United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could stop its military operations against Iran within two to three weeks, stressing that a deal with Tehran is not necessary to end the war that has disrupted energy markets and unsettled the global economy. His remarks came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that no negotiations were underway with Washington, despite direct and indirect exchanges of messages nearly five weeks after the US and Israel began attacks on Iran. Trump, who had previously claimed that Iran was seeking negotiations and “begging” for a deal, appeared to shift his stance on Tuesday regarding the diplomatic efforts. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no,” he said when reporters at the White House asked if successful diplomacy was a prerequisite for winding down the conflict. He added that the US would be “leaving very soon … maybe two weeks, maybe three.” “When we feel that they are, for a long period of time, put into the Stone Ages and they won’t be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we’ll leave,” he said. Iran has consistently insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful and that it has never sought to develop a nuclear weapon. Trita Parsi, an Iran policy expert at the Quincy Institute, cautioned Al Jazeera against taking Trump’s comments at face value. He pointed out that it would not be “as easy for Trump to just walk out” of a conflict that has spread across the region and killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, where Israel has conducted a ground invasion alongside aerial bombardments, resulting in many civilian casualties. “Remember, at first they said that this war would be over in four days. Then, three weeks ago, they said it would take three weeks. Three weeks have passed, and now we hear that it’s two to three weeks,” Parsi said. “The timeline just keeps on being extended because, at the end of the day, the United States is no longer in control of this war,” which has now become a “debacle,” he added. “It would be much better for Trump to just end it as quickly as possible through real negotiations. Not these types of coercive measures that have been tried so far. Otherwise, three weeks from now, we’re likely going to hear that it’s going to take another three weeks.”

