United News of Bangladesh

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains the central concern in any potential agreement, amid renewed diplomatic efforts. In a Fox News interview, Rubio responded to Iran’s latest proposal, which suggests easing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US blockade and ending the war, while deferring talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme. “There’s no doubt in my mind that at some point in the future, if this radical clerical regime remains in charge in Iran, they will decide they want a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said. “That fundamental issue still has to be confronted. That still remains the core issue here,” he added. Questioned about Iran’s intentions, Rubio said Tehran is a “skilled negotiator” seeking to buy time, stressing that any agreement must ensure Iran cannot move toward developing nuclear weapons. “We can’t let them get away with it,” he said. “Any agreement must definitively prevent them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.” Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries against engaging with Iranian airlines following the resumption of commercial flights. In a statement, Bessent said providing services such as jet fuel, maintenance or landing support to Iranian carriers could expose third parties to US sanctions. He also claimed that Iran’s oil industry is under increasing pressure due to the US blockade, warning that production could decline further, potentially leading to gasoline shortages. The developments come as tensions persist between Washington and Tehran despite a fragile ceasefire, with key disagreements—particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme—remaining unresolved.

Iran has offered to ease its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz if the United States lifts its blockade and brings an end to the war, according to two regional officials familiar with the proposal. The offer, reportedly conveyed to Washington through Pakistan, would postpone discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme—an issue US officials insist must be part of any agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signalled resistance to such a deal, saying any agreement must ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons. Despite a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high over the strategically vital waterway, which handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas trade. Iran’s restrictions and the US blockade have disrupted energy supplies, pushing oil prices sharply higher and straining global markets. Brent crude prices have risen significantly since the conflict began, exceeding $108 per barrel on Monday. The proposal comes amid growing international pressure to reopen the strait. Dozens of countries, in a joint statement led by Bahrain, called for restoring access, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of mounting humanitarian and economic consequences. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised Washington’s handling of the conflict, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged all sides to de-escalate, stressing that key maritime routes should remain open. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, as diplomatic efforts continue to revive stalled negotiations. Pakistan and other mediators are attempting to bridge gaps between Tehran and Washington, but significant differences remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the conditions for lifting the blockade. The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, has led to thousands of deaths across the region and continues to fuel instability despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.  

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has said that a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis would require significant concessions from Iran. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on maritime security in New York, Barrot said, “There can be no lasting solution to this crisis unless the Iranian regime agrees to major concessions and a radical shift in its stance”, according to AFP. He also held talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi a day earlier. Following the meeting, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions focused on “developments regarding the ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to end the imposed war”. #From Al Jazeera

Satellite imagery has revealed that two vessels seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) last week are currently anchored near Hormuz Island in the Strait of Hormuz. According to images reviewed by BBC Verify, the ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas were seen at anchor about 8 kilometres from the island. Both vessels reportedly came under fire from IRGC forces last Wednesday and were said to have been damaged. Videos aired by Iranian state media showed IRGC personnel boarding the two ships, although BBC Verify analysis indicates some parts of the footage was filmed after the seizures. IRGC Naval Command said last week both the Greek-owned Epaminondas and the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca were seized after "endangering" maritime security "by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems".  #From BBC

Iran’s Foreign Minister has arrived in Russia following visits to Pakistan and Oman, as part of a broader regional tour aimed at easing tensions. The trip comes amid an intensified diplomatic effort to contain growing regional strains. Speaking about his Moscow visit, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it offers an important opportunity to review developments related to the ongoing conflict and to coordinate positions, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency. Iran’s Araghchi on his way to Russia for talks on US-Israel war Araghchi noted that his earlier visit to Islamabad was essential due to Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts. He said the discussions there saw some progress but ultimately failed to meet their objectives because of what he described as “excessive demands” from Washington. During his visit to Oman, the Iranian minister highlighted that both Iran and Oman are coastal states along the Strait of Hormuz and therefore share common interests in the waterway’s stability. He stressed the need to continue expert-level talks to safeguard those interests. The tour underscores Tehran’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with key regional actors as tensions persist. Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s ambassador to Russia has confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Moscow on Monday for discussions on the latest developments surrounding negotiations, the ceasefire and related regional issues. Kazem Jalali made the remarks to Iran’s state-linked ISNA news agency, highlighting what he described as close ties between Tehran and Moscow, reports Al Jazeera. He said Araghchi’s visit will focus on “the latest status of negotiations, the ceasefire and surrounding developments.” Jalali also noted ongoing high-level contacts between the two countries since the start of what he referred to as the “Ramadan War,” the term used by Iranian officials for the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. He added that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has spoken three times with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the escalation of hostilities began, underscoring continued diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Moscow. Separately, Russia’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed Araghchi’s planned visit to Moscow in a statement carried by the state news agency RIA Novosti. The visit comes amid continuing regional tensions following months of conflict and ceasefire efforts involving Iran, the United States and Israel, as diplomatic channels remain active but inconclusive.

