United News of Bangladesh

Tulsi Gabbard made it clear in her testimony to Congress earlier this year that Iran was not developing a nuclear weapon. According to the national intelligence director, Iran’s supreme leader had not reauthorized the country’s dormant nuclear weapons program. Despite this, President Donald Trump dismissed the intelligence community’s evaluation during his overnight flight back to Washington, cutting short his attendance at the Group of Seven summit to address the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. “I don’t care what she said,” Trump told reporters, insisting that Iran was “very close” to acquiring a nuclear bomb. Trump’s position aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warnings of an imminent nuclear threat from Iran, contrasting with the views of his top intelligence officials. The president planned to consult national security advisors in the Situation Room on Tuesday to determine next steps. This public contradiction mirrors Trump’s earlier clashes with U.S. intelligence agencies, whom he accused of undermining his agenda as part of a “deep state.” Notably, in 2018, he sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s denial of election interference. The split over Iran is notable since Trump’s current administration is staffed with loyalists, unlike his first term. Gabbard, a military veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who left the party in 2022 and endorsed Trump, was narrowly confirmed by the Senate despite limited intelligence experience. Israel orders evacuation of 300,000 in Tehran as Trump issues wrgent warning Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were expected to testify in a closed Capitol Hill session on Tuesday during a scheduled budget hearing, likely addressing Iran and Trump’s remarks. Neither Gabbard’s nor the CIA’s representatives immediately responded to requests for comment. In March, Gabbard told lawmakers the intelligence community closely monitored Iran’s nuclear activities, noting Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile was at record levels for a non-nuclear weapons state. The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned Iran has enough enriched uranium to build several nuclear bombs if it chooses. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. A November intelligence report under President Joe Biden also stated Iran “is not building a nuclear weapon” but noted it was taking steps to be able to produce one, such as expanding uranium enrichment and operating advanced centrifuges. The report did not specify how quickly Iran could develop a bomb. Trump’s immigration policies have also conflicted with intelligence findings. He cited a 1798 law to deport Venezuelan migrants, alleging links between the Tren de Aragua gang and the Venezuelan government, despite a recent intelligence assessment finding no such connection. Gabbard dismissed two senior intelligence officers leading the panel that produced the assessment, attributing their firing to their opposition to Trump. Trump orders expanding migrant deportation amid protests In response, the White House issued a statement from Gabbard backing the president: “President Trump took necessary and historic action to safeguard our nation by deporting these violent Tren de Aragua terrorists. Now that America is safer, deep state actors have resorted to propaganda attacks against the President’s successful policies.” Source: With inputs from agency 

China has criticized  US President Donald Trump for aggravating the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, following his warning for Tehran residents to “immediately evacuate.” “Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a regular press briefing, responding to Trump’s statement. Missile and drone strikes continue for fifth day as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran. 3 killed in Israeli strike on Iranian state broadcaster: State media Explosions shook Tehran while air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv as Israel and Iran exchanged missile and drone strikes for a fifth consecutive day. The Israeli military claimed to have killed Iran’s wartime chief of staff, amid Iranian media reports that suggest preparations are underway for what they describe as the most extensive and intense missile assault on Israeli territory to date. Source: Al Jazeera  

US President Donald Trump has instructed federal agencies to intensify migrant detention and deportation efforts across the nation, as demonstrations against his immigration policies continue to escalate. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged agencies to fully commit to executing what he described as "the single largest mass deportation programme in history." He specifically named Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York—cities currently witnessing widespread protests against immigration raids that began on June 6. Trump has come under fire for his heavy-handed response to the protests, including legal pushback over his deployment of military forces to suppress demonstrations. Despite this, he stated that his administration would mobilize all available resources to carry out the initiative, vowing to block individuals who "undermine the domestic tranquility of the United States" from entering the country. Addressing agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Trump wrote, "You have my unwavering support. Now go, get the job done!" The announcement came shortly after renewed nationwide protests under the banner of the “No Kings” movement, which held rallies from Los Angeles to New York on June 14. These coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and the president’s 79th birthday. During one such protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, a fatal shooting was reported. Trump also directed immigration officials to target so-called "sanctuary cities," which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These jurisdictions, often at odds with federal policy, argue they are exercising their legal right to protect undocumented residents. The move to escalate deportations aligns with Trump’s campaign pledge to implement the largest expulsion of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history. While polls leading up to the 2024 election suggested strong public backing for this policy, the intensification of deportations has sparked even more public outcry. Ironically, the order came just a day after the Trump administration reportedly instructed immigration agents to scale back workplace raids on sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and food processing, according to Reuters. Source: BBC

