United News of Bangladesh

Republicans are becoming less satisfied with President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy compared to earlier this year, but most continue to back him strongly as the war with Iran continues, according to a new AP-NORC poll. The survey shows about 6 in 10 Republicans approve of Trump’s economic performance, down from roughly 8 in 10 in February, before the Iran conflict began. Rising fuel prices linked to the war appear to be a key concern. Overall, only about one-third of US adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, a figure largely unchanged in recent months but lower than at the start of his second term. The poll comes as the Iran war pushes up global oil prices and complicates efforts toward a lasting ceasefire. Despite economic worries, Trump’s influence within his party remains strong, highlighted by a recent primary victory for his preferred candidate over Republican critic Rep. Thomas Massie. Many Republicans say higher prices are a temporary cost of the conflict. One respondent, Richard Baumgartner of Las Vegas, said economic pressure is a “necessary side effect” of the war and expects conditions to improve once tensions ease. However, others say the rising cost of living is directly affecting households, particularly fuel expenses. Trump remains deeply unpopular among Democrats and independents, with his overall approval rating at 37%, slightly up from 33% in April. Nearly all Democrats and about 7 in 10 independents disapprove of his performance. The economy continues to be one of Trump’s weaker areas. While it was a key strength during his first term, approval has dropped since his return to office despite repeated promises to lower prices. Immigration, however, remains a stronger issue for Trump. About 45% of Americans approve of his handling of immigration, up from earlier lows this year. Among Republicans, approval is much higher at around 8 in 10. Supporters such as Brenda Theiss, an independent voter in Alabama, said they credit Trump for taking stronger action on border control compared to previous administrations. On foreign policy, including the Iran conflict, Trump’s ratings remain low. Only about one-third of Americans approve of his handling of international affairs, with similar levels of approval for his approach to the war with Iran. Some younger Republican-leaning voters also expressed concern about the cost and impact of the conflict, saying it may be placing too much strain on US resources. The poll suggests that while Trump retains a solid base of Republican support, especially on immigration and party loyalty, economic concerns and foreign policy challenges continue to test his broader appeal.

Large images of Donald Trump have appeared on auto-rickshaws across New Delhi as part of a US campaign to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The posters feature Trump’s portrait alongside the Statue of Liberty and the slogan “Happy Birthday America!” Around 100 auto-rickshaws carrying the posters have been seen on the streets of the Indian capital in recent weeks, turning the city’s three-wheelers into mobile advertisements for the US celebration. The campaign was launched last month by Sergio Gor, the US ambassador to India. In a social media post, the United States Embassy in India described the initiative by saying, “Freedom is on the move … literally!” and encouraged residents to look out for the vehicles across Delhi. The campaign comes as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with India after tensions over Trump’s tariff policies, which increased duties on several Indian exports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to visit New Delhi this weekend. For many rickshaw drivers, however, the campaign has little personal significance. Driver Ganesh Kumar said he initially declined to place the poster on his vehicle but later agreed after organisers offered him a packet of tea. Another driver, Pradeep Kumar, said he accepted the poster mainly because it helped cover a torn canopy on his auto-rickshaw. Asked about the image, he said he recognised Trump but knew little else about him.

