United News of Bangladesh

The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn staff from its embassy in Tehran as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran raise security concerns across the Middle East. In a statement, the UK Foreign Office said the embassy in Iran’s capital would continue its operations remotely, without providing details on how long the withdrawal would last. The move comes as several countries issue warnings to their citizens in the region. The US Embassy in Israel has advised some non-essential staff that they may leave the country, according to media reports. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was quoted as urging staff wishing to depart to do so immediately. The developments follow indirect talks held a day earlier between Washington and Tehran, widely viewed as a last-ditch effort to prevent a military confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme. Several other countries, including China, India and Canada, have also urged their nationals to leave Iran as soon as possible amid fears of potential hostilities. Donald Trump has warned of possible military action if Iran fails to reach a deal on its nuclear activities. He has ordered what officials describe as the largest US military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Iranian authorities, meanwhile, have vowed to respond forcefully to any attack. US Vice-President JD Vance told the Washington Post that military strikes remain an option, but said there was “no chance” of the United States entering a prolonged war. Mediator Oman said Thursday’s indirect negotiations in Geneva produced “significant progress” and that further talks would be held soon. While Washington has yet to comment officially, Tehran has also described the discussions as yielding positive results. The growing uncertainty has heightened concerns across the region, with diplomatic missions reviewing security arrangements and governments closely monitoring developments related to the standoff between the United States and Iran.   With inputs from BBC

Intensified pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump is pushing Cuba into its deepest crisis in decades, raising questions about whether the Cuban Revolution is facing its most serious threat since it took power in 1959. Inside Havana’s Museum of the Revolution, images documenting poverty and inequality under the pre-revolution dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista are meant to underline how revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro transformed the country. But for many Cubans today, daily life increasingly resembles those stark scenes from the past. In a Havana suburb, housewife Lisandra Botey says her family now cooks with firewood due to prolonged electricity cuts and the absence of cooking gas. Her husband, construction worker Brenei Hernández, says work is scarce and food shortages are constant, with the family often surviving on little more than rice. Cuba’s economy, already battered since the Covid-19 pandemic, has plunged further following the loss of oil supplies from Venezuela after Washington removed President Nicolás Maduro from power in January. The Trump administration has since tightened the decades-old US embargo, threatening tariffs on any country supplying oil to Cuba. Although Cuba’s traditional partners, including Mexico, Russia and China, have expressed concern, none have yet filled the gap left by Venezuela’s oil exports. The US Treasury has said it may allow limited oil sales for humanitarian and commercial purposes, but shortages remain severe. The fuel crisis has triggered long daily blackouts, disrupted hospital services, closed schools and halted waste collection across the island. Petrol is rationed, paid for in US dollars, and accessed through a government app that can leave drivers waiting weeks. Black-market fuel prices have surged. Despite the hardship, some Cubans direct their anger not at Washington but at their own government. Hernández openly voiced support for outside intervention, reflecting a growing frustration that has weakened fear of speaking out. Cuban economist Ricardo Torres says the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy is aimed at regime change, exploiting internal crisis to weaken the socialist system from within. He warns, however, that the outcome is uncertain and risks severe humanitarian consequences. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has condemned US policy as inhumane and illegal, accusing Washington of deliberately denying a smaller nation the means to function. The current approach marks a sharp contrast with the diplomatic thaw initiated in 2014 by former US President Barack Obama, when relations were briefly restored and optimism spread among ordinary Cubans. That opening has since been dismantled. Former US ambassador to Cuba Jeffrey DeLaurentis says the revolution’s survival may depend on whether other countries step in with tangible support. While Russia and China have held talks with Havana, no major fuel deliveries have yet arrived. US policy on Cuba is now being led largely by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American long associated with a hard line against Havana. Analysts say real negotiating power on the Cuban side still rests with Raúl Castro, despite his advanced age. As shortages worsen and public frustration grows, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, prompting emergency aid shipments from Mexico. With fuel scarce, tourism down and daily life increasingly constrained, uncertainty hangs over whether Cuba’s crisis will lead to reform, negotiation, or a deeper unravelling of the revolution itself.   With inputs from BBC

