United News of Bangladesh

Uncertainty continues to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with many vessels hesitant to pass despite Iran’s claim that the route remains open. John-Paul Rodrigue said mixed signals about the situation are causing ships to reconsider their movements. “Ships have been attempting transit since the announcement … but it looks like many of them are heading back because the situation is unclear,” Rodrigue told Al Jazeera. He added, “There is contradictory information being issued by all parties,” highlighting the confusion affecting global shipping decisions. Earlier, Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to commercial traffic. However, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cautioned that access could be restricted if U.S. measures against Iranian ports continue. Rodrigue noted that major shipping companies such as Maersk are unlikely to resume normal transit until there is full clarity and the complete “removal of the current Iranian interdiction”.

Families across Iran are facing ongoing difficulties as schools remain closed, even after airstrikes have stopped under a fragile ceasefire. In Tehran, finance manager Mahnaz Ataei now takes her 7-year-old child to work and supervises his online classes while managing her job. Schools have been shut nationwide since the war began on Feb. 28, following attacks involving the United States and Israel, and authorities have yet to announce when in-person classes will resume. Although the immediate threat of airstrikes has eased, daily life remains disrupted. Many parents say balancing work and children’s online education has become a major challenge, similar to the difficulties seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ataei said her work suffers as she tries to focus on both her job and her child’s lessons, adding that she worries about whether he is learning properly. The conflict has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, including over 165 in a strike on an elementary school. The ceasefire is expected to expire soon, with tensions still high over key issues such as Iran’s enriched uranium. Concerns also remain about the impact of a possible US naval blockade on the country’s already struggling economy. Many families who fled Tehran during the attacks are now returning, but the situation remains uncertain. Roya Amiri, a homemaker, recently came back to the capital after staying with relatives in a crowded house with about 15 people. She said the displacement disrupted routines and created tension, especially among children. Her younger son, who has a respiratory illness, also faced difficulties getting medicine. Schools initially closed after the attacks and briefly resumed online classes before the Nowruz holiday. Virtual learning restarted on April 4. Despite fears of renewed violence, Amiri said she preferred returning home. If conflict resumes, she plans to stay in Tehran. Another parent, Reza Jafari, said he moved his family to stay with relatives to escape the stress of explosions. While children adapted quickly to the new environment, adults struggled with lack of privacy, financial pressure and disrupted sleep. Meanwhile, working parents like architect Padideh Teymourian and her husband Amir Ramezani have had to reorganize their daily lives around their 6-year-old daughter’s online preschool. Teymourian said her office does not allow remote work, forcing her to take daily leave to help her daughter. Her husband adjusted his work schedule to stay home during the day, often returning late at night. The couple said the situation has created both financial and emotional strain, with little time left for family life. “We are just trying to get through each day until things return to normal,” Ramezani said.

Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz will require permission from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a senior Iranian military official said on state television. However, a separate Iranian official told that all commercial vessels, including US-flagged ships, are allowed to pass through the strait, while naval vessels will not be granted transit, reports Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has agreed to “never” close the strategic waterway again. In a social media post, Trump said, “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” Earlier, both Iran and the United States said the strait has been reopened and is fully operational for commercial shipping after nearly seven weeks of disruption that affected global energy trade. Trump said on social media that “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!,” while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that commercial vessels would be allowed to pass in line with an ongoing ceasefire arrangement. The developments come amid continued diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to stabilise the situation and ensure uninterrupted global energy supplies.

US President Donald Trump said Washington will obtain all of Iran’s enriched uranium as part of an anticipated agreement, while maintaining that no financial exchange would be involved. In a post on social media, Trump referred to Iran’s enriched uranium as “nuclear dust” and said the United States would take possession of it, reports Al Jazeera. He added that no money would be exchanged “in any way, shape, or form” and that the arrangement would not be linked to developments in Lebanon. Iran, US say Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels In a separate post, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business,” but noted that a US naval blockade on Iran would remain in place until a final deal is reached. “The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” he said, adding that the process “should go very quickly” as most key points have already been negotiated.

US President Donald Trump said that Israel has been “prohibited” from carrying out further bombing in Lebanon, signalling a potential de-escalation in the region, reports Al Jazeera. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!.” He added that the situation in Lebanon, including the presence of the Hezbollah armed group, would be addressed separately from issues related to Iran and handled in an “appropriate manner.” However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has “not yet finished the job” against Hezbollah, indicating a possible divergence in positions. In a recorded address, Netanyahu said efforts would continue to address remaining threats. “We have not yet finished the job. There are things we plan to do to address the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat,” he said, adding that a key objective remains the “dismantling of Hezbollah.” The remarks came just hours after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region.

Iran and the United States on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened and is fully operational for commercial shipping after nearly seven weeks of disruption that had affected global energy trade. “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!,” US President Donald Trump said on social media, using an unofficial name for the strategic waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that commercial vessels would be allowed to pass in line with the ongoing ceasefire arrangement, reports South China Morning Post. Araghchi said ships would be required to follow designated routes set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation. The announcement comes alongside a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, under which passage through the strait will remain open for the duration of the truce. Trump, however, said US naval blockade on Iranian vessels and supplies would remain in place until a final agreement is reached. The apparent breakthrough eased market concerns, with oil prices falling nearly 10 percent following the announcement.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that the Israeli military will continue to hold all positions in Lebanon that it has “cleared and captured,” according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Citing Katz, the report said the central objective of the Israeli military remains the disarmament of Hezbollah “by military or diplomatic means.” He added that this goal is supported by a “significant diplomatic lever” involving direct US involvement and pressure on the Lebanese government. Katz also said the Israeli army “holds and will continue to hold” all positions it has “cleared and captured.” #From Al Jazeera

Portugal has expressed its “full support for Lebanon” following the recent ceasefire, as both countries discussed efforts to restore stability in the region. Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji met his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel for talks on the situation in Lebanon and rapid developments in the region, according to Lebanon’s foreign ministry. The two sides also discussed ongoing efforts being made to “restore stability” after the ceasefire.Rangel conveyed Portugal’s “full support for Lebanon, for its sovereignty and the unity of its territories”, the ministry said. He also welcomed the ceasefire and the negotiating path Lebanon intends to pursue, describing it as “a real opportunity” to reach a “comprehensive and sustainable solution” that would “enhance stability and put an end to the conflict”.

