United News of Bangladesh

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the United States and Iran to work together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following a move by US President Donald Trump to have American forces “guide” ships through the key waterway. Speaking at a meeting of European leaders in Armenia, Macron stressed that a joint approach is essential to restore normal shipping through the strait. “What we want above all is a coordinated reopening by the United States and Iran. That is the only solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz,” Macron said. He also made clear that France would not take part in any military action under unclear circumstances. “We are not going to take part in any military operation in a framework that to me seems unclear,” said the French leader, whose country has been working with Britain to build a coalition aimed at reopening the strait once stability is restored. #From Al Jazeera

The Trump administration has been accused of repeatedly failing to comply with lower court rulings across a wide range of policy areas, including immigration, deportations, federal spending cuts and mass layoffs, according to a review of court records cited by The Associated Press (AP). The AP review found that in the first 15 months of President Donald Trump’s second term, federal district judges ruled the administration had violated court orders in at least 31 lawsuits. This represents roughly one in eight cases in which courts had temporarily blocked government actions. One such case involved a ruling last December in which a federal judge struck down a policy of holding immigrants without bond. Despite the decision, a senior Justice Department official reportedly argued the ruling was not binding, and detainees continued to be denied release. By February, US District Judge Sunshine Sykes expressed strong concern over the administration’s conduct. She accused officials of attempting “to erode any semblance of separation of powers,” adding that they could “only do so in a world where the Constitution does not exist.” The administration has also faced more than 250 additional findings of noncompliance in individual immigration-related cases, including failure to release detainees and return seized property. Legal experts and former judges said such levels of defiance are highly unusual compared to previous administrations. Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University, said, “What the court system is experiencing in the last year and a half is just qualitatively completely different from anything that’s preceded it.” Georgetown University constitutional law scholar David Super warned that weakening adherence to court rulings could have wider consequences, saying, “The federal government should be the institution most devoted to the rule of law in this country. When it ceases to feel itself bound, respect for the rule of law is likely to break down across the country.” According to the AP review, higher courts, including the Supreme Court, have overturned or limited lower court rulings in nearly half of the cases, a factor critics say may be encouraging the administration’s stance. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the administration, stating that higher courts had overturned “unlawful district court rulings.” She added, “The administration will continue to comply with lawful court rulings.” Among disputed cases are alleged violations involving deportations to El Salvador, delays in restoring funding for Voice of America, and restrictions on foreign aid. Some judges have used strong language in their rulings. One described government actions as “ham-handed,” while another accused officials of “hallucinating new text” in legal interpretations. The Justice Department has rejected claims of widespread noncompliance, arguing in court filings that it has acted within legal limits and appealed unfavorable rulings. However, critics including advocacy groups tracking the cases argue that selective compliance undermines judicial authority and risks normalizing defiance of court orders. The dispute highlights growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary amid broader political and legal battles over presidential authority and the limits of executive power.

The Pentagon on Friday said it has struck agreements with seven technology companies to bring artificial intelligence into its classified computer systems, aiming to boost military capabilities in modern warfare. The companies — Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX — will provide AI tools to help improve decision-making in complex combat situations, the Defense Department said. However, AI firm Anthropic is not part of the deals, following a public dispute with the Trump administration over ethical concerns and the use of AI in warfare. The Pentagon has been moving quickly to expand its use of AI. A March report by the Brennan Center for Justice said the technology could help the military identify targets faster and manage logistics such as weapons maintenance and supply chains more efficiently. At the same time, the growing use of AI has raised concerns about privacy and the risk of machines being allowed to select targets. One of the companies involved said its agreement includes provisions to ensure human oversight in certain operations. Debate over military AI intensified during Israel’s war in Gaza and Lebanon, where US tech firms reportedly supported targeting systems. The high number of civilian deaths has fueled fears that such tools may contribute to unintended casualties. Experts say key questions about the use of AI in warfare remain unresolved. Helen Toner of Georgetown University noted that while AI can help analyse data and monitor surveillance feeds, issues around human control, risk management and proper training are still being worked out. She said militaries must strike a balance between quickly deploying AI for strategic advantage and ensuring operators are properly trained and do not rely too heavily on the technology. Anthropic had sought guarantees that its AI would not be used in fully autonomous weapons or for surveillance of Americans. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said companies must allow uses that the Pentagon considers lawful. The company later filed a lawsuit after President Donald Trump attempted to block federal agencies from using its chatbot Claude, and after officials moved to label it a potential supply chain risk. Earlier in March, OpenAI announced a deal with the Pentagon to use ChatGPT in classified systems, effectively replacing Anthropic. The company said Friday the agreement remains unchanged. “We believe those defending the United States should have access to the best tools available,” OpenAI said. According to a source familiar with the deals, at least one contract includes requirements for human supervision in missions involving autonomous or semi-autonomous AI systems, along with safeguards to protect constitutional rights and civil liberties. Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael said relying on a single provider would be risky, adding that the department chose to work with multiple companies after differences with one partner. Some firms, including Amazon and Microsoft, already have experience working with the military on classified projects, while others like Nvidia and startup Reflection are newer to such roles. The Pentagon has also shown interest in open-source AI models as part of efforts to compete with China’s fast-growing AI sector. The Defense Department said its AI platform, GenAI.mil, is already being used by military personnel, contractors and civilian staff to speed up tasks that once took months. Officials said AI is helping improve maintenance planning, logistics and battlefield analysis, including distinguishing between civilian and military vehicles in surveillance footage. Still, experts warn against over-reliance on the technology. Toner pointed to “automation bias,” where users may place too much trust in machine outputs.

