United News of Bangladesh

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the ongoing blockade on Iranian ports is being enforced against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iran’s coastal areas. In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation is being carried out “impartially” and includes US Navy guided-missile destroyers as part of the assets enforcing the blockade, reports Al Jazeera. “A typical destroyer has a crew of more than 300 sailors that are highly trained in conducting offensive and defensive maritime operations,” it added. Diplomats push for fresh US-Iran talks as blockade enters first full day CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the blockade has been “fully implemented,” claiming US forces have established maritime superiority in the region. “An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fuelled by international trade by sea,” he said on X. “In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.” The developments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following failed diplomatic efforts and growing concerns over disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.

Israel and Lebanon have held their first direct talks since 1993, with the United States brokering high-level discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire, though major obstacles remain, particularly Hezbollah’s rejection of the process. The meeting took place Tuesday at the US State Department in Washington, with Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter participating, reports Al Jazeera. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended, underscoring what officials described as the “historic” nature of the talks. Washington said the engagement was “open, direct, high-level,” and framed it as necessary amid escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Lebanon is pushing for an immediate ceasefire to halt Israeli attacks that have killed over 2,000 people and displaced more than one million, while Israel has ruled out a ceasefire and is instead demanding Hezbollah’s disarmament. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also floated plans for new security arrangements in southern Lebanon, including potential buffer zones and phased control involving Israeli forces and the Lebanese army. However, Hezbollah has strongly opposed the talks, calling them “futile” and urging Beirut to withdraw. The group insists disarmament can only be discussed after a full Israeli withdrawal and says it will not abide by any agreement reached. Analysts say the prospects for a breakthrough remain slim, with ongoing fighting—particularly around the strategic town of Bint Jbeil—likely to shape the outcome of any negotiations.

Diplomats worked through back channels on Tuesday to arrange a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, as Washington enforced its blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran warned of possible retaliation across the region. US President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could take place “over the next two days,” suggesting Islamabad as a possible venue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said it is “highly probable” negotiations will resume. The first round of talks held in Pakistan last weekend failed to produce a deal, with Iran’s nuclear programme remaining a key sticking point. A US official said discussions on fresh talks are ongoing but no schedule has been finalised. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said efforts to mediate between the two sides are continuing, adding that “our leadership is not giving up.” The blockade, now in its first full day, is aimed at pressuring Iran, which has continued exporting oil—largely to Asia—since the conflict began on February 28. A US official said forces enforcing the blockade are operating in the Gulf of Oman, monitoring vessels leaving Iranian ports before intercepting them after they pass through the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said no ships passed through the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six vessels complied with orders to turn back. The standoff over the vital waterway—through which about one-fifth of global oil flows in normal times—has raised fears of renewed hostilities and further economic fallout. Oil prices have surged as maritime traffic remains severely disrupted. Meanwhile, separate talks between Israeli and Lebanese envoys in Washington were described as “productive,” with both sides agreeing to pursue direct negotiations, though major differences remain over Hezbollah and the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon. The war, now in its seventh week, has killed thousands across the region and displaced more than a million people, particularly in Lebanon, intensifying international calls for a broader ceasefire.

Iran has put a preliminary estimate of war-related damage at around $270 billion, according to local media reports, as the country seeks to include reparations in ongoing negotiations. The estimate was reported by Tasnim News Agency, citing government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, who described the figure as rough and subject to change. Speaking to Russian media, Mohajerani said the assessment includes damage to infrastructure and buildings, as well as economic losses from industrial shutdowns. She added that authorities are continuing to evaluate the full extent of the losses. According to Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Mohajerani said the issue of reparations was raised during recent talks with the United States over the weekend. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said there had been “substantive discussions” during the talks held in Pakistan, but no agreement was reached. #From BBC

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has told French President Emmanuel Macron that Europe can help ensure the United States adheres to international law, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. During a joint phone call, Pezeshkian said a “lack of goodwill” and “maximalist positions” from the United States prevented the finalisation of an agreement during talks held in Islamabad last week. He warned that threats, pressure and military action would only worsen what he described as the US’s “self-made problems” in the region. China slams US action over Iran ports, UN urges safe navigation in Strait Reiterating Iran’s stance, the Iranian president said “diplomacy is the preferred path to resolving disputes,” adding that Europe has a constructive role to play in encouraging Washington to respect international law.