Iran and the United States held hours of indirect negotiations Thursday over Tehran's nuclear program but walked away without a deal, leaving the danger of another Mideast war on the table as the U.S. has gathered a massive fleet of aircraft and warships in the region. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who mediated the talks in Geneva, said there had been “significant progress in the negotiation” without elaborating. But just before the talks ended, Iranian state television reported that Tehran was determined to continue enriching uranium, rejected proposals to transfer it abroad and sought the lifting of international sanctions, indicating it was not prepared to meet U.S. President Donald Trump's demands. Trump wants a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear program, and he sees an opportunity while the country is struggling at home with growing dissent following nationwide protests. Iran also hopes to avert war, but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, like its long-range missile program or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Al-Busaidi said technical talks involving lower-level representatives would continue next week in Vienna, the home of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The United Nations' atomic watchdog likely would be critical in any deal. In an interview with Iranian state television, Iran’s foreign minister said the talks with the U.S. were some of the country’s “most intense and longest rounds of negotiations.” Abbas Araghchi offered no specifics but said “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ‘A very terrible scenario’ The stakes could hardly be higher. If America attacks, Iran has said U.S. military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets, putting at risk tens of thousands of American service members. Iran has also threatened to attack Israel, meaning a regional war again could erupt across the Middle East. “There would be no victory for anybody — it would be a devastating war,” Araghchi told India Today in an interview recorded Wednesday just before he flew to Geneva. “Since the Americans' bases are scattered through different places in the region, then unfortunately perhaps the whole region would be engaged and be involved, so it is a very terrible scenario.” Ali Vaez, an Iran expert with the International Crisis Group, said it was a good sign that the Americans did not walk away immediately Thursday when Iran presented its latest proposal. “There might still not be a breakthrough at the end of this day, but the very fact that the U.S. team is returning shows that there is enough common ground between the two sides," he said. Geneva talks are the third meeting since June war The two sides held multiple rounds of talks last year that collapsed when Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June and the U.S. carried out heavy strikes on its nuclear sites, leaving much of Iran's nuclear program in ruins even as the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Araghchi represented Iran at the talks. Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer and friend of Trump who serves as a special Mideast envoy, headed up the U.S. delegation with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The talks again were mediated by Oman, an Arab Gulf country that's long served as an interlocutor between Iran and the West. The two sides adjourned after around three hours of talks and resumed the discussions later. During the break, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the Iranians felt there were “constructive proposals” offered on both nuclear issues and sanctions relief. Trump wants Iran to completely halt its enrichment of uranium and roll back both its long-range missile program and its support for regional armed groups. Iran says it will only discuss nuclear issues, and maintains its atomic program is for entirely peaceful purposes. US suspects Iran is rebuilding its program U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Wednesday that Iran is “always trying to rebuild elements” of its nuclear program. He said that Tehran is not enriching uranium right now, “but they’re trying to get to the point where they ultimately can.” Iran has said it hasn't enriched since June, but it has blocked IAEA inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press have shown activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran is trying to assess and potentially recover material there. The West and the IAEA say Iran had a nuclear weapons program until 2003. After Trump scrapped the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran ramped up its enrichment of uranium to 60% purity — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Iran has yet to restart a weapons program, but has “undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so.” Some Iranian officials have spoken openly about the country's readiness to produce a bomb if that decision is taken. Threat of military action sparks war fears If the talks fail, uncertainty hangs over the timing of any possible U.S. attack. If the aim of potential military action is to pressure Iran to make concessions in nuclear negotiations, it’s not clear whether limited strikes would work. If the goal is to remove Iran’s leaders, that will likely commit the U.S. to a larger, longer military campaign. There has been no public sign of planning for what would come next, including the potential for chaos in Iran. There is also uncertainty about what any military action could mean for the wider region. Tehran could retaliate against the American-allied nations of the Persian Gulf or Israel. Oil prices have risen in recent days in part due to those concerns, with benchmark Brent crude now around $70 a barrel. Iran in the last round of talks said it briefly halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all traded oil passes.

Pakistan’s defense minister said that his country ran out of “patience” and considers that there is now an “open war” with Afghanistan, after both countries launched strikes following an Afghan cross-border attack. In a post on X Friday, Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said Pakistan had hoped for peace in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO forces and expected the Taliban to focus on the welfare of the Afghan people and regional stability. Instead, he alleged, the Taliban had turned Afghanistan “into a colony of India,” gathered militants from around the world and begun “exporting terrorism.” “Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us,” he said. There has been no reaction from Afghan government officials to Asif’s comments. Pakistan has frequently accused neighboring India of backing the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army and the Pakistani Taliban, allegations New Delhi denies. The latest escalation of violence between the neighboring countries makes a Qatar-mediated ceasefire appear increasingly shaky. The Pakistani defense minister didn’t mention the ceasefire. Asif also accused the Taliban government of denying Afghans basic human rights, including rights for women that he said are guaranteed under Islam, without providing details or evidence. He said Pakistan had tried to maintain stability both directly and through friendly countries. “Today, when attempts were made to target Pakistan with aggression, by the grace of God, our armed forces are giving a decisive response,” he said. Afghanistan on Thursday launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas Sunday. Early Friday, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces. At least three explosions were heard in Kabul, but there was no immediate information on the exact location of the strikes in the Afghan capital, or of any potential casualties. Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan also carried out airstrikes in Kandahar to the south and in the southeastern province of Paktia. In his post, Asif also said Pakistan had played a positive role over the past five decades, hosting about 5 million Afghan refugees. He added that millions of Afghans are still earning their livelihoods in the country. Pakistan launched a sweeping crackdown in Oct. 2023 to expel migrants without documents, urging those in the country to leave of their own accord to avoid arrest and forcible deportation and forcibly expelling others. Iran also began a crackdown on migrants at around the same time. Since then, millions have streamed across the border into Afghanistan, including people who were born in Pakistan decades ago and had built lives and created businesses there. Last year alone, 2.9 million people returned to Afghanistan, the U.N. refugee agency has said, with nearly 80,000 having returned so far this year.

