United News of Bangladesh

The United States carried out fresh airstrikes on Iran early Tuesday, hours after President Donald Trump announced that Washington was "reinstating" a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that other countries' ships could be charged for safe passage through the strategic waterway. Iran responded by launching attacks on Bahrain and Jordan and targeting two United Arab Emirates-linked oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks killed one sailor and injured eight others, while the UAE warned it could retaliate against Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The latest escalation comes as the US and Iran struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that has carried about one-fifth of the world's traded crude oil and natural gas during peacetime. Oil prices reacted quickly, with Brent crude rising above $84 a barrel in early Tuesday trading, its highest level in a month. Although still below the nearly $120 seen during the height of the conflict, the increase could push up energy costs worldwide. The renewed fighting has also further weakened a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The two sides were nearly halfway through a 60-day period meant to produce a permanent agreement addressing Iran's disputed nuclear programme and other issues. According to the US military's Central Command, the strikes targeted Iranian coastal defence systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime facilities around Abu Musa, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chahbahar, Jask and Konarak. Iran confirmed that the areas had come under attack but did not immediately report casualties or damage. The US military said the operation was intended to reduce Iran's ability to attack civilians and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the White House shortly after the strikes, Trump described the operation as "another major attack." "We're hitting them very hard. And it'll continue, and we'll see what happens," he told reporters. He also claimed the US was taking control of the strait and restoring the blockade. Trump also expanded on his earlier proposal to charge ships for using the Strait of Hormuz, marking a major shift from longstanding US policy supporting free navigation through international waterways without tolls. Such a move would challenge long-established international maritime practices and could further disrupt global trade and increase tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the UAE's Defence Ministry said Iran fired two cruise missiles at the oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah in the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels caught fire, but the blazes were later brought under control. The UAE said one Indian sailor was killed while six Indian and two Ukrainian crew members were injured. Abu Dhabi warned that it reserved the right to respond. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the ships had ignored repeated warnings and entered what it described as a minefield. Bahrain also reported fresh Iranian missile attacks early Tuesday, sounding air raid sirens three times and urging residents to seek shelter. Jordan's military said it intercepted four Iranian missiles. The country hosts US military forces and has been targeted by Iran several times in recent days. Earlier Monday, Trump said the interim agreement reached with Iran last month had been designed to test Tehran's intentions, accusing the Iranian government of failing to honour its commitments. Iran, however, maintains that it has the right to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and potentially impose fees under the interim agreement, a claim rejected by Washington. The US military and the International Maritime Organization have tried to establish an alternative shipping route along Oman's coast outside Iranian control, but Iran has also attacked vessels using that route, prompting repeated US military responses and further exchanges of fire. On social media, Trump said the US was restoring the Iranian blockade while insisting that other countries would continue to have open access to the strait. He also proposed that the US recover security costs by collecting 20% of cargo values from commercial shipping, although no details were provided. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting the region, said there would be no fees for ships using the waterway. The US military said its blockade of Iranian ports would resume from midnight Wednesday local time in Dubai. Separately, Israeli and Lebanese delegations were scheduled to meet in Rome on Tuesday for US-mediated talks aimed at advancing a framework agreement announced last month. The deal calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, although implementation has stalled. A ceasefire remains in place in Lebanon, but uncertainty persists over whether it can survive if the conflict between the United States and Iran expands into a full-scale war.

