United News of Bangladesh

The US military has launched a third round of strikes on Iran after accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. According to CENTCOM, the vessel caught fire and suffered engine damage during the alleged attack, leaving it unable to continue its voyage. It also said one crew member remains missing. Iran FM visits Oman for Strait of Hormuz transit talks The command said Iran had been given another opportunity to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 16 after being held responsible for previous attacks on commercial vessels, but had failed to do so. In response, the United States launched further strikes aimed at weakening Iran's ability to target civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said. With inputs from Al Jazeera

The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and Tehran responded by targeting U.S.-allied Mideast countries in an exchange of fire that threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the Middle East. Back-and-forth attacks, including a day earlier, have repeatedly threatened the ceasefire. But Thursday’s appeared bigger all around, with sirens sounding at least three times in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters, and missiles targeting Kuwait and Qatar. Sirens sounded Thursday afternoon in Jordan as well, where the U.S. has stationed troops and aircraft. An Iranian official accused the U.S. of launching an airstrike later Thursday targeting the area around Iran’s sole nuclear power plant, and other explosions were reported elsewhere in the country during the afternoon. Early Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad after days of public mourning. Khamenei was killed in the opening salvos of the Iran war. The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of a fragile ceasefire and threatened to escalate the conflict if they didn't stop. That raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war that would engulf several countries and could halt energy shipments through the strait that are crucial for the global economy. In Iran, the two days of American airstrikes have killed at least 14 people and wounded another 78, Iran’s Health Ministry said Thursday. Most were reportedly members of the armed forces. In Kuwait, the military said falling debris wounded one person as the nation shot down three ballistic missiles, a cruise missile and 10 drones. Bahrain said it shot down incoming fire, without elaborating, and Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said all incoming fire from Iran had been intercepted. Iranian state TV said the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan. There was no immediate word of damage in Qatar. US strikes hit more targets The U.S. military’s Central Command said it hit 90 targets across Iran, releasing black-and-white footage of what appeared to be strikes on an airport runway and missile launchers. The U.S. said the strikes were intended to “further degrade” Iran’s ability “to threaten freedom of navigation” in the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passed before the war began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. Traffic has picked up somewhat since a tentative deal last month included opening the waterway. Maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence said Thursday that preliminary data showed at least 576 ships passed through the strait in June, compared to 233 in May. More than 3,100 transited the strait in June 2025. Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex, and southern port cities. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Ehsan Jahanian, a local official in Bushehr, as accusing the U.S. of striking near the plant around noon, hours after Central Command said it had ended its latest round of strikes. Asked for comment on Bushehr, Central Command referred to a press release that detailed targets but made no mention of the nuclear power plant. Streets are jammed for Khamenei’s final funeral procession For the first time since April, U.S. strikes also appeared to target Iranian bridges. State media reported a strike on a railway bridge in Iran’s northeastern Golestan province, and the Revolutionary Guard said two bridges were attacked on the route to Mashhad, where tens of thousands of mourners thronged wide boulevards during the final funeral procession for Khamenei on Thursday. People pressed forward to touch a vehicle carrying Khamenei's body. Many carried Iranian flags and images of the late leader or banners evoking Shiite Islam’s long history of martyrs. Some signs called for the death of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khamenei ruled Iran for nearly 37 years before being killed in the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that started the war. The funeral processions began last Saturday, with authorities shutting down streets, airspace and daily life in Tehran and other cities as throngs commemorated the man who led Iran for decades with an iron fist while confronting the West. Trump issues another warning to Iran if attacks on shipping happen again After leaving a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump posted several videos on his social media site of what he said were explosions in Iran and issued another warning to the Islamic Republic. “This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!” Trump wrote Wednesday, a day after three tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also renewed his past threats to hit Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including electric and desalination plants, and to seize Kharg Island, through which some 90% of Iranian oil exports pass. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a key negotiator in talks seeking a permanent end to the war, was defiant in a post on X on Thursday morning: “America still hasn’t learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: If you strike, you’ll get hit.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on Telegram that he spoke by phone with his Saudi, Turkish and Omani counterparts and with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has been one of the main mediators in the war. The outreach suggested efforts may be underway to reduce tensions. Talks on reaching a final deal were to begin after Khamenei's funeral Trump said Wednesday that the interim ceasefire agreement was “over.” He said he would allow negotiations to continue but thought negotiators were “wasting their time.” Negotiations to reach a final deal were due to start after the funeral for Khamenei. The talks are meant to focus on the toughest matters, including fully reopening the strait and rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.  