Migrant workers in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are facing heightened threats to both their safety and economic rights due to the ongoing regional conflict, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday. These workers perform essential roles that keep Gulf economies running during the crisis, including delivering food and water, providing healthcare, and maintaining critical infrastructure. Despite this, many are struggling to meet daily expenses because of income loss, rising costs, and limited access to social services or security. “Millions of migrant workers employed across the Gulf countries are navigating threats to their physical safety and job security amid the conflict,” said Michael Page, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.  “The conflict has brought new risks to migrant workers while also exposing the gaps in labor and other rights, including those enabled by the kafala (sponsorship) system.” Human Rights Watch urged Gulf states to implement emergency measures to offset income losses and compensate workers where necessary. The crisis also underscores the need for long-term reforms, including ensuring living wages, respect for contracts, and access to social security benefits. Authorities should also support workers who wish to return home by providing airfare assistance or coordinating with origin-country governments and airlines to offer affordable travel. In March 2026, Human Rights Watch interviewed 38 migrant workers from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Workers included drivers, delivery staff, security guards, chefs, and cleaners—millions of whom perform essential jobs that keep hospitals, markets, and transportation running despite risks. HRW also spoke with families of Bangladeshis killed in Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. “My job is at a hospital, so the work has not stopped,” said a worker at a Qatar hospital. “Sometimes explosions come at night, sometimes during the day. Many thoughts keep running through my mind about what might happen … I have left my child back home.” As of March 25, conflict-related deaths in Gulf countries included migrant workers, such as a Pakistani driver, a Nepali security guard, and a Bangladeshi water-tanker driver, according to media and government reports. Others have been injured. Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi, was killed in Ajman, UAE, when debris from an attack pierced his cab, according to family members. Another Bangladeshi, A.M. Tarek, was struck on the head by shrapnel while descending from a ship’s roof in Bahrain’s Hidd industrial area, dying instantly after completing his night shift. HRW has long called for mandatory life insurance policies to ensure families of deceased workers receive compensation regardless of cause, time, or place of death. One injured worker said, “It feels like God saved me.… Otherwise, I would have died like a stray dog.… I feel angry because innocent workers like us are suffering for no reason.” Those who were injured reported receiving adequate medical care. While workers acknowledged the effectiveness of Gulf air defense and warning systems, they expressed ongoing fears about security. A UAE-based migrant community leader said: “On one hand, migrants are working in fear. On the other, there is constant anxiety about losing jobs.” “I’m afraid every time I go out to work,” said a Qatar-based delivery worker. “There’s no way of knowing where the next missile will land. But I go anyway.… People like me, we are thinking about one thing and one thing only: how to make the next 10 riyals.” Alerts from government or company WhatsApp groups help him reroute or go home. Although he can log out of the app assigning delivery orders if unsafe, he must meet his contractual obligations with the labor supplier, working 12 hours a day and completing at least 10 orders. “This is a commission-based job,” said a Kuwait-based taxi driver. “We don’t have salary. The number of rides has dropped.” His earnings have fallen by more than half, insufficient to cover living and work expenses, including fuel, car maintenance, housing, and payments to the taxi owner. Migrant workers in UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar reported soaring food prices. While larger markets face government oversight, low-paid workers often rely on smaller shops that remain unregulated. A Kuwait-based worker said: “What we used to spend for two months of food supplies won’t even last for one month now.” Prices of vegetables and other items have doubled or tripled. Gulf laws require employers to provide meals or allowances. For example, Qatari law mandates a minimum of 300 QAR (about US$82) per month if food is not provided, a rate unchanged since 2021. However, some migrants, including undocumented workers and those on “free” (azad) visas, must cover their own food costs. A Bahrain-based unemployed Bangladeshi on a “free visa” said: “Sometimes I do not even have enough food to eat. Even if it is risky, I have to go out and look for work just to arrange food … but I cannot find any work. So far, I have already brought about 20,000 taka [about $163] from home to survive. I do not know how long this can continue or how long this conflict will last.” HRW geolocated a video showing crowds in Bahrain waiting for day-labor jobs with construction contractors. A Kuwait-based cab driver on a “free visa” said: “My income has fallen to one-fifth of what it was and does not cover basic costs … Today, I drove for four hours and did not earn anything.” Human Rights Watch urged Gulf states to assess the crisis’s economic impact on migrant workers and implement emergency measures to secure their economic, social, and cultural rights, including food and housing. Some workers face reduced work, pay cuts, or compulsory unpaid leave despite two-year contracts. UAE hospitality staff reported hotels reducing staff due to low occupancy, putting employees on unpaid leave or terminating contracts. One UAE-based chef said: “We are down to 3-4 staff from 25-30. Workers on unpaid leave until further notice unable to return home are provided company accommodation, but they must pay for their own food.” An Abu Dhabi-based Nepali chef said: “To lose a job after taking recruitment loans to come here is sad. People pay 300,000-400,000 Nepali Rupees [about $2,000-2,686] for these jobs.” HRW noted that most Gulf migrants pay high recruitment fees financed via informal loans. Even workers who received pay at the crisis onset expressed concern. A Bahrain-based supply manager said three clients asked him to cut salaries by half for over 400 workers. A Kuwait-based worker said restaurant staff face reduced hours and pay cuts: “The airport is closed so going home is not an option. The option of traveling via Saudi Arabia is not affordable as ticket prices have skyrocketed.” Under international law, governments must ensure all workers receive fair wages and social security to maintain an adequate standard of living, including during crises. Gulf states should also provide crisis information in workers’ native languages. Employers must uphold contracts during the conflict, while businesses in sectors like tourism should implement contingency plans to protect workers rather than shift the burden. Migrants unable to work should still receive contractual wages, and governments should support small and medium enterprises to prevent cost transfers to low-paid workers. “Governments and employers should take concrete steps to protect workers caught in the crossfire thousands of miles from home and who despite significant risks are doing essential jobs across the Gulf,” Page said.

An American journalist was abducted in Baghdad on Tuesday, prompting Iraqi security forces to launch an operation to locate her and capture those responsible, officials said. The journalist was identified as freelance reporter Shelly Kittleson by one of the media outlets she has contributed to. Iraqi authorities confirmed that a foreign journalist had been kidnapped but did not initially disclose her identity. A US official alleged that the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah was behind the abduction. However, Iraqi officials have not publicly confirmed any group’s involvement. According to two Iraqi security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the victim is a US citizen and was taken from central Baghdad’s Saadoun Street. They said the kidnappers used two vehicles during the operation. One of the cars crashed while being chased near Al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad, after which the journalist was moved into another vehicle that escaped. The interior ministry said security forces had begun a manhunt and intercepted one of the vehicles used in the kidnapping, which overturned during the pursuit. One suspect has been arrested and a vehicle seized, though other suspects remain at large. Authorities also issued alerts at checkpoints across the area, aiding the pursuit as the abductors attempted to flee toward Babil province. Middle East-focused news outlet Al-Monitor expressed deep concern over the incident, confirming Kittleson’s identity and calling for her immediate and safe release. The publication highlighted her extensive reporting work in Iraq and Syria. Kittleson has long worked as a freelancer in the region, covering developments in conflict zones. The US Embassy in Baghdad declined to comment on the case. The US State Department said the administration of Donald Trump is closely monitoring the situation, stressing that the safety of American citizens remains a top priority. Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for public affairs, said on social media that the department had previously warned the journalist about potential threats. He added that an individual believed to have links to Kataib Hezbollah had been detained by Iraqi authorities. Another US official, also speaking anonymously, said the journalist had received repeated warnings — including as recently as Monday night — advising her to leave Iraq due to security risks. Iran-backed militias in Iraq have frequently targeted US-linked facilities, particularly since the start of the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran on Feb. 28. During this period, the US Embassy has repeatedly warned of increased kidnapping threats and urged American citizens to leave the country. Foreign nationals have been abducted in Iraq before. In a previous case, Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University student with Israeli and Russian citizenship, went missing in Baghdad in 2023. After her release in September 2025, she said she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah, although the group never officially claimed responsibility.