NATO’s top military commander said Tuesday he does not expect additional US troop withdrawals from Europe in the near term beyond the 5,000 soldiers already announced by President Donald Trump. US Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich made the remarks at NATO headquarters in Brussels during a meeting of senior military officials from the alliance’s 32 member states. His comments follow Trump’s surprise decision earlier this month to scale back US military presence in Europe, a move made amid rising tensions with allies over the Iran war and broader policy disagreements. “It will be 5,000 troops coming out of Europe. That’s all I’m expecting in the near term,” Grynkewich said. The Pentagon has clarified that the reduction mainly involves cancelling planned deployments to Poland and Germany, rather than pulling out forces already stationed in Europe. The move has sparked concern among US lawmakers from both parties, who argued it was made without proper consultation with Congress and could send the wrong signal to allies. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the military has reduced the number of brigade combat teams assigned to Europe from four to three, leading to a “temporary delay” in troop deployment to Poland, which he described as a key US ally. He added that final decisions on troop placement will depend on further review of US strategic needs and the ability of European allies to contribute more to their own defense. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke with Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on Tuesday, with Washington assuring Warsaw that it will maintain a strong military presence in Poland. Trump’s announcement had caught NATO allies off guard, despite earlier US commitments to coordinate closely on major military adjustments. The plan includes halting the deployment of about 4,000 troops from the US Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to Poland, as well as stopping the movement of long-range missile units to Germany. In some cases, soldiers were informed shortly before departure that they would no longer be travelling to Europe, according to US military officials.   Grynkewich said he had also spoken with military leaders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland about possible adjustments to NATO’s eastern flank, which borders Russia. Concerns have been raised in the Baltic states over the cancellation of troop rotations. Estonian officials described the move as a setback but said it would not undermine NATO’s overall deterrence in the region. Lithuania said the issue appears to be technical and expressed hope that US troops will remain in the country as planned. Despite the changes, Grynkewich stressed that European security would not be weakened, though he warned that further US troop adjustments are likely in the coming years as European allies take on more responsibility for their own defense. He said the process will continue gradually but added that coordination with allies will remain close.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, is set to travel this week to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden as European allies express growing concern over US troop levels in Europe and President Donald Trump’s shifting positions on the alliance, especially as the impact of the Iran war and rising energy prices continues to be felt. The US State Department said on Tuesday that Rubio will attend the NATO gathering in Helsingborg on Friday. The meeting comes ahead of a major NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, scheduled for July. After Sweden, Rubio will travel to India for a multi-city visit covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. He is expected to meet Indian officials and also join discussions with counterparts from Australia and Japan under the Indo-Pacific “Quad” grouping. In Sweden, Rubio is expected to repeat US calls for NATO members to increase defense spending and share more of the alliance’s security burden, according to the State Department. He will also take part in discussions on Arctic security and economic interests with NATO’s northern members. Although Greenland was not mentioned in the statement, tensions over the Danish territory have added to European unease. Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken about US interest in Greenland, which has drawn criticism in Europe. Trump’s special envoy for Greenland recently visited the island. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said after meeting the envoy that the territory’s people are not for sale and that self-determination is non-negotiable. Rubio’s presence at NATO meetings has often been welcomed by European allies, who see him as more steady compared to other US officials. He has also attended recent diplomatic missions, including the Munich Security Conference and meetings in Italy. Ahead of the NATO talks, NATO’s top military officer said he does not expect further major reductions of US troops in Europe for now beyond an earlier announced cut of about 5,000 personnel. US Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich said the situation remains stable following Trump’s announcement earlier this month. The Pentagon later clarified that some planned troop deployments to Poland and Germany were being delayed rather than fully cancelled. Vice President JD Vance said the move should not be seen as a reduction, but part of normal rotation adjustments, adding that the focus is on strengthening European responsibility for its own defense. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also described the change as a temporary delay, saying decisions on troop placement across Europe are still being reviewed. Trump’s announcement had surprised NATO allies, coming amid earlier commitments by Washington to coordinate closely on security matters and avoid gaps in defense coverage. Tensions were further heightened after Trump criticized Germany following comments by Chancellor Friedrich Merz over US policy on the Iran war.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed alarm over the “scale and speed” of a rare Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, where suspected deaths have risen sharply to at least 134, with more than 500 suspected cases reported. Health experts said the virus spread undetected for weeks after the first recorded death as tests initially targeted the more common Ebola strain and returned negative results. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or treatments. Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said 69 patients had received treatment since the outbreak began. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced deep concern, citing urban transmission, deaths among healthcare workers and high population movement, and said an emergency committee would meet. Authorities have yet to identify “patient zero.” Cases have been confirmed in Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Nyakunde and Butembo. Delays in testing, including false negatives, hampered early response efforts. Aid groups including Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross are assisting, while the outbreak has heightened fears in a region already facing displacement and insecurity.

