United News of Bangladesh

Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a hospital following a serious deterioration in her health, her foundation said Friday. According to the Narges Mohammadi Foundation, she experienced two instances of complete unconsciousness along with a severe cardiac episode while being held in a prison in Zanjan, northwestern Iran. Earlier the same day, Mohammadi reportedly fainted twice in custody. Her lawyers have previously indicated that she may have suffered a heart attack in late March, noting her weakened condition, pale appearance and need for assistance to walk during a prison visit. The foundation said her hospitalization came after more than four months of what it described as “systematic medical neglect” since her arrest on December 12. Prison doctors ultimately recommended her transfer, saying her condition could no longer be treated inside the facility. Her family, however, warned that the move might have come too late. Relatives had been calling for weeks for her transfer to a properly equipped medical center. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, said the family is struggling to ensure she receives adequate care, alleging that local authorities have obstructed efforts. Mohammadi, 53, has suffered ongoing heart-related complications. In March, fellow inmates reportedly found her unconscious, and she later complained of chest pain and breathing difficulties. Her legal representatives have also said she was previously denied access to hospital treatment and a cardiologist. Her lawyer Mostafa Nili said her blood pressure has fluctuated sharply in recent days, leading to repeated fainting. She was eventually admitted to a cardiac care unit after a neurologist ordered her urgent transfer. Mohammadi, a prominent rights activist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while in detention. She was arrested again in December during a visit to Mashhad and later sentenced to an additional seven years in prison. Her family says her health has worsened partly due to alleged physical abuse during her arrest. International observers, including the Nobel committee, have condemned what they describe as life-threatening mistreatment. Before her latest arrest, Mohammadi had already been serving a lengthy prison sentence on charges related to national security and anti-government activities, though she had been temporarily released on medical grounds. Despite repeated detentions, she has continued her activism, even while on furlough, participating in protests and speaking to international media. Her case gained global attention after she became one of the few Nobel laureates to receive the prize while imprisoned, amplifying her role in highlighting protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. Mohammadi has remained outspoken against Iran’s leadership, calling for political change and urging public resistance, even from behind bars.

Germany’s defence minister said the United States’ decision to withdraw about 5,000 troops from the country was “foreseeable,” as NATO seeks more details from Washington amid concerns over the alliance’s future. Speaking to DPA news agency, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the presence of US forces in Europe  especially in Germany  remains important for both sides. He added that Berlin still values close military cooperation with Washington. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance is in talks with the US to better understand the scope and impact of the decision. President Donald Trump indicated that more cuts could follow. Asked about the troop withdrawal, he said the US would reduce its forces “way down,” suggesting the number could be far higher than 5,000, though he gave no specifics. The move comes after tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently criticised the US over its handling of negotiations with Iran, saying Washington had been “humiliated.” The US currently has more than 36,000 troops stationed in Germany — its largest military presence in Europe compared to about 12,000 in Italy and 10,000 in the United Kingdom. Trump has also floated the idea of reducing troop levels in Italy and Spain. The decision follows earlier steps to scale back US forces in Romania, part of a broader strategy to shift military focus toward the Indo-Pacific region. The latest move has raised concerns within the 32-member NATO alliance that reduced US presence could weaken collective security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that internal divisions, rather than external threats, pose the greatest risk to the transatlantic alliance and urged members to act to reverse the trend. In Washington, senior Republican lawmakers also voiced concern. Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers said maintaining a strong US military presence in Europe is vital for deterrence. Pistorius said Europe must take on greater responsibility for its own security, noting that Germany has significantly increased defence spending in recent years. Under the current government, Germany’s defence budget is expected to rise to €105.8 billion by 2027, pushing total defence-related spending to about 3.1% of GDP, including support for Ukraine. Trump has long criticised NATO allies, including Germany, for not meeting defence spending targets, though Berlin has recently moved closer to those goals. NATO officials say the US decision highlights the need for European countries to further boost defence investment and share more of the security burden. The troop withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, according to the Pentagon. Tensions between Trump and allies have also grown over disagreements on military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year. With inputs from BBC

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced a comprehensive 10-year national strategy aimed at protecting family structures and reversing declining birth rates. Speaking at the "Family and Population Vision 2026-2035" program in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized that preserving the family structure and promoting marriage are at the forefront of the government's agenda for the coming decade. The roadmap also focuses on increasing fertility rates, ensuring youth development alongside elderly welfare, and fostering rural development to achieve a balanced population distribution. "The family is also transforming in the age of digital techno-culture and faces significant challenges," Erdogan noted. The president added that the government is striving to prepare the country and the nation for the future during this period, and the initiative aims to strengthen the social fabric and ensure long-term demographic stability. Erdogan also announced that the last week of May will be celebrated as "National Family Week" to bolster social awareness.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday, discussing freedom of navigation and issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a statement, the ministry said the two ministers continued a detailed exchange of views on the prospects for a full cessation of hostilities and efforts to stabilise the military and political situation in the Middle East. US warns shipping firms of sanctions over Iran toll payments in Hormuz Russia reaffirmed its support for ongoing mediation initiatives and expressed readiness to fully back political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching sustainable agreements to ensure long-term peace in the region. The ministers also discussed matters related to the passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, the statement added.

