United News of Bangladesh

Iran and the United States carried out fresh strikes across the Persian Gulf region on Wednesday, further testing an already fragile ceasefire and briefly forcing Kuwait to shut down its main international airport after a drone attack caused damage and casualties. Kuwait said its airport was partially shut after Iranian drones struck the passenger terminal, damaging the building and killing at least one person, according to officials. The airport later reopened in a limited capacity, with some flights resuming from an alternate terminal. The latest violence came as Iranian semi-official media reported that Tehran had stopped communicating with mediators over extending a ceasefire with the United States and Israel. However, a regional official involved in the talks said Iran wanted the truce in Lebanon enforced before returning to negotiations. US President Donald Trump insisted discussions were still ongoing. The repeated exchanges of attacks across the Gulf, along with the widening conflict in Lebanon involving Iran-backed Hezbollah, have further complicated ceasefire efforts that have already been dragging on for weeks. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said “a number of hostile drones” hit the airport’s passenger building, causing heavy damage and injuries. Later, the foreign ministry confirmed at least one death. State media reported that Kuwait Airways suspended operations following the attack. Aviation authorities said the airport partially reopened later in the day, but operations remained severely restricted. The airport had only reopened earlier this week after being closed due to the ongoing conflict. The US military said Iran also fired missiles toward Kuwait, which broke apart mid-air, while American forces shot down multiple drones targeting US personnel in the country. It added that US and Bahraini forces intercepted additional missiles aimed at Bahrain, where Iran allegedly targeted areas near the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Bahrain’s defence ministry said it destroyed several incoming missiles and drones. In response, the US said it struck an Iranian military ground control facility on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as retaliation for attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed it had targeted US military facilities, including the 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, though it did not specifically mention Kuwait. It said its actions were in response to earlier US strikes. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US attack on Qeshm Island, calling it a violation of the ceasefire and describing it as an “act of aggression.” Amid rising tensions, an Emirati diplomat called for a united Gulf response, warning that the conflict threatens the entire region rather than any single country. Iranian news agencies reported that Tehran had paused communication with ceasefire mediators, linking the talks to conditions involving the conflict in Lebanon, where fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah has intensified. However, a regional mediator told The Associated Press that Iran had not responded to outreach efforts on Tuesday. President Trump rejected claims that negotiations had stopped, saying discussions had continued daily and urging Iran to reach a deal. “The conversations between us have been going on continuously… It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a deal,” Trump wrote on social media. The broader conflict has also become tied to Israel’s war in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have expanded operations despite a nominal ceasefire with Hezbollah. The situation has created friction between Washington and Israel, with the US urging restraint while Israel pushes for stronger military action. Reports also suggested a tense recent phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though no official details were provided.

Solomon Islands' newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced plans to review the country's security agreement with China, a deal that has raised concerns among the United States, Australia and other regional partners since it was signed in 2022. The agreement was reached under former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and sparked fears that it could eventually allow China to establish a naval presence in the South Pacific. Speaking during a visit to Australia on Wednesday, Wale said he had only recently obtained a copy of the treaty and was still examining its contents. "I've had a look at it, but not in detail," Wale told reporters in Canberra, adding that the agreement contains a confidentiality clause that prevents its immediate public release. He said the government would review the China pact along with other security agreements the country has with foreign partners. Wale had previously called for greater transparency regarding the treaty before becoming prime minister through a parliamentary vote on May 15. Responding to the announcement, China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was ready to work with the new Solomon Islands government to expand cooperation in various sectors for the benefit of both countries. The visit to Australia marks Wale's first overseas trip since taking office. During the visit, he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to begin negotiations on a broader strategic partnership covering security and economic cooperation. Wale said the two countries were seeking to "reset" relations after several years of difficulties under the previous administration. Albanese reiterated Australia's position that it should remain the Solomon Islands' preferred security partner rather than China. He said Australia wants Pacific nations to work together to maintain regional security and stability. Wale expressed support for a regional approach to security, saying it was the direction his government wanted to pursue. China has already provided police training and support to the Solomon Islands under the existing security agreement. The Pacific nation does not have a military, giving its police force a broader role in national security. The Solomon Islands strengthened ties with Beijing in 2019 when the government switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move widely seen as a major diplomatic win for Beijing.

Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil terminal in Russia’s St. Petersburg, triggering a fire and disrupting airport operations ahead of a major international economic forum expected to feature President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drones travelled more than 1,000 kilometres to reach the target, describing the strike as part of Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s energy and military infrastructure. Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke rising above the port area after the attack. Russian authorities confirmed that Ukrainian drones targeted infrastructure in St. Petersburg but did not provide details about the damaged facility. Flights at the city’s airport were temporarily suspended overnight, while mobile internet services were also disrupted. The attack came as St. Petersburg hosts its annual international economic forum, a high-profile event promoted by President Vladimir Putin. Although Western leaders and investors have largely stayed away since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Saudi Arabia is attending this year as a special guest country with a large business delegation. The strike is seen as an embarrassment for the Kremlin, coming weeks after security concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks forced authorities to scale back Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The latest developments follow a large-scale Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities a day earlier that killed at least 22 civilians and injured 138 others, according to Ukrainian officials. As fighting along the front line remains largely unchanged, both Russia and Ukraine have increasingly relied on long-range drone attacks to target infrastructure and military assets deep inside each other's territory. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian drones also struck the Kronstadt naval base near St. Petersburg and a weapons-related manufacturing facility in Russia’s Tambov region. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems shot down 354 Ukrainian drones overnight. In Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk region, local authorities said a Ukrainian strike hit a passenger bus travelling from Moscow to Crimea, killing seven people and injuring 11 others. Meanwhile, officials in Russia’s Smolensk region reported that two firefighters were killed and three others injured in a separate Ukrainian drone attack. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 198 drones overnight, adding that 189 of them were intercepted or neutralised. Regional authorities in Ukraine reported civilian casualties from continued Russian attacks, including one death and 15 injuries in Sumy region. In the southern Kherson region, an 86-year-old woman was killed and five others were wounded in overnight shelling and drone strikes.

At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in New Delhi on Wednesday, police said. The building, located in the Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi, housed a restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel on the upper floors. The neighborhood is a densely populated residential area that is popular among students and young professionals. According to Delhi Police, firefighters brought the blaze under control with the assistance of eight fire engines. More than 40 people were rescued from the building and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Television footage and images from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the building as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Several people trapped inside were seen hanging from windows and calling for help while fire and smoke spread through parts of the structure. Local residents joined rescue efforts, helping evacuate occupants and carrying some injured victims to safety. Local media reported that some of those killed were foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims, according to a post by his office on X. The post also said the families of those killed would receive financial assistance of 200,000 rupees (about $2,088) each.

At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured after a drone struck a passenger bus in a Russian-controlled area of eastern Ukraine early Wednesday, according to local authorities installed by Moscow. Denis Pushilin, the Russia-backed head of the Donetsk region, said the bus was travelling from Moscow to Simferopol in Russian-annexed Crimea when it came under attack near Yenakiyevo. He said seven civilians were killed in the strike, while the injured were receiving medical treatment. The incident occurred amid a fresh wave of overnight drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Russian officials said air defence systems intercepted more than 350 drones across several regions, including Belgorod, Kursk, areas near Moscow and over the Sea of Azov. Authorities also reported that more than 50 drones were shot down over the Leningrad region, home to St. Petersburg, where the annual International Economic Forum is set to begin on Wednesday. The drone activity temporarily disrupted operations at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, prompting flight restrictions, according to Russia’s aviation authority. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said an 86-year-old woman was killed in a Russian drone attack in the southern Kherson region overnight. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 198 drones targeting multiple regions, adding that 189 of them were intercepted or destroyed. The latest attacks follow one of the largest Russian aerial assaults since the war began in 2022. Ukrainian officials said at least 22 people, including women and children, were killed on Tuesday when Russia launched more than 700 missiles and drones across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were among the targets, and that more than 100 people were injured. Russia’s Defence Ministry said the strikes were carried out in response to earlier Ukrainian attacks and claimed all intended targets had been hit. The Kremlin said the campaign of strikes would continue, describing them as retaliatory actions and maintaining that they were aimed at Ukraine’s military infrastructure. With inputs from BBC