Police were searching for two teenagers hours before a deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque that left three men dead, including a security guard later praised for his heroic actions. The search began after the mother of one of the suspects alerted authorities that her son was suicidal and had gone missing, taking weapons and her vehicle from their home, Police Chief Scott Wahl said. Teen gunmen kill 3 at San Diego mosque before taking own lives Roughly two hours later, gunfire erupted at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which also houses a school. The suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead inside a vehicle near the scene in an apparent suicide. Authorities said they would execute search warrants as part of efforts to determine the motive behind the attack, which is being investigated as a hate crime. While no specific threat had been identified against the mosque, investigators found evidence of “generalised hate rhetoric.” Among the victims was security guard Amin Abdullah, described as playing a key role in preventing greater loss of life. Mosque officials and community members praised his bravery, saying he died protecting others.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has said he held a “respectful and positive” meeting with a special envoy of US President Donald Trump, but made it clear that the island’s right to self-determination is non-negotiable. Nielsen said the Greenlandic people continue to firmly reject any idea of external control over the territory, which is a semiautonomous part of NATO member Denmark. He noted that while discussions with US officials were cordial, Greenland’s political status is not open for negotiation. “The Greenlandic people are not for sale. Greenlandic self-determination is not something that can be negotiated,” he was quoted as saying by Danish broadcaster TV 2 after meeting Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Trump’s special envoy to the Arctic territory. At the same time, Nielsen stressed that Greenland seeks constructive cooperation with the United States. He described the meeting as a courtesy call held in a positive atmosphere with mutual respect. According to Danish public broadcaster DR, Landry said on arrival in Greenland that Trump had instructed him to “go over there and make as many friends as we can get.” Greenland’s Foreign Minister Mute B. Egede said a joint working group involving the United States, Greenland, and Denmark is continuing discussions aimed at addressing repeated US interest in gaining control over the island. Trump has previously suggested that rival powers such as Russia or China could move to take strategic advantage of Greenland, a claim widely rejected by regional experts. Egede said Greenland has not created obstacles to cooperation with Washington. He added that progress depends on the outcome of the working group, which he said now appears “more promising” than before. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery, who is part of the visiting delegation, is expected to open new US consulate offices in Nuuk and attend a business fair along with Landry in the coming days, according to local media reports.

President Donald Trump’s hardline approach toward Iran is facing a major setback as diplomatic efforts and military pressure fail to shift Tehran’s long-standing positions, while tensions remain high over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump, who often presents himself as a strong dealmaker, has alternated between threats of military action and claims that a breakthrough with Iran is close. His aides have suggested the United States is gaining the upper hand and that a deal is within reach amid fragile ceasefire conditions and rising pressure on Tehran. However, Trump on Monday said he had paused plans for an imminent resumption of strikes after requests from Gulf Arab allies, who said serious negotiations were underway. He added that a potential agreement would benefit the United States and countries across the Middle East. Despite that pause, Trump warned he had instructed military officials to be ready for a “large scale assault” if talks fail, underscoring his repeated pattern of setting deadlines for Iran and then stepping back from immediate action. There is little sign that Iran is ready to meet US demands, which include ending its nuclear programme, scaling back ballistic missile development and cutting support for allied groups in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Iranian officials have largely maintained their positions despite economic pressure and internal challenges. The White House defended Trump’s strategy, saying he prioritises diplomacy but will only accept a deal that serves US interests. A spokesperson said the president “holds all the cards” and is keeping all options open to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. A key factor in the standoff is Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Even amid US pressure, Tehran’s leverage over the waterway has contributed to volatility in global energy markets and higher fuel prices, adding political pressure on Trump domestically. The economic impact has also affected Trump’s standing at home, with recent polling showing weaker approval on economic issues as rising energy costs concern voters ahead of upcoming elections. Analysts say Trump’s pressure strategy, which has worked in other countries, has not produced similar results with Iran. Tehran continues to resist concessions beyond what was discussed in earlier nuclear negotiations during the Obama administration, from which Trump withdrew in 2018, calling it a flawed agreement. Since a fragile ceasefire took effect last month, Trump has repeatedly criticised the pace of negotiations. Iran, meanwhile, has responded by insisting its military remains prepared while diplomacy continues. Experts say both sides appear locked in a stalemate, with neither believing it is close to defeat and both hoping time will strengthen their position. Some analysts note that ongoing pressure in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing costs for both Washington and Tehran while delaying a resolution. Former US officials and policy experts remain divided, with some describing the situation as a deadlock and others arguing that Trump still holds strategic leverage despite market instability and regional concerns.

