United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump said he expects China to assist in ensuring security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz ahead of his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump said the visit, scheduled for the end of March, could be delayed, though he did not provide further details. He said he expects Beijing to play a role in helping unblock the Strait of Hormuz before the meeting, noting that China receives a large share of its oil shipments through the key maritime route. Trump claimed that China gets “90 percent of its oil” via the Strait, underscoring Beijing’s strong interest in keeping the waterway open. However, analysts note that China purchases roughly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, but that supply accounts for only about 12 percent of China’s total oil imports. According to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, around 40 percent of China’s oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping lanes.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump said his administration is discussing with several countries the possibility of helping “police” the strategic Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Florida, Trump said the United States had approached about seven countries about forming a coalition to escort ships through the key maritime route. Trump said he had also raised the issue with China, noting that Beijing is heavily dependent on oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway. “I asked China, would you like to come in?” he said, adding that Washington would see what decision Beijing ultimately makes. The US president did not name the other countries involved in the discussions but mentioned NATO and said some nations should help protect areas critical to their energy supply. He said he told counterparts that the United States would “remember” if countries declined to assist in safeguarding the route. Trump also noted that several countries possess minesweepers and certain types of boats that could support efforts to secure shipping through the Strait, a vital global oil transit corridor.   With inputs from BBC

Hezbollah said on Sunday that it fired a barrage of rockets at an Israeli military industrial complex located north of the Kiryat area. In a statement, the group said the rockets were launched at around 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), targeting a facility belonging to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Hezbollah said the attack was carried out “in defense of Lebanon and its people.” There was no immediate response from the Israeli side regarding the claim. Iran threatens UAE ports as war enters third week Earlier on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces said it had carried out a series of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon.

Gulf countries reported new attacks early Sunday, a day after Iran warned that three major ports in the United Arab Emirates should be evacuated, marking the first time Tehran has threatened a neighboring country’s non-U.S. assets. Iran accused the United States of using facilities in the UAE — including ports and docks — to launch strikes on Kharg Island, which hosts the country’s main oil export terminal. Tehran did not provide evidence for the claim as the conflict showed no signs of easing. U.S. President Donald Trump said he hopes allied nations will deploy warships to help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have worsened the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where more than 800 people have been killed and over 850,000 displaced. Oil loading continues at Kharg IslandAn oil tanker was observed loading crude at Kharg Island on Sunday, two days after U.S. strikes targeted military facilities there. Vessel-tracking platform TankerTrackers reported that seven additional tankers were anchored nearby. Satellite imagery suggested five had already loaded fuel oil while two were waiting to do so, though ownership of the vessels was unclear. Bahrain intercepts missiles and dronesBahrain said its air defenses have intercepted 125 missiles and 211 drones since the war began. The island nation, which hosts the United States Fifth Fleet, has been heavily affected by Iranian strikes that damaged ports, a hotel, a refinery and a desalination plant. At least one person has been reported killed. UN warns of displacement inside IranThe International Organization for Migration said worsening conditions in Iranian cities are driving complex displacement patterns as homes and basic service facilities are destroyed. The agency said people have moved to more than 20 provinces across Iran, while thousands have fled abroad — nearly 32,000 to Afghanistan and about 4,000 to Pakistan — despite airport closures and restricted border crossings. Civilian casualties reported in IranIran’s Health Ministry said U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have killed 425 women and children since the war began on Feb. 28, according to the judiciary news agency Mizan News Agency. Separately, the Iranian Red Crescent Society has estimated the overall death toll at more than 1,300. Strike reported in ShirazIranian state media said a U.S.–Israeli airstrike early Sunday targeted a low-income residential area in Shiraz, destroying several housing units belonging to workers and families supported by the state welfare system. Several people were reportedly injured, though no deaths were confirmed. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. or Israel. Switzerland blocks U.S. reconnaissance flightsNeutral Switzerland said it refused permission for two U.S. reconnaissance aircraft to overfly its territory due to neutrality laws restricting military flights connected to conflicts. However, it allowed two U.S. transport planes to pass through its airspace for non-combat purposes. Iranian Guard threatens Israeli leaderIran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to pursue and kill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he remains alive, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. More missiles launched toward IsraelThe Israeli military said Iran launched another wave of missiles toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens in several areas. UAE rejects Iranian accusationPresidential adviser Anwar Gargash criticized Iran’s claim that attacks on Kharg Island were launched from the UAE, calling the allegation misguided and lacking sound judgment. Fresh attacks reported in Gulf statesAir raid sirens sounded in Bahrain ahead of an attack early Sunday. The UAE also reported a missile strike and urged residents to take shelter. Saudi Arabia said its defenses intercepted and destroyed 10 drones over Riyadh and the country’s eastern region. Iran blames enemy for regional attacksIran’s joint military command accused “the enemy” — a term it commonly uses for the U.S. and Israel — of using imitation Iranian drones to attack neighboring states such as Turkey, Iraq and Kuwait to frame Tehran. No evidence was provided. Missile attack reported in UAEAuthorities in the UAE confirmed a missile attack early Sunday and advised residents to remain in secure locations. U.S. identifies victims of aircraft crashThe U.S. Defense Department said six service members died when a refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations related to the Iran conflict. The victims included Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons. Sirens heard in Tel AvivAir raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv early Sunday after Iran launched another round of missiles toward Israel, with loud explosions heard across the city.  

