United News of Bangladesh

 Iran’s key nuclear enrichment site in Natanz has come under attack once again, escalating tensions in the region amid continued hostilities involving Israel and its allies. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan enrichment facility was targeted on Saturday, describing the strike as part of “criminal attacks” carried out by the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities said the attack violates international obligations, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and established nuclear safety regulations. Located about 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran, the Natanz facility had previously been struck during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, with satellite imagery at the time showing damage to multiple structures. It was later targeted again by US forces. The latest developments come as the ongoing conflict shows little sign of easing. Israel reported that Iran launched fresh missile attacks early Saturday, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 20 drones within a few hours over its Eastern Region, a critical area for the country’s oil infrastructure. #From Al Jazeera 

The United States has partially relaxed sanctions on Iranian oil in a bid to stabilise global energy markets rattled by its ongoing war with Iran, officials said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a limited, short-term authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian crude and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. The waiver will remain effective until April 19, according to the Treasury Department. The move marks a significant shift from Washington’s longstanding sanctions policy, as global oil and gas prices continue to climb due to disruptions in shipping and production linked to the conflict. Bessent said the measure could release around 140 million barrels of oil into the global market in the near term. Before the conflict, China was the primary buyer of Iranian oil, purchasing supplies at discounted rates due to existing sanctions. The US hopes the temporary waiver may redirect some of that supply to countries such as India, Japan and Malaysia, while compelling China to pay market rates. However, details on enforcement remain unclear, particularly regarding safeguards to prevent proceeds from reaching the Iranian government. Analysts have raised concerns over the policy shift. Some warned that allowing oil sales could indirectly fund Iran’s war effort, while others questioned the overall impact on global prices. Experts said the additional supply is unlikely to significantly alter market dynamics, noting that the scale of disruption caused by the war remains substantial. The US has already taken steps to boost supply, including releasing strategic reserves and easing certain restrictions on Russian oil exports, a move that drew criticism from European leaders. The conflict has severely disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil transport. Industry estimates suggest roughly 10 percent of global supply has been affected since hostilities began in late February. Concerns are also mounting over potential long-term damage to energy infrastructure, following exchanges of attacks on a major gas field jointly operated by Iran and Qatar. Officials indicated Washington is continuing efforts to secure additional oil supplies as global markets remain under pressure.

Iranian strikes on military bases used by the United States in the Middle East caused an estimated $800m in damage in the first two weeks of the war, according to a new analysis. The assessment by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, along with BBC analysis, suggests much of the damage occurred during Iran’s initial retaliatory attacks following US and Israeli operations. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but the estimate indicates higher losses than previously reported. The strikes targeted key US assets including air defence and satellite communication systems across countries such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. A major portion of the damage is linked to a strike on a US radar system associated with a Thaad missile defence unit in Jordan, which alone is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Additional damage, estimated at around $310m, affected buildings, facilities and infrastructure at bases used by US forces across the region. Satellite imagery reviewed by BBC Verify indicates that Iran struck several bases multiple times, including facilities in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, suggesting a focus on specific military targets. Some of the attacks hit radar and surveillance systems, considered critical to military operations. US officials have not publicly commented on the findings. The United States Central Command declined to respond when approached. The analysis comes as the financial cost of the war continues to rise. US defence officials have indicated that the first 12 days of the conflict alone cost about $16.5bn, with further funding requests under consideration. US President Donald Trump has said the military campaign is progressing towards its objectives, including weakening Iran’s military capabilities. The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets, amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over further escalation.   With inputs from BBC

