United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would continue efforts to help end the war in Ukraine and urged Russia to reach a peace agreement, following what he described as a “very good” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Speaking to reporters, Trump said too many young people were being killed in the conflict and stressed the need for a negotiated settlement. “Russia should make a deal,” Trump said, adding that he would do whatever possible to help bring the war to an end. Zelenskyy joined leaders of the Group of Seven nations — the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan — as well as European Union representatives for discussions focused on Ukraine and regional security. The Ukrainian president also held talks with Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the summit in Evian-les-Bains near the Swiss border. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy said discussions centred on strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and advancing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s invasion. In a post on X, he said Ukraine had secured important commitments from G7 partners, including additional air defence missiles, licences for local production of defence systems, a winter support package and increased pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy also said the United States had expressed readiness to provide support for those initiatives. “It is key that everything discussed be implemented. Russia must understand that its war will never be normalised,” he said, thanking allies for their continued support. European officials described the discussions as constructive. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine had demonstrated resilience on the battlefield and argued that international support should be strengthened further. “The situation in 2026 is very different from 2025. Ukraine is bravely holding the frontline, while signs of Russian fatigue are becoming more visible,” she said. The G7 leaders are expected to continue discussions on security assistance, economic support and diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. Source: Al Jazeera

The United States and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending their 109-day conflict, with US President Donald Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened by Friday, although significant uncertainties remain over the agreement’s implementation and long-term prospects. According to US officials quoted by international media, the agreement was electronically signed by Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The MoU comes after more than three months of hostilities triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with fighting extending to multiple fronts across the region, including Lebanon. While the full text of the agreement has not been made public, officials from both sides have provided differing accounts of its provisions. Iran’s National Security Council said the agreement would halt hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Follow-up negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief are expected to begin during a 60-day period following a formal signing ceremony scheduled in Switzerland on Friday. Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, would be “open to all” once the agreement takes effect, while Vance said no tolls would be imposed on vessels using the waterway during the negotiation period. However, conflicting statements have emerged regarding economic concessions. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Washington had agreed to release $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets and temporarily ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Vance denied the claim, saying no sanctions relief or asset releases had been approved. He described the MoU as a brief framework document of approximately one-and-a-half pages, adding that more details could be released soon. Before signing the agreement, Ghalibaf described it as a major step toward what he called Iran’s “final victory” following months of resistance against the United States and Israel. Iranian media reported that several Iranian oil tankers and cargo vessels had already resumed movement through the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its maritime blockade. Despite the agreement, Iranian shipping industry representatives cautioned that full normalisation of maritime traffic would take time, citing security concerns and months of disruption that left thousands of seafarers stranded in the Gulf. In Washington, Trump rejected reports suggesting the US would provide direct financial assistance to Iran, dismissing such claims as “fake news.” The deal has drawn mixed reactions in the United States. Democratic lawmakers criticised the agreement, while Republican leaders said they were awaiting further details before taking a position. Congressional briefings are expected in the coming days. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would continue operating in southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement. Several members of his cabinet also voiced opposition to any arrangement that could limit Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. Iran has repeatedly insisted that any lasting settlement must include an Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas of southern Lebanon, a demand Israeli leaders have publicly rejected. Fighting has continued in both Lebanon and Gaza, with casualties reported on both fronts even after the announcement of the agreement. International reactions have largely welcomed the breakthrough. Ukraine expressed hope that the diplomatic progress could encourage renewed efforts to resolve other global conflicts, while Japan voiced concern over continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The agreement also drew attention from pro-Israel advocacy groups in the United States, which argued that Israel should retain freedom of military action regardless of the deal. Global energy markets responded cautiously, with oil prices rising modestly amid uncertainty over the pace of implementation. Brent crude rose to 83.42 dollar per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed to 81.12 dollar per barrel. Analysts say the success of the agreement will largely depend on the outcome of upcoming negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security arrangements. Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, a condition that Israel has already rejected, casting uncertainty over the prospects of a lasting settlement. Speaking on Tuesday, Araghchi argued that the war could not be considered fully over while Israeli troops remained in territories occupied during the conflict. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” he said. The proposed agreement, brokered primarily by Pakistan, has not been publicly released, and differing interpretations by officials from various sides have highlighted unresolved issues. Although Israel is not a direct party to the US-Iran negotiations, it has been deeply involved in the wider conflict after joining US strikes against Iran in late February and continuing military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Pakistan, which has played a key mediating role, previously indicated that the agreement would bring an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Araghchi’s insistence on an Israeli withdrawal introduces a new point of contention. A US official familiar with the negotiations has said the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon “as long as necessary.” The disagreement highlights the fragile nature of the proposed settlement ahead of a planned signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday. According to US and Pakistani officials, the framework agreement would involve the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of blockades affecting Iranian ports. It would also initiate a 60-day negotiation process focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the possible easing of sanctions. The deal reportedly includes provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and the establishment of a potential $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, contingent on Tehran meeting agreed conditions. However, US President Donald Trump later said Washington would not directly invest funds in Iran. Regional officials familiar with the negotiations told media outlets that Iran had pushed in the final stages to include Lebanon in the agreement. They said Tehran seeks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from nearly all occupied Lebanese territory, except for a limited number of border positions. The officials also noted that the release of frozen Iranian funds would depend on Iran’s implementation of the agreement. Gulf Arab countries are also expected to provide substantial financial support to Iran’s economy under the broader framework. Another unresolved issue concerns Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The agreement reportedly envisages discussions on reducing or removing the stockpile, although Iranian hardliners remain opposed to relinquishing it. Questions also remain over how compliance with any future nuclear arrangements would be verified and how highly enriched uranium stored at damaged nuclear facilities would be handled. The proposed deal comes as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations gather in France, where the Middle East conflict and its economic repercussions are expected to feature prominently in discussions. European leaders have welcomed the diplomatic progress while stressing the need for rapid implementation of any agreement to restore stability and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. Trump acknowledged ongoing concerns about Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, saying prolonged fighting could undermine broader diplomatic efforts. “It just goes on forever,” he said. “And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal. And that’s the deal with Iran.”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday expressed concern over rising tensions in the disputed South China Sea, warning that any major conflict in the region could threaten freedom of navigation and disrupt global trade. Speaking alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a state visit to Manila, Steinmeier said Europe is closely monitoring developments in the South China Sea, particularly ongoing confrontations between the Philippines and China. Referring to the recent disruption in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran conflict, Steinmeier said such incidents show how regional disputes can have global economic consequences. “The situation in the South China Sea remains tense, and that is a cause for concern,” he said through an interpreter. “The Indo-Pacific, especially Southeast Asia, is one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions. Any serious incident there would also affect Europe.” He warned that violations of international maritime law could jeopardize freedom of navigation, similar to the impact caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which led to sharp increases in global fuel and fertilizer prices. The Strait of Hormuz situation was among the topics discussed during a private meeting between Steinmeier and Marcos. Although Steinmeier did not directly name any country, Germany has previously criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea, saying they undermine the rights of coastal states such as the Philippines and threaten free navigation along one of the world’s busiest trade routes. The territorial disputes involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The United States, while not a claimant in the South China Sea, has repeatedly stated that it is committed to defending the Philippines under their mutual defense treaty if Filipino forces, vessels or aircraft come under armed attack. China, meanwhile, has urged Washington not to interfere in the regional disputes. During a visit to Manila in 2024, then German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock voiced concern over China's actions in the disputed waters, including incidents involving Philippine vessels. She said such actions violated the rights of coastal nations and hindered their economic development. Baerbock also said China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea were not supported by international law and called for a peaceful settlement of the disputes.   On Tuesday, Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany’s support for the Philippine Coast Guard, which has played a key role in protecting the country’s maritime interests and has been involved in several confrontations with Chinese vessels. Marcos thanked Germany for consistently backing the Philippines’ efforts to uphold international law in the South China Sea and for supporting compliance with the 2016 international arbitration ruling. The ruling, based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, rejected China’s broad claims in the South China Sea. China refused to participate in the arbitration process, rejected the decision and continues to oppose it.

