United News of Bangladesh

Rising economic pressure linked to the Iran war is weighing on US President Donald Trump’s popularity, with recent data showing declining approval ratings amid growing concerns over living costs. Since returning to the White House last January, Trump’s public support has steadily eroded, reflecting dissatisfaction over inflation and affordability. Analysts say these economic concerns have helped Democrats perform strongly in special elections over the past year. According to polling by Ipsos, Trump’s approval on the economy fell from 43% at the start of his second term to around 35% by June 2025, and has since dropped further to 29%. The decline comes as the Iran war pushes fuel prices higher, with gasoline nearing $4 per gallon on average. Overall approval ratings have also slipped. Data compiled by political analyst Nate Silver shows Trump’s approval falling from 52% early in his term to about 40% recently, a level seen as risky ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Despite the decline, Trump continues to retain strong backing from Republican voters. Surveys by the Pew Research Center indicate his core support remains largely intact, even as a majority of Americans oppose US military involvement in Iran. A Quinnipiac poll found 86% of Republicans support military action in Iran and 80% approve of Trump’s handling of the conflict. However, support drops sharply among the broader electorate, with only about one-third backing his approach. Political observers say independent voters, who were key to Trump’s 2024 election victory, appear to be turning away, potentially posing a challenge for Republicans in the November elections.While Trump’s base remains loyal, analysts warn that prolonged conflict and sustained economic pressure could further weaken his standing in the months ahead.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump is poised to make history as the first sitting president whose signature will appear on US banknotes, the Treasury Department announced. Trump’s signature will accompany that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on newly printed currency, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. “There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name,” Bessent said. The first $100 bills featuring the signatures of Trump and Bessent are scheduled for printing in June, replacing notes currently bearing the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba. Since 1861, US banknotes have traditionally carried the signatures of treasury officials, a practice set to change under the current administration. Current US Treasurer Brandon Beach said the currency will continue to symbolize “prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people.” The announcement has drawn criticism from Democratic Party leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who blamed Trump for rising costs of living. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin featuring Trump to also mark the country’s 250th anniversary. During his first term, Trump’s name previously appeared on pandemic relief cheques sent to millions of Americans.   With inputs from BBC

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would continue holding off on attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure for another 10 days, until April 6, at Tehran’s request. In a post on Truth Social, the US president claimed talks are going “very well” and repeated his attacks on the “fake news media” for reporting to the contrary (Iran has also reported to the contrary). Trump threatened last Saturday to would strike Iranian energy infrastructure if Tehran did not reopen the strait of Hormuz, TheGuardian reports.  Then, on Monday he postponed his threat for five days (until Friday), citing “very good and productive conversations” with Iran on ending the war (which Tehran dismissed as “fake news” designed to “manipulate” the oil markets). So, he’s now pushing that deadline back, again.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson said the United States is close to ending its military campaign against Iran, describing the operation as nearing completion. Speaking to US media in Washington, Johnson said “Operation Epic Fury” is being wrapped up and could be completed soon as planned. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said his administration was in contact with Iranian officials who are interested in reaching a deal. However, Iran has rejected a US-proposed peace plan, calling it excessive and denying any ongoing negotiations.   With inputs from BBC

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has criticised recent American military strikes in Iran as poorly planned and lacking coordination, raising questions about the strategy of President Donald Trump. In an interview with the BBC’s Newsnight programme, Bolton described the operations as “haphazard” and said they were not carefully thought out. He argued that a more structured approach was needed, adding that key stakeholders were not adequately prepared for the action. “The American people were not well prepared, Congress was not prepared, and allies were also not ready,” he said. Bolton, a long-time advocate of regime change in Tehran, also warned that Iran has become increasingly aware of the leverage it holds over global energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that any move to block the vital shipping route, which carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, could have severe global repercussions. “If the current regime remains in power, it now clearly understands the impact of shutting the Strait,” he said, adding that such control would give Tehran significant influence over oil exports from the Gulf. Since leaving the White House in 2019, Bolton has remained a vocal critic of Trump, previously describing him in his memoir as “stunningly uninformed” and unfit for office.   With inputs from BBC

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said Washington is in contact with a “respected” Iranian figure, expressing optimism that Tehran is willing to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict.   He also announced a five-day extension to a previous ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz or risk strikes on its power infrastructure.   The shift in tone comes as the war enters its fourth week, easing global market tensions after a weekend marked by escalating threats between the two sides. Oil prices fell and stock markets reacted positively following Trump’s remarks, which hinted at a possible diplomatic breakthrough.   Trump told reporters that Iran is keen to “make a deal,” adding that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held discussions with an الإيراني representative on Sunday. However, he clarified that no talks have taken place with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.   He further said that any agreement could involve the U.S. taking control of Iran’s enriched uranium, a key issue in its controversial nuclear programme—something Tehran has consistently rejected, insisting its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes.   Regional players, including Turkey and Egypt, have reportedly stepped in to mediate, signalling coordinated diplomatic efforts. However, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibafdismissed claims of negotiations, calling them “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets.   The conflict has already caused significant devastation, including strikes on key energy infrastructure and the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader. More than 2,000 people have died, while global oil markets and critical air routes have been severely disrupted.   Trump had earlier threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it failed to lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. With the new five-day extension, he said progress in ongoing discussions would determine the next steps. Iranian officials, however, denied any talks were taking place and accused Washington of trying to manipulate energy prices while preparing further military action.   Meanwhile, diplomatic activity has intensified. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, while Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Cairo had sent clear messages urging de-escalation.   Iran has warned of retaliation if attacked, with its Revolutionary Guard threatening strikes on energy infrastructure linked to U.S. interests across the region. It has also signalled that vital facilities, including desalination plants in Gulf countries, could become targets.   The crisis has already driven up global energy prices, affecting economies far beyond the Middle East. However, prices dropped following Trump’s latest remarks, offering temporary relief.   International officials continue to stress that the conflict cannot be resolved militarily, warning of far-reaching consequences if tensions escalate further.

