United News of Bangladesh

Uncertainty continues over the next steps for possible US-Iran talks after US President Donald Trump said Washington had extended the ceasefire in the conflict at Pakistan’s request, while waiting for what he called a “unified proposal” from Tehran. Iran has not yet responded to Trump’s announcement. Both sides have also warned they could resume fighting if no agreement is reached. In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said Iran does not want the Strait of Hormuz closed because it relies on the route to export crude oil. He also earlier indicated that the US military would maintain pressure on Iranian ports. The developments come as tensions remain high across the wider region. Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon exchanged fire on Tuesday, despite a recent 10-day ceasefire. Talks in Washington are expected later this week. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties, with thousands killed in Iran and Lebanon and deaths also reported in Israel and Gulf Arab states, along with losses among soldiers and US personnel in the region. In a separate development, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, damaging the vessel, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). UKMTO said the incident occurred around 7:55am when a Guard gunboat fired without first contacting the ship. No injuries or environmental damage were reported. Iranian media outlets linked to the Revolutionary Guard confirmed the incident, with one describing the move as enforcement of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, through which a large share of global oil shipments passes, is widely regarded as an international shipping route despite lying between Iranian and Omani waters. The incident follows recent US actions in the region, including the seizure of an Iranian-linked ship and the boarding of an oil tanker associated with Iran’s oil trade in the Indian Ocean, further heightening tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he is extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while waiting for a “unified proposal” from Tehran, even as U.S. forces continue blocking Iranian ports. The announcement came as uncertainty deepened ahead of the truce’s scheduled expiry on Wednesday. Washington and Tehran have both indicated they could return to fighting if no agreement is reached. The White House has also postponed Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks, after Iran signaled reluctance to engage further for now. Trump said the ceasefire would remain in place “until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.” Earlier, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran has yet to decide whether to join negotiations in Pakistan and would only participate if it sees a realistic chance of progress. Since the conflict began, at least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran and more than 2,290 in Lebanon. Death tolls also include 23 in Israel and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states, along with 15 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 U.S. service members across the region. Later Tuesday, Trump struck a combative tone in a post on his Truth Social platform after extending the ceasefire without a clear timeline for talks. He argued that Iran wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to export oil, warning that allowing this without a deal would undermine any future agreement. It remains unclear when or how negotiations in Islamabad might resume.

Families across Iran are facing ongoing difficulties as schools remain closed, even after airstrikes have stopped under a fragile ceasefire. In Tehran, finance manager Mahnaz Ataei now takes her 7-year-old child to work and supervises his online classes while managing her job. Schools have been shut nationwide since the war began on Feb. 28, following attacks involving the United States and Israel, and authorities have yet to announce when in-person classes will resume. Although the immediate threat of airstrikes has eased, daily life remains disrupted. Many parents say balancing work and children’s online education has become a major challenge, similar to the difficulties seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ataei said her work suffers as she tries to focus on both her job and her child’s lessons, adding that she worries about whether he is learning properly. The conflict has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, including over 165 in a strike on an elementary school. The ceasefire is expected to expire soon, with tensions still high over key issues such as Iran’s enriched uranium. Concerns also remain about the impact of a possible US naval blockade on the country’s already struggling economy. Many families who fled Tehran during the attacks are now returning, but the situation remains uncertain. Roya Amiri, a homemaker, recently came back to the capital after staying with relatives in a crowded house with about 15 people. She said the displacement disrupted routines and created tension, especially among children. Her younger son, who has a respiratory illness, also faced difficulties getting medicine. Schools initially closed after the attacks and briefly resumed online classes before the Nowruz holiday. Virtual learning restarted on April 4. Despite fears of renewed violence, Amiri said she preferred returning home. If conflict resumes, she plans to stay in Tehran. Another parent, Reza Jafari, said he moved his family to stay with relatives to escape the stress of explosions. While children adapted quickly to the new environment, adults struggled with lack of privacy, financial pressure and disrupted sleep. Meanwhile, working parents like architect Padideh Teymourian and her husband Amir Ramezani have had to reorganize their daily lives around their 6-year-old daughter’s online preschool. Teymourian said her office does not allow remote work, forcing her to take daily leave to help her daughter. Her husband adjusted his work schedule to stay home during the day, often returning late at night. The couple said the situation has created both financial and emotional strain, with little time left for family life. “We are just trying to get through each day until things return to normal,” Ramezani said.

US President Donald Trump has announced that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, set to begin at 5pm EST, following what he described as “excellent conversations” with the two countries’ leaders. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that both sides had agreed to the temporary truce “in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries.” He said the agreement follows the first direct meeting between officials of the two countries in 34 years, held in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reports Al Jazeera. No date fixed yet for 2nd round of U.S.-Iran talks: Pakistan Trump said he had directed Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Rubio and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin’ Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a “lasting PEACE.” “It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let’s, GET IT DONE!” he added.