The Pentagon announced Friday that the United States will remove around 5,000 troops from Germany within the next six to twelve months, following through on President Donald Trump’s earlier warning. The decision comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Berlin, particularly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the U.S. approach to the war with Iran and described the country as being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the move is based on a comprehensive review of U.S. military positioning in Europe, taking into account operational needs and current conditions. Germany currently hosts key American military installations, including major command headquarters, Ramstein Air Base, and a military hospital in Landstuhl. About 36,000 U.S. troops are stationed there, meaning the withdrawal represents roughly 14% of the total. The plan has sparked immediate criticism from Democratic lawmakers and defense experts, who argue it could weaken U.S. alliances and benefit Russia. Senator Jack Reed warned that the decision signals instability in U.S. commitments to its allies and urged the president to reconsider before causing lasting damage to national security. Analysts also noted that the U.S. presence in Europe plays a critical role in deterring Russian aggression and enabling operations in nearby regions. Trump did not address questions about the withdrawal as he departed Florida on Friday. He has long criticized NATO allies for not contributing enough to joint defense efforts and has repeatedly suggested reducing U.S. troop levels in Germany. A similar proposal during his first term was never implemented and was later canceled by President Joe Biden. European allies have anticipated potential troop reductions since Trump returned to office, especially as Washington has signaled that Europe may need to take greater responsibility for its own security. Military experts say concerns now extend beyond troop numbers to possible redeployment of key defense systems, such as missile defenses, from Europe to the Middle East. 

Two employees of a bank in Kentucky were shot dead during a robbery, prompting a large-scale manhunt for the suspect, authorities said. The incident occurred at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, where a man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered the bank and shot a male and a female employee, said Trooper Scottie Pennington, a spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police. "They're our people that work in our community, and they're no longer with us," Pennington told reporters. "At this time we do have some leads, and we're trying our best to bring this evil person to justice." Law enforcement officials have been going door to door to gather information and check surveillance footage, while helicopters, drones and dogs are being used in the search, Pennington said. Local and state police are working alongside the FBI and other federal agencies. It was not immediately clear whether the suspect fled in a vehicle, on foot or was picked up, the spokesperson said. He also declined to say whether the suspect left the bank with anything. State police have released a photo of the suspect on social media and urged people to come forward if they recognize him or have any information. "If you see something strange and you don't feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us," Pennington said. He urged residents to remain alert and take precautions such as keeping porch lights on and phones charged. Nearby schools were placed under temporary lockdown following the incident. Students were not allowed to return home on buses and had to be picked up by their parents, Pennington said. U.S. Bank said it is working closely with law enforcement and expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of its employees. "We're deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today," the company said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community." Berea is about 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Lexington.

The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April, an interpretation that would allow the White House to avoid the need to seek congressional approval. The statement furthers an argument laid out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during testimony in the Senate earlier Thursday, when he said the ceasefire effectively paused the war. Under that rationale, the administration has not yet met the requirement mandated by a 1973 law to seek formal approval from Congress for military action that extends beyond 60 days. A senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the administration’s position, said for purposes of that law, “the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated.” The official said the U.S. military and Iran have not exchanged fire since the two-week ceasefire that began April 7. While the ceasefire has since been extended, Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. Navy is maintaining a blockade to prevent Iran’s oil tankers from getting out to sea. Under the War Powers Resolution, the law that sought to constrain a president’s military powers, President Donald Trump had until Friday to seek congressional authorization or cease fighting. The law also allows an administration to extend that deadline by 30 days. Democrats have pushed the administration for formal approval of the Iran war, and the 60-day mark would likely have been a turning point for a swath of Republican lawmakers who backed temporary action against Tehran but insisted on congressional input for something longer. “That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who voted Thursday in favor of a measure that would end military action in Iran since Congress hadn’t given its approval. She added that “further military action against Iran must have a clear mission, achievable goals, and a defined strategy for bringing the conflict to a close.” Richard Goldberg, who served as director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction for the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, said he has recommended to administration officials that they simply transition to a new operation, which he suggested could be called “Epic Passage,” a sequel to Operation Epic Fury. That new mission, he said, “would inherently be a mission of self-defense focused on reopening the strait while reserving the right to offensive action in support of restoring freedom of navigation.” “That to me solves it all,” added Goldberg, who is now a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank. During testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Hegseth said it was the administration’s “understanding” that the 60-day clock was on pause while the two countries were in a ceasefire. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who had asked Hegseth about the timeline, later told reporters that the defense secretary “advanced a very novel argument that I’ve never heard before” and “certainly has no legal support.” Katherine Yon Ebright, counsel at the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program and an expert on war powers, said that interpretation would be a “sizeable extension of previous legal gamesmanship” related to the 1973 law. “To be very, very clear and unambiguous, nothing in the text or design of the War Powers Resolution suggests that the 60-day clock can be paused or terminated,” she said. Other presidents have argued that the military action they’ve taken was not intense enough or was too intermittent to qualify under the War Powers Resolution. But Trump’s war in Iran would certainly not be such a case, Ebright said, adding that lawmakers need to push back against the administration on that kind of argument.