Lee Jae Myung and Sanae Takaichi held their fourth meeting in about six months on Tuesday, as the two leaders moved to strengthen relations between their countries amid growing regional and global challenges. Lee hosted Takaichi in his hometown of Andong, a southeastern city known for its traditional folk village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In January, the two leaders met in Takaichi’s hometown of Nara, making it the first time sitting leaders of the two countries have visited each other’s hometowns. South Korea’s presidential office said the summit was expected to build greater trust between the two leaders. Before the talks, Takaichi said she hoped to expand cooperation under difficult geopolitical conditions, including tensions in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. The meeting focused on economic and energy cooperation, the Iran war and broader bilateral relations. Experts said the talks were likely to proceed smoothly because both sides are currently prioritizing practical cooperation over historical disputes. “Both countries are focusing more on areas of cooperation than on contentious issues,” said Choi Eunmi of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. South Korea and Japan are major allies of the United States, but their relationship has often been strained by unresolved issues stemming from Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Relations began improving in 2023 when the previous governments agreed to set aside some historical disagreements and work together on shared concerns, including US-China rivalry, supply chain risks and North Korea’s nuclear programme. When Lee and Takaichi took office last year, some analysts feared their differing political views could weaken ties. Instead, the two leaders have maintained close cooperation. In August last year, Lee became the first South Korean president to choose Japan as the destination for his first bilateral summit. At the end of their January meeting, Lee and Takaichi joined an informal drumming session featuring songs by BTS, including “Dynamite.” Analysts say the leaders are working more closely because they face mounting challenges, including President Donald Trump’s America First policies and economic disruption caused by the Iran war. Both South Korea and Japan have pledged major investments in the United States, but Trump’s tariff policies and transactional approach to security have raised concerns in both countries. Despite the recent improvement, experts warn that unresolved historical issues, including wartime forced labour and sexual slavery, could still trigger tensions if not properly addressed. Choi said the two governments are avoiding public debate on those issues, but there is no guarantee they will not resurface in the future.

Russia launched another large-scale overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting at least eight regions and injuring more than two dozen civilians, including children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday. According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces fired 524 attack drones and 22 ballistic and cruise missiles. The heaviest damage was reported in the central Dnipropetrovsk Oblast region, including the city of Dnipro. The attacks came as both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up long-range strikes, despite recent diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to push for a temporary ceasefire from May 9 to 11. The truce had little effect, and there are still no signs of a peace agreement. Last week, Russia launched several deadly attacks on Ukraine, including one in Kyiv that destroyed an apartment building and killed 24 people. Ukraine has also intensified its own drone strikes deep inside Russia. On Sunday, one of its largest attacks reportedly killed at least four people, including three near Moscow, and injured around a dozen others. Over the past four years of war, Ukraine has developed long-range drones capable of hitting Russian oil facilities and other strategic sites, putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin as his forces struggle to make major gains on the battlefield. Russia's Defense Ministry said on Sunday that more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were either shot down or jammed within 24 hours, including about 80 headed toward Moscow. Zelenskyy said Ukraine's expanding strike capability is changing both the battlefield and international views of the conflict. “Our long-range capabilities are significantly changing the situation,” he wrote on social media platform X late Sunday. “Many partners now see what is happening and how attitudes toward this war are changing.” Zelenskyy said the bombardment in Dnipropetrovsk lasted six hours and damaged energy infrastructure and residential buildings. Ukraine's emergency service said at least 26 people, including two children, were wounded in the region. Authorities also reported damage in the Odesa Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast regions. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems shot down 50 Ukrainian drones between late Sunday and early Monday. Putin is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this week as ties between Russia and China continue to strengthen amid Western efforts to isolate Moscow.