Huge crowds of mourners dressed in black filled the streets of Iran's capital on Monday as the funeral procession for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continued, with many participants chanting slogans calling for the death of U.S. President Donald Trump. Khamenei's coffin, draped in the Iranian flag, was placed on a truck decorated to resemble the ornate lattice surrounding the shrine of an imam. The coffins of several members of his family, who were killed in a Feb. 28 airstrike during the war launched by Israel and the United States, were also carried in the procession. The large turnout, encouraged by Iran's clerical leadership as a display of national unity and strength, came as Tehran prepares to resume negotiations with the United States on reaching a permanent end to the conflict that claimed the life of the 86-year-old leader. Live footage broadcast by Iranian state television showed a massive crowd stretching for several kilometres from Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) Square along the city's main boulevard. The gathering appeared larger than the funeral procession held in 2020 for Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani, which attracted more than one million mourners. Authorities did not immediately release an official estimate of the crowd size as the truck carrying the coffins moved slowly through the streets. Many mourners carried banners and placards calling for Trump's death. "Today is a very difficult day because we are attending the funeral of our leader," mourner Fatima Hassan said. "We are not here to say goodbye. We are here for revenge, and we will take revenge." Many mourners reached out to touch the truck carrying Khamenei's coffin, while others threw scarves and personal belongings toward attendants so they could briefly touch the coffin, a traditional practice in Iran believed to bring blessings. To help people cope with the heat, attendants standing on fire trucks sprayed water mist over the crowd. Officials repeatedly urged mourners through loudspeakers to walk slowly, avoid pushing and remain along the edges of the road to prevent accidents. Revolutionary Guard General Hasan Hasanzadeh, who is overseeing the funeral arrangements, said the coffins would travel through Tehran over a 12-hour journey before reaching Mehrabad International Airport. Iranian authorities have closed major roads, restricted airspace and suspended much of daily activity during the mourning period, which began on Saturday and will continue until Thursday. Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace. "This is the last time I will see him," said mourner Maryam Alizadeh through tears. "Our generation lived with him for decades." As the funeral ceremonies continued, calls for retaliation over Khamenei's death grew louder. Many mourners displayed signs demanding the deaths of both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One effigy of Trump was seen hanging along the procession route. "We are here to show that his path will continue," mourner Sahar Zaraatgar said. "All of us will continue on his path, and we will certainly avenge his death against the U.S. and Israel." U.S. authorities have monitored Iranian threats against Trump and other senior officials for years following Trump's order to kill General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Iran has repeatedly denied plotting to assassinate Trump, although hardline propaganda has frequently portrayed him as a target. During the recent conflict, Trump also threatened to destroy Iran's civilisation if tensions escalated further. Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain on hold until after Khamenei's burial. The United States hopes to resume talks aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Iran's disputed nuclear programme and securing a lasting end to the war. The funeral has also served as a demonstration of national unity as Iran continues to demand greater control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route that it closed during the conflict. The United States has rejected those demands, while disagreements also remain over Iran's nuclear programme and the conflict involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly during the funeral ceremonies. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father. During the war, before an April ceasefire took effect, Israel targeted several senior Iranian leaders, in some cases reportedly using their public appearances to identify their locations. Israeli officials have also threatened to kill the younger Khamenei.

Israel struck southern Lebanon and Beirut early Sunday, killing 12, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported, as the Middle East conflict intensifies. Israeli officials said the strikes targeted commanders of the Lebanese branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promise of “many surprises” in the next phase of the war. In the Gulf, two Kuwaiti border guards were killed when missiles and drones hit the country. On Saturday, an Israeli strike on an oil storage facility in Tehran sent pillars of fire into the night sky, marking the first reported attack on a civilian industrial site during the conflict. New strikes illuminate Tehran night as Israel warns of ‘many surprises’ The war, which erupted on Feb. 28 after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has killed at least 1,230 in Iran, over 300 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel. Bahrain reported that an Iranian drone caused “material damage” to a desalination plant, the first such attack on an Arab country during the nine-day conflict. Three people were injured in Muharraq city when shrapnel from a missile fell on a university building. Meanwhile, Israel said it struck F-14 fighter jets at Isfahan Airport, purchased pre-revolution from the U.S., along with detection and air defense systems, without confirming whether the jets were destroyed.