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely alive “in some form,” despite reports he was severely injured in recent US-Israeli strikes. Speaking on the ‘Brian Kilmeade Show’ on Fox News Radio, Trump said Khamenei, 56, “is probably damaged, but… probably alive in some form.” The remarks came after media reports claimed the cleric lost a leg and suffered serious stomach or liver injuries during an attack on a Tehran compound on February 28 that killed his father, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several family members. The US president’s comments followed Khamenei’s first public statement since taking office, in which he vowed Iran would continue its war against the United States and Israel.  Khamenei also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, urged attacks on Gulf Arab countries, and called on people in the region to oppose US military bases, calling American protection “nothing more than a lie.” Amid the ongoing uncertainty about his health, Iranian Ambassador Alireza Salarian had earlier confirmed Khamenei sustained injuries to his legs, hands, and arm and was receiving treatment in hospital. The Supreme Leader has not been seen publicly since the start of the war, and his recent statement was issued without appearing on TV or in a video. Source: NDTV    

At least four people were killed and 15 others injured after Russia launched a large overnight missile and drone attack on the Kyiv region early Saturday, local officials said. Mykola Kalashnyk, head of Kyiv’s regional administration, said the strikes hit four districts, damaging homes, schools, businesses and key infrastructure. Three of the injured were in critical condition and two of them were undergoing surgery, he said in a social media post. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the main target of the attack was energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region. According to him, Russia launched about 430 drones and 68 missiles during the overnight assault. The attack came shortly after the United States postponed planned peace talks between Russia and Ukraine this week, citing the ongoing war in the Middle East. Despite strong criticism of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Russia has not taken direct action to support its ally. Analysts say Moscow’s limited response shows the limits of its influence, although the Kremlin could still gain from the situation. Rising global energy prices are boosting Russia’s revenues, while the Middle East conflict may also shift international attention away from Ukraine. Zelenskyy warned that Russia could use the global crisis to intensify attacks on Ukraine and urged Western partners to focus fully on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. “Russia will try to take advantage of the war in the Middle East to cause even more destruction here in Europe, in Ukraine,” he said on social media. He called for increased production of air defense missiles in Europe, especially those capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, to better protect civilians. Ukraine is also waiting for approval from the White House for a proposed joint drone production agreement with the United States, which Kyiv believes would help strengthen its defenses. Earlier this week, Zelenskyy also criticized Washington’s decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil exports for 30 days, saying the move could provide Moscow with about $10 billion and prolong the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck targets in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight. Local officials said an oil refinery and the Port Kavkaz facility were hit, injuring three people and damaging a service vessel and port infrastructure.  Authorities also said falling drone debris caused a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery, though no casualties were reported there. Both Russia and Ukraine have recently claimed progress along the front lines, with Kyiv saying its forces pushed back Russian troops in some areas, while Moscow insists its offensive continues to advance.  