For the third day in a row, Israel launched airstrikes across Iran on Sunday, escalating tensions and hinting at further military action. Some Iranian missiles bypassed Israeli air defenses and hit targets deep inside Israel, while nuclear negotiations that might have helped ease the crisis were abruptly called off. The region is now bracing for a prolonged confrontation after Israel’s initial attack on Friday struck Iranian nuclear and military facilities, killing high-ranking generals and nuclear scientists. Iran claims two of its oil refineries were hit, raising fears of a broader attack on its energy sector — already under heavy international sanctions — with possible global economic consequences. Israel’s military issued warnings via social media, advising Iranians to evacuate weapons manufacturing sites, suggesting that its campaign may soon expand. Explosions were once again heard in Tehran around midday. U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced full support for Israel’s actions while warning Iran that it must agree to a new nuclear deal to avoid further damage. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that if Israel halts its strikes, Iran will stop retaliating. He also accused the United States of being complicit in the attacks and said it must be held accountable. Tehran Rocked by New ExplosionsExplosions continued in Tehran and other cities early Sunday. No updated death toll was provided after Iran's U.N. ambassador reported the previous day that 78 people were killed and over 320 injured. In Israel, Iranian missile attacks overnight and into Sunday killed at least 10 people, bringing the total death toll there to 13. Israel’s main airport remained closed for a third day. Israeli strikes on Sunday targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry and other key military and nuclear infrastructure. The targeted killings of top figures suggest Israeli intelligence has deeply infiltrated Iranian security. Heavy Civilian Toll in IsraelAmong the dead in Israel were six people — including two children — killed when a missile hit an apartment block near Tel Aviv. Another missile killed four people, including a teenager, in the Arab town of Tamra, while a separate strike wounded 42 in Rehovot. The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot reported some buildings were hit, but no injuries occurred there. Though Israel has advanced missile defense systems, officials acknowledge they’re not foolproof. Global Leaders Call for CalmWorld leaders are urging both nations to deescalate. China’s foreign minister warned that attacking nuclear facilities sets a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas — an Iranian-backed group — continues to add pressure in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the global concerns, promising even harsher Israeli retaliation in the coming days. Israel, which is widely believed to have nuclear weapons (though it has never confirmed it), claims the strikes are intended to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. However, it has significantly increased its uranium enrichment in recent years and is believed to be close to having enough material for multiple nuclear weapons. Damage to Iranian Energy and Nuclear SitesIran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed Israeli strikes hit oil facilities near Tehran and in Bushehr province. He also said Iran retaliated by targeting Israeli “economic” sites, without offering specifics. Iranian media reported a strong explosion at a natural gas plant caused by an Israeli drone strike. Israel did not immediately comment, but such facilities are usually protected by air defense systems — which Israel has also targeted. In northern Israel, a strike damaged an oil refinery in Haifa, forcing parts of the operation to shut down. No injuries were reported. Nuclear Talks SuspendedOman, which had been mediating indirect nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, announced that the next scheduled round was canceled. A senior U.S. official expressed hope the talks could resume soon. However, Araghchi said resuming negotiations was now "unjustifiable," blaming Israel’s attacks and what he called direct U.S. support. Former President Trump, in a Truth Social post, denied U.S. involvement in the Israeli strikes and warned Iran that any attack on the U.S. would trigger an unprecedented response. He also claimed a peace deal between Iran and Israel could be achieved. Serious Damage at Iranian Nuclear FacilitiesSatellite imagery from Natanz showed major destruction to multiple buildings, including those that provide power to the uranium enrichment facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the above-ground areas were destroyed but the main underground centrifuge plant appeared intact — although the power loss could still compromise its operations. In Isfahan, Israel targeted a nuclear research center, damaging four key buildings, including a uranium conversion site. No radiation leaks have been reported. An Israeli military source said repairs to Natanz and Isfahan will take "far longer than a few weeks" and claimed intelligence shows Iran was using the Isfahan site for military nuclear purposes.