A major fire broke out at Kuwait International Airport after what Kuwaiti authorities described as a “brazen attack” by drones targeting fuel tanks, while Lebanon’s capital Beirut was rocked by heavy Israeli airstrikes overnight amid growing regional tensions. Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the airport came under drone attacks allegedly launched by Iran and armed groups it supports. “The raids targeted fuel tanks at the airport, leading to a large fire breaking out at the site,” said Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the aviation authority. He said emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the area and confirmed that the damage was material, with no human casualties reported. The attack raised fresh concerns over the security of critical infrastructure in the Gulf as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations in and around Beirut overnight, with the Israeli military claiming it targeted a Hezbollah commander and another senior figure in two separate operations. Columns of smoke were seen rising from the Jnah neighbourhood on the outskirts of southern Beirut, while several heavy explosions were reported across parts of the city, according to security officials quoted by Reuters. Lebanese state media also reported that a car travelling south of Beirut was struck by multiple missiles fired from an Israeli drone. Earlier on Tuesday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said at least seven people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, including a paramedic. The latest strikes come amid a widening Israeli military offensive in Lebanon, which according to Lebanese authorities has so far killed at least 1,200 people and displaced around 1.2 million others. The back-to-back attacks in Kuwait and Lebanon underscore the increasingly volatile regional situation, as military confrontations involving Israel, Iran-backed groups and other regional actors continue to intensify. #From Agencies

Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, saying Tehran has not been sufficiently weakened by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S., Gulf, and Israeli officials. Some regional allies initially complained over the lack of advance notice before the U.S.-Israeli strikes and warned of widespread regional consequences. However, officials from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have privately told Washington that the military operation should continue until there are major changes in Iranian leadership or behavior. Oil holds above $100 as Wall Street rebounds amid US-Iran strikes Trump has alternated between suggesting Iran is ready to negotiate and threatening further escalation if a deal is not reached. Over 3,000 people have died in the conflict so far, shaking global markets, but Trump has claimed strong support from Gulf partners, including those initially hesitant about the war. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pushing for increased military pressure, including a possible ground invasion, Oman and Qatar favor diplomacy. Saudi officials stress that any settlement must neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, stop its support for proxy groups, and secure the Strait of Hormuz. UAE officials have called for guarantees that Iran will no longer threaten regional security. Iran, meanwhile, insists its attacks target only U.S. forces. Trump continues to highlight Gulf support, praising leaders of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar for standing with the U.S. despite initial hesitations. Gulf countries host U.S. bases but have not joined offensive operations, partly due to operational risks and limited ties with Israel. Analysts say a major attack on Gulf soil could push them to become active participants.

A Russian oil tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of fuel docked Tuesday at the Cuban port of Matanzas, marking the first delivery in three months. The vessel, Anatoly Kolodkin, was allowed to proceed despite an ongoing U.S. energy blockade, as confirmed by the administration of former President Donald Trump. Cuba faces severe fuel shortages, exacerbating long blackouts and a shortage of food and medicine. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy welcomed the shipment, calling it a valuable relief amid the island’s “complex energy situation.” Cuba produces only about 40% of its daily fuel needs and relies heavily on imports. Experts estimate the shipment could yield roughly 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to meet daily demand for nine to ten days. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said the arrival demonstrates the “brutal siege Cubans endure” and the “criminal cruelty of imperialism against a nation that refuses to be dominated.” Some local fishermen watched the tanker dock, expressing relief at its arrival. Previously, Cuba depended on oil from Venezuela and Mexico, but U.S. sanctions and threats halted these shipments earlier this year. Trump had earlier indicated he had “no problem” allowing the Russian tanker to deliver fuel for humanitarian reasons, while maintaining sanctions policy overall. The tanker is sanctioned by the U.S., EU, and U.K. over the Ukraine war, highlighting Cuba’s increasing reliance on alternative sources amid mounting economic and energy crises.