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations began their first full day of summit talks on Tuesday with major global crises at the top of the agenda, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and efforts to stabilize the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the discussions at the invitation of host nation France, as world leaders looked for ways to advance peace efforts in Ukraine and maintain momentum following a recent US-Iran agreement. The talks come after US President Donald Trump announced a deal aimed at ending the 3½-month conflict between the United States and Iran. The crisis in the Middle East has dominated international attention in recent weeks, pushing the Ukraine war lower on the global agenda. Trump said he held productive phone conversations on Sunday with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin and indicated that Washington would now focus more closely on efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron said he would urge Trump to maintain support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to move toward a peace agreement. Just hours before the summit opened, Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at major Ukrainian cities. The attacks killed at least 11 people and damaged several sites, including a religious landmark. A key session on Tuesday focused on ending regional conflicts and promoting stability in the Middle East. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join those discussions. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over the slow progress in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. During his presidential campaign, he said he could resolve the conflict quickly, but later acknowledged that reaching a settlement has proven more difficult than expected. Macron stressed that any lasting peace process must involve both Ukraine and Russia, with European and American participation. Meanwhile, Ukraine officially launched negotiations on Monday to join the European Union, beginning what is expected to be a lengthy process requiring major political and institutional reforms. Kyiv views EU membership as an important safeguard for its future after the war. Ukraine also seeks membership in NATO, but the Trump administration has ruled out that possibility while the conflict continues.   The summit is also taking place against the backdrop of recent tensions between Trump and several European leaders over US military action against Iran. Differences emerged after Washington moved ahead without consulting key allies, including France, Britain, Germany and Italy. Despite those disagreements, leaders in Evian appeared eager to work together, particularly as they seek to reduce the economic impact of higher energy prices caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said recent developments in the Middle East were encouraging, noting that oil prices had fallen and stock markets had responded positively. Ahead of the summit, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, joined by Canada, issued a joint statement welcoming the US-Iran agreement and calling it a diplomatic breakthrough. The countries urged rapid implementation of the deal to allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Macron said France and its partners stand ready to help restore safe navigation through the strait, while France and Britain continue to support plans for a maritime security mission in the region. Trump, however, suggested that a large international military deployment may not be necessary, although he welcomed limited support from allied countries. In addition to the Ukraine and Middle East discussions, Trump’s schedule on Tuesday includes meetings with Qatar’s emir and the president of the UAE, followed by a cultural event and a dinner with fellow G7 leaders. The G7 comprises France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Several non-member countries, including Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea, were also invited to participate in selected discussions as partner nations.

The ongoing Iran war is putting the United Arab Emirates’ long-standing reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism under growing pressure. For decades, the UAE has promoted itself as a stable destination for international companies and investors in a region often marked by conflict. But the war has brought missile and drone attacks, disrupted oil exports and sharply reduced tourism, raising concerns about the resilience of its economic model. The UAE, a close ally of the United States and Israel, has faced more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other country during the conflict. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, has significantly reduced the Emirates’ crude oil and natural gas exports. The Gulf nation has responded by accelerating plans to build a second pipeline to bypass the strait and recently decided to leave the OPEC oil alliance to allow greater long-term production. Although the United States and Israel launched the war, the UAE has become deeply involved because of its strategic location across the Gulf from Iran. A drone strike on Sunday targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant in western Abu Dhabi, highlighting the security risks the country continues to face. Officials said there was no radiation leak and the plant remains operational. Despite these challenges, the UAE’s large financial reserves have helped prevent major job losses and discouraged foreign companies from leaving. However, analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could damage the country’s carefully built image as a stable and reliable place to do business. The UAE has taken an increasingly tough stance against Iran, accusing it of threatening regional security and warning that it reserves the right to respond diplomatically or militarily. “The UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The country’s foreign policy has become more assertive in recent years under President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has shaped the UAE’s growing role in regional conflicts, including in Yemen. The war has also hurt sectors beyond energy. Tourism and business events, which account for more than 12% of the UAE’s economy, have been hit hard. More than 70 scheduled events have been postponed or cancelled since the conflict began in February, according to Northbourne Advisory, a Qatar-based communications firm. Hotel occupancy in Dubai has fallen sharply, with some estimates suggesting rates could drop to as low as 10% in the second quarter, compared with about 80% before the war. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest for international travel, has restored most of its flight schedule, but recurring missile and drone alerts continue to unsettle businesses and travelers. Even so, Dubai is trying to project a sense of normalcy. The city hosted a shortened version of its annual Art Dubai exhibition over the weekend, where artists said cultural events remain important despite the surrounding conflict. “Life doesn’t stop in a world war,” Beirut-based artist Alfred Tarazi said. “We can only counter a narrative of violence with culture.”

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s steadfast support for the just cause of Palestine and the brotherly Palestinian people, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent position in favour of a two-State solution, as well as peace and stability in the Middle East. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef Ramadan paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Both sides also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Palestine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister warmly welcomed the Ambassador and conveyed gratitude to the Palestinian leadership for their felicitations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its victory in the 13th Parliamentary Election and the formation of the government.    