Gulf countries reported intercepting additional ballistic missiles and drones on Saturday as Iran launched another round of retaliatory attacks. Saudi Arabia said it thwarted four drones targeting its vast Shaybah oil field, marking the second attempted strike in just a few hours. In Dubai, residents heard multiple explosions in the morning, with authorities describing a “minor incident caused by debris falling after an interception.” Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut and Tehran, with the death toll continuing to rise. Officials reported at least 1,230 fatalities in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. troops have also been killed. In a sign of Moscow’s potential involvement, two U.S. intelligence sources said Russia has supplied Iran with information that could aid attacks on American warships, aircraft, and other assets in the region. The conflict shows no signs of abating. The Trump administration approved a $151 million arms sale to Israel after the U.S. president reiterated he would not negotiate with Iran without “unconditional surrender.” Tensions Spread to Civilian Areas At Dubai International Airport, passengers were directed into train tunnels after missile alerts sounded. Emirati authorities also sent mass mobile alerts warning of possible missile threats and confirmed that air defenses were activated. In Jerusalem, loud booms prompted residents to rush to bomb shelters following Iranian missile attacks, though Israeli emergency services reported no immediate casualties. Trump Criticizes Reporter Over Russia Question During a White House briefing on college sports, President Donald Trump rebuked Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking about Russia’s potential role in the conflict. “What a stupid question to ask at this time. We’re talking about something else,” Trump said, despite acknowledging the reporter’s past cordiality.

President Donald Trump was consulting with his national security team Tuesday about next steps with Iran as he looked to get a better understanding of the number of Iranian citizens who have been killed and arrested in more than two weeks of unrest throughout the country. Trump said he believes that the killing is “significant” and that his administration would “act accordingly.” He added that he believed the Iranian government was “badly misbehaving.” But the president said he has yet to receive a confirmed number of Iranians killed in the protests that began late last month, saying he has heard “five different sets of numbers” about the death toll. Since the protests began Dec. 28, 16,700 people have been arrested and more than 2,000 have been killed, the vast majority protesters, according to Human Rights Activists News Agency. The organization relies on a network of activists inside Iran that confirms all reported fatalities. “The message is they’ve got to show humanity,” Trump said of the Iranian government. “They’ve got a big problem. And I hope they’re not going to be killing people.” The comments came after Trump earlier in the day announced he was cutting off the prospect of talks with Iranian officials amid a protest crackdown, telling Iranian citizens “help is on its way.” Iran protest death toll jumps to 2,571 Trump did not offer any details about what the help would entail, but his remarks come just two days after the Republican president said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic. But Trump appeared to make an abrupt shift about his willingness to engage with the Iranian government. “Iranian Patriots, keep protesting and take over your institutions if you can,” Trump said in speech Tuesday at an auto factory in Michigan. “Save the names of the killers and abusers that are abusing you. You are being very badly abused." Iranian ambassador responds to Trump Iran's chief envoy to the United Nations, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, denounced Trump's latest comments in a letter to U.N. officials as “interventionist rhetoric.” “This reckless statement explicitly encourages political destabilization, incites and invites violence and threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iravani wrote. Iranian state media has aired at least 97 confessions from protesters, many expressing remorse for their actions, since the protests began, according to a rights group that is tracking the videos. Iran alleges these confessions, which often include references to Israel or America, are proof of foreign plots behind Iran’s nationwide protests. Activists say they are coerced confessions, long a staple of Iran’s hard-line state television, the only broadcaster in the country. And these videos are coming at an unprecedented clip. Trump tells Iranians “help is on its way” amid deadly protests Trump, in an exchange with reporters during the factory visit, demurred when asked what kind of help he would provide. “You’re going to have to figure that one out,” he said. The U.S. president has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if his administration found the Islamic Republic was using deadly force against antigovernment protesters. Trump on Sunday told reporters he believed Iran is “starting to cross” that line and has left him and his national security team weighing “very strong options” even as he said the Iranians had made outreach efforts to the U.S. And on Monday, the president’s team offered guarded hope that a diplomatic solution could still be found. Later Monday, Trump said he would slap 