United News of Bangladesh

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war. “They want to make a deal, I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said Friday. He didn’t elaborate but expressed frustration with Iran’s leadership, calling it “very disjointed.” Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said Tehran handed over its plan to mediators in Pakistan on Thursday night. The shaky three-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears to be holding, though both countries have traded accusations of violations. Negotiations continued by phone after Trump called off his envoys’ trip to Pakistan last weekend, the president said. Trump this week floated a new plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.  

The Trump administration has been accused of repeatedly failing to comply with lower court rulings across a wide range of policy areas, including immigration, deportations, federal spending cuts and mass layoffs, according to a review of court records cited by The Associated Press (AP). The AP review found that in the first 15 months of President Donald Trump’s second term, federal district judges ruled the administration had violated court orders in at least 31 lawsuits. This represents roughly one in eight cases in which courts had temporarily blocked government actions. One such case involved a ruling last December in which a federal judge struck down a policy of holding immigrants without bond. Despite the decision, a senior Justice Department official reportedly argued the ruling was not binding, and detainees continued to be denied release. By February, US District Judge Sunshine Sykes expressed strong concern over the administration’s conduct. She accused officials of attempting “to erode any semblance of separation of powers,” adding that they could “only do so in a world where the Constitution does not exist.” The administration has also faced more than 250 additional findings of noncompliance in individual immigration-related cases, including failure to release detainees and return seized property. Legal experts and former judges said such levels of defiance are highly unusual compared to previous administrations. Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University, said, “What the court system is experiencing in the last year and a half is just qualitatively completely different from anything that’s preceded it.” Georgetown University constitutional law scholar David Super warned that weakening adherence to court rulings could have wider consequences, saying, “The federal government should be the institution most devoted to the rule of law in this country. When it ceases to feel itself bound, respect for the rule of law is likely to break down across the country.” According to the AP review, higher courts, including the Supreme Court, have overturned or limited lower court rulings in nearly half of the cases, a factor critics say may be encouraging the administration’s stance. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the administration, stating that higher courts had overturned “unlawful district court rulings.” She added, “The administration will continue to comply with lawful court rulings.” Among disputed cases are alleged violations involving deportations to El Salvador, delays in restoring funding for Voice of America, and restrictions on foreign aid. Some judges have used strong language in their rulings. One described government actions as “ham-handed,” while another accused officials of “hallucinating new text” in legal interpretations. The Justice Department has rejected claims of widespread noncompliance, arguing in court filings that it has acted within legal limits and appealed unfavorable rulings. However, critics including advocacy groups tracking the cases argue that selective compliance undermines judicial authority and risks normalizing defiance of court orders. The dispute highlights growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary amid broader political and legal battles over presidential authority and the limits of executive power.

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least seven people and injured others on Saturday, as clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continued despite an ongoing ceasefire. The strikes came as Israel’s military issued fresh warnings, urging residents of nine villages in the south to evacuate. Fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has persisted even though a ceasefire has been in place since April 17. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that a strike on a car in the village of Kfar Dajal killed two people, while another airstrike on a house in Lwaizeh left three dead. A separate attack in Shoukin also killed two people, according to the agency. Israel’s military Arabic-language spokeswoman, Ella Waweya, said in a post on X that the Israeli air force carried out about 50 airstrikes over the past 24 hours, targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. Hezbollah, in turn, said it launched a drone attack on Israeli troops gathered inside a house in the coastal village of Bayed. The latest round of fighting began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after the United States and Israel launched a war against its main ally, Iran. Since then, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes and sent ground troops into southern Lebanon, capturing dozens of border towns and villages. Amid the conflict, Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct talks in more than 30 years. The two sides have officially remained at war since Israel’s founding in 1948. A 10-day ceasefire announced in Washington took effect on April 17 and was later extended by three weeks.

