United News of Bangladesh

The White House has said Iran is seeking direct talks with the United States, while President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to allow diplomacy to proceed, according to officials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that “Iranians want to talk in person,” adding that the US president was ready to “give diplomacy a chance.” She further said Vice President JD Vance would remain on standby in Washington and could be deployed to Pakistan “if we feel it’s a necessary use of his time.” Iran's Araghchi heads to Islamabad in step towards US talks resumption In a separate briefing, Leavitt announced that US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday morning for talks related to Iran. The White House did not provide further details on the agenda of the discussions, but confirmed that the visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving regional stakeholders. Officials indicated that Washington is keeping multiple channels open as it explores the possibility of engagement with Tehran through indirect and direct formats. Source: Al Jazeera

India on Thursday termed certain remarks about Indians as “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” hours after the US Embassy issued a clarification following a controversy involving US President Donald Trump. Trump had shared a derogatory social media post by a podcaster describing India as a “hell-hole,” triggering criticism. Without directly naming Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the comments did not reflect the reality of India-US relations, which it said are based on mutual respect and shared interests. India to send veteran politician Dinesh Trivedi as next envoy to Bangladesh: Report “We have seen the comments, as also the subsequent statement issued by the US Embassy. The remarks are obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Trump had reposted a transcript of a podcast containing derogatory remarks about Indians. In a subsequent statement, the US Embassy said Trump considers India a “great” country led by a “good friend of mine at the top.” The clarification followed queries from Indian media after Trump shared comments by radio host Michael Savage referring to India, China and others as “hell-holes.” The post drew criticism from the Hindu American Foundation, which said it was “deeply disturbed,” warning such rhetoric could fuel racism and endanger communities. BJP leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the remarks during a public appearance. Source: NDTV

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night with a small delegation in a move seen as a step towards the possible resumption of direct US-Iran talks aimed at easing escalating tensions. Senior officials in Islamabad confirmed the development to international media following a series of phone calls between Araghchi and Pakistani leaders on Friday, reports Al Jazeera. However, Iran’s state news agency IRNA said the visit is primarily bilateral and focused on talks with Pakistani officials, not direct negotiations with the United States. After his Islamabad visit, Araghchi is expected to travel to Moscow and Muscat. A Pakistani official said there was a “high likelihood of a breakthrough” in efforts to restart stalled US-Iran dialogue, despite rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and recent naval confrontations. The development comes after earlier expectations that a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance would travel to Islamabad for talks. However, Iran reportedly refused to return to negotiations, citing a naval blockade imposed by US President Donald Trump on April 13. Since then, both sides have exchanged maritime actions in the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating diplomatic efforts, while talks have remained uncertain. Araghchi held separate phone conversations on Friday with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Pakistan’s military leadership, according to media reports. Pakistan has been playing a mediating role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, with officials saying the US remains prepared for renewed talks despite delays. The proposed discussions involve key issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions, and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, heightened security measures and repeated road closures in Islamabad have disrupted daily life, as the capital hosts diplomatic activity linked to the stalled negotiations. Residents have reported repeated interruptions to court services, education, transport and business activities due to security restrictions linked to the high-level diplomatic engagements. Pakistan’s role as a mediator comes amid its own economic challenges, including IMF-backed reforms, rising fuel prices and power shortages. Despite uncertainty, officials and observers say diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, though a firm date for renewed US-Iran talks has not yet been confirmed.

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the inclusion of seven European Union (EU) entities on its export control list, citing national security concerns and non-proliferation obligations. Under the decision, export operators are barred from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, which include FN Herstal, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; OMNIPOL a.s.; HENSOLDT AG; EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.s.r.o; SPACEKNOW INC., odstepny zavod s.r.o; VZLU AEROSPACE a.s.; and FN Browning. The ministry also said overseas organisations and individuals are prohibited from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use items to these entities, adding that any ongoing related activities must be stopped immediately. Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks: Trump Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies or services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including in weapons development or delivery systems, according to the statement. A ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in accordance with China’s relevant laws and regulations. Beijing had also informed the European side through a bilateral export control dialogue mechanism prior to the announcement. The spokesperson said the move targets a small number of EU military-related entities allegedly involved in arms sales to Taiwan or related activities, adding that it would not affect normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU. China reiterated that law-abiding European entities need not be concerned, and said it remains committed to safeguarding global industrial and supply chain stability and promoting regional peace.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasising the need for continued dialogue and engagement to promote regional peace and stability. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders exchanged views on the prevailing regional situation, including the ceasefire and Islamabad’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in the context of US-Iran engagement. Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and constructive role in facilitating diplomatic initiatives, the statement said. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact over the evolving situation.