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war. “They want to make a deal, I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said Friday. He didn’t elaborate but expressed frustration with Iran’s leadership, calling it “very disjointed.” Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said Tehran handed over its plan to mediators in Pakistan on Thursday night. The shaky three-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears to be holding, though both countries have traded accusations of violations. Negotiations continued by phone after Trump called off his envoys’ trip to Pakistan last weekend, the president said. Trump this week floated a new plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.  

Maritime nations have agreed to keep working on a plan to introduce the world’s first global carbon fee on shipping emissions, but delayed a final decision and left room for alternative proposals. The agreement came after a week-long meeting at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in London, where countries were expected to move closer to adopting new global rules, known as the “Net-zero Framework,” to cut pollution from the shipping sector. Instead of finalising the plan, delegates decided on Friday to hold further discussions in the fall before a possible vote later in the year. The existing framework will remain the basis for negotiations. Several countries proposed changes and alternative ideas during the meeting and insisted those options should continue to be considered. Meeting chairman Harry Conway of Liberia assured delegates that both existing and new proposals would be reviewed in upcoming sessions. Some countries, including Australia, warned that reopening discussions could delay urgent action at a time when climate impacts are worsening and the shipping industry needs clear direction to invest in cleaner technologies. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said progress had resumed but urged countries to rebuild trust and continue dialogue. Climate advocates said the framework remains intact, with broad support from many nations, but cautioned against prolonged negotiations. If adopted, the rules would introduce a pricing system that charges ships for greenhouse gas emissions above set limits, effectively creating the first global carbon tax for the sector. However, countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia have strongly opposed such a fee. The framework was initially agreed upon last year, and its formal adoption had been expected in October. But the process was delayed after opposition led by the United States, backed by Saudi Arabia and others. Shipping currently accounts for about 3 percent of global emissions, largely due to the use of heavy fuel oil. As global trade has expanded, emissions from the sector have also increased. The proposed framework aims to gradually reduce emissions from marine fuels and create a fund from collected fees to support cleaner technologies, reward low-emission ships and help developing countries transition to greener practices. Experts say such measures are crucial as the industry moves toward the IMO’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by around 2050. With large ships typically lasting about 25 years, industry groups say investments in cleaner fuels and technologies must begin soon to meet long-term climate targets.

Workers and activists across the world marked May Day with rallies and protests on Friday, demanding higher wages, better working conditions and peace, as many face rising energy costs and declining purchasing power linked to the Iran war. International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1 in many countries, traditionally sees trade unions mobilising around labour rights, wages, pensions and inequality. This year, demonstrations were held in cities ranging from Seoul, Sydney and Jakarta to European capitals and across the United States. "Working people refuse to pay the price for Donald Trump's war in the Middle East," the European Trade Union Confederation said. "Today's rallies show working people will not stand by and see their jobs and living standards destroyed." Rising fuel prices and inflation emerged as key concerns during the protests. In Manila, thousands marched demanding higher wages and lower taxes while criticising the United States’ role in the Iran conflict. Some protesters clashed with police near the US Embassy. "Every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis," said Josua Mata, leader of the SENTRO labour group. In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto joined a major rally in Jakarta, where workers called for stronger government support amid rising prices and shortages of industrial raw materials. In Pakistan, although May Day is a public holiday, many daily wage earners continued working due to financial pressures. "How will I bring vegetables and other necessities home if I don't work?" said Mohammad Maskeen, a construction worker near Islamabad. Inflation, driven partly by rising oil prices, has reached around 16 percent in Pakistan, according to government estimates. Elsewhere, protests took place across Europe. In Istanbul, police detained around 15 people attempting to reach Taksim Square in defiance of a ban. In France, unions organised marches under the slogan “bread, peace and freedom,” linking domestic concerns with global conflicts. In Italy, the government recently approved nearly 1 billion euros in job incentives aimed at boosting employment and addressing labour abuses, though opposition parties criticised the measures as ineffective. In Portugal, labour tensions remain high over proposed changes to employment laws, with unions warning the reforms could weaken workers’ rights. In France, May Day also sparked debate over whether more businesses should be allowed to operate on the public holiday, which is traditionally a mandatory paid day off for most workers. "Don't touch May Day," unions said in a joint statement opposing proposed changes. Activists in the United States also organised protests and boycotts, targeting policies of President Donald Trump. Demonstrators called for taxing the wealthy and ending strict immigration measures, with organisers urging people to observe a “no work, no school, no shopping” protest. May Day traces its origins to the US labour movement of the 1880s, when workers campaigned for an eight-hour workday. A protest in Chicago in 1886 turned violent, leading to deaths and the execution of several labour activists, events that later inspired the global observance of International Workers’ Day.

