United News of Bangladesh

The United Arab Emirates declared Tuesday that it will leave the oil cartel OPEC effective May 1. The UAE made the declaration via its state-run WAM news agency. "This decision reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets," the UAE said. It also comes as the UAE has increasingly come into conflict with Saudi Arabia, particularly over economic issues and the war in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The White House has confirmed that a new Iranian proposal aimed at ending the war is under discussion, while reiterating that US core conditions remain unchanged. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the proposal is being reviewed, but emphasised that Washington’s “red lines” continue to stand. The statement comes as Iran says it is considering a US request to restart negotiations, a development seen as a possible shift in diplomatic engagement, although Tehran has not yet issued a formal response. Iranian officials say the main obstacle to progress remains the nuclear dispute alongside broader security concerns. Tehran has reportedly put forward a framework in which an end to hostilities would come first, followed by security guarantees before wider negotiations begin. Iran has also raised concerns over trust, citing previous US military actions during ongoing diplomatic talks. Tehran is seeking assurances against further attacks during any negotiation process, while proposing that discussions on its nuclear programme and other issues be addressed at a later stage. In return, Iran has suggested reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a broader settlement. The conflict has significantly affected regional stability and global energy markets, prompting continued international calls for renewed diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

Russia has hosted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg for talks on a potential new round of negotiations with the United States, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions. Araghchi’s visit comes as Moscow seeks to position itself as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, following months of conflict and stalled talks, reports Al Jazeera. The Iranian foreign minister said he was pleased to engage with Russian officials at the “highest level” at a time when the region is experiencing “major flux.” “Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership,” Araghchi wrote on social media platform X. He added that Iran appreciates “solidarity” from Russia and welcomes its support for diplomatic efforts. According to the report, the United States has signalled readiness for a new round of discussions, although key differences remain unresolved, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme and broader security issues. Araghchi’s meetings in Russia also come amid continued tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing ceasefire uncertainties, with several international actors urging renewed negotiations to prevent further escalation. Moscow has maintained close ties with Tehran throughout the conflict and has repeatedly called for a diplomatic resolution involving all parties.

The United Kingdom does not support the US blockade of Iranian ports but backs joint efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a senior British minister has said. Stephen Doughty, the UK’s minister of state for Europe and North America, said Britain is working with the United States and other partners to ensure the safe and uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. He accused Iran of holding “the rest of the world to ransom” by restricting access to the strait, through which around 20 percent of global crude oil shipments typically pass. “Maritime traffic must flow safely and unimpeded,” Doughty told reporters ahead of a UN Security Council meeting, stressing there should be no tolls, security risks or violations of international laws governing freedom of navigation. He underscored the importance of diplomacy, calling for de-escalation and a sustained ceasefire amid ongoing tensions in the region. Doughty also said Iran must not be allowed to block the strait, attack neighbouring Gulf countries or civilian infrastructure, or develop nuclear weapons. The remarks come as global concern grows over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have triggered economic and energy security fears worldwide.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the United States is pushing for negotiations after failing to achieve its objectives in the war against Iran. Speaking to a Russian state television reporter on Monday, Araghchi said that despite being a global superpower, Washington “has achieved none of their goals” in the conflict. “That’s why they ask for negotiation,” he said, adding that Tehran is now considering the possibility of talks. Araghchi made the remarks during a visit to St. Petersburg, where he held meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. Commenting on bilateral ties, the Iranian foreign minister described Iran and Russia as “strategic partners,” saying the two countries have consistently supported each other and will continue their cooperation. Meanwhile, at a UN Security Council meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticised all sides over the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, blaming both the United States and Israel for initiating the conflict, while also holding Iran responsible for restricting access to the vital waterway. “Straits are the arteries of the world. They are not the property of any individual,” Barrot said, stressing that such routes should remain open and free from obstruction. In a joint statement led by Bahrain, dozens of countries renewed calls for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of growing global economic and humanitarian consequences. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also urged urgent action, cautioning that continued disruption could trigger severe supply chain shocks, with impacts on fuel, food and essential goods worldwide.

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