United News of Bangladesh

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has called on Tehran to declare victory and pursue a deal to end the ongoing conflict while preventing future tensions. In an article published in Foreign Affairs, Zarif outlined a framework he believes could help Iran conclude the war with the United States and Israel on favourable terms. He suggested Iran could agree to limit its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of all sanctions, noting that while such an offer was previously rejected by Washington, circumstances may have changed. Zarif also proposed a mutual non-aggression pact with the United States, under which both sides would commit to avoiding future military attacks. Additionally, he said Iran could explore economic engagement with the United States, which could benefit both nations. According to Zarif, such steps would allow Iran to shift its focus from external threats to domestic development, helping improve living conditions and secure a better future for its people.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran’s bridges and electric power plants, saying the US military “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised American forces as the “greatest and most powerful” in the world, adding that they would target “bridges next, then electric power plants.” The remarks followed an air strike on a bridge under construction in Karaj, west of the Iranian capital Tehran, which left eight people dead and nearly 100 others injured. Trump added that the “new regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, fast.” His post read: "Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! President DONALD J.TRUMP" #From BBC

Iran launched fresh missile attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states on Thursday, underscoring its continued military capability even as Donald Trump claimed Tehran’s threat had been largely neutralised. Explosions were reported in Dubai as air defence systems intercepted Iranian missiles, while sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Israel also said it was working to intercept incoming projectiles shortly after Trump’s address. In a televised speech, Trump said US military operations had met or exceeded objectives and that Iran was “really no longer a threat,” though he warned strikes would continue in the coming weeks. Iran rejected the claim, with military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari saying Tehran retains hidden stockpiles of weapons and that targeted sites were “insignificant.” The conflict has severely disrupted global energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. Shipping traffic has dropped sharply, pushing oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising to around $108 per barrel. Meanwhile, fighting continues across the region. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, while deaths have also been reported in Israel, Gulf states, Lebanon and among US forces. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with nearly three dozen countries discussing ways to secure the Strait once hostilities end, though no nation has yet committed to reopening it by force.

Donald Trump posted a video on social media on Thursday showing a bridge collapse, warning Iran that “much more” could follow and urging Tehran to strike a deal. In the post, Trump claimed the footage showed Iran’s “biggest bridge,” though it was not immediately clear whether the video matched reports from Iran. Earlier on Thursday, Iranian state media said the country’s B1 bridge — still under construction and described as the tallest in the Middle East — had been attacked. Two semi-official news agencies reported that at least two people were killed in the incident. Trump used the footage to escalate his rhetoric toward Iran, writing in capital letters: “IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY.” There was no independent confirmation linking the video shared by Trump to the reported attack on the B1 bridge.

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized US President Donald Trump’s remarks about his marriage, calling them “neither elegant nor up to standard.” Trump made the comments during a national address in Washington on the war in Iran, claiming that Brigitte Macron, the French president’s wife, treated him “extremely badly.” He referenced a 2025 video suggesting Macron had been shoved in the face by his wife, adding, “He's still recovering from the right to the jaw.” At the time of the video, Macron had dismissed the incident, saying, “we were just joking about as we do.” During Wednesday’s address, Trump also mentioned seeking France’s assistance in the Gulf, while previously accusing France of not supporting the US in the Iran conflict. On broader strategic issues, Macron criticized the Trump administration for sending “constant contrary signals.” He emphasized the need for stability, calm, and a return to peace, noting, “There’s too much talk… but we all need stability and calm.” With inputs from BBC

French President Emmanuel Macron has said military action will not resolve concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, urging renewed diplomatic efforts instead. Speaking during a visit to South Korea, Macron warned that without a framework for diplomatic and technical negotiations, tensions could resurface in the near future, reports Al Jazeera. “If there is no framework for diplomatic and technical negotiations, the situation can deteriorate again in a few months or a few years,” he said. Macron also criticised the ongoing US-Israeli attacks on Iran, saying such actions would not bring a lasting solution to the nuclear issue. He further dismissed proposals for a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling the idea “unrealistic.” “It would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the Revolutionary Guards, who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, and a host of other risks,” he said. Macron reiterated the need for dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure long-term regional stability.

Two of Iran’s largest steel producers have been forced out of operation following a series of US-Israeli attacks, authorities said. Khuzestan Steel Company in Ahvaz and Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan province confirmed that their production facilities have been severely affected, reports Al Jazeera. Mobarakeh Steel Company said its “production lines have completely shut down” due to the intensity of the attacks. Meanwhile, Mehran Pakbin, deputy head of operations at Khuzestan Steel Company, said the plant does not expect to resume operations for at least six months, according to Iran’s Mizan Online. The shutdown of the two major plants is expected to impact Iran’s industrial output, as both facilities play a key role in the country’s steel production sector.

US President Donald Trump has said the conflict with Iran will continue for at least a few more weeks, reiterating that military operations are nearing what he described as a final victory. Addressing the nation on Wednesday, Trump said the United States had achieved “swift and overwhelming victories” and was getting very close to its ultimate objective, setting a timeline of around two to three weeks to complete the campaign. He repeated his earlier position that the war would continue over the coming weeks, with US forces expected to maintain their bombing operations during this period. Trump had earlier indicated he would be highly critical of NATO, and while there had been discussions about allies potentially taking control of the Strait of Hormuz, he did not specifically mention NATO in his latest remarks. He said many of the strategic objectives had already been achieved and emphasised that US forces would press ahead with strikes in the coming weeks. The US president also warned of intensified attacks, saying Washington was prepared to “bomb Iran back to the Dark Ages.” He further cautioned that the United States would begin targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran failed to reach a deal.

Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles toward Israel shortly after US President Donald Trump concluded a speech claiming that Tehran’s military capabilities had been largely crippled. The Israeli military said it detected the missile launches and added, “Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.” #From Al Jazeera

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed Iran’s president wanted a ceasefire ahead of his speech to the American people. Trump made the claim on his Truth Social website. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Trump’s remarks were “false and baseless.” Trump said on social media that Iran’s “new regime president” wanted a ceasefire, adding that any deal would depend on reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, it was unclear whom he was referring to, as Iran’s leadership remains unchanged. Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister, dismissed the idea of negotiations under pressure, saying Tehran will continue to defend itself and does not respond to “threats and deadlines.” He added that trust in the United States remains “at zero.” The IRGC explicitly rejected Trump’s claim, stating the Strait of Hormuz remains “firmly under Iranian control” and would not be opened due to “ridiculous statements” by the US president. Meanwhile, tensions escalated across the region. Iran struck an oil tanker off Qatar’s coast with a cruise missile, though no casualties were reported. A drone attack hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a large fire, while debris from an intercepted drone killed one person in the UAE. Jordan and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, and air raid sirens sounded in Israel. In Lebanon, at least five people were killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut. Fresh airstrikes also hit Tehran, including an apparent strike inside the former US Embassy compound, now controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Israel said it targeted a facility allegedly producing fentanyl, though Iran insisted it manufactured hospital drugs. The conflict has sharply affected global energy markets. Brent crude prices rose more than 40% to over $103 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation and broader economic consequences. Despite Trump suggesting the US could scale back involvement within weeks, uncertainty remains over whether Iran will halt attacks or loosen control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments.