United News of Bangladesh

US military forces struck a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, killing three men the Pentagon said were involved in drug trafficking. The United States Southern Command confirmed that no US personnel were harmed in the operation. The command described the attack as a “lethal kinetic strike” on a vessel allegedly operated by a designated “terrorist organization” and travelling along known narcotics trafficking routes. However, officials did not identify the organisation or the individuals killed, nor did they provide evidence supporting claims of drug trafficking. The strike is part of an ongoing campaign by the administration of Donald Trump targeting suspected cartel-linked vessels in international waters. Several similar operations have been reported in recent days, with at least 178 people killed since the campaign began in early September, according to official figures. The military has provided limited details about the operations, which have drawn scrutiny from observers over transparency and verification of targets.

The United States is prepared to resume military operations if Iran refuses to agree to a deal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Washington, DC, Hegseth warned that US forces remain on standby to restart combat if diplomatic efforts fail, reports Al Jazeera. He also claimed that the US Navy is currently controlling maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran “does not have a navy any more”. Hegseth further said the United States would continue its naval blockade of Iran for “as long as it takes”, signalling no immediate plans to ease pressure on Tehran. Delivering a direct warning, he added that Washington is closely monitoring Iran’s military movements. “We are watching you,” Hegseth said, referring to Iranian activities and assets.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said a ceasefire in Lebanon is just as important as one in Iran, stressing that Tehran is working to secure a permanent truce across all conflict zones. In a post on Telegram following talks related to ending the war between Iran and the United States, Ghalibaf said Iran has been striving to compel its adversaries to establish a lasting ceasefire in line with existing agreements, reports Al Jazeera. “For us, a ceasefire in Lebanon is just as important as a ceasefire in Iran,” he told Nabih Berri during a phone conversation. Ghalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation at last week’s US-Iran talks in Pakistan that ended without a deal, reiterated Tehran’s position that any ceasefire agreement must also apply to Lebanon — a stance rejected by the US and Israel. He added that Iran considers the Lebanese people as “among us” and has not forgotten them. During the call, Berri briefed Ghalibaf on the latest Israeli attacks, saying around 1.2 million people have been displaced in Lebanon. “Israel is committing crimes in our country and seeking to displace Lebanese people,” Berri was quoted as saying, adding that any communication with Israel would not serve Lebanon’s interests. The conflict expanded on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, saying it was retaliating for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and repeated Israeli violations of a November 2024 ceasefire. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said leaders of Israel and Lebanon were expected to hold direct talks for the first time in 34 years, although Beirut has yet to officially confirm the development.

Discussions over a new round of face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing, the White House said on Tuesday, even as Washington has fully enforced a blockade on Iranian ports and regional mediation efforts have intensified, with no date yet set for the next round of negotiations. On Wednesday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told a press briefing that the U.S. willingness to hold talks with Iran is contingent on the reopening of the Strait "with no limitations or delays," adding that the next round of talks is likely to take place again in Islamabad, Pakistan. She also denied reports that Washington had formally requested an extension of the current ceasefire, saying both sides remain engaged in dialogue. U.S. officials were cited by media reports as saying that U.S. and Iranian negotiators made progress in talks on Tuesday, moving closer to a framework agreement to end the war. One official said both sides have maintained backchannel communications with all the countries and are "getting closer," while another noted that although the U.S. side is eager for a deal, consensus within the Iranian government remains a key hurdle. Meanwhile, Pakistan has stepped up its shuttle diplomacy to bridge differences between the two sides. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, beginning a four-day tour that will also take him to Qatar and Türkiye. On the same day, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir led a delegation to Tehran, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received him. According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, Tehran will assess the outcome of its discussions with the Pakistani delegation before deciding whether to engage in another round of talks with the United States. A source cited by the report said that the ceasefire in Lebanon will be a "positive signal" for Iran's decision for the next round of negotiations, while stressing that Washington must drop "excessive demands" and avoid "violating the promises it made before the ceasefire." Uncertainty also persists over whether the ceasefire between the United States and Iran will be extended. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Tuesday that such speculation could not yet be confirmed, citing what he described as inconsistent U.S. positions and questioning Washington's commitment to honoring any potential agreement. At the same time, the U.S. military said on Tuesday that U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea in less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented. However, a report by British maritime analytics firm Windward indicated that some ships have managed to bypass the restrictions. It said that "Iranian crude and refined product exports remained active, supported by dark loading activity at Kharg Island, Bandar Abbas, and sanctioned tanker movements." Diplomatic efforts have also drawn broader international attention. Russia and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday underscored the need to continue political and diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran under Pakistan's mediation. In a phone call on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud expressed support for an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders aimed at guaranteeing long-term stability and security in the region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying on Wednesday that the United States had rejected its proposal that Russia take all of Iran's enriched uranium out of the country as a way to help resolve the Middle East conflict, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to return to it. "This would be a good decision. But unfortunately the American side rejected this proposal," he said. Despite signs of diplomatic movement, key differences remain and the path toward a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain.