Donald Trump has said the US Navy is behaving “like pirates” while describing a military operation in which a vessel was seized during the ongoing tit-for-tat blockade involving Iranian ports. Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump outlined how US forces took control of a ship and its cargo. “We … land on top of it and we took over the ship. We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It’s a very profitable business,” Trump said. “We’re like pirates,” he added to cheers from supporters. “We’re sort of like pirates, but we’re not playing games.” His remarks come as legal experts express concern over Iran’s blockade of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and its reported plan to impose fees on vessels passing through the route. Tehran effectively shut down the key shipping corridor, widely used for global oil and gas transport, following the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.  #From Al Jazeera 

A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official has said the “comfort, welfare, and progress of regional nations” depend on the United States leaving the Gulf. Hossein Noushabadi, director general for parliamentary affairs and law at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, told the state-linked ISNA news agency that “foreigners have always cast greedy eyes” upon the strategic maritime “asset”, which he described as “part of Iran’s identity and civilisation”. Alluding to the country’s history of “bravery and sacrifice” in expelling “Portugal, the Netherlands, and England” from the Gulf, Noushabadi pledged that Iran will now resist “the military expeditions of the world-devouring America”. #From Al Jazeera

The United States has warned global shipping companies they could face sanctions if they pay Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The warning, issued Friday by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, adds fresh pressure to the ongoing standoff between Washington and Tehran over control of the vital waterway. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz during peacetime, making it one of the most important shipping routes globally. Tensions escalated after Iran effectively disrupted regular traffic in the strait by attacking and threatening vessels following the start of the U.S.-Israel war on February 28. Iran later began allowing some ships to pass through alternative routes closer to its coast, sometimes charging fees for safe transit. US authorities say these payments, described as a “toll” system, could expose companies to sanctions. According to OFAC, such payments may take different forms, including cash, digital assets, informal exchanges or even in-kind contributions like charitable donations or payments made through Iranian embassies. “Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities risk sanctions if they make such payments or seek guarantees from Iran for safe passage, regardless of how the payment is made,” the agency said. In response to Iran’s actions, the United States imposed its own naval blockade on April 13, preventing Iranian oil tankers from leaving the region and cutting off a key source of revenue for Tehran. US Central Command said at least 45 commercial vessels have been forced to turn back since the blockade began. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict. “They want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, criticizing what he called a lack of unity in Iran’s leadership. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said Tehran submitted its proposal to mediators in Pakistan on Thursday night. A fragile three-week ceasefire between the two sides appears to be holding, although both have accused each other of violations. The ongoing tensions have added strain to the global economy, pushing up prices and causing shortages of fuel and other oil-related products. Diplomatic contacts are continuing by phone after Trump cancelled a planned visit by US envoys to Pakistan. He has also suggested a new plan to reopen the crucial waterway used by Gulf countries to export oil and gas. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been in contact with regional leaders to discuss ways to end the war and held talks Friday with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Separately, Iran said Saturday it executed two men convicted of spying for Israel. The judiciary’s Mizanonline news outlet identified them as Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh, saying the Supreme Court had upheld their death sentences. Authorities accused Karimpour of passing sensitive information to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, while Bekrzadeh allegedly shared details about Iranian officials and the Natanz nuclear facility, which was targeted in strikes last year. Iran has executed more than a dozen people in recent weeks over alleged espionage and terrorism charges. At the United Nations, China’s ambassador Fu Cong urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire and resume talks, calling it the most urgent priority. He said China supports mediation efforts by Pakistan and blamed the crisis on what he described as an “illegitimate war” by the United States and Israel, warning of its impact on Iran, the wider region and the global economy.