The United States has seized “close to half a billion” worth of Iranian cryptocurrency assets, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has claimed, saying the move is part of an intensified economic pressure campaign against Tehran. “We were able to grab about 350 million crypto assets, and then on top of another 100 that we had recently gotten, so we’re almost at half a billion there, and we are freezing bank accounts everywhere,” Bessent told Fox News. He said US President Donald Trump ordered the economic pressure drive in March last year and instructed him to “up the pressure again” about three weeks ago. According to Bessent, the campaign has now expanded to pressuring foreign governments and companies to sever financial and trade links with Iran. “We have gone to the buyers of Iranian oil and told them that … we are willing to do secondary sanctions on your industries, on your banks who tolerate Iranian oil in their system,” he said. He further claimed that the ongoing economic measures, along with a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, would cause long-term damage to Iran’s economy. Iran has dismissed the US claims, arguing that the campaign would only push global oil prices higher. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also criticised Bessent, calling his advice to Trump “junk” in a post on X. #Via Al Jazeera

The U.S. State Department is preparing a limited release of commemorative passports to mark America’s 250th anniversary, with documents featuring a picture of Donald Trump, according to officials. The special edition passports, approved late Monday, will be issued in a limited batch of 25,000 to 30,000 copies starting around July 4 from the Washington, D.C. passport office. Officials said the design includes Trump’s portrait over a gold signature-style imprint inside the passport, making him the first living president to appear in such a travel document. A State Department spokesperson said the initiative is intended to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday while maintaining full security standards. Applicants in Washington will receive the commemorative version by default, though standard passports will still be available through online applications and outside the capital. The design also features customized artwork, a redesigned cover with “United States of America” in gold lettering, and a special 250th anniversary emblem on the back. The move is part of a broader series of tributes tied to the anniversary celebrations, including proposals to feature Trump’s name on currency and commemorative coins. Currently, U.S. passports only include historical presidential figures in artwork—such as Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln—primarily through depictions like Mount Rushmore. The announcement has drawn attention as it adds to a growing list of symbolic recognitions of Trump in federal institutions and public projects during his presidency.

US President Donald Trump said Britain’s King Charles III agrees with him that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Speaking at a state dinner at the White House while hosting King Charles, Trump referred to the ongoing war involving Iran and said his administration was “doing a little Middle East work right now” and that the situation was “going very well”. “We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever — Charles agrees with me even more than I do — we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon,” he added.  #From Al Jazeera

A man accused of killing two Bangladeshi graduate students at the University of South Florida will remain in custody without bond, a judge ordered Tuesday, days after a SWAT team arrested him at his parents’ home. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has also been barred from contacting witnesses or the victims’ family members, Hillsborough County Judge Logan Murphy said during a brief hearing in Tampa. According to court records, Abugharbieh faces two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon along with other charges. He could face the death penalty if convicted, though prosecutors have not yet said whether they will pursue capital punishment. The accused was not present at the hearing. Public defender Jennifer Spradley said earlier that her office would not comment on the case. The victims, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27 and doctoral students from Bangladesh, had been considering marriage, according to a relative. They went missing on April 16. Limon was last seen at the off-campus apartment he shared with Abugharbieh and another roommate. Investigators used cellphone location data and license plate reader information to trace Abugharbieh’s vehicle and Limon’s phone to a bridge where Limon’s body was recovered on Friday. Prosecutors said he had multiple stab wounds and appeared to have been bound. Authorities continued searching for Bristy, and on Sunday a body was recovered from a nearby waterway. The identity has not yet been confirmed, and autopsy reports are pending, officials said. When questioned days after the couple disappeared, Abugharbieh denied involvement, though detectives noted that his pinky finger was bandaged, according to a pretrial detention report.