World Economic Forum head Børge Brende said Thursday that he is stepping down after facing pressure over his contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, said in a statement that he had decided “after careful consideration” to step down as president and chief executive of the forum, known for its annual January summit in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos. “I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,” Brende said in a statement released by the WEF. Brende was Norway’s foreign minister from 2013-2017 and is one of several prominent Norwegians who have faced scrutiny following the latest release of Epstein files. He didn't refer directly to that controversy in Thursday's statement, but the WEF announced earlier this month that it was opening an internal review into Brende to determine his relationship with Epstein after files indicated the two had dined together several times and exchanged messages. Brende told Norwegian broadcaster NRK at the time that he was cooperating with the investigation, that he only met Epstein in business settings and that he had been unaware of Epstein’s criminal background. WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a statement that “the independent review conducted by outside counsel has concluded. The findings stated that there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.” They said that Alois Zwinggi will serve as the forum's interim president and CEO.

US and Iranian officials have met for a third round of indirect talks in Geneva, seen as vital to prevent a conflict amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The talks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, lasted three hours on Thursday. Albusaidi said both sides exchanged “creative and positive ideas” and would return after a break to continue discussions. The chances of a deal, however, remain uncertain. The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US team includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, which Washington has long accused of seeking weapons capability, though Iran insists it is for peaceful purposes. The meeting comes as the US has deployed thousands of troops and warships to the region, the largest military build-up since 2003. President Donald Trump has threatened strikes if a nuclear deal is not reached, though he has not fully explained his demands. Iran has rejected stopping uranium enrichment but indicated willingness to discuss some concessions. In his recent State of the Union address, Trump cited Iran’s missile programme and past nuclear activities but gave few details on potential military action. Iran, meanwhile, has said it will never develop a nuclear weapon and described Trump’s statements as “big lies.” Observers say the talks may include proposals for regional uranium enrichment management, handling Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and verification mechanisms. In return, Iran seeks relief from economic sanctions. However, limits on missile development and regional proxy groups remain a major sticking point. US media reports suggest Trump is considering limited strikes on Iranian nuclear sites if negotiations fail, though military leaders have warned such action could lead to prolonged conflict. Iran has vowed to respond to any attack, raising concerns of a wider regional confrontation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a deal that also addresses Iran’s missile programme and support for proxies, warning that failing to do so could threaten Israel’s security. The outcome of the Geneva talks is closely watched, as both sides seek to avoid military escalation while negotiating a nuclear agreement.   With inputs from BBC

China and Germany on Wednesday pledged to strengthen ties despite major differences, including over Russia’s war in Ukraine, as both sides seek stability in a turbulent global environment. The commitment came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met separately in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The leaders of the world’s second- and third-largest economies stressed the need for deeper communication and trust at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and shifting global dynamics. Xi said that the more complex and uncertain the world becomes, the more China and Germany should enhance strategic communication and mutual trust. He also noted that the world is facing the most profound changes since World War II. Merz responded that while challenges and disagreements exist, both countries should focus on shared interests and tackle global challenges together. On his first China visit since taking office in May, Merz highlighted Beijing’s key role in addressing global issues, including the Ukraine conflict. After the meetings, he said he had urged Chinese leaders to use their influence to help end the war, noting that signals from Beijing are taken seriously in Moscow. China reiterated support for a political settlement, saying any solution must address the legitimate concerns of all sides and involve equal participation. The visit comes as many world leaders head to Beijing while China seeks broader support against US tariff policies introduced by President Donald Trump and challenges to the post-World War II global order. Merz stressed that Europe wants a balanced, reliable and fair partnership with China. However, trade imbalances remain a concern. Germany’s imports from China rose 8.8% to 170.6 billion euros last year, while exports to China fell 9.7% to 81.3 billion euros. European leaders also want more Chinese investment in local manufacturing and reduced industrial overcapacity in sectors like electric vehicles and solar panels. Merz said he was satisfied with the talks and pointed to potential business cooperation, including a possible Chinese order for up to 120 Airbus planes. He also plans to visit Hangzhou’s tech hub, including robotics firm Unitree, before heading to Washington for further talks.  