A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Tuesday, injuring at least eight people, damaging buildings and triggering panic among residents still haunted by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the region in 2018. The tremor shook Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, prompting residents to rush into open spaces for safety. Hospitals in the city also moved patients, including those receiving intravenous treatment, outside as a precaution. Authorities said at least eight people were injured in Sigi regency, with two suffering serious injuries. Rescue officials noted that full assessments of the affected areas near the epicenter, home to around 1.2 million people, were still underway. Photographs from the region showed damaged houses and buildings, including collapsed roofs, cracked walls and debris strewn across roads. Disaster management officials said they were continuing to collect information on the extent of damage, casualties and possible displacement. Hotel manager Effendi Natali said all guests at his four-star hotel in Palu were safely evacuated after the quake. “People panicked, which is understandable during such a strong earthquake, but everyone is safe,” he said, adding that the hotel sustained only minor damage. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was located about 43 kilometres southeast of Palu at a depth of roughly 10 kilometres. Several aftershocks followed, the strongest measuring 5.2 in magnitude. Fearing a possible tsunami, many residents moved away from coastal areas immediately after the quake. However, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency later confirmed there was no tsunami threat, although aftershocks could continue. Residents said memories of the catastrophic 2018 earthquake and tsunami remain fresh. “The shaking was very intense,” said Palu resident Muhtar Ahmad. “Many of us are still traumatised by the previous disaster, so we stayed outside because we feared more aftershocks.” Indonesia, located along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position atop multiple tectonic fault lines. The region is still recovering from the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Palu in 2018, triggering a tsunami and widespread liquefaction that killed more than 4,000 people. Another major quake measuring 6.2 magnitude hit Sulawesi in January 2021, killing at least 100 people and forcing thousands to spend days outdoors amid fears of further tremors.

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations began their first full day of summit talks on Tuesday with major global crises at the top of the agenda, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and efforts to stabilize the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the discussions at the invitation of host nation France, as world leaders looked for ways to advance peace efforts in Ukraine and maintain momentum following a recent US-Iran agreement. The talks come after US President Donald Trump announced a deal aimed at ending the 3½-month conflict between the United States and Iran. The crisis in the Middle East has dominated international attention in recent weeks, pushing the Ukraine war lower on the global agenda. Trump said he held productive phone conversations on Sunday with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin and indicated that Washington would now focus more closely on efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron said he would urge Trump to maintain support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to move toward a peace agreement. Just hours before the summit opened, Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at major Ukrainian cities. The attacks killed at least 11 people and damaged several sites, including a religious landmark. A key session on Tuesday focused on ending regional conflicts and promoting stability in the Middle East. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join those discussions. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over the slow progress in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. During his presidential campaign, he said he could resolve the conflict quickly, but later acknowledged that reaching a settlement has proven more difficult than expected. Macron stressed that any lasting peace process must involve both Ukraine and Russia, with European and American participation. Meanwhile, Ukraine officially launched negotiations on Monday to join the European Union, beginning what is expected to be a lengthy process requiring major political and institutional reforms. Kyiv views EU membership as an important safeguard for its future after the war. Ukraine also seeks membership in NATO, but the Trump administration has ruled out that possibility while the conflict continues.   The summit is also taking place against the backdrop of recent tensions between Trump and several European leaders over US military action against Iran. Differences emerged after Washington moved ahead without consulting key allies, including France, Britain, Germany and Italy. Despite those disagreements, leaders in Evian appeared eager to work together, particularly as they seek to reduce the economic impact of higher energy prices caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said recent developments in the Middle East were encouraging, noting that oil prices had fallen and stock markets had responded positively. Ahead of the summit, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, joined by Canada, issued a joint statement welcoming the US-Iran agreement and calling it a diplomatic breakthrough. The countries urged rapid implementation of the deal to allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Macron said France and its partners stand ready to help restore safe navigation through the strait, while France and Britain continue to support plans for a maritime security mission in the region. Trump, however, suggested that a large international military deployment may not be necessary, although he welcomed limited support from allied countries. In addition to the Ukraine and Middle East discussions, Trump’s schedule on Tuesday includes meetings with Qatar’s emir and the president of the UAE, followed by a cultural event and a dinner with fellow G7 leaders. The G7 comprises France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Several non-member countries, including Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea, were also invited to participate in selected discussions as partner nations.