The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million (around Rs 92.47 crore) for information on Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and several senior officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the US State Department said Friday. The offer was made public through the department’s Rewards for Justice programme, managed by the Diplomatic Security Service. According to the programme, the targeted individuals “command and direct various elements of Iran’s IRGC, which plans, organises, and executes terrorism worldwide.” Those with relevant information can submit tips via the Tor-based tipline or Signal and may be eligible for relocation and monetary reward. Other officials named include Ali Asghar Hejazi, deputy chief of staff of the Supreme Leader’s office, and Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani. Some entries were shown as silhouettes due to unavailable photographs. The announcement comes as the US and Israel continue airstrikes against Iran, now in the third week. US President Donald Trump said Friday that American forces would strike Iranian targets “very hard” in the coming days, signaling an escalation of the campaign. The offensive, launched on February 28, killed former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and sparked a widening regional conflict, disrupting global energy markets and prompting missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said over 15,000 targets have been hit since the air campaign began, with Friday expected to see the highest number of strikes so far. Hegseth claimed Iran’s missile launchers and drones were being neutralized, reducing their offensive capability, and reported that Mojtaba Khamenei had been wounded in the February 28 attack. The ongoing conflict has caused instability in energy markets, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about a fifth of the world’s traded oil. Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel earlier this week, while stock markets reacted to fears of prolonged disruption. Iranian authorities have warned that attacks on the country could escalate tensions further and pledged to maintain pressure on shipping through the strategic waterway. Source: NDTV

A building in Dubai’s financial district was struck by debris from an intercepted attack on Friday, marking the second such incident in less than 24 hours as the US-Israel-Iran conflict enters its 15th day. No fires broke out, and no casualties were reported. The Dubai Media Office said via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the debris hit the facade of a building in central Dubai and the situation has been fully contained. An AFP correspondent at the scene in the Dubai International Financial Centre reported hearing loud blasts, seeing damaged structures, and witnessing a large cloud of black smoke over the district. Residents described the explosions as shaking the ground and fearing catastrophic damage. Meanwhile, in Baghdad, a drone reportedly struck the US Embassy, with smoke seen rising from the compound, according to Iraqi security officials. A second security source confirmed that the diplomatic mission had been targeted. The attack followed two strikes on the Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, which killed two members, including a key figure, and wounded others. A security source said a missile hit a house used by the group at 2:15 am local time (2315 GMT Friday), killing a prominent member and injuring two others. According to the Associated Press, a missile also struck a helipad within the US Embassy compound in Baghdad. Source: NDTV

The United States Department of State has reduced the fee required for Americans to officially give up their United States citizenship by about 80%, lowering it from $2,350 to $450. After several years of legal disputes with advocacy groups representing Americans seeking to renounce their nationality, the department issued a final rule on Friday in the Federal Register confirming the change. The new fee took effect the same day. Although the reduction had been announced in 2023, it had not previously been implemented. The updated charge returns to the same amount that the State Department originally set when it began requiring a payment for citizenship renunciation in 2010. Giving up U.S. citizenship is a detailed and time-consuming process. Applicants must repeatedly confirm, both in writing and verbally, to a State Department consular officer that they understand the consequences before taking the formal oath of renunciation. Afterward, the request must still be reviewed by the department. In 2015, the government increased the fee from $450 to $2,350 to offset administrative costs as more Americans began seeking to renounce their citizenship. The rise was partly driven by stricter U.S. tax-reporting rules affecting Americans living abroad. The sharp increase faced criticism from organizations such as the Association of Accidental Americans, a France-based group representing people who mainly live outside the United States but hold U.S. citizenship simply because they were born there. The organization launched several legal challenges arguing the fee was unconstitutional, including one ongoing case claiming there should be no charge at all to give up citizenship. The group’s president, Fabien Lehagre, welcomed the decision, stating that it helps ensure the right to renounce citizenship is accessible to everyone. He said the outcome followed six years of persistent legal efforts and advocacy. According to court filings by the association, at least 8,755 Americans paid the full $2,350 fee to renounce their citizenship after the 2023 announcement that the price would be lowered. The State Department has not released the overall number of Americans who have given up their citizenship.