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran “effective immediately,” but the White House has not provided details on that move. China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil and Russia are among economies that do business with Tehran. Administration leaders weigh US options Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key White House National Security Council officials began meeting Friday to develop options for Trump, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military strikes. “We don’t want to see people killed and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people," Trump said. "These people have been living in hell for a long time.” Iraq PM race: al-Sudani withdraws in favor of Maliki Iran, through the country’s parliamentary speaker, has warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington uses force to protect demonstrators. Trump said he was undeterred by threats of Iranian retaliation. “Iran said that the last time I blew them up,” said Trump, referring to threats from the government ahead of U.S. military strikes in June on key Iranian nuclear facilities. “They better behave.” More than 600 protests have taken place across all of Iran’s 31 provinces, the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported Tuesday. The activist group said 1,850 of the dead were protesters and 135 were government-affiliated. It said more than 16,700 people had been detained. Understanding the scale of the protests has been difficult. Iranian state media has provided little information about the demonstrations. Online videos offer only brief, shaky glimpses of people in the streets or the sound of gunfire. Trump's push on the Iranian government to end the crackdown comes as he is dealing with a series of other foreign policy emergencies around the globe. It’s been more than a week since the U.S. military launched a successful raid to arrest Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and remove him from power. The U.S. continues to mass an unusually large number of troops in the Caribbean Sea. Trump is also focused on trying to get Israel and Hamas onto the second phase of a peace deal in Gaza and broker an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end the nearly four-year war in Eastern Europe. But advocates urging Trump to take strong action against Iran say this moment offers an opportunity to further diminish the theocratic government that’s ruled the country since the Islamic revolution in 1979. The demonstrations are the biggest Iran has seen in years — protests spurred by the collapse of Iranian currency that have morphed into a larger test of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s repressive rule.

Life in the Iranian capital is slowly returning to normal following days of heightened tension caused by Israel’s bombing campaign and a warning from former US President Donald Trump urging residents to flee the city. Although the recent strikes appear to have been limited in scale, Iran’s air defence systems remain active over Tehran, particularly during the night. The lingering threat has left many residents wary, but signs of recovery are becoming visible. The streets, while still noticeably quieter than usual, are seeing more movement. An increasing number of shops and even some restaurants have reopened. Traffic on the roads is also picking up, with the city witnessing its first traffic jam since mid-week. Sirens sound in Beersheba as Iranian missiles strike Despite concerns over potential shortages, there appears to be no disruption in the supply of essentials. Supermarkets are open and well stocked with food, and fuel stations across the city are operating normally with no queues reported at the pumps. The gradual return to routine comes as a sign of resilience among Tehran’s residents, even as the situation remains uncertain. # With inputs from CNN    

Against the background of the Iran-Israel conflicts, Bangladesh has taken an initiative to shift Bangladeshis, including its Mission officials to a safer location soon from Tehran, considering the situation on the ground in the Iranian capital. "At this moment, there is no way to leave Iran (by air). We have given them (Bangladeshis) instructions to move to a safer place," acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General (Public Diplomacy) Shah Asif Rahman were also present. Siddique said the relocation process has already started with the funds available with the Mission. The acting Foreign Secretary said they are worried about 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran as they are at serious risk. Siddique, however, said there is additional financial involvement in terms of evacuation and relocation and there are certain difficulties in terms of sending financial support to Iran's internal systems. That is why, the acting Foreign Secretary said the evacuation and relocation is going to be delayed to some extent. Bangladesh Ambassador to Iran has already moved to a relatively safe place leaving his residence taking the safety issues into consideration, Siddique said. Responding to a question, the acting Foreign Secretary said there are around 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran and 100 Bangladeshis communicated with the government of Bangladesh. Siddique said they government will bear the cost related to evacuation and housing in the safer places and they will explore whether they can be sent outside Iran through Pakistan or Turkey if anyone wants to leave by land route. There are 40 staff members in Bangladesh Mission in Tehran.   "We are exploring all avenues," said the acting Foreign Secretary, adding that they are seeking support from friendly countries, including from Iran. The mission is in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard. The chancery is not safe and there is sensitive infrastructure (first nuclear research centre of Tehran University) located within one kilometre of it. Attempts were made to destroy it in the past days.  One of the two communication (internet) hubs of Tehran is also very close to the chancery. Officers and staff of the Embassy fear becoming collateral damage of any attack on those infrastructures. The acting Foreign Secretary said there is no sign of the Iran-Israel conflict ending soon and the consequences of that would be very damaging for Bangladesh. The Middle East is very important for Bangladesh economically, he added. IRGC claims strike on Israeli intelligence site, no Israeli response yet Highlighting the possible aspects of the impacts, Siddique said those who are working there might lose their jobs. “As far as I can see or understand, there is no signal or possibility of the war ending easily at the moment. However, we appeal to the international community that it is important to stop this conflict as soon as possible and establish peace in the Middle East. Otherwise, the consequences of the war can be very dire,” he said. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh have been informed that the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka set up a hotline for emergency communication in the current situation. All Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh can directly contact the following mobile phone numbers (including WhatsApp) of the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of emergency: Bangladesh Embassy, Tehran Hotline: 1. +989908577368 2. +989122065745 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka Hotline: +8801712012847 The number of Bangladeshis living in Iran is less than 2000 and many of them got married there. On June 14, Bangladesh urged the United Nations and the international community to act collectively in support of a stable Middle East, underscoring that diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only viable path to lasting peace. "Bangladesh calls upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any actions that may further escalate tensions in an already volatile region," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh unequivocally expressed its strong condemnation and deep concern over the latest Israeli military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This blatant act of hostility constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law and the sovereignty of Iran, Bangladesh said. "It poses a serious threat to regional and global peace and security with far-reaching consequences."   Iran fired around 20 missiles this morning: Israeli official    

A gunman fatally shot two high-profile hard-line judges in Iran’s capital on Saturday in a rare attack targeting the judiciary, according to state media. Both judges were reportedly involved in the 1988 mass execution of dissidents, reports AP. No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the killings of clerics Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini. However, Razini’s alleged role in the 1988 executions has previously made him a target, including surviving an assassination attempt in 1999. Iranian president arrives in Russia for partnership treaty signing The attack occurred amid economic challenges in Iran, the growing impact of its regional conflicts with Israel, and the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House on Monday. Both clerics were members of Iran’s Supreme Court, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. A bodyguard for one of the judges was also injured in the incident. The gunman reportedly took his own life, according to IRNA. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the individual involved did not have a case pending in the Supreme Court nor any connection to its branches,” the judiciary's Mizan news agency stated. “Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this terrorist act.” Razini had previously been targeted in January 1999 when attackers on motorcycles threw an explosive device at his vehicle, injuring him as he left his office as the judiciary’s head in Tehran. Both judges had been accused by activists and exiles of participating in the 1988 mass executions, which followed the conclusion of Iran’s war with Iraq. After Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini accepted a U.N.