The British government said Tuesday that it's sticking to its net-zero goal, despite pressure on energy supplies from global conflicts, and will reduce the United Kingdom's planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 87% of 1990 levels in the next decade and a half. The U.K. has a legally binding target, set in 2008, of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By law, the government must legislate for emissions caps for future five-yearly budgets on a strict timetable. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said that the government will accept the advice of its independent Climate Change Committee of an 87% target for the next budget, covering the years 2038 to 2042. The government argues that moving to clean energy will reduce the country's exposure to fuel-price shocks like those seen from the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East. "As Britain faces the second fossil fuel shock of the decade, the only way to protect family and business finances is to drive for clean homegrown power that we control," Miliband said. Scientists said that the goal puts the U.K. on course to meet its 2050 net zero target, though Tuesday's announcement doesn't include details of how it will be achieved. "I think this is very good news as a milestone to net zero at 2050. But, alongside the ambition, we need both a coherent joined-up plan to achieve it and a delivery board — independent of government, politics and the (Climate Change Committee) — tasked with making it happen," said Martin Siegert, professor of geosciences at the University of Exeter. The opposition Conservative and Reform UK parties argue that the government should water down renewable energy targets, and extract more oil and gas from the North Sea to reduce Britain's dependence on imported energy. Conservative Party energy spokeswoman Claire Coutinho said that the emissions target "will make us weaker, poorer and send everyone's energy bills even higher."

US President Donald Trump reportedly engaged in a tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, amid concerns that the escalation could undermine diplomatic efforts involving Iran. According to a report by Axios citing US officials familiar with the discussion, Trump strongly criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation and expressed concern that continued Israeli operations could further damage Israel’s international standing, reports NDTV. Sources said Trump was particularly frustrated that Israeli military actions in Lebanon were threatening ongoing negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the region. He reportedly argued that expanding strikes, particularly around Beirut, could isolate Israel diplomatically and complicate efforts to secure broader regional stability. US officials told Axios that Trump believed Israel’s response had become disproportionate despite Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli territory. He was also said to be concerned about civilian casualties in Lebanon and opposed military operations that could result in extensive destruction while targeting individual Hezbollah figures. Following the conversation, Israeli officials reportedly signaled that plans for strikes in Beirut had been reconsidered. Although Trump later publicly described the call as productive, sources characterized the private exchange as one of the most difficult discussions between the two leaders since Trump returned to office. The two leaders have maintained a long and often complicated relationship, marked by both close cooperation and periodic disagreements, particularly on issues involving regional security and Iran. After the call, Trump announced that Israeli troops would not advance into Beirut and said he had also communicated indirectly with Hezbollah representatives, who had indicated a willingness to halt attacks on Israel. He expressed hope that both sides would refrain from further hostilities. In a statement, Netanyahu confirmed speaking with Trump but stressed that Israel would continue taking action against Hezbollah if attacks on Israeli communities persist. He added that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon would proceed as planned. The latest tensions come despite a ceasefire that has largely been in place since April. Hostilities resumed after exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about the stability of the truce and its impact on wider diplomatic efforts involving Iran. Iran has reportedly insisted that any broader ceasefire arrangement should also cover developments in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials said efforts are continuing to preserve the ceasefire, including proposals aimed at preventing attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and northern Israel.  