Maritime nations have agreed to keep working on a plan to introduce the world’s first global carbon fee on shipping emissions, but delayed a final decision and left room for alternative proposals. The agreement came after a week-long meeting at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in London, where countries were expected to move closer to adopting new global rules, known as the “Net-zero Framework,” to cut pollution from the shipping sector. Instead of finalising the plan, delegates decided on Friday to hold further discussions in the fall before a possible vote later in the year. The existing framework will remain the basis for negotiations. Several countries proposed changes and alternative ideas during the meeting and insisted those options should continue to be considered. Meeting chairman Harry Conway of Liberia assured delegates that both existing and new proposals would be reviewed in upcoming sessions. Some countries, including Australia, warned that reopening discussions could delay urgent action at a time when climate impacts are worsening and the shipping industry needs clear direction to invest in cleaner technologies. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said progress had resumed but urged countries to rebuild trust and continue dialogue. Climate advocates said the framework remains intact, with broad support from many nations, but cautioned against prolonged negotiations. If adopted, the rules would introduce a pricing system that charges ships for greenhouse gas emissions above set limits, effectively creating the first global carbon tax for the sector. However, countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia have strongly opposed such a fee. The framework was initially agreed upon last year, and its formal adoption had been expected in October. But the process was delayed after opposition led by the United States, backed by Saudi Arabia and others. Shipping currently accounts for about 3 percent of global emissions, largely due to the use of heavy fuel oil. As global trade has expanded, emissions from the sector have also increased. The proposed framework aims to gradually reduce emissions from marine fuels and create a fund from collected fees to support cleaner technologies, reward low-emission ships and help developing countries transition to greener practices. Experts say such measures are crucial as the industry moves toward the IMO’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by around 2050. With large ships typically lasting about 25 years, industry groups say investments in cleaner fuels and technologies must begin soon to meet long-term climate targets.

Ukrainian drones are targeting oil facilities deep inside Russia, causing large fires, smoke visible from space and pollution affecting areas along the Black Sea coast. The attacks are aimed at cutting Russia’s oil exports, a major source of funding for its ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the overall economic impact remains uncertain, as higher global oil prices linked to the Iran conflict and relaxed US sanctions have helped boost Moscow’s revenues. Even so, the strikes are bringing the effects of the war closer to ordinary Russians living far from the battlefield. In the Black Sea town of Tuapse, Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and export terminal four times within just over two weeks. The attacks triggered fires, forced evacuations and sent thick smoke into the sky. Tuapse lies about 450 kilometers from the front lines. After one of the strikes on April 18, local officials reported that burning oil spilled onto nearby streets, damaging vehicles. Ukraine also said it hit an oil pumping station in Russia’s Perm region, more than 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine, on consecutive days. Russian authorities confirmed drone strikes on industrial sites but gave limited details. Another major facility at Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea, one of Russia’s largest oil and gas export hubs, was targeted three times within a week in late March. The site is over 800 kilometers from Ukraine. Following the attacks, officials near St. Petersburg described the region as a “front-line area” due to increasing aerial threats. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes have caused Russia at least $7 billion in losses since the start of the year. He also cited intelligence reports indicating a drop in exports from key ports such as Ust-Luga and Primorsk. Experts say the attacks have disrupted refining operations, while sanctions continue to limit Russia’s ability to replace damaged equipment. However, Russia has also benefited from the global energy crisis. The International Energy Agency said Russian oil exports rose to 7.1 million barrels per day in March, while revenues nearly doubled to $19 billion due to higher prices. Analysts say the dramatic explosions seen in attacks may not reflect the full level of damage. Strikes on storage tanks often create large fires but cause only temporary disruption, while critical infrastructure such as pumping systems appears to be better protected. Ukraine’s ability to hit targets deep inside Russia highlights its expanding drone capabilities. Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, Kyiv says it has significantly increased the range of its strike systems, allowing attacks from multiple directions and putting pressure on Russia’s air defenses. These operations are also exposing more Russians to the realities of the war, which the Kremlin has often portrayed as distant. The attacks have raised environmental concerns as well. Russian officials reported high levels of benzene in the air following fires and advised residents to stay indoors. Locals have reported “black rain,” with oily droplets falling from the sky. Images shared in Russian media showed animals stained with oil and marine life affected along the coastline, including birds, fish and dolphins. Environmental experts warn the damage could have lasting effects on public health and ecosystems, with oil pollution likely to return to shorelines during storms in the coming years. So far, there has been little public protest inside Russia, partly due to strict controls on dissent. But analysts say public concern could grow if the environmental and economic impact worsens.