-mediated ceasefire, armed members of the opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), supported by Saddam Hussein, launched a surprise incursion across the Iranian border. Iran denies plot to kill Trump, rejects U.S. assassination claims Although Iran repelled the attack, it led to the establishment of so-called "death commissions," which carried out hasty retrials of political prisoners, militants, and others. International rights groups estimate up to 5,000 executions, while MEK claims the number is closer to 30,000. Iran has never fully acknowledged these executions, allegedly ordered by Khomeini, though some suggest other officials wielded significant influence in the months preceding his 1989 death. The MEK has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Bollywood, famed for its dazzling storytelling and epic spectacles, is set to kick off 2025 with a bang. January brings a powerhouse lineup of action-packed films, seamlessly blending adrenaline-pumping narratives with drama, biography, and historical intrigue. Featuring star-studded casts, jaw-dropping stunts, and unforgettable dialogues, these releases have fans buzzing with excitement. Here's why the Bollywood films of January 2025 deserve a spot on your must-watch list. Top 10 Bollywood Films Set to Rock this January . Fateh || Action Thriller || January 10, 2025 Actor Sonu Sood makes his directorial debut with this action movie. Writing alongside Ankur Pajni, Sood stars as an actor. With Jacqueline Fernandez as the female lead, the ensemble features Prakash Belawadi, Shiv Jyoti Rajput, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Vijay Raaz, and Naseeruddin Shah in supporting roles. The storyline intricately explores Fateh, a man of great respect with a concealed past, living a tranquil life in Punjab until a village girl becomes a victim of a nefarious cybercrime syndicate. In an unexpected alliance with an ethical hacker, he tries to unravel a vast network of deceit, challenging the fabric of justice nationwide. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals’ List for January 2025: Most Hyped Films, Series, and Shows In association with Zee Studios and Shakti Sagar Productions, Ajay Dhama’s co-production oversight shapes the film. Ikkis || Biography || January 10, 2025 Bankrolled by Maddock Films, this biography movie boasts Sriram Raghavan as the director and writer. Set against the historical backdrop of the 1971 war, this poignant biopic chronicles the bravery and sacrifice of a young Indian army officer, Arun Khetrapal. The cast includes Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, Ekavali Khanna, Kuldeep Singh Thakur, Narinder Singh, Shree Bishnoi, and Aryan Pushkar. Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup Khiladi 1080 || Action Adventure || January 12, 2025 With a leading cast featuring Shehnaaz Gill, Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi, and Rakul Preet Singh, this action movie stars Akshay Kumar in a quadruple role. The theme centres around four identical brothers- Raghupati, Ram, Raghav, and Raja - who unknowingly become entangled in a perilous criminal conspiracy. It threatens not only their own lives but also the safety of their loved ones. Besides directing the adventure film, Kabir Sadanand wrote it with Rajveer Ahuja and Asad Ajmeri. Production credit goes to Zee Studios, Cape of Good Films, and Mukta Searchlight Films. Read more: Top 10 Must-Watch K-Dramas Premiering in December 2024 Emergency || Biographical Action || January 17, 2025 This drama is directed and written by Kangana Ranaut, who also co-produced it, and stars the main character. The production team also includes Zee Studios and Renu Pitti. With a screenplay by Ritesh Shah, the docudrama features Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, one of the most significant Women in Indian History. Based on the true events of 1975, this political drama sheds light on the tumultuous period under Indira Gandhi’s leadership. It delves into the complex web of power, decisions, and consequences that marked a crucial chapter in India’s history. Shreyas Talpade, Anupam Kher, Vishak Nair, Satish Kaushik, Mahima Chaudhry, Ashok Chhabra, and Milind Soman played pivotal roles in this biographical film. Read more: South Indian Movies Releasing in December 2024: Must-watch Lineup Azaad || Historical Action || January 17, 2025 Amid the tumultuous era of 1920s India, a young stable boy forms an unspoken bond with a spirited horse named Azaad. Their lives become deeply entwined as rebellion brews and tyranny tightens its grip, pushing the boy towards a transformative journey. His quest to ride the majestic steed evolves into a tale of bravery, igniting his inner strength amid the nation’s relentless struggle for freedom. With this plot, ‘Azaad’ flourishes with Abhishek Kapoor as director, who also contributed to the writing alongside Krishnan Hariharan and Suresh Nair. The historical movie’s star cast line includes Ajay Devgn, Aman Devgan, Diana Penty, Jiya Amin, Rasha Tadani, Piyush Mishra, Dylan Jones, Akshay Anand Kohli, and Mohit Malik. Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in December 2024 Guy in the Sky Pictures, RSVP, and Zeal Z Entertainment Services spearheaded the film's production.

Iran hanged a man who was allegedly behind an attack that killed dozens of people at a military parade in the southern province of Khuzestan in 2018, state media reported on Saturday. The execution was carried out in Tehran after a top court upheld a death sentence for Farajollah Cha’ab in March, Iran's state TV reported. He was “the main person in the terrorist attack” at the parade in September 2018, authorities said, and was arrested by Iranian agents in 2020 after he left Sweden for Turkey. He is alleged to be the leader of a separatist group. Cha’ab, who holds Iranian and Swedish citizenship, disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Turkey in November 2020. In September 2018, militants disguised as soldiers opened fire on an annual military parade in Ahvaz, the capital of oil-rich Khuzestan. At least 25 people were killed and 70 wounded, including a 4-year-old boy. Iran then claimed that Saudi Arabia and Israeli intelligence services supported what it says was an attack by the separatist group.