Loyalists of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have won most municipal races in Palestinian elections, including seats in a rare vote held in the Gaza Strip, election officials said on Sunday. The elections took place at what Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa described as a “highly sensitive moment amid complex challenges and exceptional circumstances,” as results were announced, reports Al Jazeera. Saturday’s vote marked the first elections in Gaza since 2006 and the first Palestinian polls since Israel’s war in the territory began in October 2023. In central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, turnout remained low, with only about 23 percent of voters participating, according to the Central Elections Commission. In the occupied West Bank, turnout was reported at 56 percent. The Gaza vote was largely symbolic and described by Palestinian Authority officials as a “pilot” election aimed at reinforcing the territory’s place in a future Palestinian state. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, did not field candidates and boycotted the West Bank polls. However, some Gaza-based lists were seen as informally aligned with the group. Preliminary results showed that the Abbas-backed Fatah list secured six of the 15 seats in Deir el-Balah, while another list linked to Hamas sympathisers won two seats. The remaining seats went to independent local groups. In the West Bank, Fatah-affiliated lists reportedly dominated many races, often running unopposed. Officials said voter participation in Gaza was affected by ongoing conflict, displacement and damage to electoral infrastructure, with some ballot materials unable to enter the enclave due to restrictions. Despite the difficulties, some residents said they voted to exercise their democratic rights amid the ongoing crisis.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said US pressure and hostile actions are eroding trust and making efforts to resume talks more difficult. During a phone call on Saturday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian discussed recent political and military developments, efforts to uphold a ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic initiatives, according to a statement from his office on Sunday. He said resolving disputes requires “common understanding” and conducive conditions for dialogue, noting that recent US sanctions, naval restrictions and military pressure are major obstacles to rebuilding trust. Pezeshkian said Washington cannot pursue negotiations while intensifying pressure on Tehran, warning that such actions disrupt the environment needed for diplomacy. Reaffirming Iran’s position, he said the country did not initiate the conflict and has no interest in regional instability. He added that Iran is ready to engage in talks only on the basis of mutual respect, rejecting negotiations under threats or coercion, and insisting on its rights under international law. He also called for guarantees to ensure commitments are honoured and criticised US military deployments in the region as contradicting its stated support for a political solution. Sharif said Pakistan would use its influence to support a “lasting and honourable” resolution, emphasising regional stability while respecting Iran’s sovereignty. He added that Pakistan remains committed to acting as a facilitator for peace amid ongoing tensions and stalled negotiations.

Iranian state media on Sunday reported that civilians accounted for around 45 percent of those killed during a 40-day conflict involving Israel and the United States. The official news agency IRNA, citing Iranian authorities, said the overall death toll reached 3,468, of whom 1,460 were civilians. Jamshid Nazmi, senior adviser to the head of Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, disclosed the figures at a press briefing in Tehran, according to IRNA. He said the civilian casualties included women, men, children and elderly people, adding that nationals from Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq and Pakistan were also among the dead. At the same briefing, Farideh Oladqobad, a deputy head of the foundation, said 499 of the victims were women and 2,969 were men, while the military death toll stood at 2,008. The report did not provide details on how the figures were verified or whether they had been independently confirmed. Iranian officials said the fighting began on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, reportedly killing senior military figures in the initial attacks. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military bases and assets across the Middle East, according to officials from both sides. A ceasefire was reached on April 8, while follow-up talks held in Pakistan on April 11 and 12 ended without an agreement, previous reports said.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has warned that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global humanitarian crisis due to severe disruptions in fertiliser supplies. UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva said prolonged maritime disruptions risk pushing millions of people into a cycle of hunger and famine. He noted that prices of key raw materials used in fertiliser production have surged to record levels, underscoring the urgency of restoring supply chains. The UN agency stressed the need for immediate diplomatic efforts to address the situation and ensure the flow of essential goods.