Foreign ministers from Turkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are set to meet on the sidelines of a three-day forum beginning in Antalya on Friday, where talks are expected to focus on the ongoing Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The schedule for the meeting has not yet been disclosed. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also due to attend the forum and is expected to hold a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines, as Islamabad seeks to facilitate a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. Turkiye, a strong critic of Israel, has joined diplomatic efforts alongside Egypt and Pakistan to help secure a ceasefire in the Iran conflict. #From Al Jazeera

A 10-day truce began in Lebanon on Friday that could pause fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, Israel has not been fighting with Lebanon itself, but rather with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants inside the country, who were not formally part of the agreement. Barrages of gunshots rang out across Beirut as residents fired into the air just after midnight to celebrate the beginning of the truce. Displaced families began moving toward southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, despite warnings by officials not to attempt to return to their homes until it became clear whether the ceasefire would hold. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire “to advance” peace efforts with Lebanon, but said Israeli troops would not withdraw. Israeli forces have engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah in the border area as they pushed into southern Lebanon to create what officials have called a “security zone.” Netanyahu, in his video address, said it will extend 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanon. “That is where we are, and we are not leaving,” he said. Hezbollah said that “Israeli occupation on our land grants Lebanon and its people the right to resist it, and this matter will be determined based on how developments unfold” — a stance that could complicate the ceasefire. Israel reserves right to defend itself The U.S. State Department said that according to the agreement, Israel reserves the right to defend itself “at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.” But otherwise, Israel “will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets.” The wording suggested Israel would maintain the freedom to strike at will, as it did in the months following the ceasefire that ended the previous war. This time, Hezbollah said it would respond to any strikes by Israel. It's unclear when the 1 million people displaced by the war will be able to safely return. Lebanon’s state-run National News agency reported that Israeli shelling continued in the villages of Khiam and Dibbine about a half hour after the truce went into effect. Israel’s military said it was looking into reports of shelling and artillery fire in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah kept firing rockets at northern Israeli towns and communities right up to the start of the ceasefire. Air raid sirens went off in some often-targeted border towns less than 10 minutes before midnight. Flurry of diplomacy The agreement came after a meeting between Israel's and Lebanon’s ambassadors in Washington and a flurry of subsequent phone calls from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a White House official. They were the first direct diplomatic talks between the two countries in decades. Hezbollah had opposed direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. Trump spoke Wednesday evening with Netanyahu, who agreed to a ceasefire with certain terms, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Rubio then called Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, who got on board. Trump then spoke with Aoun, and again with Netanyahu. The State Department worked with both governments to formulate a memorandum of understanding for the truce. Trump extends White House invitation Lebanon has insisted on a ceasefire to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah before engaging in more talks, while vowing to commit to disarming the group. Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since Israel was established in 1948, and Lebanon remains deeply divided over diplomatic engagement with Israel. Trump also invited the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House for what he said would be “the first meaningful talks" between the countries since 1983. “Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly,” Trump wrote on social media. Lebanon and Israel signed an agreement in 1983 saying Lebanon would formally recognize Israel, and Israel would withdraw from Lebanon. The deal fell apart during Lebanon’s civil war and was formally rescinded a year later. A Hezbollah official said the ceasefire was a result of Iran’s negotiations with the U.S., in which Iran had insisted Lebanon be included in its own ceasefire, and came about through efforts by mediator Pakistan. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistan army chief meets with Iranian parliament speaker Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief met Thursday with Iran’s parliament speaker as part of international efforts to press for an extension to a ceasefire that has paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran. It was unclear whether the frantic diplomacy could lead to a lasting deal before the ceasefire ends next week. The Iran war has killed thousands of people and upended global markets by disrupting the flow of oil. Iranian state television did not provide details on the meeting between Pakistani Army Gen. Asim Munir and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, his country’s chief negotiator. There was no immediate comment from Pakistan, a key mediator after hosting the talks between the U.S. and Iran that authorities said helped narrow differences between the sides. The White House said any further talks regarding Iran would likely take place in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, though no decision had been made on whether to resume negotiations. The fragile ceasefire is holding despite a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and Iranian counter-threats to target regional ports across the Red Sea. Trump suggested the ceasefire could be extended. “If we’re close to a deal, would I extend?” Trump said in an exchange with reporters. “Yeah, I would do that.” The war has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have pounded military and civilian infrastructure. Oil prices have fallen amid hopes for an end to fighting, and U.S. stocks on Wednesday surpassed records set in January. Officials say US and Iran are making progress Even as the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats strained the ceasefire, regional officials reported progress, telling AP the United States and Iran had an “in-principle agreement” to extend it to allow for more diplomacy. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations. But tensions simmered. The commander of Iran’s joint military command, Ali Abdollahi, threatened to halt trade in the region if the U.S. does not lift its naval blockade, and a newly appointed military adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he does not support extending the ceasefire. Mediators seek compromise on sticking points The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,100 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed. Mediators are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points: Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages, according to a regional official involved in the mediation efforts. Since the war began, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic through the strait, which a fifth of global oil transited through in peacetime. Tehran’s effective closure of the strait sent oil prices skyrocketing, raising the cost of fuel, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.