Pakistan’s army chief is visiting Tehran on Thursday to hold talks with Iranian officials, aiming to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran and extend an existing ceasefire that has paused nearly seven weeks of conflict in the region. The war — involving Israel, the U.S. and Iran — has left thousands dead and shaken global markets, particularly by disrupting oil supplies. Although the ceasefire has held so far, doubts remain over whether ongoing diplomatic efforts can produce a lasting agreement as it reaches the midpoint of its initial two-week duration. The visit comes amid broader diplomatic activity. US President Donald Trump said leaders of Israel and Lebanon could speak later Thursday about ending hostilities, which would mark their first direct contact in over three decades. However, officials from both sides have not confirmed the possible talks, while cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah continued. The White House indicated that any renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran may be held in Islamabad, though no final decision has been made. Despite tensions — including a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and threats of retaliation from Tehran — the ceasefire remains largely intact. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator after previously hosting direct US-Iran discussions in Islamabad, which reportedly helped narrow differences. Efforts are underway to resume dialogue before the ceasefire expires next week. The conflict has had widespread economic repercussions, disrupting shipping routes and damaging infrastructure across the Middle East. Oil prices have shown signs of easing amid hopes for peace, while US stock markets have rebounded to record levels. Meanwhile, uncertainty persists over possible Israel-Lebanon talks. Though an Israeli minister suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, neither government has officially confirmed such plans. Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have continued, with rocket and drone attacks reported alongside intensified Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Regional officials say there has been some progress in US-Iran negotiations, with reports of a preliminary understanding to extend the ceasefire. However, divisions remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. Iran has signalled willingness to discuss limits on uranium enrichment but insists on maintaining its right to continue the programme. At the same time, military and political tensions remain high, with threats from Iranian officials and continued pressure from the US, including potential new sanctions. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives across the region, including in Iran, Lebanon, Israel and Gulf countries, as well as US personnel. Separately, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Qatar on Thursday as part of a regional tour focused on supporting peace efforts and promoting stability in the Middle East. China has also called for de-escalation, urging that the Strait of Hormuz remain open to ensure global energy security, as the sitation stands at a critical point between war and peace.  

Pakistan has said the United States and Iran are willing to resume negotiations soon, although no date has yet been finalised. In a statement, the foreign ministry also reaffirmed that Lebanon remains covered under the ongoing two-week ceasefire in the region. “Peace in Lebanon is essential for peace talks,” it said.  #From Middle East Eye

Israeli forces continued attacks in southern Lebanon on Thursday, with reports of ongoing artillery shelling and air strikes, according to local sources. Earlier, the Israeli military reportedly warned residents south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon to move north amid escalating tensions in the area. At the same time, Israel’s Home Front Command said air raid sirens were activated in northern regions after rocket fire was detected coming from Lebanon.  #From Middle East Eye

Anthony Albanese said his government has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to strengthen fuel security amid global supply concerns. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Malaysia, the Australian prime minister said the fuel will arrive in two separate shipments. He noted that one consignment will come from Brunei, where he had visited earlier, while the other will be supplied by South Korea. Albanese said the move is aimed at boosting Australia’s fuel reserves during ongoing global shortages and supply uncertainties. #From Al Jazeera

A second US-sanctioned supertanker has entered the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping data cited by Reuters. Maritime intelligence data from LSEG and Kpler showed that the empty very large crude carrier (VLCC) RHN entered the Gulf on Wednesday. The vessel, capable of carrying up to two million barrels of oil, is currently heading to an undisclosed destination. Earlier on Wednesday, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that an Iranian supertanker sanctioned by the United States had crossed the strait and reached the direction of Imam Khomeini port, despite what it described as a blockade. The developments come amid heightened tensions in the region following the reported US naval operation in the area. The US Central Command previously said that 10 vessels had been turned back and none had breached the blockade since the operation began on Monday.  #By Al Jazeera

Stephen Miller, a White House adviser and top Trump aide, told Fox News in an interview that the US could continue its blockade of Iranian ports “indefinitely”. US and Iranian officials ended talks in Islamabad last week without reaching any agreement. President Trump has now imposed a naval blockade of Iran’s ports, aiming to choke Tehran’s economy. Miller told the US broadcaster that Trump was “a man of peace”, but added that the US has made its position clear: “America will not be bullied, and America will never, ever, be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. Not now. Not ever.” “A military operation could wipe out their energy infrastructure for generations. He’s made clear he doesn’t want to do that. He wants Iran to choose the right path to make a deal,” said Miller. “This embargo is squeezing the economic life out of the Iranian regime, and the United States has the capacity to continue this indefinitely, if Iran chooses the wrong path.” #From Al Jazeera