United News of Bangladesh

Israeli forces have carried out fresh air attacks in southern Lebanon, hitting several towns and causing widespread damage, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). The agency reported that air raids targeted the town of Hanine at dawn, destroying a number of houses. The latest strikes came after overnight explosions were reported in the coastal town of Naqoura. Separate air raids and ground fire were also reported in the town of Khiam, NNA said. There were no immediate reports of casualties, while the situation in the affected areas remained tense following the repeated attacks.  #From Al Jazeera

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said Washington’s intensified economic pressure on Tehran is likely to force Iran to scale back its oil production. Bessent said the Treasury Department has increased financial measures aimed at weakening the networks that support Iran’s economy. “The Treasury Department, through Economic Fury, has targeted Iran’s international shadow banking infrastructure, access to crypto, shadow fleet, and weapons procurement networks,” Bessent said in a post on X. He added that the steps also target funding channels for Iran-linked groups in the region as well as “independent Chinese ‘teapot’ refineries that support Iran’s oil trade”. Bessent claimed that “these actions have disrupted tens of billions of dollars in revenue that would be used to fund” the Iranian government, adding that “Tehran’s inflation has doubled and its currency has rapidly depreciated.” He also said Washington’s “maximum pressure campaign” against Iran, including a blockade on Iranian ports, was affecting the country’s oil exports. “Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal, is soon nearing storage capacity, which will force the regime to reduce oil production,” he said. Bessent added that the situation was leading to “an additional approximately $170 million per day in lost revenue and causing permanent damage to Iran’s oil infrastructure”. #By Al Jazeera

Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council to take firm action to ensure Israel abides by the ceasefire in Lebanon and halts its military operations. Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, urged the council to “act decisively” to compel Israel to fully respect the truce. He also called for immediate steps to stop all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. Iravani further demanded that Israel withdraw all its forces from Lebanese territory. The Iranian envoy also condemned what he described as US and Israeli attacks on Iran, alongside Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights.  #From Al Jazeera

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called for Iran to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that rising oil prices are worsening the global economic outlook. In a post on X, Wadephul said the UN Security Council “must play a role” following its high-level discussion on the escalating situation in the key shipping route. The crisis has left thousands of cargo vessels and around 20,000 seafarers stranded. He said the Security Council should “assume responsibility and pass a resolution”, adding that Germany is ready to “take on responsibility” and is seeking a seat on the UN body. The 15-member Security Council includes five permanent members with veto power — China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom — along with 10 non-permanent members elected on a rotating regional basis. #From Al Jazeera

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders held discussions in Jeddah focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and strengthening unity and coordination among member states, according to reports. Two key issues dominated the meeting agenda - efforts to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and the development of a coordinated approach demonstrating solidarity among GCC countries. Since the war began on February 28, some GCC states have been more heavily affected than others, with the United Arab Emirates bearing the brunt of Iranian munitions. United Arab Emirates says it will leave OPEC Leaders convened in Jeddah for what was described as a brief meeting, held shortly after the UAE announced its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Source: Al Jazeera

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.