President Donald Trump has said the United States is not involved in the current escalation between Iran and Israel. "The US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, distancing Washington from the latest developments in the Middle East. His comments come amid heightened tensions, as Iran has issued warnings to the US and its allies against intervening to support Israel in the face of Tehran’s retaliatory strikes. 7 killed in Israel in Iran’s attacks Trump also issued a strong warning to Iran: "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before." "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!" he added. Source: BBC

Cities across the United States are gearing up for widespread protests on Saturday opposing President Donald Trump, as authorities call for calm, National Guard units mobilize, and Trump marks the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington. The main demonstration — a "No Kings" march — will be held in Philadelphia, while no protests are scheduled in Washington, D.C., where Trump is set to appear at the parade, which coincides with his 79th birthday and Flag Day. The protests come amid rising tensions over Trump’s recent orders to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles following violent clashes sparked by federal immigration raids. Demonstrators blocked highways and torched vehicles, prompting a forceful police response that included tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs. Several cities have imposed curfews, while Democratic leaders criticized the deployments as an overreach of federal power. Despite heightened tensions, both Republican and Democratic governors are urging peaceful protest. Republican-led states including Virginia, Texas, Nebraska, and Missouri have called up the National Guard, citing public safety. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin warned of "zero tolerance" for violence or lawbreaking. Missouri’s Gov. Mike Kehoe emphasized a proactive response, and Nebraska's governor issued an emergency declaration as a precaution. In Florida, protesters plan to march to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Gov. Ron DeSantis warned them not to cross the line. Democratic governors like Arizona’s Katie Hobbs and Washington’s Bob Ferguson called for nonviolent demonstrations. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said law enforcement is coordinating in anticipation of up to 100,000 protesters in Philadelphia. DA Larry Krasner warned against unlawful actions and urged demonstrators to follow the example of Martin Luther King Jr. The protests, organized under the banner “No Kings,” are being led by the 50501 Movement — named to represent 50 states, 50 protests, one cause. The campaign opposes authoritarianism and billionaire-driven politics, framing Trump as a figure behaving more like royalty than an elected official. Protesters intend to send a message countering the expensive military celebration in Washington, emphasizing that the American flag and democracy belong to the people — not to any one man. Events are scheduled in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, with organizers expecting millions to participate in what could be the largest single-day protest since Trump’s return to office. Demonstrations are planned to be peaceful, with a strict ban on weapons and a commitment to nonviolence.

A South Carolina man sent to death row twice for separate murders was put to death Friday by lethal injection in the state’s sixth execution in nine months. Stephen Stanko, 57, was pronounced dead at 6:34 p.m. He was executed for shooting a friend and then cleaning out his bank account in Horry County in 2005. Stanko also was serving a death sentence for killing his live-in girlfriend in her Georgetown County home hours earlier, strangling her as he raped her teenage daughter. Stanko slit the teen’s throat, but she survived. The execution began after a 3 1/2 minute final statement where Stanko apologized to his victims and asked not to be judged by the worst day of his life. Witnesses could hear prison officials asking for the first dose of the powerful sedative pentobarbital which was different from previous executions. Stanko appeared to be saying words, turned toward the families of the victims and then let out several quick breaths as his lips quivered. Stanko appeared to stop breathing after a minute. His ruddy complexion quickly disappeared and the color drained from his face and hands. A prison employee asked for a second dose of pentobarbital about 13 minutes later. He was announced dead about 28 minutes after the execution started. UN conference on Palestinian state postponed because of Middle East tensions Three family members of his victims stared at Stanko and didn't look away until well after he stopped breathing. Stanko's brother and his lawyer also watched. Attorney Lindsey Vann, who watched her second inmate client die in seven months rubbed rosary beads in her hands. Stanko was leaning toward dying by South Carolina’s new firing squad, like the past two inmates before him. But after autopsy results from the last inmate killed by that method showed the bullets from the three volunteers nearly missed his heart, Stanko went with lethal injection. Stanko was the last of four executions scheduled around the country this week. Florida and Alabama each put an inmate to death on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Oklahoma executed a man transferred from federal to state custody to allow his death. The federal courts rejected Stanko’s last-ditch effort to spare his life as his lawyers argued the state isn’t carrying out lethal injection properly after autopsy results found fluid in the lungs of other inmates killed that way. Also South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster refused clemency in a phone call to prison officials minutes before the execution began. A governor has not spared a death row inmate’s life in the previous 48 executions since South Carolina reinstated the death penalty about 50 years ago. Stanko is the sixth inmate executed in South Carolina in nine months after the state went 13 years without putting an inmate to death because it could not obtain lethal injection drugs. The South Carolina General Assembly approved a firing squad and passed a shield law bill which allowed the suppliers of the drugs to stay secret. In his final statement, Stanko talked about how he was an honor student and athlete and a volunteers and asked several times not to be judged by the night he killed two people. “I have live for approximately 20,973 days, but I am judged solely for one,” Stanko said in his final statement read by his lawyer. Stanko apologized several times to his victims and their families. “Once I am gone, I hope that Christina, Laura's family and Henry's family can all forgive me. The execution may help them. Forgiveness will heal them.” Stanko ate his last meal on Wednesday as prison officials give inmates a chance to enjoy their special food before their execution day. He ate fried fish, fried shrimp, crab cakes, a baked potato, carrots, fried okra, cherry pie, banana pudding and sweet tea. END/UNB/AP/JS/0958hrs