US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out airstrikes on military targets on Kharg Island, a strategic location in Iran’s oil export network. At the same time, a US official revealed that about 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being deployed to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran approaches its second week. Trump said the strikes “destroyed” several targets on Kharg Island, which hosts Iran’s main oil export terminal. He warned that the island’s oil facilities might also be targeted if tensions continue. A day earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that any attack on such sites would trigger a stronger Iranian response. Earlier on Friday, a powerful explosion shook Ferdowsi Square in Tehran, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Quds Day rally supporting Palestinians and condemning Israel. Israel had previously warned it might strike the area. Despite the blast, no casualties were reported. The rally, attended by some Iranian officials, and Israel’s warning to target it highlighted the determination on both sides as the war continues to impact the global economy. Iran has been launching missile and drone attacks against Israel and Gulf countries while also blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli aircraft have continued striking military and other facilities throughout Iran. The conflict has also worsened the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes against Iran-supported Hezbollah militants have killed nearly 800 people and forced around 850,000 to flee their homes. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the war would end “when I feel it in my bones.” He also expressed doubt that civilians in Iran could easily overthrow the government, noting the power of the Basij, which has previously helped suppress nationwide protests. Additional U.S. Military Deployment According to a U.S. official speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, parts of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) have been ordered to the Middle East. Marine Expeditionary Units can conduct amphibious assaults but are also trained to protect embassies, evacuate civilians, and provide disaster relief. Officials said the deployment does not necessarily mean a ground invasion is planned. The unit and the Tripoli are normally stationed in Japan and had been operating in the Pacific Ocean. Satellite imagery recently showed the ship traveling alone near Taiwan, meaning it could take more than a week to reach waters near Iran. Earlier in the week, the U.S. Navy already had 12 ships in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and eight destroyers. If the Tripoli joins them, it would become the second-largest U.S. vessel in the area. The exact number of U.S. troops in the Middle East is unclear, though Al Udeid Air Base alone usually hosts about 8,000 American personnel. U.S. Strikes and Iranian Warning Trump stated on social media that the U.S. strikes on Kharg Island targeted only military facilities and avoided oil infrastructure for now. However, he warned that if Iran or others interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he may reconsider and attack Iran’s oil facilities. Qalibaf had earlier warned that attacks on Iran’s southern islands would push the country to “abandon all restraint,” emphasizing their importance to Iran’s economy and security. Explosion During Tehran Rally The explosion at Ferdowsi Square occurred while thousands of demonstrators marked Quds Day, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Israel had posted a warning in Persian on X shortly before the blast, advising people to leave the area. However, many Iranians likely did not see the message because the government had largely shut down internet access. Videos showed people chanting “God is greatest” as smoke rose over the area. At the time of the explosion, Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei was being interviewed on state television. His security guards surrounded him as he raised his fist and declared that Iran would never retreat despite missile attacks. Scale of Military Operations Israel said its air force had launched another round of strikes in Iran, hitting more than 200 targets within 24 hours, including missile launchers, air defenses, and weapons factories. In Washington, D.C., U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck since the war began—an average of more than 1,000 per day. He also attempted to reassure reporters that the disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz was being managed. U.S. Aircraft Crash The U.S. military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft were killed when it crashed in Iraq, raising the U.S. death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members. Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio, said three of the victims served in the Ohio Air National Guard. U.S. Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and involved two aircraft, one of which landed safely. The KC-135 crash marked the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft loss during U.S. operations against Iran. The previous week, three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly fire from Kuwait. Regional Attacks Continue Iran has continued launching attacks on oil facilities and other infrastructure across Gulf countries. In Oman, two people were killed when drones crashed in the Sohar region. A U.S. official also said the Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG‑79) intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey. It was the third such interception above the NATO member state in the past two weeks. Fighting in Lebanon The conflict has intensified between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. An Israeli strike hit a medical center in Burj Qalaouiyah, killing 12 medical workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Another strike in the coastal city of Sidon earlier killed at least eight people. Overall, the ministry said 773 people—including more than 100 children and 18 paramedics—have died since the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began about 10 days ago.