The Pentagon on Friday said it has struck agreements with seven technology companies to bring artificial intelligence into its classified computer systems, aiming to boost military capabilities in modern warfare. The companies — Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX — will provide AI tools to help improve decision-making in complex combat situations, the Defense Department said. However, AI firm Anthropic is not part of the deals, following a public dispute with the Trump administration over ethical concerns and the use of AI in warfare. The Pentagon has been moving quickly to expand its use of AI. A March report by the Brennan Center for Justice said the technology could help the military identify targets faster and manage logistics such as weapons maintenance and supply chains more efficiently. At the same time, the growing use of AI has raised concerns about privacy and the risk of machines being allowed to select targets. One of the companies involved said its agreement includes provisions to ensure human oversight in certain operations. Debate over military AI intensified during Israel’s war in Gaza and Lebanon, where US tech firms reportedly supported targeting systems. The high number of civilian deaths has fueled fears that such tools may contribute to unintended casualties. Experts say key questions about the use of AI in warfare remain unresolved. Helen Toner of Georgetown University noted that while AI can help analyse data and monitor surveillance feeds, issues around human control, risk management and proper training are still being worked out. She said militaries must strike a balance between quickly deploying AI for strategic advantage and ensuring operators are properly trained and do not rely too heavily on the technology. Anthropic had sought guarantees that its AI would not be used in fully autonomous weapons or for surveillance of Americans. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said companies must allow uses that the Pentagon considers lawful. The company later filed a lawsuit after President Donald Trump attempted to block federal agencies from using its chatbot Claude, and after officials moved to label it a potential supply chain risk. Earlier in March, OpenAI announced a deal with the Pentagon to use ChatGPT in classified systems, effectively replacing Anthropic. The company said Friday the agreement remains unchanged. “We believe those defending the United States should have access to the best tools available,” OpenAI said. According to a source familiar with the deals, at least one contract includes requirements for human supervision in missions involving autonomous or semi-autonomous AI systems, along with safeguards to protect constitutional rights and civil liberties. Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael said relying on a single provider would be risky, adding that the department chose to work with multiple companies after differences with one partner. Some firms, including Amazon and Microsoft, already have experience working with the military on classified projects, while others like Nvidia and startup Reflection are newer to such roles. The Pentagon has also shown interest in open-source AI models as part of efforts to compete with China’s fast-growing AI sector. The Defense Department said its AI platform, GenAI.mil, is already being used by military personnel, contractors and civilian staff to speed up tasks that once took months. Officials said AI is helping improve maintenance planning, logistics and battlefield analysis, including distinguishing between civilian and military vehicles in surveillance footage. Still, experts warn against over-reliance on the technology. Toner pointed to “automation bias,” where users may place too much trust in machine outputs.

The Pentagon announced Friday that the United States will remove around 5,000 troops from Germany within the next six to twelve months, following through on President Donald Trump’s earlier warning. The decision comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Berlin, particularly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the U.S. approach to the war with Iran and described the country as being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the move is based on a comprehensive review of U.S. military positioning in Europe, taking into account operational needs and current conditions. Germany currently hosts key American military installations, including major command headquarters, Ramstein Air Base, and a military hospital in Landstuhl. About 36,000 U.S. troops are stationed there, meaning the withdrawal represents roughly 14% of the total. The plan has sparked immediate criticism from Democratic lawmakers and defense experts, who argue it could weaken U.S. alliances and benefit Russia. Senator Jack Reed warned that the decision signals instability in U.S. commitments to its allies and urged the president to reconsider before causing lasting damage to national security. Analysts also noted that the U.S. presence in Europe plays a critical role in deterring Russian aggression and enabling operations in nearby regions. Trump did not address questions about the withdrawal as he departed Florida on Friday. He has long criticized NATO allies for not contributing enough to joint defense efforts and has repeatedly suggested reducing U.S. troop levels in Germany. A similar proposal during his first term was never implemented and was later canceled by President Joe Biden. European allies have anticipated potential troop reductions since Trump returned to office, especially as Washington has signaled that Europe may need to take greater responsibility for its own security. Military experts say concerns now extend beyond troop numbers to possible redeployment of key defense systems, such as missile defenses, from Europe to the Middle East.