Residents of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi have expressed growing frustration over ongoing security restrictions, urging authorities to ease measures that have disrupted daily life and commuting. A weeklong, lockdown-like security clampdown has left roads leading to Islamabad’s heavily secured Red Zone largely deserted at times, with concrete barricades, barbed wire and a heavy presence of security personnel replacing the usual traffic flow. The restrictions have significantly affected commuters between the twin cities, increasing travel time and inconvenience. “We were happy that Pakistan is hosting these talks to end the war between the United States and Iran. But now almost a week has passed, and it takes me one to two hours instead of 30 minutes to reach home from Islamabad to Rawalpindi,” said Sher Khan, a lift operator at a shopping plaza. Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel since last weekend as part of heightened security arrangements. However, uncertainty persists over the timing of the expected talks, with no official announcement yet. Pakistan is still working to secure Iran’s participation, while the visit of the US delegation also remains on hold.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire with Hezbollah by three weeks after White House talks on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said. The meeting was the second high-level negotiation between the two countries since last week. The initial 10-day ceasefire, which took effect last Friday, had been due to expire Monday. He, however, has ordered the U.S. military to “shoot and kill” Iranian small boats that deploy mines to choke traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post Thursday morning, he said the military is intensifying its mine-clearing efforts in the critical waterway. The move escalates the U.S.-Iran standoff in the Persian Gulf.

The United States Department of Defense has rejected media reports suggesting that reopening the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, accusing news outlets of misrepresenting classified information. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, speaking to the BBC, said claims that clearing mines from the vital waterway would take months were not accurate. “One assessment does not mean the assessment is plausible, and a six-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz is an impossibility and completely unacceptable to the Secretary,” he said. Parnell also criticised reports based on leaked classified briefings, calling them misleading. “The media cherry-picking leaked information, much of which is false, from a classified, closed briefing is dishonest journalism,” he added. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key global energy route amid heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing disputes involving the United States and Iran over maritime security and oil transport.

Air defence systems were activated in parts of Tehran, according to reports by Iranian media outlets Nour News and Mehr News Agency, though no details were provided about the cause and no incidents were immediately reported. Meanwhile, Israel Katz said Israel is “prepared to resume the war” against Iran, adding that it is awaiting a “green light” from the United States, reports Al Jazeera. In a video statement, Katz said the Israeli military is ready for both defensive and offensive operations, warning that future attacks would be “different and lethal”. He also claimed that Israel aims to strike key energy and infrastructure targets in Iran, escalating rhetoric amid already heightened regional tensions. Efforts to revive negotiations over the ongoing conflict remain uncertain despite mediation attempts by Pakistan. The conflict has already left thousands dead, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, while also contributing to global economic instability.

Donald Trump has said he ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. In a social media post on Thursday, Trump said there should be “no hesitation” in targeting any vessel involved in mining the vital shipping route, reports Al Jazeera. He also announced intensified efforts to clear explosives from the waterway, saying US mine-sweeping operations would continue at a “tripled-up level”. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor linking the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, has become a focal point of tensions during the ongoing conflict. Before the war, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments passed through the narrow passage. The escalation comes as both sides continue competing maritime measures. While Washington has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iran-linked vessels, Tehran has also seized foreign ships in the region, accusing them of violating maritime rules. The US military said it recently intercepted another tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, adding to a series of similar actions in recent days. Earlier, US forces also seized an Iranian vessel and directed multiple ships to turn back. Iran, meanwhile, has insisted it will defend itself against any aggression and has made lifting the blockade a key condition for resuming talks with Washington. Despite a recently extended ceasefire, tensions remain high as the duelling blockades threaten to reignite broader conflict, with no clear timeline set for a lasting agreement.