A sharp and highly unusual public rift has emerged between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump, as their contrasting views on the Iran war have escalated into a direct war of words. The soft-spoken pontiff and the combative US leader have long appeared headed for confrontation, but tensions intensified after Trump criticised the pope on social media, calling him “weak” and accusing him of aligning with the “Radical Left.” He also suggested that Leo’s elevation to the papacy was linked to his own presidency. In response, Pope Leo strongly condemned Trump’s threats toward Iran as “truly unacceptable,” emphasising that his stance is rooted in Christian teachings rather than politics. Speaking to reporters, he said he is unafraid of the Trump administration and remains committed to conveying the message of the Gospel. China slams US action over Iran ports, UN urges safe navigation in Strait The dispute highlights a rare scenario in which two globally influential American figures—one political and the other religious—are openly at odds over a major international conflict, reports AP. Before becoming pope, Leo—then Robert Prevost—had already demonstrated a willingness to speak candidly on global issues. He had criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and also shared commentary opposing strict US immigration policies justified on religious grounds. Initially, Trump welcomed Leo’s election in May 2025, calling it a “great honour” for the United States. However, his tone has since shifted, framing the pope’s appointment in nationalistic terms and even claiming indirect credit for it. From the outset of his papacy, Leo has consistently emphasised peace, frequently referencing global conflicts including Ukraine and the Middle East. His early messages and public appearances have underscored a commitment to applying church doctrine to contemporary crises. The divide became more visible during Holy Week, when Trump escalated threats against Iran, while Leo called for peace and warned against violence. The pope later directly urged Trump to seek a de-escalation path, particularly after the president threatened severe military action. Despite Trump’s criticism that the pope should avoid political commentary, Leo has maintained that his statements are grounded in religious duty, not political opposition. The ongoing exchange marks a rare instance of a pope directly engaging with a sitting US president by name, underscoring the depth of disagreement between the Vatican and Washington over war, peace, and moral authority.

China has criticised the United States’ blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as “dangerous and irresponsible,” while the United Nations has urged all parties to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the United States had “increased military operations and taken a targeted blockade action,” which would “only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement.” Speaking at a news briefing, he further warned that the US move “further jeopardises safety of passage through the Strait,” calling it “dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.” US begins blockade of Iranian ports after talks fail Meanwhile, the UN has called on all sides to ensure safe maritime movement through the strategic waterway as the US military blockade of Iranian maritime traffic continues. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said UN Secretary-General António Guterres is urging “all parties” to uphold freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The appeal comes after failed US-Iran talks held in Islamabad, further heightening concerns over regional stability and global energy route security. Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah has ruled out any negotiations with Israel, with its chief Naim Qassem describing such efforts as “futile.” His remarks came as Israel is set to begin official peace talks with Lebanon next week, following a first-ever phone conversation between Israel’s ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and his Lebanese counterpart Nada Hamadeh Moawad over the weekend. “No one has a right to take Lebanon towards that approach without internal consensus among its components, which has not happened,” Qassem said. Addressing Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, Qassem accused Israel of trying to create divisions among the Lebanese people. “Let’s confront the aggression together and then we can find an understanding over the future and over everything,” he said. #From Al Jazeera

Israeli air and drone strikes were reported in several areas of southern and eastern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, according to local sources. A drone strike hit the town of Tayr in the Sour District, while additional air raids were reported in Deir Antar in the Bint Jbeil District. Strikes were also reported in Sahmar in the eastern Bekaa Valley region. Separately, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the Israeli air force had attacked about 150 targets linked to Hezbollah over the past day. He said the strikes targeted rocket and drone launch sites, as well as military facilities and hangars used for anti-armor missile operations. He also claimed that fighters preparing attacks had been killed. No independent evidence was immediately available to verify the claims. #From BBC

A deadline set by Donald Trump for imposing a naval blockade on Iran has passed, with the United States moving to restrict access to Iranian ports. The US president announced plans to block the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of weekend talks with Tehran that failed to reach an agreement. The US military said on Sunday that the blockade would take effect from 1400 GMT on Monday, targeting all Iranian ports along the Gulf. However, it added that vessels not heading to or from Iran would still be allowed to pass through the strait.  Trump also issued a strong warning to Iran, saying any Iranian vessel approaching the blockade would be “immediately eliminated.” In a post on Truth Social, he claimed that much of Iran’s navy had already been destroyed, adding that only a small number of so-called fast attack boats remained. He said the US had not previously targeted those smaller vessels as they were not seen as a major threat, but warned they would now be hit if they approached US forces. Trump added that such action would be carried out using the same methods the US employs against drug trafficking boats at sea, describing it as “quick and brutal.” #From Middle East Eye