The UAE says it intercepted 23 ballistic missiles and 56 drones from Iran today (April 4).

Since this round of attacks began in late February, the UAE says it has intercepted 498 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles, and 2,141 drones.

Clash Point host Isaac Eshetu sits with Prof. Carlos Lopes, former Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa and leading African political economist, to examine how the war involving Iran is reshaping Africa’s economic and geopolitical position.

• Is Africa part of the war?
• How is it Impacted?
• Is the shock temporary?

WATCH

Renowned Political Economist Prof. Carlos Lopes
 
Africa is part of the war somehow. South Africa took Israel to ICC along with others. Netanyahu is currently under court mandate.
 
Djibouti hosts multiple military bases, with access to Bab el Mandeb Strait, the alternative to Hormuz.
 
The entire region is seen as very important strategically by UAE, Saudi, Israel. That's why we see so much volatility in the horn.
 
Diego Garcia in Mauritius was used for the war, now contested by President Trump.
 
Africa has a number of dependencies from that region that will be exacerbated in the war.

FULL INTERVIEW

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

Iran's position is being misrepresented by U.S. media.

We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad.

What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us.

Trump refers to NATO as “our severely weakened and extremely unreliable ‘partner.’”

Iran said it used a new air defense system to target a US fighter jet on Friday.

Budget Battle Begins: Trump Asks Congress $1.5 Trillion for War

Trump proposed a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 amid Iran war, as costs reach $2B daily, sparking political backlash for rising debt & cuts on domestic spending.

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Iran says it used a drone to attack an Israel-linked ship in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire.

Iran’s Minister of Science:

So far, 30 universities have been targeted by the aggressors of the Israeli regime and the United States.

BREAKING: Trump:

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT.

Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.

Glory be to GOD!

NEW: U.S. federal agents arrested the niece and grandniece of Qasem Soleimani on Friday.

Search for the Pilot Continues: Iran Offers $ Bounty - Trump Threatens

Iran called on civilians to capture the missing pilot shot down from U.S. aircraft, offering bounty money, as Trump threatened 48 hours remain before "hell will reign down" on Iran if they don't accept the deal.

READ MORE

Renowned Political Economist Prof. Carlos Lopes

Africa is going to suffer quite a bit the first year & recover in the next. It was surpassing Asia in levels of growth in GDP before the war. That will be delayed now.

The immediate impact will be supply due to our poor logistics.

But the mega trends are in favor of Africa. Demographics & climate change are in our favor.

Wealthy countries have accelerated aging but Africa happens to be the repository of young age. Intensity in technology & AI needs a market, which favors Africa.

FULL INTERVIEW

Senator Graham:

After speaking with Trump this morning, I am completely convinced that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if they continue to impede the Strait of Hormuz and refuse a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives.

Turkish President Erdogan and Ukrainian President Zelensky meet in Istanbul.

NEW: Iranian cluster munition submunitions landed near Israel’s main military HQ in Tel Aviv.

No direct damage to the base, but a nearby school was slightly damaged.

Source: CNN

All American Week 2026 at Fort Liberty (home of the 82nd Airborne Division) is canceled because troops are being deployed to the Middle East due to rising tensions (linked to Iran).

The Army says it’s due to “operational requirements”

Source: Stripes

IDF announces the killing of a soldier in Lebanon: Staff Sergeant Guy Ludar, 21.

He was killed by friendly fire after being mistakenly identified as a Hezbollah fighter; another soldier was seriously injured.

Source: N12

The US is deploying most of its long-range JASSM-ER stealth missiles for the Iran war, pulling them from global stockpiles.

Only about 425 remain available worldwide out of 2,300 prewar.

These missiles have been heavily used—over 1,000 in the first month—reducing reserves meant for other conflicts. Replacing them could take years.

Source: Bloomberg

Türkiye's Skydagger unveiled HUNTER, Türkiye's first interceptor (anti-drone) drone, now entering serial production.

Fast (up to 320 km/h) and low-cost.

Designed to ram and destroy enemy drones.

Uses AI + thermal/day cameras for tracking.

Purpose: Replace expensive missile-based air defense with a cheap, scalable drone hunter.