Iranian negotiators have reached Pakistan in preparation for crucial discussions with the United States scheduled for this weekend, according to Iranian state media. Their arrival follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who said he had wished Vice President JD Vance success as he travels to the region to lead the American delegation. Vance expressed cautious optimism, saying he is eager for the talks but warned that the US would not respond positively if Iran fails to negotiate sincerely or attempts to mislead. Adding uncertainty, Iran’s parliament speaker has insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be secured before any negotiations can proceed, highlighting the complicated dynamics surrounding the talks, reports BBC. At the same time, Lebanese authorities report that their representatives are set to meet Israeli officials in Washington on Tuesday to discuss a possible ceasefire and the expansion of diplomatic efforts. However, Israel has clarified that these discussions will not involve any ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the militant group based in Lebanon. Confusion remains over whether the reported two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran extends to Lebanon, leaving key details unresolved.

A fragile ceasefire in the Iran war came under pressure on Thursday as disagreements over Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and other key issues cast doubt on whether the truce will hold. Just hours after the ceasefire was announced, confusion emerged over whether it covered fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Soon after, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on Beirut, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Iran and the United States, both claiming success after the truce, appeared to be increasing pressure on each other. Iranian semiofficial media suggested that forces may have planted sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, highlighting Tehran’s strategic leverage. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned that US forces would carry out stronger attacks if Iran fails to honour the deal. However, major questions remain unresolved. These include whether Lebanon is part of the ceasefire, the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, when normal shipping will resume through the strait, and limits on Iran’s missile capabilities. Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said protecting the country’s right to enrich uranium is essential for any agreement with Washington. Speaking in Tehran, he criticised the US for not recognising enrichment as part of Iran’s proposed plan for a lasting ceasefire. Talks between the US and Iran are expected to take place in Pakistan this weekend. Violence in Lebanon has further threatened the truce. At least 182 people were killed on Wednesday as Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut. Rescue teams continued searching through rubble for survivors. Israel said it killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, an aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, though Hezbollah has not commented. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that halting the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump rejected that claim. A New York-based think tank warned the agreement is close to collapse, saying Israel’s large-scale strikes could be seen as escalating tensions, regardless of whether Lebanon is formally included. Lebanon’s state news agency reported that an Israeli strike killed at least seven people in the south overnight, though Israel has not confirmed it. Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz continues to push global oil prices higher. Iranian media published a map indicating a “danger zone” in the waterway, suggesting the presence of sea mines during the conflict. Shipping traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, with only a few vessels passing since the war began due to security concerns. Although prices briefly fell after the ceasefire announcement, they rose again as doubts grew. Brent crude stood at around $98 on Thursday, up about 35% since the conflict started. Iran has said it will allow ships to pass under international law once US military actions stop and Israel halts attacks in Lebanon. Trump said US forces would remain deployed near Iran until a “real agreement” is fully implemented, warning of stronger military action if commitments are not met. The White House said Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation in upcoming talks in Islamabad starting Saturday. Key sticking points include Iran’s plan to potentially charge ships using the strait, which would challenge its status as an international waterway, and the future of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. While the US wants Iran to abandon any ability to develop nuclear weapons and remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Tehran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes. Trump said the US may work with Iran to remove the uranium, though Tehran has not confirmed this. In its own version of the agreement, Iran indicated it would continue uranium enrichment.

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

Kuwait’s air defence systems intercepted 28 Iranian drones starting from 05:00 GMT, Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Saud Abdulaziz al-Otaibi said. He described the incident as “an intense wave of hostile Iranian criminal attacks,” noting that a large number of the drones were shot down. According to him, some drones targeted vital oil facilities and power stations in the southern part of the country, causing significant material damage to oil infrastructure, electricity facilities and water desalination plants. Israel strikes Lebanon despite ceasefire deal Following a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran that brought an end to 40 days of US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Iranian drones struck Kuwait’s oil and power facilities at that time. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire agreement does not cover Lebanon. Since the deal took effect, Israel has carried out numerous attacks on multiple locations across southern Lebanon. Source: Al Jazeera

Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been engaged in over a week of fierce border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday. It marks the worst confrontation between the two neighbours in years. According to a Qatari statement, both sides also agreed to form mechanisms to promote lasting peace and stability and will hold follow-up talks in the coming days to ensure the truce endures. The negotiations were mediated by Qatar and Turkey. Tensions flared earlier this month, with each country accusing the other of cross-border aggression. Afghanistan has rejected Pakistan’s claim that it shelters militants who stage attacks along the frontier. Pakistan has been facing a growing wave of militancy since 2021, when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The recent fighting raised fears of further instability in a region where extremist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida have been attempting to reemerge. A temporary 48-hour ceasefire expired Friday evening, and hours later Pakistan launched strikes across the border. Afghan, Pakistani officials meet in Doha to address border violence Pakistani security officials told the Associated Press that the military targeted militant hideouts in two districts of Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, identifying them as bases of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. The strikes were described as retaliation for a suicide bombing at a security compound in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the day before. Officials said the air raids killed dozens of militants without civilian casualties. However, Afghan authorities reported at least 10 civilian deaths, including women, children, and several young cricketers who had been playing nearby. In response, Afghanistan’s cricket board announced a boycott of its upcoming series in Pakistan. The International Cricket Council said it was “saddened and appalled by the tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan players.” Thousands of people attended funeral prayers for the victims in Paktika on Saturday, where clerics denounced the attacks over loudspeakers. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned what he called Pakistan’s “repeated crimes and violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty,” describing them as deliberate provocations aimed at prolonging hostilities. The two nations share a 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) frontier known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never officially recognized. Pakistan, meanwhile, has accused India of supporting armed groups inside its territory — a charge New Delhi denies. Afghan police accuse Pakistan of cross-border strikes after ceasefire ends Addressing cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir urged Afghanistan to choose “mutual security over perpetual violence and progress over hardline obscurantism,” while calling on the Taliban to rein in militants operating from Afghan soil. High-level delegations from both countries took part in the Doha negotiations that led to Sunday’s ceasefire announcement. Source: AP 

Israel has excluded Marwan Barghouti — the most popular and potentially unifying Palestinian leader — from the roster of prisoners it intends to free under the new Gaza ceasefire deal, officials said Saturday. Jerusalem also rejected other high-profile names long sought by Hamas, though it was not immediately clear whether the list of roughly 250 inmates published Friday is final. Hamas negotiator Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera the group continues to press for Barghouti’s release and remains in talks with mediators. Israel regards Barghouti as a terrorist leader; he is serving multiple life terms after a 2004 conviction over attacks that killed five people. Beyond his convictions, Israeli officials are said to fear Barghouti’s political influence. A longtime Fatah figure who has at times advocated a two-state outcome even while supporting armed resistance to occupation, Barghouti is widely viewed by Palestinians as a consensus leader. Some compare his stature to that of Nelson Mandela. Polls consistently show him as the most popular Palestinian politician and a possible successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. Thousands of Palestinians return to ruins as Gaza ceasefire takes effect Under the ceasefire arrangements that took effect Friday, Hamas is to free roughly 20 living Israeli hostages within days while Israel will release about 250 Palestinian prisoners and roughly 1,700 people seized from Gaza during the past two years and held without charge. The proposed releases carry potent symbolism on both sides: Israelis view many of the detainees as terrorists responsible for deadly attacks, while Palestinians often regard those held by Israel as political prisoners or resistance figures. Most names on Israel’s published list are members of Hamas or Fatah detained in the 2000s and convicted for shootings, bombings and other attacks during the violent years of the Second Intifada. Several of those to be freed will be sent to Gaza or go into exile outside the Palestinian territories, the list shows. Among the prisoners slated for release is Iyad Abu al-Rub, an Islamic Jihad commander convicted over suicide bombings that killed 13 people in 2003–2005. The oldest listed is Samir Abu Naama, 64, a Fatah member arrested in 1986; the youngest is Mohammed Abu Qatish, who was 16 at his arrest in 2022 and convicted of an attempted stabbing. Hamas has repeatedly insisted Barghouti be included in any major exchange. Israel has long resisted such demands, in part because of the precedent of past deals: when senior Hamas figures were freed in earlier swaps, some went on to resume leadership roles in the militant movement. One oft-cited example is Yahya Sinwar, released in 2011 and later a key architect of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. Barghouti, 66, hails from the West Bank village of Kobar and rose to prominence as a student activist at Birzeit University. He was active in both the First and Second Intifadas and returned to the West Bank during the 1990s peace process. During the Second Intifada, Israel accused him — then head of Fatah in the West Bank — of leading the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades; he has denied membership in the group but was convicted at trial and given multiple life sentences after refusing to recognise the court’s authority. Trump undergoes checkup at Walter Reed amid Middle East trip plans Throughout his imprisonment, Barghouti has remained a focal point in Palestinian politics. He registered an electoral list in 2021 for postponed parliamentary polls and led a 40-day hunger strike for prisoner rights. Analysts say his appeal crosses factional lines and that his release could strengthen Palestinian institutions — a prospect Israel’s right-wing government and, some analysts argue, President Abbas find threatening. Barghouti was last publicly shown in August when far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted video of an encounter with him in prison, warning that Israel would confront and “wipe out” anyone acting against the state. Source: AP