Iran’s supreme leader defiantly vowed Thursday to protect the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and missile capabilities, which U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to curtail through airstrikes and as part of a wider deal to cement the war’s shaky ceasefire. In a statement read by a state television anchor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said the only place Americans belonged in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters” and that a “new chapter” was being written in the region’s history. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over as supreme leader following the killing of his father in the war’s opening airstrikes. His remarks come as Iran’s economy is reeling and its oil industry is being squeezed by a U.S. Navy blockade halting its tankers from getting out to sea. The world economy is also under pressure as Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of all crude oil is transported. On Thursday, the global benchmark for oil, Brent crude, traded as high as $126 a barrel. That shock to oil supplies and prices is putting pressure on Trump, who is floating a new plan to reopen the critical passageway used by the U.S.'s Gulf allies to export their oil and gas. Under the plan, the U.S. would continue its blockade on Iranian ports, while coordinating with allies to impose higher costs on Iran’s attempts to subvert the free flow of energy, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. In a cable sent Tuesday, the U.S. State Department instructed American diplomats around the world — except those in Belarus, China, Cuba and Russia — to seek their host government’s support for the Trump administration’s call for assistance in establishing a “maritime freedom construct” that would ensure free and unimpeded access to shipping through the strait.

Activists worldwide will march in May Day rallies Friday, calling for peace, higher wages and better working conditions as many workers grapple with rising energy costs and shrinking purchasing power tied to the Iran war. The day is a public holiday in many countries, and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent in the past, are expected in many of the world’s major cities. “Working people refuse to pay the price for Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East,” the European Trade Union Confederation, which represents 93 trade union organizations in 41 European countries, said. “Today’s rallies show working people will not stand by and see their jobs and living standards destroyed.” In the United States, activists opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are planning marches and boycotts. Here’s what to know about May Day. Rising energy prices and living costsRising living costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East is expected to be a key theme in Friday’s rallies. In the Philippines’ capital of Manila, protest organizers said they expect big crowds of workers. “There will be a louder call for higher wages and economic relief because of the unprecedented spikes in fuel prices,” Renato Reyes, a leader of the left-wing political group Bayan, told The Associated Press. “Every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis,” said Josua Mata, leader of SENTRO umbrella group of labor federations.

Activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by sea said Israeli forces intercepted their flotilla overnight while it was sailing near the Greek island of Crete, detaining crew members. The group said the boats were stopped hundreds of miles from Gaza in international waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla had set off earlier this month from Barcelona, with organisers saying more than 70 boats and about 1,000 people from different countries were involved. Additional vessels were expected to join as it moved across the Mediterranean. In a statement, the activists described the interception as a serious escalation, alleging civilians were detained far from the conflict zone. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said around 175 activists from more than 20 boats were being taken to Israel. According to tracking data shared by organisers, 22 boats had been stopped west of Crete, while several others were still heading east as of Thursday morning. Israel, along with Egypt, has maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. Israel says the restrictions are necessary to stop weapons from reaching Hamas, while critics argue they have worsened humanitarian conditions for Palestinians. Turkey condemned the action, calling it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. Turkish officials said the incident was discussed between the country’s foreign minister and his Spanish counterpart. Activists in Greece announced plans to stage a protest in Athens, claiming the interception took place within an area where Greece is responsible for search and rescue operations, and accusing authorities of failing to respond. Although a fragile ceasefire has reduced large-scale fighting in Gaza, violence has continued. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 790 people have been killed since the truce began, and over 72,000 Palestinians have died since the war started following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-led militants on Israel that killed around 1,200 people. Around 2 million people in Gaza are still facing severe shortages of food and medicine, with limited aid entering through a single Israeli-controlled crossing. Organisers said the flotilla aimed to draw global attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially as international focus shifts to other conflicts. A similar attempt last year also failed after Israeli forces intercepted or turned back participating vessels. Some activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were detained and later deported, with claims of mistreatment that Israel denied.