United News of Bangladesh

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.

A Russian oil facility was reported on fire in the Perm region on Wednesday following what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as another long-range drone strike by Kyiv deep inside Russia. Russian media said the blaze broke out at an industrial site in the Ural Mountains region, more than 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine. Some unconfirmed reports suggested it was a pumping station and storage complex. Perm regional governor Dmitry Makhonin said only that a drone hit an unspecified industrial facility, triggering a fire. Russian authorities have not provided detailed information about Ukraine’s claims of expanding long-range drone operations or the growing precision of domestically produced drones. The war has increasingly been shaped by drone warfare as Russia continues its large-scale invasion that has entered its fourth year. Ukraine has been focusing on expanding its drone capabilities for both strikes and defense. Zelenskyy on Wednesday shared a video on Telegram showing thick black smoke rising near a populated area, though he did not confirm the location or target. He said Ukraine was extending the range of its long-distance strikes, calling it a new phase aimed at weakening Russia’s war capability by targeting its oil revenues. He said the distance of the reported strike exceeded 1,500 kilometers and added that Ukraine would continue increasing the reach of its attacks. He also thanked Ukraine’s Security Service for what he called the precision of its operations. The reported strike came a day after Ukraine hit the Tuapse oil refinery and terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast for the third time in under two weeks. The attack prompted evacuations and raised concerns over environmental risks. Russian authorities said the fire there had been contained by Wednesday. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt revenue flows that support Moscow’s war effort. A Washington-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said Ukraine is taking advantage of Russia’s vast territory and stretched air defenses to intensify such strikes, supported by increased domestic drone production. Russia’s defence ministry said its air defenses intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions and in Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is now producing a surplus of some weapons and is preparing to expand cooperation with international partners on drone and missile production. He said discussions are underway with countries in the Middle East, Gulf, Europe and the Caucasus, and that Kyiv has also submitted proposals to the United States for joint defence cooperation. Russia, however, continues its own long-range strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported injuries and damage in several regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy and Odesa. Eight people were injured in Kharkiv region overnight, while a woman died in Sumy due to carbon monoxide poisoning linked to an attack. In Odesa, infrastructure and a hospital building were damaged. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 154 of 171 drones launched by Russia overnight.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to testify before Congress on Wednesday for the first time since the Trump administration launched its war against Iran, a move strongly criticised by Democrats as an expensive conflict carried out without congressional approval. The hearing, organised by the House Armed Services Committee, will mainly focus on the administration’s proposed 2027 military budget, which seeks to raise defense spending to a record $1.5 trillion. Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are expected to underline the need for increased investment in drones, missile defence systems and naval forces. However, Democratic lawmakers are expected to shift attention to the growing cost of the Iran war, the depletion of key US weapons stockpiles and reports of civilian casualties, including children killed in a school bombing. Questions may also be raised about the military’s readiness to counter Iranian drone attacks, some of which reportedly breached US defenses and caused American casualties. Although a ceasefire is now in place, the US and Israel launched the conflict on Feb 28 without formal approval from Congress. Efforts by Democrats to pass resolutions requiring President Donald Trump to halt the war until authorised by lawmakers have so far failed. Republicans, while largely backing Trump’s leadership during the conflict, have also expressed concern about its duration. They cite Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the risks of withdrawing too soon, but some within the party are looking ahead to possible votes that could test support for the president if the war continues. Tensions have also affected global energy markets. Iran’s move to shut down the Strait of Hormuz has driven up fuel prices, adding political pressure on Republicans ahead of upcoming elections. In response, the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and increased its military presence in the region, deploying three aircraft carriers to the Middle East for the first time in over two decades. Despite ongoing tensions, both sides remain at an impasse. Trump is unlikely to accept Tehran’s proposal to reopen the strait in exchange for ending the war, lifting the blockade and delaying nuclear negotiations. Hegseth has so far avoided direct questioning from lawmakers, though he and Caine have held televised Pentagon briefings. His appearance before Congress this week, including another session with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, is expected to be more challenging. Lawmakers are also likely to question recent leadership changes within the military. Hegseth has removed several senior officials, including Army chief Gen. Randy George, along with other top generals and defence figures. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said the dismissals raised serious concerns, noting the importance of stability in key military positions during wartime. He admitted the developments have made him reconsider his earlier support for Hegseth. Meanwhile, Rep. Austin Scott also criticised the removal of Gen. George, calling it a reckless decision that undermined the US Army.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a proposal from Iran aimed at ending its conflict with Israel, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and postponing nuclear negotiations until after the war. The White House said Trump met his national security advisers on Monday to assess the proposal. However, US media reports suggest he is not satisfied with the plan because it delays discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Reuters, citing a US official, Trump wants the nuclear issue to be addressed at the very beginning of any talks. CNN reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter, that he is unlikely to accept the proposal, as easing US restrictions on Iranian ports without resolving nuclear concerns could reduce Washington’s bargaining power. The proposal comes as uncertainty continues over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while US restrictions on its ports remain in place. Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, is now under pressure due to disagreements over maritime access in the strait and US measures targeting Iranian ports. Ongoing tensions involving Israel and Lebanon have further complicated the situation. Meanwhile, Iran has signalled it is still open to diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday and said Tehran is considering a US request to resume talks. Araghchi welcomed high-level engagement with Russia during a period of regional instability, saying recent developments show the strength of ties between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support for diplomatic efforts. Iran has also been engaging with regional partners, including Pakistan and Oman, which has traditionally acted as a mediator. Officials say Tehran is keeping communication channels open and continues to signal readiness for dialogue. At the same time, pressure is growing internationally to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Many countries have called for urgent and unhindered access to the waterway, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation could lead to a global food crisis. Diplomats at the UN Security Council have repeatedly urged de-escalation, highlighting disruptions caused by stranded cargo ships and thousands of maritime workers unable to pass through the strait. About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas flows through the route, making the situation critical for global energy supplies. Bahrain, which requested the UN meeting with support from several affected countries, described the closure as a violation of international law and called for an end to attacks on ships. However, no action was taken, as an earlier resolution urging the reopening of the strait was blocked by China and Russia, with Moscow blaming the US and Israel for escalating the conflict. Source: Al Jazeera