Tropical Storm Dalila has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean just south of the southwestern coast of Mexico, forecasters said Friday. The cyclone is centered about 190 miles (305.78 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo in Mexico's Guerrero state, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. The tropical storm had maximum sustained winds at 40 mph (65 kph) and is moving at 13 mph (20 kph) . Dalila was expected to bring up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain to parts of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima states on Saturday. Missiles strike Israel as Iran retaliates over attacks on nuclear, military targets A tropical storm warning is in effect for a portion of coastal Mexico west of Mexico City. Forecasters expect Dalila to move parallel to the coast but remain offshore. END/UNB/JS/0917hrs

Protesters outside a New Jersey federal immigration detention center locked arms and pushed against barricades as vehicles passed through gates, inmates inside relayed word that meals had been delayed, and Newark's mayor cited reports of a possible uprising and escape as disorder broke out at the facility. Much is still unclear about what unfolded at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark, where Immigrations and Customs Enforcement opened a 1,000-bed facility this year as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Photos and video from outside the facility Thursday show protesters pushing against the gates amid word that detainees inside were upset about delayed meals. Amy Torres, executive director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, said some officers sprayed pepper spray and tackled and dragged protesters away from the facility. She said some protesters had minor injuries, but no one was hit by the vehicles. An attorney for someone detained at the facility told told NJ.com that people inside became violent after meals were delayed. “It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive and it turned violent,” attorney Mustafa Cetin said. “Based on what he told me it was an outer wall, not very strong, and they were able to push it down.” Trump’s new travel  ban enforced amid growing immigration tensions Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat who's been critical of Trump's immigration crackdown, early Friday called for an end to this “chaos and not allow this operation to continue unchecked.” “We are concerned about reports of what has transpired at Delaney Hall this evening, ranging from withholding food and poor treatment, to uprising and escaped detainees,” he said. It's unclear whether there have been any escapes. Messages seeking comment were left with ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and local police. Delaney Hall has been the cite of clashes this year between Democratic officials who say the facility needs more oversight and the administration and those who run the facility. Baraka was arrested May 9, handcuffed and charged with trespassing. The charge was later dropped and Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was later charged with assaulting federal officers stemming from a skirmish that happened outside the facility. She has denied the charges said she was doing her job as a lawmaker conducting oversight.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has expressed regret over his recent attacks on United States President Donald Trump, following a dramatic public fallout between the two high-profile figuresq. “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week,” Musk posted early Wednesday on his social media platform X. “They went too far.” According to AL Jazeera, Musk did not specify which comments he regretted, but his statement follows a string of severe criticisms he levelled against Trump in recent days. However, among them was a sensational, unsubstantiated accusation that Trump’s administration withheld files related to Jeffrey Epstein to conceal the president’s alleged involvement with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Before expressing regret, Musk had already begun to scale back tensions, deleting several X posts critical of Trump, including the Epstein claim. He also shared some of Trump’s posts that defended his immigration policy and condemned unrest in Los Angeles. The outspoken entrepreneur’s regret comes just weeks after he stepped down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a role he held under Trump’s administration. Musk had previously been a key supporter of Trump, especially during his re-election campaign and early presidency. However, tensions erupted after Musk denounced Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping package of tax cuts and spending increases—as a “disgusting abomination.” Republicans urge Donald Trump and Elon Musk to end their feud Musk, who invested hundreds of millions of dollars to support Trump’s campaign, claimed the president would not have been elected without his help. He also voiced support for Trump’s impeachment, deepening the rift. In what was perhaps his most scathing attack, Musk claimed Trump was “in” the so-called Epstein files, suggesting this was the “real reason” the documents had not been made public. The White House dismissed the allegation as an “unfortunate episode.” The feud escalated as Trump responded by suggesting that cancelling government contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX, would be an effective way to reduce federal spending. Earlier on Saturday while speaking to NBC News, Trump said he believed his relationship with Musk was finished and added, “I have no intention of speaking to him.” Trump also issued a warning to Musk, saying he would face “very serious consequences” if he supported primary challengers to Republicans who backed the controversial bill. However, on Monday, Trump appeared to soften his tone, telling reporters they had a “great relationship” and that he wished Musk well.