A Hong Kong court on Thursday sentenced the father of a U.S.-based pro-democracy activist to eight months in jail for trying to withdraw money from his daughter’s insurance policy, marking the first time a family member of a wanted activist has been punished under the city’s national security law. Kwok Yin-sang, 69, was earlier found guilty of attempting to handle financial assets belonging to an “absconder” under the 2024 security law, known locally as Article 23. His daughter, Anna Kwok, executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council, condemned the ruling, calling it a case of “transnational repression.” Police have offered a bounty of HK$1 million (about $127,900) for information leading to Anna Kwok’s arrest and barred anyone from managing her funds. She is among 34 activists targeted by such bounties following the 2019 anti-government protests. Authorities allege she lobbied foreign politicians and officials for sanctions and other hostile measures against China and Hong Kong. Reacting to the verdict, Anna Kwok said her father was convicted “simply for being my father,” describing the charge as based on an “incoherent fiction.” The Hong Kong Democracy Council also said the case marked a major escalation in what it called a campaign of transnational repression. The court heard that the elder Kwok had purchased an insurance policy for his daughter when she was a child, which came under her control at 18. In 2025, he tried to cancel the policy and withdraw about $11,000. He was arrested the same year on suspicion of dealing with funds linked to an “absconder.” Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi delivered the sentence. Kwok’s lawyer had sought a 14-day jail term, arguing there was no proof he intended to send the money to his daughter. The offence carries a maximum seven-year sentence, but the case was heard in a magistrates’ court, where penalties usually do not exceed two years. Police have also placed bounties on other overseas activists, including former lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui. The U.S. and U.K. governments have criticised the bounties. In 2025, Washington sanctioned six Chinese and Hong Kong officials over alleged “transnational repression.” Beijing later announced sanctions against certain U.S. officials and NGO leaders over Hong Kong-related issues. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities maintain that the 2020 Beijing-imposed national security law and the 2024 legislation are essential to ensure stability in the city.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at pushing for fair trade conditions for German firms and seeking China’s support to help end the war in Ukraine. Speaking before leaving Berlin, Merz said Europe wants a partnership with China that is “balanced, reliable and fair.” He noted that his trip follows recent visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and comes ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump in April. This is Merz’s first visit to China since taking office last May. He has been advocating a stronger and more self-reliant Europe amid rising global tensions, including U.S. tariffs and calls for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. Merz said major global crises, including the war involving Russia, cannot be resolved without Beijing’s involvement, noting that China’s voice carries weight in Moscow. Many European governments, however, are frustrated that China has not done more to pressure Russia to end the conflict. Beijing says its stance on the war is neutral and hopes all sides will reach a lasting peace agreement. Economically, Merz is expected to raise concerns about trade imbalances and market access. A surge in Chinese exports has put pressure on factory jobs in Europe. Germany’s imports from China rose sharply last year, while its exports to China declined. European leaders are urging Chinese firms to invest and build factories in Europe. They also want Beijing to reduce excess manufacturing capacity in sectors like electric vehicles and solar panels, which has pushed global prices down, and to ease restrictions faced by foreign companies in the world’s second-largest economy. In a commentary, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said both countries, as major economies, share responsibility to keep global supply chains stable and oppose protectionism.  

Australia has formally expressed support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the British royal line of succession, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writing to his UK counterpart to back such a move. In a letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Albanese said his government would agree to any proposal aimed at stripping Andrew of his position in the order of succession, following recent developments surrounding the former prince. Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne despite having lost his royal titles, including that of prince, in October amid mounting pressure over his past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The UK government is now considering legislation to remove him entirely from the line of succession after he was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He was released under investigation about 11 hours after his arrest by Thames Valley Police. Any change to the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament in the UK, as well as the consent of all 14 Commonwealth realms where King Charles III is head of state, including Australia, Canada, Jamaica and New Zealand. In his letter, Albanese said Australians viewed the allegations seriously and supported a full and proper investigation. He added that the law must be allowed to take its course, echoing remarks made earlier by King Charles following his brother’s arrest. A spokesperson for Starmer confirmed receipt of the letter, saying the government was considering whether further steps were necessary regarding Andrew’s status. However, the spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment further while the police investigation remains ongoing. Darren Jones, the prime minister’s chief secretary, told lawmakers that the government was not ruling out action concerning the line of succession. Any legislation passed by Parliament would only take effect after receiving royal assent from the King. The last time an individual was removed from the line of succession through parliamentary action was in 1936, when Edward VIII and his descendants were excluded following his abdication. Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment publicly on the possibility of legislation. Meanwhile, political views remain divided, with some senior figures urging caution until the investigation is concluded, while others argue that removing Andrew from the succession would be appropriate regardless of its outcome.   With inputs from BBC