The Israel Defense Forces says it has launched new strikes targeting what it described as “Iranian terror regime targets” in Tehran. The strikes come after Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where the military said it targeted areas in Beirut. Earlier, the IDF issued evacuation warnings for seven neighbourhoods in the southern part of the Lebanese capital before announcing the start of the operation. With inputs from BBC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran is prepared to allow Japanese-linked vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Japan’s Kyodo News. Araghchi said discussions with Japanese officials are already under way, aimed at a possible temporary easing of the blockade. A Japanese government official told Kyodo that direct negotiations with Iran would be the most effective way to restore access, but cautioned that care must be taken to avoid provoking the United States. The official added that even if Japanese vessels are allowed to pass, it would not resolve the wider energy crisis. Another foreign ministry official said Iran’s “true intent” behind the proposal needs to be carefully assessed.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering scaling back its military operations against Iran, while calling on other nations to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Trump said he does not support a ceasefire at this stage, arguing that such a move is inappropriate while military pressure on Iran continues. Amid rising energy concerns, the United States has announced a temporary easing of sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, allowing limited sales to stabilise global prices. Officials said the measure would not permit new production or purchases. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has emerged as a focal point in the conflict. The United Kingdom has approved the use of its bases for US strikes targeting Iranian positions linked to the waterway, a move Trump described as delayed. Iran has criticised the UK’s stance, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning that such actions risk escalating the conflict. Tehran has also signalled it may allow certain vessels, including those linked to Japan, to pass through the strait amid ongoing negotiations. Tensions remain high across the region. Israeli forces say they have launched fresh strikes on Tehran, while maritime authorities warn of a “critical” threat level in the Gulf following multiple attacks on commercial shipping since early March. In Iraq, Iran-aligned groups claim to have carried out drone and missile attacks on US-linked targets. Meanwhile, reports indicate the US is preparing contingency plans for a possible ground deployment, though Trump has publicly downplayed the likelihood. The conflict has driven oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude hovering above $110 a barrel, intensifying global economic concerns. The situation continues to evolve as diplomatic and military developments unfold across the Middle East.   With inputs from BBC

The spokesperson for Iran’s paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in an airstrike early Friday, according to Iranian state television. Before his death, Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini had issued a statement asserting that Iran remained capable of producing missiles despite ongoing attacks attributed to Israel and the United States.

Al Aqsa Mosque compound has closed for Eid prayers for the first time in decades. The compound in Jerusalem will be closed to worshippers for Friday’s Eid al-Fitr, the holiday on which Muslims mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The full closure of the holy site marks the first since the 1967 Mideast war, when Israel captured East Jerusalem and the Old City. The mosque sits on a hilltop compound that is sacred to Muslims and Jews, who believe it was the site of biblical temples. Access has been a flashpoint and historically sparked tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel has kept holy sites in the Old City closed to worshippers of all faiths throughout the Iran war citing security, though the restrictions have had the broadest effect on Muslims, tens of thousands who normally come for Friday prayer at Al Aqsa.

Iranians are preparing for the Persian New Year, Nowruz, under the shadow of ongoing conflict, dampening the usual festive spirit across the country. In the days leading up to Nowruz — one of Iran’s most important celebrations — markets are typically filled with shoppers buying new clothes, sweets and snacks to welcome the occasion. The festival, meaning “new day,” marks the start of spring and has been observed in Iran and by Persian communities worldwide for more than 3,000 years. However, this year’s preparations are markedly subdued. Although markets remain open, many people are hesitant to return to the capital, Tehran, which has faced some of the heaviest bombardment in recent US and Israeli strikes. “I wish everything could be erased from our memories, as if we just woke up from a bad dream,” said Mina, reflecting the anxiety felt by many amid the ongoing violence. #Taken from BBC

Iran has warned the United Kingdom that permitting the United States to use British military bases would amount to involvement in aggression against Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. In a phone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Araqchi said recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran violated international norms and legal principles, according to a statement shared on his Telegram channel. He also criticised what he described as the “negative and biased” stance of the UK and some European countries toward what he called a clear breach of international law. Referring to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Araqchi stressed Iran’s right to self-defence. He said Iran has respected the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and does not intend to target them, but noted that US military bases located in those countries had been used to launch attacks. Such actions, he warned, would be viewed as participation in aggression and could affect future relations between Tehran and London. “We reserve our inherent right to defend the country’s sovereignty and independence,” he added. During the call, Cooper expressed concern about the political and economic consequences of the conflict, including rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. #Taken from Al Jazeera