US lawmakers are increasingly pressing President Donald Trump for a clear exit strategy as the war with Iran enters its third week, raising concerns over its duration, costs and objectives. The conflict, launched without formal congressional approval, has already resulted in the deaths of at least 13 US service members, with more than 230 injured. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has requested about $200 billion in additional funding, as oil prices rise, US allies come under attack and thousands of American troops are deployed to the Middle East without a defined endgame. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis questioned the administration’s long-term goals, saying there needs to be a clearer articulation of strategy despite his general support for targeting Iran’s leadership. Trump said Friday he is considering “winding down” operations, even as he continues to outline shifting objectives. Congress divided, but pressure buildsThe war is testing Congress, particularly Republicans who largely back the president but may soon face tougher decisions. Under the War Powers Act, the president can carry out military action for up to 60 days without congressional approval. So far, Republican lawmakers have blocked Democratic efforts to halt the campaign. However, pressure is mounting on the administration to present a coherent strategy, especially as lawmakers weigh approving billions in new funding. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner criticized Trump’s remark that the war would end “when I feel it in my bones,” calling it alarming and lacking strategic clarity. Mixed signals on progressHouse Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the mission is nearly complete, saying key objectives such as weakening Iran’s missile capabilities and naval strength have largely been achieved. However, he acknowledged ongoing tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and limited support from US allies. Lawmakers from both parties say the administration’s goals — including curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile programs — remain unclear and difficult to achieve without deeper military involvement. Funding concerns intensifyThe Pentagon’s request for $200 billion in additional war funding has drawn sharp criticism. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the figure as excessive. Sen. Mazie Hirono argued that domestic priorities such as healthcare and food assistance should take precedence over increased military spending. Many lawmakers have also recalled how President George W. Bush sought congressional authorization following the September 11 attacks before launching wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tillis warned that while Trump currently has authority under the War Powers Act, the administration will soon need to either seek formal authorization or present a clear plan to end the conflict. “These are really the options the administration needs to be thinking about,” he said.

A gunman was shot dead by police after opening fire at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in the US state of Georgia, leaving one employee injured, authorities said. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in the town of Jasper, where police responded to reports of gunfire at around 1:30 pm. Officers confronted the suspect outside the clinic and fatally shot him, officials said. A VA staff member wounded in the shooting was airlifted to a hospital, according to agency spokesman Peter Kasperowicz. Police Chief Matt Dawkins said the attacker was a local resident, though further details about his identity or motive were not immediately available. Witness Jimmy Mooney said he was inside a nearby store when gunshots rang out and people were instructed to take cover as officers rushed to the scene. Authorities said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will assist in the investigation. The clinic will remain closed for the rest of the week, with officials arranging to reschedule appointments and provide counseling and support services to affected staff and veterans. The outpatient facility, which opened in 2020, provides a range of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health support and telehealth, for veterans in the area.

US President Donald Trump lashed out at NATO on Tuesday after his efforts to secure support from allied navies to protect the Strait of Hormuz reportedly failed. In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump said most NATO allies “don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” while insisting that “almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing”, reports Al Jazeera. Trump criticized NATO for not assisting the US “in a time of need,” but claimed that American forces have already “decimated Iran’s Military” and leadership. He added that because of this military success, the US “no longer ‘needs,’ or desires, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID!”

Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday, citing his inability to “in good conscience” support the Trump administration’s war in Iran. Kent, in a social media statement, said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and claimed the U.S. started the conflict due to “pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” The White House did not immediately comment on his resignation. Kent, a former political candidate with ties to right-wing extremist groups, was confirmed to lead the center last July by a 52-44 Senate vote. In his role, he oversaw an agency responsible for analyzing and detecting terrorist threats. Before joining the Trump administration, Kent ran two unsuccessful congressional campaigns in Washington state. He served 11 deployments as a Green Beret and later worked at the CIA. Democrats opposed his confirmation, citing his past connections to far-right figures and conspiracy theories. During his 2022 campaign, Kent hired Graham Jorgensen, a member of the far-right Proud Boys, and worked closely with Joey Gibson, founder of the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer. He also received backing from various far-right activists. During his confirmation hearing, Kent refused to distance himself from claims that federal agents instigated the January 6 Capitol attack and from false assertions that Trump won the 2020 election. Democrats questioned his participation in a Signal group chat used by Trump’s national security team to discuss sensitive military plans. Republicans praised Kent’s counterterrorism credentials, with Sen. Tom Cotton calling him “dedicated to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”