Bangladesh has welcomed the temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East describing it as an encouraging step towards de-escalation in the region. “Bangladesh hopes that all parties involved will respect the ceasefire and utilise this opportunity constructively to work towards a durable and sustainable resolution and restore lasting peace and stability across the region,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh appreciates all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts in facilitating the ceasefire. Bangladesh reiterates that all disputes can and should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. Pakistan says Iran confirms participation in Islamabad peace talks

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined 10 immediate ways households, businesses and governments can save money as oil prices surge above $100 per barrel following what it calls the largest supply disruption in global oil market history. The crisis stems from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has severely reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key artery that normally carries around 20 per cent of global oil consumption, or roughly 20 million barrels per day. The loss of these flows has tightened markets sharply, pushing up not just crude prices but also refined fuels such as diesel, jet fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), reports GulfNews. While countries have already responded with supply-side measures — including a record 400 million barrel release from emergency reserves — the IEA says these alone are not enough. “The war in the Middle East is creating a major energy crisis, including the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “As the global energy authority, the IEA is doing everything we can to support the stability of energy markets. We have recently launched the largest ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks – and I am in close contact with key governments around the world, including major energy producers and consumers, as part of our international energy diplomacy,” Birol said. Measures to adopt In addition, Birol said today’s report provides a menu of immediate and concrete measures that governments, businesses and households can take on the demand side to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis. “It draws on the IEA’s decades of expertise in this field and highlights measures that have been proven to work in practice in different contexts. I believe it will be of use to governments around the world, in both advanced and developing economies, in these challenging times,” Birol added. Why demand cuts matter The agency stressed that reducing demand is a “critical and immediate tool” to ease pressure on consumers, improve affordability and support energy security until normal supply flows resume. Road transport — which accounts for around 45% of global oil demand — is the biggest focus, though the recommendations also cover aviation, cooking and industry. The 10 ways to save money So, what are the 10 ways to save money? IEA’s report highlights simple, proven actions that can quickly cut fuel use and lower household expenses: 1. Work from home where possible Cuts fuel use by reducing daily commuting. 2. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h Lower speeds reduce fuel consumption across vehicles. 3. Use public transport Switching from private cars to buses and trains reduces oil demand. 4. Alternate private car access in cities Number-plate rotation systems can cut congestion and fuel use. 5. Car sharing and efficient driving Higher occupancy and eco-driving lower fuel consumption. 6. Improve efficiency in deliveries and freight Better driving, maintenance and load optimisation reduce diesel use. 7. Divert LPG use from transport Preserves LPG for essential needs like cooking. 8. Avoid air travel where alternatives exist Reduces demand for jet fuel, especially business travel. 9. Switch to modern cooking solutions Electric cooking can reduce reliance on LPG. 10. Improve industrial efficiency and switch feedstocks Helps reduce oil consumption and free up fuel for critical uses. The IEA said that while these demand-side measures cannot fully offset the scale of the supply disruption, widespread adoption can “play a meaningful role” in lowering costs, reducing market strain and preserving fuel for essential uses.

Fuel prices in India increased on Friday, with premium petrol and industrial diesel becoming more expensive due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. According to oil marketing companies, the price of premium petrol went up by about 2.30 Indian rupees per litre, while industrial diesel saw a much bigger jump of around 22 rupees per litre. The new prices took effect immediately. The rise in fuel costs is linked to instability in the Middle East, which has been affecting global oil markets and supply. Higher industrial diesel prices are expected to impact key sectors such as manufacturing, transport and power generation. This could lead to higher production and delivery costs, and eventually push up the prices of everyday goods, local media reported. However, the government downplayed the increase in premium petrol prices, saying it would have limited impact as only a small portion — around 2 to 4 percent — of consumers use this type of fuel.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood on Wednesday said Bangladesh has no alternative but to use its existing fuel resources in a cost-effective manner due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. “Our only option is to use the fuel we have in hand in a sparing manner until supply system stabilises,” he told reporters at Secretariat after a meeting with Paul Kapur, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. The minister said discussions were held on how to manage the available energy resources efficiently amid the global uncertainty. He urged people to be economical in using electricity and fuel by limiting the use of private vehicles and avoiding unnecessary illumination and decorative lighting. Senators to vote on limiting Trump’s military authority after Iran strikes Referring to the impact of the Middle East conflict on the energy sector, the minister said the government is reviewing how to continue operations with the resources currently available. “We will issue a press release from the ministry in this regard,” he said.  “As long as the conflict remains, the pressure on energy will continue. We are trying to run the system efficiently with what we have,” he said.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to six Middle Eastern destinations until further notice due to the prevailing security situation in the region. The national flag carrier said operations on Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Kuwait routes have been suspended following the Israel-US attack on Iran. Biman requested passengers travelling to these destinations to contact their nearest sales office or respective travel agency for further assistance. Biman reschedules Dhaka–Madinah, Dhaka–Jeddah flights for Sunday Passengers may also call Biman’s contact centre at 13636 or +88 09610913636 (international) for updated information, according to a notice issued by Biman. The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused, saying passenger safety remains its highest priority. Biman is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as circumstances evolve, said the notice.