bodies, believed to be family members, were later found at his home. Poland declared mourning.
Why it matters
Krakow is popular with international students and tourists, including Nigerians. Nigerians in Poland can check in with the Nigerian Embassy in Warsaw if they need help.
Source: CBC (AP/Reuters); DW.
7. United States: Trump orders probe over impeachment threats
What happened
After Democrats won both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms, President Trump said Democratic threats to impeach officials, including the Attorney General, amounted to “extortion” and ordered the Justice Department to investigate. Democrats plan their own investigations of the administration once the new Congress sits. Trump also said few further cabinet changes were expected after replacing his chief of staff.
Why it matters
A divided Washington may slow or reshape US decisions on visas, aid and trade that affect Nigerians, from travel rules to funding for health programmes.
Source: New Straits Times; SBS News.
What to watch next
- Iran’s answer to Qatar’s bridge proposal, and oil prices when markets open on Monday.
- US-Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi from Tuesday, 10 November.
- South Africa’s official results on Sunday and coalition deals in the big cities.
- Ghana’s health declaration rule taking effect on Thursday, 12 November.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nigerians need to fill Ghana’s health form?
Yes. From 12 November, all arriving travellers, whatever their nationality, must complete it online before departure.
How does the Iran crisis affect petrol prices in Nigeria?
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz lifts world crude and refined fuel prices. Nigerian pump prices follow those costs and the exchange rate, so calm in the Gulf usually helps. Track the naira on our dollar to naira rate page.
When are the Ukraine peace talks?
US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine are due to start in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 10 November.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