Several US allies are pushing for a naval security mission in the Strait of Hormuz to support the recently announced Iran ceasefire framework, aiming to restore confidence among shipping companies and insurers and ensure the safe movement of global oil and gas supplies. The proposed mission, led by France and the United Kingdom, would focus on clearing sea mines and could include military escorts for commercial vessels passing through the strategic waterway, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. The idea was first raised by Emmanuel Macron in March when fighting between the United States and Iran was still ongoing. He suggested that naval forces could escort oil tankers and cargo ships once hostilities eased. At the Group of Seven summit on Monday, US President Donald Trump said he did not believe extensive international assistance would be necessary because the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen under the tentative agreement with Iran. However, he said having a small number of ships from allied countries in the area could still be useful. In a joint statement, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and later Canada welcomed the ceasefire framework and expressed support for reopening the waterway with unrestricted freedom of navigation. The countries proposed what they described as a strictly defensive mission aimed at reassuring commercial shipping and carrying out mine-clearing operations. France already has significant military assets in the region, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Macron said French fighter jets could begin surveillance missions over the strait almost immediately, followed by frigates and the carrier group within days if requested. Mine-clearing vessels would search for and remove underwater explosives that could threaten commercial ships. Trump said some mines had already been found and removed, while efforts were continuing to locate others. He added that the strait had already been partially reopened. European allies have experience protecting commercial shipping in conflict zones. French, British and American naval forces have previously escorted merchant vessels through the Red Sea during attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. French warships successfully intercepted several missile and drone threats during those operations. One French frigate, the Alsace, shot down three ballistic missiles while escorting a container ship in 2024.   Security experts say a naval presence could help discourage renewed conflict and reassure shipping firms and insurers. However, analysts caution that the mission's role would be more limited if the ceasefire remains in place. According to Max Bergmann of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a French-British naval deployment could strengthen regional security and demonstrate support for Gulf nations, though its overall impact should not be overstated. Planning for the mission has involved a broad coalition of countries, including Australia, South Korea, Japan, Bahrain, Qatar, Canada and more than a dozen European nations. A meeting organized by France and Britain last month brought together representatives from 38 countries to discuss the proposal and possible contributions to the operation.

US Vice President JD Vance has said he expects United Nations nuclear inspectors to return to Iran and assured that there will be no restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day negotiation period with Tehran. According to Iranian media reports, three Iranian oil tankers and two cargo vessels have already transited the strategic waterway after Washington lifted its naval blockade. US-Iran ceasefire deal moves toward formal signing amid regional tensions US President Donald Trump announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran has been fully signed electronically and said the Strait of Hormuz would be entirely reopened to maritime traffic by Friday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would maintain their presence in southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement, signaling that regional security concerns remain unresolved. Source : Al Jazeera

Australia has pledged to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that Israeli forces assaulted, sexually abused and tortured activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The Global Movement to Gaza Aotearoa-Australia said the commitment came after a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for International Development Anne Aly, and senior representatives of the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Israeli strikes hit Beirut as US-Iran deal nears finalisation The group said Australian officials agreed to look into claims of mistreatment of activists who were intercepted and taken into custody by Israeli forces while sailing in international waters as part of a humanitarian flotilla headed for Gaza. The development follows similar moves in Europe, where Italy and France have launched investigations into Israel’s treatment of flotilla participants. Italian authorities are also reportedly examining actions involving far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, including a video showing detainees being forced into humiliating positions aboard the vessel where they were held. The allegations have added to growing international scrutiny over the handling of activists detained during Gaza-bound aid missions, as several countries consider legal and diplomatic responses. With inputs from Al Jazeera

An initial agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire moved closer to formal signing on Monday, although uncertainties surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program and Israel’s military operations in Lebanon continued to threaten the deal. The electronically signed agreement, reached on Sunday, seeks to sustain a truce in a months-long conflict that has killed thousands across the Middle East, including senior Iranian leaders, and disrupted global fuel and food markets. A key element of the pact is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass. However, Iran said implementation would begin only after a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva, while the US blockade remains in place until then. The deal also requires Iran to decide within 60 days on the future of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Further details, expected within two days, may include the release of frozen Iranian assets, sanctions relief and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund tied to Iranian commitments. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement was US President Donald Trump’s decision, while reaffirming Israel’s determination to counter Iranian threats and maintain its military presence in parts of Lebanon. Continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah remains a major challenge to the agreement’s success.