A suspected Iranian drone attack on a Kuwaiti crude oil tanker anchored at a UAE port triggered a fire that was later brought under control, authorities said on Tuesday. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said the tanker Al Salmi was hit while docked in Dubai, causing damage and a blaze onboard. The vessel was reportedly carrying around two million barrels of oil from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Dubai authorities confirmed the overnight drone strike, saying emergency teams swiftly contained the fire. No injuries or oil leakage were reported, according to officials. Initial concerns were raised over a potential oil spill in nearby waters, but authorities later confirmed the situation was under control. Witnesses reported multiple explosions in Dubai from Monday evening into early Tuesday, amid heightened military activity in the skies. KPC said an assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage to the tanker. The incident is part of a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region since the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran in late February. Elsewhere, maritime security sources reported projectile incidents near a Greek-owned ship off Saudi Arabia, while a Thai cargo vessel previously hit near the Strait of Hormuz remains disabled, with three crew members still missing. Regional tensions have escalated further, with Saudi Arabia claiming it intercepted multiple drones and ballistic missiles, while other Gulf countries also reported attempted attacks. Iran, however, said its operations are aimed at US forces in the region, despite several incidents affecting civilian-linked targets.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Iranian security forces have detained two individuals in northwestern Iran who are accused of transmitting information about sensitive sites to US and Israeli intelligence agencies, Tasnim news agency reported. According to the report, the suspects allegedly received cryptocurrency in return for providing details of secure locations. The arrests took place in the Osku area of East Azerbaijan province, and the two have been handed over to judicial authorities for further action.

Two China-operated container ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Gulf safely, according to ship tracking data. The vessels CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean, both operated by COSCO Shipping transited the strategic waterway on Monday. According to MarineTraffic, the CSCL Indian Ocean crossed the strait at approximately 09:14 GMT, while the CSCL Arctic Ocean followed around 27 minutes later, maintaining a close interval as they transited the strategic waterway. Source: AL Jazeera

Israel’s parliament on Monday passed its annual budget after an overnight session, allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in office and complete his government’s term until the fall. The budget had to be approved before April 1 to prevent automatic early elections, although Netanyahu retains the option to call elections sooner if he chooses. Opposition leaders criticized the budget for increasing funding to Israel’s ultra-Orthodox communities amid soaring costs from the ongoing war with Iran and the country’s continued recovery from a two-year conflict in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it “the greatest theft in the state’s history,” while former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described it on X as a “nocturnal heist.” Opposition anger focused on a last-minute amendment allocating an extra $250 million to ultra-Orthodox schools. Critics have also voiced frustration at the community’s refusal to allow young men to serve in the military, despite Israel’s growing need for soldiers. Military service is mandatory for most Jewish citizens. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the budget, saying it “takes care of all Israeli citizens, without exception.” Netanyahu’s government is in the final months of its four-year term, with elections required by the end of October. Passage of the $270 billion budget – Israel’s largest ever – makes it more likely he will complete his term, despite declining popularity since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The budget includes a 20% increase in defense spending to $45 billion due to the ongoing war with Iran, forcing cuts in other government ministries. The vote passed 62-55, despite interruptions from missile sirens warning of Iranian launches toward Jerusalem. The session was held in the parliament’s auditorium, closer to a bomb shelter, rather than in the plenum. While Israelis broadly support the war, recent polls suggest Netanyahu and his coalition have not gained political advantage. Tensions continue as Iran fires missiles daily, the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon escalates, and disruptions to Persian Gulf oil supplies affect the global economy. Delaying elections until the fall may allow Netanyahu to capitalize on wartime momentum, though the vote will coincide with the anniversary of the October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israel’s history. Meanwhile, wartime guidelines for civilians have been extended by a week, covering part of the weeklong Passover holiday starting Wednesday.