A US federal appeals court panel has ruled that a Pentagon policy illegally barred transgender people from serving in the military, marking another legal setback for President Donald Trump’s agenda. A divided three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said the policy was designed to exclude individuals based on gender identity. However, the ban will remain in place for now as legal proceedings continue, after the US Supreme Court previously allowed its enforcement to begin. The ruling limits its immediate impact to protecting transgender service members who are already in the military and part of the lawsuit. It does not allow new transgender recruits to join. The court also paused implementation of its decision to give the administration time to seek further review. The decision partially upholds a 2025 ruling by US District Judge Ana Reyes, who found that Trump’s executive order excluding transgender troops likely violated constitutional protections. Following that ruling, the administration appealed after an injunction was issued in favour of active-duty transgender service members and individuals seeking to enlist. The appeals court narrowed that order, extending protection only to those already serving. Another related case in Washington state had also ruled against the ban, but that decision was blocked by the Supreme Court. The policy stems from a January 2025 executive order signed by Trump, which argued that transgender identity conflicts with military discipline and readiness. In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced a rule that generally disqualifies people diagnosed with gender dysphoria from serving. The condition refers to distress caused when a person’s gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth. Writing for the majority, Judge Robert Wilkins said the policy appeared to be motivated by an attempt to target a politically unpopular group, namely transgender people. The ruling was welcomed by LGBTQ rights advocates. Jennifer Levi of GLAD Law called it a strong validation of the plaintiffs’ position and their service to the country. The Pentagon has not yet commented on the ruling, though Hegseth indicated on social media that the administration plans to appeal further, referencing the US Supreme Court. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Justin Walker said courts should not interfere in military decisions regarding troop eligibility, arguing that such authority lies with Congress and the president as commander in chief. Judge Judith Rogers agreed with the majority that the policy was unlawful but said she would also have allowed transgender individuals seeking enlistment to proceed in the case.

Six people were killed in a series of shootings in the US state of Iowa that police believe were linked to a family dispute. The suspected gunman was later found dead from what authorities said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine. Police said all six victims are believed to have been members of his family. The shootings occurred at several locations across the city of Muscatine on Monday. Police said officers first responded to reports of a shooting shortly after noon at a residence, where they found four people with gunshot wounds. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.   McFarland had left the area before officers arrived. He was later located on a riverfront trail near a pedestrian bridge, where police found him with a gunshot wound believed to be self-inflicted. Despite receiving medical assistance, he was declared dead at the scene. During the investigation, detectives discovered another man dead from an apparent gunshot wound at a separate residence. A further search led officers to a business premises, where they found a sixth victim, also dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Authorities said preliminary findings suggest the shootings stemmed from a domestic dispute involving family members. Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies described the incident as an "act of evil" and said the investigation remains ongoing. Police have not yet released the names or ages of the victims. Officials confirmed that McFarland had a previous criminal record but did not provide further details. Muscatine, a city of about 23,500 people located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Iowa, was left shaken by the tragedy. In a message posted on Facebook, Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, saying the community's "hearts are heavy" following the deadly shootings. With inputs from BBC.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to face tough questions from lawmakers on Tuesday about the Trump administration’s foreign policy efforts, particularly the ongoing conflict with Iran, as he appears before Congress for the first time since the war began. Rubio will testify before both House and Senate committees to present the State Department’s annual budget request. However, much of the discussion is expected to focus on the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has come under strain amid recent exchanges of attacks. Rubio and other senior administration officials have defended President Donald Trump’s decision to enter the conflict, despite Trump's long-standing promises to avoid lengthy military engagements in the Middle East. The administration has also faced criticism over what opponents describe as shifting objectives in the war. Shortly after the conflict started on February 28, Rubio participated in a classified briefing for lawmakers following the first US and Israeli strikes. At the time, Democrats criticized the administration for acting without congressional approval, while most Republicans supported the military action. But after two months of fighting, concerns are growing in both parties over the war’s rising costs and its economic impact ahead of this year's midterm elections. Last month, the Senate advanced a measure that would require Trump to end US involvement in the conflict. The effort gained momentum after Republican Senator Bill Cassidy joined Democrats in supporting the proposal. A similar resolution was expected to be voted on in the House, but Republican leaders blocked it after realizing they might not have enough votes to defeat it. The developments highlight increasing divisions within the Republican Party, with some lawmakers becoming more willing to challenge Trump’s handling of the conflict. After Tuesday’s hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a House Appropriations subcommittee, Rubio is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for additional testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Senate appropriations panel. Lawmakers are also expected to question Rubio about the administration’s increasingly tough stance toward Cuba. Trump has suggested that Cuba could become a future focus of US policy after the situation with Iran is resolved. Although US and Cuban officials have held several meetings, Trump and Rubio have continued to issue warnings toward the Cuban government. Those tensions intensified after the administration announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. Rubio, whose parents immigrated from Cuba, has long argued that the country poses a security challenge because of its ties with governments viewed by Washington as adversaries. He has repeatedly said the Trump administration remains committed to addressing those concerns.